A couple in a car preparing for a long drive | staying healthy while you drive

10 Things You Should Know About Staying Healthy While You Drive

timelapse photography of cars in tunnel

Stress, long hours on the road, and sitting at the wheel without any physical activity can make it challenging to stay healthy while you drive. Luckily, there are things you can do to make sure you are as healthy as possible while you spend your time in your car. They can help you be healthier and feel better while driving. Below are things to know about staying healthy while you drive:

10 Ways to Stay Healthy While Driving

  1. Look out for smells inside or outside the car that may signal a potential health problem. Check for the smell of gas or engine oil that can affect your health when driving or parked.
  2. Consider purchasing car upholstery that does not trigger allergic reactions. This is essential to your comfort and safety. Remove fabrics that might trigger an allergic reaction, like interior carpets, air conditioning filters, and air vents.
  3. Before going for a long drive, purchase high-quality deodorizers and microfiber cloth for cleaning the car’s interior without leaving a mess. 
  4. Look for homemade remedies to keep safe during drives. Pack a first aid kit, drinking bottle, and pack natural remedies like tea brewed with herbs like ginger and chamomile.
  5. Long drives mean you will be confined to your car or SUV for hours. It is best to be ready for unprecedented health dangers like elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and driver drowsiness.
  6. Nibble saltine crackers and light snacks to ease nausea and symptoms of allergies. Avoid greasy, acidic, or heavy foods that may worsen your condition as they are slow to digest.
  7. Avoid caffeinated beverages like sodas and coffee that can lead to dehydration and worsen your nausea. Instead, drink carbonated drinks or cold water.
  8. Allow quality air to flow inside the car. If the weather does not allow you to open windows, consider using a fan or turning on the vents to blow air on your face.
  9. Use aromatherapy with scents like peppermint essential oil on your trips. Other ways to scent your car include soaps and scented candles.
  10. If your job involves frequent traveling, make an appointment with a doctor. They will prescribe medications as a long-term option to help deal with allergies during long trips.
cars ahead on road

Takeaway

Those are just some tips for staying healthy while you drive your car. Follow the Avidity Medical Design Blog to find informative articles on healthcare. Purchase scented candles and soaps through Avidity Medical Scentations. Enroll in a healthcare course offered by Avidity Medical Design Academy and gain employment in healthcare. 

Female doctor speaking with a senior patient in a hospital - choosing the right doctor.

Need a New Physician? 10 Helpful Tips for Choosing a Doctor in the New Year

When choosing the right doctor, it is essential to do your research and find someone you feel comfortable with and who meets your specific needs. Here are ten tips to help you choose the right doctor for you:

1. Make sure the doctor is board certified.

It means they have completed the necessary training and exams to be considered an expert in their field.

2. Choose a doctor who has experience treating patients with your specific condition.

For example, if you have a rare condition, you will want to ensure the doctor has experience treating other patients with similar situations.

3. Ask about the doctor’s bedside manner.

This is crucial because you want to make sure you feel comfortable with the doctor and that they can put you at ease.

4. Make sure the doctor is available when you need them.

Besides having office hours that work with your schedule, it is important that your doctor is also available for emergencies.

5. Ask about the doctor’s policies on prescription medications and referrals to specialists.

It is essential information to have so that you know what to expect in terms of treatment.

6. Find out if the doctor has any hospital affiliations.

This can impact the quality of care you receive.

7. Ask about the doctor’s policy on accepting new patients.

It is imperative to know so that you can be sure the doctor will have time for you.

8. Ask about the doctor’s fees and insurance policies.

It is necessary to have this information so that you can be prepared financially for your visit.

9. Get recommendations from friends, family, or other healthcare providers.

One of the most common tactics is getting first-hand information about a doctor.

10. Finally, trust your gut.

It is probably not the right fit for you if you don’t feel comfortable with a doctor

Conclusion

Choosing the right doctor is an important decision. We hope these ten tips will help you choose the right doctor for you. For more healthcare information and tips, follow the Avidity Medical Design Blog today. To learn more about our healthcare courses, visit Avidity Medical Design Academy. To purchase healthcare candles and soaps inspired by healthcare, visit Avidity Medical Design SCENTations!

A family having a holiday feast at home featuring different holiday food - concept of overeating during the holidays.

How to Avoid Overeating During the Holidays

person slicing meat on table

Holiday dinners and lunches bring a sense of family and unite friends. However, resisting an extra bite of that tasty food can be challenging. While eating larger portions or binge eating is tempting, it is detrimental to your health. Here is a list of ten dangers of overeating during the holidays.

  1. An increased risk of obesity
  2. Disruption of natural hunger signals
  3. Impaired brain function
  4. Nausea
  5. Bloating
  6. Nausea with or without vomiting
  7. Heartburn
  8. A higher risk of insulin resistance
  9. Stomach upset
  10. Poor sleep

The Role of Your Metabolism in Overeating

If you have a fast metabolism, you burn more calories even when resting. On the other hand, people with a slow metabolism burn fewer calories and gain weight faster.

While a fast metabolism can slow down weight gain, you are still highly likely to overeat. Thus it’s still vital to watch your food intake to avoid overeating during the holidays.

How to Identify if You are Overeating

Overeating isn’t simply taking a lot of food. Hence, there are many ways to determine if you have this issue.

Some signs of overeating are:

  • Can’t keep your favorite meal in the house; instead, you eat it in one sitting
  • Feel weighed down after eating
  • Barely paying attention to your plate
  • Feel bloated after eating
roasted turkey on white ceramic plate

Tips to Avoid Overeating

Mindful eating is a perfect way to ensure you don’t stuff yourself during the holiday season. Avoid distractions so you can pay attention to your body’s fullness signals. Likewise, chew your food slowly and thoroughly.

More tips to avoid overeating during the holidays are:

  • Watch your portions
  • Use a smaller plate
  • Avoid going to events on an empty stomach
  • Cut back on taste testing
  • Eat more proteins than carbs
  • Eat foods rich in fiber, like vegetables and whole grains

Follow Avidity Medical Design Blog for More Information

Overeating during the holidays has many health effects, but luckily, it’s avoidable. At Avidity Medical Design Blog, we have many helpful health articles. Besides, we sell scented candles and soap to improve mindfulness and wellness. Visit Avidity Medical Scentations for more information. To enroll in a healthcare course, visit Avidity Medical Design Academy.

Importance of knowing medical terminology - Doctor assessing a patient during a checkup.

5 Ways to Empower Yourself as a Patient By Learning Medical Terminology

If you’re about to have an appointment with your doctor, you should know that it doesn’t matter whether it’s your first or your fiftieth time seeing them—you are still the most critical person in the room. Knowing medical terminology gives you the power to understand better what’s happening during your appointment and to get the treatment you need. 

These are five ways knowing medical terminology can empower patients, so read on to learn more!

dentist having a discussion with a patient

1) Speak Up at Your Next Doctor’s Appointment

When you know the medical terms for what’s going on with your body, you can more accurately describe your symptoms to your doctor. If you’re ever in the hospital, you’ll be able to understand what the medical professionals are saying about your care. By understanding your test results and diagnosis, you can take a more active role in your healthcare.

hand of a person using a calculator

2) Decipher Your Bills

When you get a medical bill, it can be challenging to decipher. However, if you know some medical terminology, you can often figure out the charges. This can help you budget for future appointments and get the necessary care. 

There’s also a chance that you might come across something fraudulent or erroneous in your billing. Knowing the language of healthcare will also allow you to do your research on treatments. This, in turn, may save time and money in terms of being an informed consumer.

3) Do Your Research

With so much information available online, patients are increasingly taking control of their health. But with all the medical jargon, it can be tough to know where to start. This is where understanding medical terminology comes in handy. By understanding the language of medicine, you can more easily find the answers you’re looking for. This information is also helpful when doing research on your own or when talking to a doctor.

alphabet blur books close up

4) Educate Yourself About Illnesses

No one wants to be sick, but unfortunately, it’s a part of life. Learning about illnesses can help you better understand your health and the health of your loved ones. By understanding medical terminology, you can better understand doctors’ orders, medications and treatments, diagnoses and prognoses, and what your insurance will cover. 

It is also an empowering way to speak with healthcare providers on the phone or in person. If you can discuss with them what is going on with your body in their language, they will feel more confident that they know how best to treat you.

5) Use Words to Understand Procedures

If you don’t know the medical terms used to describe a procedure, it can be difficult to understand what is happening. However, understanding medical terminology can help you feel more comfortable with procedures and make it easier to ask questions. Using words to understand procedures when conversing with your doctor or provider may initially seem intimidating. 

Still, you will be surprised by how much of this language will come naturally when you begin looking up new words. If you remember these words, you’ll be able to take charge of your health care, understand your treatment plan, and even ask better questions about how you’re being diagnosed, so that every part of your care is tailored to your needs.

In Summary

If you’re ready to take charge of your healthcare and empower yourself with knowledge, enroll in a course offered by Avidity Medical Design Academy. You’ll learn the medical terminology to communicate effectively with your care team, understand your medical bills, and how to do your research. And while you’re at it, why not stock up on some scented soaps and candles from our online store? Visit Avidity Medical Scentations for more information on our scented soaps and candles. They make great gifts for the patient in your life!

Check out our website or contact us for more information about our training programs. We look forward to hearing from you!

A concept of medical bills - calculator and pen on top of medical bills computation.

10 Things You Can Do to Get Help Paying Your Medical Bills (When You Have No Insurance)

A concept of medical bills - calculator and pen on top of medical bills computation.

We typically view medical debt as a personal failing, making people feel embarrassed. A lack of insurance often causes unpaid medical bills. In the United States, about 31.2 million people under 65 are uninsured.

If you can’t pay your medical bills, try these tips for lowering your debt:

Getting Medical Bills Assistance When You are Uninsured

1. Check Your Bills for Errors

Even in medical bills, mistakes happen. According to Resolve, up to 80% of medical bills contain errors. Look for inaccuracies on your medical invoices and healthcare costs line by line. They may charge you for services you never got.

2. Make a Discount Request

Another method for lowering medical costs is to negotiate a reduced charge. You can ask to have some expenses waived or deleted from your bill. While there is no assurance that this will lower your medical bills.

pexels-photo-3943745.jpeg

3. Set up a Payment Plan

Sometimes you have to receive the medical care you require first and then worry about how to pay for it later. Inquire about payment programs with the hospital’s billing department.

4. Find Out How Much Specific Procedures Cost

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, call local hospitals or clinics and ask to speak with the invoicing department. Then ask about the cost of the medical services you’re interested in.

5. Talk to Your Doctor About Your Financial Difficulties

If you’re not sure if you’ll be able to afford treatment, ask your doctor how much it will cost and whether there will be any room for accommodation.

ambulance architecture building business

6. Only Use the Emergency Room in an Emergency

Urgent care clinics are often less expensive than emergency rooms. Find out in advance which urgent care clinics in your area are part of your insurance company’s network.

7. Seek Outside Assistance

Get the assistance of a debt negotiator, medical caseworker, or medical billing advocate. When you can’t or are too afraid to try, these professionals may help you lower your debt.

8. Explore Prescription Drug Discounts

Even if you have prescription drug coverage through your job, Medicare, or Medicaid, the cost of drugs can quickly pile up if you use several. Request the generic form of a prescription medicine whenever possible.

crop unrecognizable male doctor with stethoscope

9. Select In-Network Doctors and Providers

Your provider network has negotiated special prices with your insurance carrier if you have health insurance. When you get treatment from that network members, you’ll pay less.  

people on a video call

10. Use Telemedicine

Thanks to digital technology, you may now get a low-cost medical consultation whenever you want, no matter where you are. Customers are increasingly using telemedicine to save money on healthcare.

Medical bills can be a burden that leaves you feeling upset and helpless. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Follow the Avidity Medical Design Blog for more informative articles on healthcare.

Purchase scented candles and soaps through Avidity Medical Scentations. If you are interested in learning more about healthcare topics, enroll in a course offered by Avidity Medical Design Academy.

Shot of two people holding hands in comfort - concept of suicide risk screening.

What You Need to Know About Suicide Risk Screening and How to Know if You are at Risk

Shot of two people holding hands in comfort - concept of suicide risk screening.

Suicide is a significant public health problem that leaves a lasting effect on your loved ones. In fact, it is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States generally and the 2nd leading cause of death in people aged 10 to 34. Here’s where the importance of suicide risk screening comes in.

Suicide Risk Screening

Suicide risk screening is a process that estimates the probability of someone attempting suicide or dying by committing suicide. It is also one of the most effective ways to prevent suicide, especially in children and adolescents.

How to Determine if You Need Suicide Risk Screening

You need a suicide risk assessment if you have the following:

  • A history of attempted suicide.
  • Family history of suicide attempts.
  • You suffer from depression.
  • You have been through family violence.
  • You have been in prison recently.
  • You experience chronic pain.
  • Your family has a history of depression as well as other mental illnesses.
hands people friends communication
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

How to Determine if You or Someone in Your Family is at Risk of Committing Suicide

When someone intends to commit suicide, you may notice a behavior change. Additionally, some of the red flags to watch out for are:

  • They keep talking about wanting to die.
  • They are anxious, agitated, and feel useless.
  • They become socially withdrawn and showing mood swings.
  • Their behavior suddenly becomes recklessness and impulsive behavior.
  • They abuse alcohol or drugs.
  • They give away their prized possessions.
black man explaining problem to female psychologist

When to Seek the Advice of a Medical Professional or Trained Counselor

Every now and then, you may have depression. It’s vital to seek the help of a medical professional or a trained counselor if;

  • You have had symptoms for over two weeks.
  • Your symptoms are interfering with your ability to function at work and your social life.
  • You are contemplating suicide.

Final Thought

Follow our blog for more informative articles on healthcare and healthcare-related topics. Visit Avidity Medical Design Academy to enroll in one or more healthcare courses on a variety of topics. Visit Avidity Medical Scentations to purchase scented candles and soaps with a healthcare theme.

Man experiencing knee pain while working out - a concept of common workout injuries.

Healthcare Physical Fitness: How to Avoid Hurting Yourself When You Exercise

Man experiencing knee pain while working out - a concept of common workout injuries.

Working out is an excellent way to maintain your health. It keeps one intellectually and emotionally balanced as well as physically fit. There are numerous ways to exercise, depending on one’s physical needs and comfort level; nonetheless, regardless of the type of exercise chosen, it is critical to take specific precautions to avoid workout injuries. Here are 10 common workout injuries and how to treat the injury.

Common Workout Injuries

When people exercise, they injure themselves in a variety of ways. Among the most common workout injuries are:

1. Shoulder Injury

The most prevalent cause of shoulder injury happens when performing shoulder-related activities too frequently without allowing the muscles and tendons to rest in between workouts. Working out hard can cause inflammation and injury to the rotator cuff.

Treatment for shoulder injuries differs depending on the severity and extent of the damage. Anti-inflammatory medication, injections, or physical therapy may treat smaller tears. However, surgery can usually treat total rotator cuff tears.

close up photo of a person having a back pain

2. Muscle Pull and Strain

You will experience a muscle pull when your muscles become exhausted, overused, or used in the wrong way. Strains can affect any muscle, but the lower back, neck, shoulder, and hamstring are prevalent. Treatment of muscle pull and strain involves the use of ice, anti-inflammatory medication, and ice cubes to relieve mild to moderate pain. While severe pain will require medical treatment.

a person holding his wrist
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Pexels.com

3. Wrist Sprain or Dislocation

A wrist sprain is an injury to the ligament, while a wrist dislocation means the bones have been misaligned. Minor injuries can lead to chronic pain and suffering if not properly cared for and treated. Mild dislocation can be treated through reduction, while a severe case of wrist dislocation calls for surgery.

4. Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is one of the most common workout injuries that can occur to runners who increase the intensity of their running and end up injuring the Achilles tendon. The most common symptoms are heel discomfort and soreness. Rest and pain relievers are frequently used in conjunction with at-home treatment under the supervision of a doctor.

a person touching his ankle

5. Sprained Ankle

When working out, you might twist, roll or even turn the ankle in an unusual way, causing a sprained ankle.  As a result, the ligaments that maintain the ankle bones together might be stretched or torn. The degree of a sprained ankle determines the course of treatment. Self-care and over-the-counter pain relievers may help. However, you may need a medical examination to assess how seriously you’ve sprained your ankle and the recommended treatment.

6. Knee Injuries

Sprains and tears of soft tissues (e.g., ligaments, meniscus), fractures, and dislocations are the most common knee injuries. In many cases, injuries to the knee involve more than one structure. When you do strenuous workouts, you may end up getting a knee injury. The most frequent symptoms of a knee injury are pain and swelling. Furthermore, the knee can catch or lock.

7. Shin splint

Pain along the shin bone (tibia), the big bone in the front of your lower leg, is referred to as “shin splints.” Runners, dancers, and military recruits are all susceptible to shin splints. Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are common among athletes who have recently increased or altered their training routines. Muscles, tendons, and bone tissue can become overworked as a result of increased activity.

You can treat shin splints with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers, and then you can resume your normal activities. In case of severe and persistent shin splint pain, visit your doctor right away to check for additional problems including a tibia stress fracture.

fashion love people woman

8. Hamstring Strain

A hamstring strain, often known as a strained hamstring, occurs when one or more leg muscles are overstretched and begin to tear. Hamstring strains can be minor, resulting in little pain and a quick recovery. They can sometimes be severe, necessitating surgery and weeks of crutches.

A hamstring strain is most commonly caused by muscle overload, such as when you’re jogging and your leg is completely extended immediately before your foot hits the ground. When your foot hits the ground and you put all of your weight on it, the muscles might become overstretched and tear.

9. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is a painful condition that affects runners. It is an inflammation of the bottom of the feet. A sharp, tight painful sensation at the base of the heel, similar to stepping on a nail, is a common characteristic of this condition. Overtraining, overuse, or the incorrect choice of footwear can cause this workout injury. Nevertheless, relief can be obtained by rolling the foot on a golf ball, cooling the painful area, and extending and strengthening the calf muscles.

10. Foot Numbness

Nerves in the torso, spine, legs, hips, feet, and ankles can become compressed, causing numbness in the feet and legs. To reduce numbness in the foot, you can perform the following therapies to reduce the symptoms: massage, mindful meditation, taking vitamin B supplements, and acupuncture. In addition, you can treat long-term foot numbness using antidepressants, corticosteroids and Gabapentin, and pregabalin.

To learn more about healthcare, enroll in one of our healthcare courses. Visit Avidity Medical Design Academy to learn more about our current course offerings. To purchase scented candles and soaps with a healthcare theme, visit Avidity Medical Scentations.

10 Things You Can Do To Improve Your *Medical* Memory Today (Part 1)

A young woman holding a book while sitting at a table and looking at a laptop while studying
Memory is a skill that is improved upon over time.

Our brains are capable of incredible things, but it doesn’t feel like it when we struggle with memory. Forgetting a name or where your put your car keys is a common annoyance most people accept as normal. However, the inability to recall certain information can harm a person’s education or career. In the medical world, it can harm lives. Here are 10 things you can do to improve your medical memory. These tips might only be used to pass an exam or recall an administrative procedure, but they could be used to save a life. 

  • Use Mnemonic Devices: A mnemonic device is an acronym, rhyme, or other cognitive hint to make memorizing things easier. You might be familiar with mnemonic devices used to memorize the musical notes on a staff or the names of the planets. FAST is a familiar medical mnemonic device to identify signs of a stroke (Face, Arm, Speech, Time).
  • Try Using Visualization: Creating a mental picture of a space can also improve memory, especially when it comes to memorizing chronological or sequential items. Choose a space that is familiar, and visualize those items in that space as you walk through the room. Recall that space and the items when needed to improve recollection. 
  • Repeat Often: There are reasons many of us had to memorize simple addition or multiplication tables. Repetition helps to cement memories. It takes time and isn’t always the most efficient way to recall items, but it works. 
  • Apply What You LearnYou may have studied for hours, but remembering how to actually do something sometimes requires experience. This rings true even for medical coding or administrative tasks that are less experiential and more data-driven. Once you use information, your brain prioritizes it as worthy of remembering. 
  • Practice Using Your Memory in Different SituationsIf you look at the winners of memory championships, they are never first-time contestants. This is because remembering things does not rely solely on natural ability. It is a skill that is improved upon over time. 
  • Enhance Your Auxiliary KnowledgeWhen you are new to a subject, information seems overwhelming and out-of-reach. While it is crucial to focus on the fundamentals when learning, some auxiliary knowledge can spark interest and create relevance. When it comes to medical memory, case studies can enhance auxiliary knowledge. 
  • Use Your SensesMany people say smell is strongly correlated with memory, and most people anecdotally agree with this thought. Anything that you can do to engage more senses (i.e. reading, watching, and speaking) will improve your medical memory. Take notes. Read your notes aloud. Watch lectures. It will all help. 
  • Eat a Healthy DietMany foods and beverages contain chemicals that are toxins to the brain, so eat a healthy diet. Drink lots of water. Your gut feeds your mind, so a healthy diet will improve memory. 
  • Get a Good Night’s Sleep: If you don’t get enough sleep, your neurons won’t work properly. This means your memory function will diminish. Instead of cramming the night before a test or important workday, go to bed early. You will perform better. 
  • Don’t Procrastinate: Don’t wait until the last minute to memorize something important. The stress involved in last-minute cramming limits the brain’s ability to retain information. Instead, work on memorizing information consistently. Not only will you get better at it, but you’ll have time to commit it to long-term memory. 

Improve Your Medical Memory with Additional Practice

The medical field is one filled with a ton of information, and it is impossible to remember it all. That is why you see experienced medical professionals searching through reference materials. This is not to mention the constant barrage of new information. Using the tips above, you can improve your medical memory and remember the things that are essential to do your job in a way that is efficient, correct, and safe. Follow the Avidity Medical Design Blog for more healthcare tips that you can use in everyday living. Visit Avidity Medical Design Academy to enroll in an online healthcare course to learn even more about the field.

How to Make Your Own Comfortable Hypoallergenic Mask

woman-in-profile-wearing-red-hypoallergenic-mask-during-coronavirus-pandemic

With facial coverings being mandated around the country, due to COVID-19, if you have an allergy, you want to look for facial coverings called hypoallergenic masks that can be worn comfortably and don’t cause an allergic reaction. To create your own hypoallergenic mask, all you need is a pattern, your chosen materials, and a little determination.

Here are some things you should consider if you choose to make your own hypoallergenic mask.

Hypoallergenic Mask Materials

One of the most popular materials being used in face mask coverings is cotton. Cotton is naturally hypoallergenic. The thicker the cloth, the more protection it will give you. If you are allergic to dye, don’t use printed materials to make your mask.

Another good material that you might want to consider is linen. Linen is an excellent alternative due to its natural hypoallergenic nature and antimicrobial properties. This material is commonly used in bed sheets because it can absorb more liquid than other materials before becoming damp to the touch. Linen keeps moisture away from your mouth while still being able to stand up to machine washes.

Avoid Elastics and Plastics

If you choose to use plastic elastic bands to hold your mask on, you may experience some skin irritation. Instead, try using tie backs or try making a wrap-around mask. Alternate materials for securing your mask are easy to obtain; you’ll just need a little creativity. Using the same material you used from your mask, you can create a tie to secure your mask and keep it from falling down. If you are not allergic to silk fabric, you can use ribbons to secure your mask.

To avoid strain on your ears, create a wrap-around mask that you can secure at the back of your neck with Velcro. You can use buttons and snaps also to secure your mask at the back of your neck. Use a shorter tieback also to create the same effect.

Alternative to Making a Mask

If you are not able to create their own hypoallergenic mask, there are several options available to buy them. Neoprene and surgical masks are popular for facial covers. Visit Amazon to see the different varieties of face mask that are up for sale. Be cautious when choosing your mask. Keep in mind your own allergies, and ask questions if you’re not sure about the mask you are considering buying.

Regardless of whether you choose to make your own mask, or to buy one online, don’t forget to wash your masks often to keep them clean. Remove your mask using the elastic band around your ears, or the tieback that is holding your mask on. Don’t touch your mask directly with your hands to avoid contaminating it. Make two masks if possible, so that if one needs to be washed, or is being washed, you can use the second mask as a backup while the first mask is being washed.

To stay up to date on the latest news in healthcare, pertaining to COVID-19, quarantining, face masks, and other hot topics, follow the Avidity Medical Design Blog. To take a healthcare course, visit the Avidity Medical Design Academy website.