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“Name Your Own Tune”: 10 Types of Music You Can Listen to for Good Health

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Music has always been viewed as an effective tool to promote health and wellness. Ancient cave paintings depict shamans who played the flute, and music was used to help wounded soldiers after World War I. Today’s science is still not able to accurately describe how the mind and body can be supported by listening to music. However, there is a strong connection between the mind and the body, and health and wellness, and music therapy.

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10 Types of Music You Can Listen to for Good Health

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Slow Classical

The calming effect of slow, classical genres stimulates the release of dopamine, which increases pleasure and concentration. These effects can be good for the overall health of a person because they can reduce stress as well as increase their quality of life. Classical music may also increase cognition in a phenomenon known as the “Mozart effect.” For more information on the Mozart effect,” read this insightful post by Dr. Eric Perry, entitled “5 Amazing Benefits of Classical Music.”

Indian

Traditional Indian music is designed around “rasa,” or the essence of music. These musical qualities evoke emotional states that may help some people disconnect from the throes of addiction and engage in positive mental attitudes. 

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Cinematic

The genre used in heroic films is often uplifting and motivating. This can be useful to accomplish difficult tasks like exercising or working on large projects. The end result is fulfillment, stress reduction, as well as happiness…all good things for your health!

Zen

Anxiety and depression are rampant among today’s youth and adults, which is why the Zen genre can be good for the soul. Also referred to as meditation or nature sounds, Zen is typically a calm instrumental mixed with some sounds from nature.

photo of person playing acoustic guitar

Rock and Roll

A faster tempo can increase the heart rate and improve circulation. Even aggressive rock tunes can help some people process anger or negativity, which leads to a better emotional state. 

Jazz

Cool and calm, smooth and soulful, jazz elevates the mood and gets you ready to have a good time. This is also the music of survivors, and its lyrics often spout tales of overcoming hardship. 

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Folk

If you’re in need of a brain break, folk music seems to be the answer. Its calming effect is similar to sitting next to a fire with a cup of cocoa, and it benefits mental health. 

Pop

You cannot discuss music and health without referencing what most people hear on the radio or in public venues. These are the songs that everyone knows whether they like them or not. If you do like them, they are uplifting, and their familiarity is comforting. 

Blues

Some people say the blues put difficult situations in perspective. Others liken them to a good cry. Either way, it is an emotional expression at its finest. Processing hard emotions through blues is also a healthy alternative to other options. 

Inspirational

Finally, it would be difficult to deny the power of inspirational music. It doesn’t matter if it’s cliched, inspirational genres make you feel like you can take on the world. 

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Good Health and Music is an Individual Experience

The important thing to remember about music, is that it is an individual experience. Practically any type of music can support good health, but the type of music and it’s ability to support health and wellness varies from listener to listener. The general consensus is that vulgarity and aggressive genres can limit health progress, but this may not be the case for a person who listens while working out in the gym. The music may motivate the listener to engage in more exercise, hence supporting good health. That is why it is important to remember that, while music listeners are different, each listener may benefit by including, or sampling different forms of music to see which works best for therapy, relaxation, health, and wellness.  

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For more informative articles, follow the Avidity Medical Design Blog. To take an online healthcare course, visit Avidity Medical Design Academy. To purchase scented soaps and candles, visit Avidity Medical Scentations.

A concept of toxic household products - several bottles of cleaning products on the floor, mainly used to clean homes.

Keep Your Home Healthy: How to Handle Medically Toxic Products in Your Household

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Keeping your home safe and clean is essential to protecting your health. However, some everyday household products could put you and your loved ones at risk. Even the alternative options labeled “green” or “natural” may still contain harmful ingredients. So how can you distinguish these toxic household products?

It may be difficult to distinguish all of the health hazards in your home. Still, you can limit your exposure to dangerous threats by reading the labels and using products as directed. To help you determine which ones you may want to stop buying, get rid of, or replace, here is a list of the most toxic household products:

10 Most Toxic Household Products You Must Know About

1. All-Purpose Cleaners.

Most cleaning solutions tend to be the biggest toxic offenders in your home. The cleaners labeled “all-purpose” usually comprise ammonia, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, sodium hypochlorite, and/or trisodium phosphate. These chemicals contribute to skin, eye, nose, as well as throat irritation and can be highly poisonous to humans and animals if ingested. Since it’s not a requirement to list the unsafe ingredients, many consumers unknowingly purchase and use these toxic household products.

The safest alternative for all-purpose cleaning is a solution of baking soda, Borax, Castile soap, vinegar, lemon, and hot water. But if you choose to work with an all-purpose cleaner:

  • Always protect your skin by wearing rubber gloves;
  • Make sure you use it where there is good air circulation; and
  • Avoid mixing different cleaners. Combining cleaning agents like ammonia and bleach will produce chloramine, a gas that causes severe breathing problems and could be fatal if inhaled in large quantities.

2. Non-Stick Cookware.

The invention of non-stick pots and pans may seem helpful because it eliminates the concern about food sticking to the surface. However, non-stick cookware contains trace amounts of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a cancer-causing chemical. When the lining of those pots and pans gets scratched or chipped, the chemicals can seep into your food. It would be safer to swap the non-stick for cast iron or stainless steel cookware.

3. Air Fresheners.

The purpose of air fresheners is to keep your home smelling fresh and clean. Instead, it pollutes your home with several highly flammable, cancer-causing chemicals, including formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, p-dichlorobenzene, and aerosol propellants. If you’re going to use air fresheners, it’s best to keep them away from open flames and spray in well-ventilated areas. Or you can opt for non-toxic alternatives like baking soda and vinegar, which both absorb odors. 

4. Antibacterial Cleaners.

Antibacterial cleaners usually contain a fragrance, surfactant, and pesticide, which can cause irritation to your eyes and burn your skin and throat. Therefore, you should wear latex gloves when using these cleaners. And if the product comes in contact with your skin or eyes, wash the area immediately.

5. Plastic Food Containers.

Plastic food containers consist of chemicals like phthalates, which give plastic flexibility, durability, and transparency. However, plastic eventually breaks down, especially when you add heat to it. That breakdown releases phthalates and other dangerous chemicals into your food, causing damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system. To protect yourself from these health risks, avoid heating and storing food in plastic containers and switch to glass containers. 

6. Antibacterial Soaps. 

You may have grown accustomed to using antibacterial soaps and gels to keep your hands free from germs. But every time you do so, you may be rubbing toxic chemicals like triclosan and triclocarban on your skin. Who wants harmful substances that create antibiotic-resistant bacteria all over their hands? Using regular soap and water is a safer, effective way to keep germs away. 

7. Oven Cleaners.

Many oven cleaners contain poisonous and corrosive ingredients such as lye. If inhaled or ingested, these chemicals can cause severe tissue damage and may be fatal. That is why you should always wear protective gear (apron, gloves, and safety goggles) and operate in a well-ventilated area when working with oven cleaners. Or you can opt for an oven cleaner that doesn’t include lye. 

8. Insect Repellents.

When you apply repellents to protect your skin from biting insects, you’re also exposing yourself to pesticides such as pyrethrin and chemicals commonly known as DEET. These chemicals may burn your eyes, skin, and throat and cause anxiety, a loss of coordination, and mental and behavioral changes. Spraying insect repellent only on your clothing can help prevent this threat to your health and will still shield you from bugs. 

9. Insecticides.

You may use these products to eliminate pests from your home or pets, but you could make yourself sick in the process. The same pesticides found in bug sprays are also in pet flea and tick treatments. These chemicals can cause headaches, dizziness, twitching, and nausea. When handling insecticides, make sure not to use them on or around surfaces that come in contact with food. And if you use flea and tick medication on your cat or dog, it’s best to wait 24 hours before petting them.  

10. Bleach.

Similar to other toxic household products, chlorine bleach contains chemicals that can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat and damage the esophagus and stomach if consumed. Therefore, you should always handle bleach with caution by wearing protective gear, using it in a properly ventilated area, and keeping it away from young children.  

To learn more about other healthcare topics similar to this one, follow the Avidity Medical Design Blog or sign up for a course at Avidity Medical Design Academy. For products that support your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, visit Avidity Medical Scentations to purchase our scented candles and soaps. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on new products that support health and well being.

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Holiday Cooking 101: How to Keep Yourself Healthy When Cooking for the Holidays

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Man chopping vegetables and cooking food in his kitchen - practicing proper food handling to avoid foodborne illnesses.

When preparing food throughout the year, and especially during the holidays, it’s easy to forget about food preparation and food safety. Food poisoning and foodborne illnesses are common, but easily preventable, if you take the right steps beforehand. Learning how to properly thaw, wash, cut, cook, and store foods can mean the difference between enjoying a delicious meal and spending the night in the emergency room.

Although there are many types of foodborne illnesses, the four most common are listeria, e. Coli, salmonella, and norovirus. Here are 10 easy ways to avoid coming in contact with these and other germs by practicing proper food handling.

Tips on How to Avoid Foodborne Illnesses When Cooking

1. Practice Good Hand-Washing

Surprisingly, the most common source of foodborne illnesses is a cook’s own hands. Whether you need to take a bathroom break in the middle of food preparation or you’ll be moving from raw meats to fresh veggies, take a minute to soap up like you’re preparing for surgery. Use warm water, antibacterial soap, and plenty of friction.

Contrary to popular thought, excessively hot water isn’t what kills germs in hand-washing; it’s the friction that comes from rubbing your hands together. To make sure that you’re applying adequate friction, adopt a hand-washing song that keeps you scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.

2. Copy Your Recipes

Another common and incredibly surprising source of foodborne illnesses are mobile phones. How many people source their recipes online using mobile devices? How many of these same individuals use their mobile devices while on the commode? If you use your smartphone in the bathroom, don’t let it double as a cooking tool. Use hand sanitizer or another disinfecting agent to clean your mobile phone before calling recipes up. In fact, take the time to write out recipes by hand before you start handling food. If you ever have to touch your phone while cooking, head back to the sink and thoroughly wash your hands again.

3. Don’t Make Your Utensils Do Double Duty

It’s no secret that raw meat is a major source of food poisoning. Wash your hands after handling raw meat and before you start chopping salads, setting the table, or engaging in any other activities. More importantly, don’t make your utensils do double duty. Keep cutting boards and knives for meat separate from cutting boards and utensils used for fruits and vegetables. 

4. Wash Ready-to-Serve Vegetables 

Ready-to-serve salads and leafy greens often indicate that they’ve already been washed on their packages. What many consumers don’t know is that these vegetables are often washed and packed directly in the fields in which they’ve been picked. Not only does this mean that they’ve been treated with dubious water sources, but they’ve also been handled by hands that could use a good washing themselves. Always wash all of your fruits and vegetables before cooking with or serving them. For added safety, rinse your fresh produce in a mild white vinegar and water solution.

5.  Defrost Frozen Meat in the Refrigerator

Don’t leave your meat out on the counter to defrost for hours at a time. Plan in advance by placing frozen meat in the refrigerator in a leak-safe container or pan. Keep in mind that as meats defrost, their packaging will leak blood and spread bacteria. Place them on a shelf where spills aren’t likely to come in contact with produce or other items that will be served raw.

6. Pay Attention to Sell-by and Use-by Dates

There is definitely some flexibility in sell-by dates. However, you should never consume foods like milk, meat, and eggs after their use-by dates. Even though these things may smell and taste fresh, the risks of eating them are simply too high.

7. Cook Meat Thoroughly

One of the easiest ways to avoid foodborne illnesses caused by raw or uncooked meat is by purchasing a meat thermometer. Find out how hot the inner temperature of your meat should be based upon its thickness and type. Meat thermometers are low in cost and they’ll give you a quick and accurate reading of core temperatures so that you can avoid burning meals and avoid making everyone ill.

8. Cool Leftovers Right Away

Kicking back to relax while dishes simmer or gradually cool on a warm stove is a recipe for disaster. After serving everyone, package the remaining food right away and cool it down quickly. Bacteria is far less likely to grow in your remaining dishes when they’re stored properly.

9. Clean Your Cleaning Implements

You might be spreading harmful bacteria from surface to surface with your kitchen towel or sponge. Kitchen towels and sponges harbor harmful bacteria that can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and more. Wash and dry linens and replace sponges once every one to two weeks.

10. Make Every Cook Aware of Your Prevention Strategies

If you’ve got helpers in the kitchen, be sure that they know the rules and follow them. It makes no sense to constantly wash your own hands if there’s someone else mopping up beef blood with your dish towel or regularly swiping at a filthy mobile phone. 

Limiting all the ways in which bacteria can be introduced into your foods is only one part of the process. Proper heating and proper food storage help ensure that existing organisms are killed off and that their populations don’t spiral out of control. To find out more about food safety, consider attending one of our classes at Avidity Medical Design Academy, or check out our other blogs on the subject.

The Powerful Health Benefits of Aromatherapy: Healthy Stress-Free Scents in a Relaxing Environment – Visit Avidity Medical SCENTations!

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Our sense of smell is an important part of physical, mental, and spiritual health. – Avidity Medical Scentations (http://aviditymedicalscentations.com)

When you buy your friend or family member scented soaps or candles, you actually provide them with the valuable benefits of aromatherapy, especially in a relaxing stress-free environment, and especially after a hard day’s work. Aromatherapy has been around since the time of Hippocrates. But, like many ancient remedies, it has been relegated to alternative medicine. Modern Western medicine generally uses pharmacology and medical procedures to heal the body. However, it is slowly coming around to recognize the impact the olfactory system has on the body. 

The Olfactory System and Your Health

The olfactory system is your body’s sense of smell. Amazingly, scientists claim it can distinguish somewhere between 30,000 and 1 trillion scents.

You might think olfactory cells would be confined to the nasal region of the human body, but they are everywhere! Olfactory cells exist in the heart, intestines, liver, and skin, among many other organs. 

Since these scent cells are all over your body, it is not surprising that aromatherapy could offer many kinds of health benefits. 

Benefits of Aromatherapy and Science

Research has offered somewhat inconclusive results because the methods used in aromatherapy are not standardized. Furthermore, the results depend on personal responses. However, the studies focusing on benefits reveal potential breakthroughs in pain relief and the reduction of stress and anxiety. 

Most of its supporters can attest to the benefits of aromatherapy that research has supported. These benefits break down into several primary categories: 

  • Physical Health.
  • Mental Health.
  • Spiritual Health.
  • Emotional Health.

Science doesn’t have all the answers. However, it does offer evidence of the benefits of aromatherapy that fit into these three categories. For example, headache or other pain relief (physical) and stress reduction (mental and/or spiritual). 

Scented Products and Your Health

When considering scented products for yourself or as a gift, there are many reasons to choose a product. One of those reasons should be the impact a certain scent could have on your health. Not only will you enjoy the pleasure of the scent or the memories that it evokes, but you may experience the reduction of medical symptoms that could greatly enhance your life. 

Visit Avidity Medical Scentations and sign up to receive our product notifications. Each candle or soap will offer you the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy. It also comes with an inspirational message to remind you to maintain good mental, physical, and spiritual health in everyday living. 

Our sense of smell is very complex, and it is interconnected to the rest of our body through our olfactory system. Scientists and healthcare professionals may not understand exactly how or why it works. However, they are beginning to understand that it is an important part of physical, mental, and spiritual health. Take steps now to support your health and well being. Go to Avidity Medical Scentations to sign up for notifications on our healthcare candles and soaps. Each candle or soap includes a health care reminder message to remind you to take steps to maintain your health and well being every day.

Go to Avidity Medical Scentations now to see our current product offerings!

3 Things to Bring to Your Next Doctor’s Appointment

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A physician needs to know all aspects of the patient’s care to provide the best results and care possible.

Scheduling a doctor’s appointment, but forgetting the things that you wanted to discuss when you get there, is an experience that many, if not all, patients can relate to. Preparing in advance for your next visit can help make your doctor’s appointment a much smoother experience, in terms of the feedback and advice provided by your doctor based on the information that you bring to the visit. With that in mind, let’s talk about some things to bring to your next doctor’s office visit.

What to Bring to Your Next Doctor’s Appointment

First, you will need all documentation for insurance, testing, previous history, and other doctors that have been seen. Second, bring your current medications and basic knowledge of noted reactions, logs, and how you take them. Last, remember to write out a list of discussion topics and cover each with your provider. 

1. Bring Your Documentation.

At each appointment, the receptionist at the front desk will ask if any of your information has changed since your last visit, and will sometimes request documentation pertaining to any changes since your last visit. The nurse may also request some information prior to the doctor coming into the room to begin your visit. Remember to bring these key pieces of information to your next doctor’s visit:

  • Your identification.
  • Proof of medical insurance (or advise that you will be self pay).
  • Results of any images or testing recently done at a different facility, in the event that this information has not been forwarded to your doctor’s office and added to your medical record.
  • Your updated medical history if you are a new patient.
  • Records from specialists if not readily available in your doctor’s office.  

Remember to keep your physician up to date on any aspects of your health, so that your doctor can maintain the continuity of your care, in case you need to be seen by a consulting physician or be seen at a different healthcare facility. Proper documentation will allow the physician to review your records and immediately understand, at a glance, how different aspects of your current treatment may be affecting your health. 

bunch of white oval medication tablets and white medication capsules

2. Bring Your List of Current Medications.

Most physicians will have a record of what medications have been prescribed to you by the office. However, it is important that you bring your list of medications to your next appointment for verification of proper use and correct dosage in relation to your treatment. It is also important to make a list of any reactions and concerns about your medications that you may want to discuss during your next visit. As part of your list, you will also need to include any new medications that were prescribed by other physicians as well, so that these can be reviewed and considered in relation to any other medications, for any potential adverse reactions to the mix of medications.  

3. Bring Any New Medical Problems or Medical Worries That You Have.

Most people visit the doctor because they have concerns over medications or conditions that have developed. It is helpful to keep a list of medical problems or issues that occur between visits, in addition to keeping your medication list, so that all of your medical information remains up to date between appointments. A medical problem list can help you keep your concerns organized by date, all in one place, and help your doctor pinpoint how, why, and when they occurred in relation to other events that might have occurred at the same time, such as an outdoor camping trip, or starting a new medication. Present your problem list to your doctor to discuss your ongoing needs and care, and any potential adjustments that may need to be made. Some documentation, like blood sugar logs or blood pressure readings, are especially important in terms of helping your doctor understand what is happening at home between visits. Also, when you keep a medical problem list between visits, you won’t have to remember things that might have occurred several months prior to your visit for example, but that you may have forgotten all about by the date of your scheduled appointment.

The most important thing to remember is that your doctor needs to know about all aspects of your health in order to provide the best results and the best care possible. It is better to bring more documentation than you think will be necessary to your next appointment, because there may be some information included that the doctor has not received, and may be missing from your medical record.

For more informative healthcare articles, follow the Avidity Medical Design Blog. Stay up to date on the latest tips and trends in healthcare. If you are interested in taking a course in healthcare, visit Avidity Medical Design Academy to learn more about the types of healthcare courses that you can take in your spare time, with lessons that you can immediately apply to everyday living, as soon as you finish each course. 

10 Things You Can Do to Relieve Back Pain Without Medication

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There are many ways to relieve back pain without the use of medication.

There are many ways to relieve back pain without medication. If you suffer from back pain and are looking for alternative ways to ease the pain, read on. Remember as always, that you should follow your doctor’s orders if your doctor has prescribed medication or another form of treatment for your chronic back pain.

  1. Drink liquids that relieve inflammation each day. — Anti-inflammatory drinks and foods are not only great at relieving back pain, but they can also help inflammation throughout your entire body. The more anti-inflammatory foods and drinks you consume, the more they build up in your system and can significantly reduce pain and inflammation. Drinks such as turmeric milk, tart cherry juice, and ginger-green tea are all examples of anti-inflammatory drinks. Have one of these drinks daily to help reduce inflammation and back pain.
  2. Avoid prolonged sitting. — Staying in one spot for long periods of time puts pressure on your discs and joints. If you can opt for a standing desk, do so. If a standing desk isn’t available to you, take regular breaks to get up, walk around, and stretch.
  3. Give mindful meditation a try. — Meditation is a great way to relieve tension and stress, become more mindful, and can help release feel-good hormones. Mindful meditation can be used to control and relieve pain throughout the body.
  4. Consider taking D3 supplements. — Vitamin D is essential for your joints, bones, and muscles. A daily supplement can help relieve back pain without medication.
  5. Create your own vision boards to envision yourself free of back pain. — create your own vision board using Mind Movies, for example, to help you visualize yourself without pain.  
  6. Try Yoga. — Practicing yoga is an excellent way to relieve back pain without medication. Gentle stretches and poses can strengthen your core, which helps support your back.
  7. Consider Acupuncture. — Studies show that acupuncture can help relieve back pain. According to Chinese medicine, pain is from blocked energy, and acupuncture relieves blocked energy.
  8. Get a Massage. — Massage therapy is another way you can relieve back pain without the use of medication.
  9. Think about Topical Capsaicin. – Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers. Capsaicin has been found to deplete a neurochemical that transmits pain, causing an analgesic effect when applied to the skin.
  10. Consider Hydrotherapy. — Bathing in warm mineral water is a great way to relax your muscles and relieve back pain. 

There are many ways to relieve back pain without the use of medication. Follow the Avidity Medical Design Blog to stay up to date on the latest trends in healthcare and medical education. Visit Avidity Medical Design Academy to enroll in an online healthcare course and learn about different healthcare subjects in your spare time. 

10 Products You Can Buy at Your Supermarket to Help Lower Your Cholesterol

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Cholesterol is bad, right? Your doctor checks your cholesterol levels and reads off the numbers at every checkup, so it must be true. But let’s get into the nitty-gritty about cholesterol for just a minute. 

Cholesterol is a waxy material. A little bit of cholesterol in your diet is actually good–it helps your body build cells. When too much cholesterol gets into your veins and arteries, they become clogged. The typical diet is full of high-cholesterol foods like chips and burgers and even eggs. For this reason, it’s important to take steps to help lower your cholesterol. 

Your local grocery store is full of products that claim to help lower your cholesterol. We don’t endorse any of these products. However, if you are doing your own research, and you are interested in learning more about cholesterol-lowering foods, these 10 products might be a good place to start. 

  1. Metamucil: Not only does Metamucil claim to lower cholesterol, but these high-fiber products can also regulate your digestive system, help maintain blood sugar levels, and help manage weight.  
  2. Aristo Bars: These protein bars rely on plant stanols to fight against high cholesterol levels. They also contain heart-healthy Omega-3 Fatty Acids and fiber, which helps with digestion. 
  3. Minute Maid HeartWise: If you like orange juice, try reaching for this brand, which claims in two separate places on its packaging to help lower cholesterol. 
  4. Cheerios: If you’re looking for a heart-healthy way to start your day, a bowl of cheerios might be a good idea. They’re a low-fat food that also claims to lower your cholesterol. 
  5. Smart Balance: This butter alternative not only lowers cholesterol, but also reduces your intake of trans fats when compared to regular butter. 
  6. Stonyfield Farm Smoothies: In addition to lowering cholesterol, these yogurts contain probiotics and prebiotics, which can improve gut health and aid in digestion.
  7. Quaker Oats: A naturally healthy food, oatmeal improves cholesterol levels and aids with digestion. 
  8. Silk Milk: Soy is another product that is known to naturally lower cholesterol. Silk makes soy products that are vegan and dairy-free, which makes them a great choice for all diets. 
  9. Kellogg’s Smart Start: This breakfast cereal has oat bran, which can help lower cholesterol levels. It also contains prebiotics that can increase calcium absorption–a perfect pair for your morning milk! 
  10. Benecol: This brand uses plant stanols, which have been shown to reduce bad cholesterol levels. They make butter alternatives as well as soft chocolate chews. 

Remember that eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables is just as important as choosing the right packaged foods. At Avidity Design Medical Academy, we offer a full fruits and vegetables course to help you get started on your journey. We also encourage you to follow our blog, where we have even more tips and tricks to help you lead your healthiest life, as well as tips for choosing a career in the field of healthcare.  

How to Stay Sane During The COVID-19 Pandemic

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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a rollercoaster of emotions. The government and media have fueled both fear and optimism, as many unknowns collide in a confusing narrative influenced by political parties and conspiracy theories. It’s enough to cause a mental health crisis even for those least vulnerable to the virus. That is why it is important to maintain positive mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. It takes some conscious effort, but you can stay sane during these worrisome times by taking the following actions. 

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5 Ways to Maintain Positive Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

salad dish in container

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

What you put into your body comes out of your body in more ways than one. Processed foods, alcohol, and other unhealthy ingestibles stress your mind, your gut, and your metabolism. Many people neglect healthy eating habits when there is a crisis, but this pandemic is lasting too long to use it as an excuse for unhealthy choices. Mental health requires a clear mind, and eating poorly creates brain fog. It’s understandable to turn to snacks and other vices when things are uncertain, but it can have significant negative consequences. 

person writing on white paper

2. Maintain a Consistent Schedule

When you are staying at home, it’s easy to remain in your pajamas all day, stay up late at night, and sleep in every morning. Pretty soon, being productive is no longer a reality. Even if you are going to work, getting up early and maintaining a steady sleep-wake cycle is good for your mental health because it fortifies life’s natural rhythm. 

multiracial people doing reverse triangle pose

3. Exercise Regularly

Elevating your heart rate is good for cardiovascular health, but exercise also reduces stress and depression. A gym membership can do wonders for your physical and mental health. If you can exercise outdoors, even better. The sun will provide Vitamin D that protects your immune system. 

4. Take a Break from the News

Between the news media, the election, and social media, there’s a lot of ugly on the internet. Many people require some connection to the online world in order to perform job duties, but everyone can benefit from a break. Unplug, even if only for a couple hours a day. Your mind will thank you.

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5. End Toxic Relationships

Lastly, don’t try to hang on to toxic relationships. If you have someone in your life that is berating your choices during COVID-19 or who generally makes you feel bad about yourself, cut them out. Life is too short to waste energy on these people. Take care of yourself by requiring respect from everyone in your inner circle.

Positive Mental Health and Happiness are Possible, Even During the Pandemic

It is important to remember during this pandemic that positive mental health and happiness are possible during this time. The news is filled with tales of “unprecedented” and “dark” times, but you can still maintain your peace of mind, and your world can be whatever you choose to make it. Times can be hard, but taking care of yourself ensures the best possible outcomes. To stay up to date on the latest healthcare news, follow the Avidity Medical Design Blog.

To learn more about how to maintain positive health, enroll in the course entitled, “How to Prevent Medical Conditions Caused by TOXIC People in Your Life (and Be Healthier!)” offered by Avidity Medical Design Academy.

Things You Should Know About Getting a Flu Shot During COVID-19

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While COVID-19 is on everyone’s mind as we wait for a vaccine and an end to the pandemic, we cannot forget about the common flu. It is more important than ever to get your annual vaccine. Fortunately, you can still get a flu shot, even during the pandemic.

Here are a few tips on getting your flu shot during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Protect Against the Flu

Fighting off the flu is just as important as fighting off COVID-19. It is vital to your health that you get a flu shot this year. People who got the flu shot last year are 363% more likely to get the flu shot this year in the wake of the pandemic. The flu is still lethal, killing many people each and every year. Do not forget about the flu because COVID-19 is getting all the attention.

Plan Your Flu Shot Ahead of Time

If you usually get your flu shot at a drugstore where you wait in a long line of people, things will be different this year. Pharmacies, doctors’ offices, and other flu shot locations are taking precautions this year to ensure there are not long lines of people waiting for their vaccinations. Social distancing because of COVID-19 is still important. Call ahead of time to the location where you are going to get your flu shot and make arrangements. In most cases, you will now need an appointment for your flu shot, even if you did not in years past. This is to enforce social distancing. 

Remain vigilant about COVID-19, but protect yourself against the flu by getting a flu shot. For more information about staying healthy during the pandemic, follow the Avidity Medical Design Blog, and consider enrolling in a healthcare course at Avidity Medical Design Academy.

How To Rehydrate Fast If You Become Dehydrated

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Like many people, you probably let thirst dictate your fluid consumption. It’s simply too easy to neglect proper hydration when facing the seemingly endless responsibilities and demands of the day. What you may be surprised to discover, however, is that thirst is actually one of the first and most telling signs of dehydration. If you wait to tackle the problem until your lips are dry and your urine is discolored, you may find yourself struggling with lower levels of energy, emotional fatigue, and even dizziness – among many other uncomfortable symptoms. Fortunately, there are a few simple strategies that will help you set things aright fast. This way, you can greet the challenges of the day with good health, high confidence, and optimized cognitive and physical functioning. Read on to learn about hydration in a way that will totally change how you consider and treat this all-important aspect of your daily self-care. Read these four important tips that you can use to become rehydrated fast if you become dehydrated.

1. Don’t Drink Too Much Of The Wrong Fluids.

Drinking too much of the wrong fluids can leave you feeling anxious and unsure. Your body is constantly trying to alert you of problems. This way, you can implement natural mitigation strategies to bring your own health back into balance. When you ignore any early, initial warnings, the alerts that your body sends will become more severe. For example, with many problems, minor aches and pains tend to be replaced with inflammation and swelling, and slight dizziness or fatigue can evolve into fainting spells, vertigo, or other serious issues.

In the case of dehydration, thirst gradually evolves into dry mouth, cracked lips, and fatigue. If you don’t pay attention to your body at this point, your symptoms can escalate to include intense anxiety. If you’ve been suffering from severe anxiousness that lacks an apparent cause, check your hydration levels. Often, when dehydration is the cause of anxiety, we aren’t simply failing to drink fluids. Instead, we’re attempting to get by on the wrong fluids. Take note of how much coffee, sugary sodas, and energy drinks you’re consuming. The caffeine and excess sugars that many of these beverages contain can cause anxiety. Severe dehydration on its own can lead to heart palpitations and extreme nervousness. Calm your rapid heartbeat and frayed nerves with beverages that will actually restore hydration, rather than oppose it.

2. Eat Fresh, Water-Dense Foods to Rehydrate Fast.

Eating fresh water-dense foods is a great way to preserve your electrolyte balance and rehydrate fast. People who love the taste of water rarely get dehydrated. These individuals seem to always request water at restaurants in lieu of colas or iced teas, or they constantly carry their own water bottles with them. Conversely, those who routinely suffer from dehydration tend to prefer alternative beverages. In fact, many even have a self-professed aversion to water. The good news is that drinking more isn’t always the best solution. That’s because more than needing water, your body is crying out for electrolyte balance. This is the balance of minerals that determines blood pressure, blood viscosity, clotting abilities, and many other key factors of your health and well-being. If you drink too much pure water – you can develop a sodium-related condition called hyponatremia. Over-hydration is a common result of guzzling too much pure water too fast, and absence of the minerals that your body requires.

Fresh, nutrient-dense and water-dense foods provide the perfect balance of both hydration and electrolytes. Eat more berries, melons, apples, oranges, stone fruits, grapes, and watermelon. Fill your plate with lettuce, carrots, celery, leafy greens, and tomatoes. These foods will perfectly supplement the water that you are drinking by bringing a diverse array of minerals into your system. Eating for proper hydration is one of the fastest and most effective strategies for bringing your body back into a state of good health and optimum balance. If dehydration has caused constipation, hemorrhoids, or any other problems affecting the digestive system, the added fiber in your diet will quickly resolve these problems as well.

3. Consider Drinking Coconut Water to Rehydrate Quickly.

Coconut water is the world’s most effective natural energy drink. One little-known fact about coconut water is that it naturally offers the perfect balance of electrolytes for the human body. In fact, the mineral composition of coconut water is so similar to that of human blood plasma that it has been successfully used during wartime as a plasma substitute. If you want to rehydrate your body fast, sip on several ounces of coconut water. Make sure that the brand you choose does not have added sugar or any other added ingredients. Unlike sports drinks and energy drinks, pure coconut water lacks caffeine, excess sugars, and any additional additives that diminish its nutritional value. If you’re attempting to rehydrate after a night of drinking and partying, drinking coconut water is the best course.

4. Sip Your Water Bottle Rather Than Gulping It Down.

If dehydration is a persistent problem for you, you may be tempted to engage in an intense, water-drinking challenge. For instance, there are countless people documenting and touting the benefits of drinking a full gallon of water per day. However, just as dehydration can be problematic to your health, over-hydration can prove troublesome as well. When it comes to giving your body the water it needs, balance is everything. Thus, one of the easiest and most effective strategies for rehydrating is to keep a water bottle with you at all times. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to try gulping a ton of water down. Instead, sip at your water bottle throughout the day, and keep your diet filled with fresh, water-dense foods. 

For more important articles on healthcare, follow the Avidity Medical Design Blog. To take a healthcare course, visit Avidity Medical Design Academy.