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5 Phrases Chronic Liars Use Often (and Understanding Why They Tell Lies)

August 18, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Even though everyone occasionally lies, lying isn’t generally acceptable. You may think you’re honest, but you could be lying more than you think. But many people acknowledge a difference between chronic liars and occasional fibs.

For instance, if your friend buys you lunch then asks if you enjoyed the meal, you might say yes out of politeness, even though your food was greasy and tasteless. These are called “white lies.”

One study found that 40% of adults said they lie at least once a day, usually in trivial ways.

He does not answer questions, or gives evasive answers; he speaks nonsense, rubs the great toe along the ground; and shivers; his face is discolored; he rubs the roots of his hair with his fingers. ~Description of a liar, 900 B.C.

What causes people to become liars?

Even though lying is everyone’s experience, some people lie a lot. They could even be called chronic liars. These folks lie for various reasons, such as to improve their self-esteem, to be perceived as impressive, or to be liked by others.

Studies show that certain personality types are prone to lying. People who tend to be more anxious, more manipulative, or have a specific sociability type lie more often. There are also personality disorders associated with lying. These include the following:

Narcissists: These people lie to boost their self-image and power over others.
Borderline or obsessive: This is a compulsive personality disorder.
Histrionic personality disorder: These people have an excessive attention-seeking disorder.
Antisocial personality disorder: This personality type is prone to be manipulative of other people.

What do chronic liars say?

Lying causes relational fallout. It ruins romantic relationships, frustrates co-workers, and sets a parent’s teeth on edge. But how do you know someone is lying to you? You cannot walk around with a lie detector to check your partner or teenager’s honesty. Interestingly enough, there are some everyday things liars do. These five phrases provide a good gauge for you to know who’s lying to you.

1 – Using the phrases “Honestly” & “To Tell You the Truth.”

When people lie, they often use phrases to persuade their listeners they are telling the truth. Whether it’s a conscious thing or not, this is a typical habit for chronic liars. They may say something like “Honesty” or “To tell you the truth” at the beginning of the end of their sentences as if you emphasize the truth of what they’re saying. Whether it’s your teenager trying to pull a fast one on you or a telephone salesperson offering you a good deal…be on the lookout for these words.

2 – Revealing too many details

When someone is lying to you, they often give you lots of unnecessary details to overload you with information to deflect their lies. These could be subtle clues that the person isn’t honest with you. Of course, this isn’t always the case. Some people are detail-oriented and explain things with lots of words. So, don’t assume you’re being lied to just because of many details. What could be an indicator here is that the facts seem well-rehearsed rather than off the top of their head. Details such as an exact time they did something or what color the sky was that morning could indicate that the person is embellishing the truth.

3 – “I never,” or “I always.”

No one can “always” or “never” do anything. That’s not reality. Chronic liars don’t understand this because they often use hyperbole. They may be trying to persuade you by embedding lies using “always” and “never” or words like them to emphasize what they’re saying.

Whatever the reason, it usually has the opposite effect. So, if your co-worker tells you he always finishes his work before he leaves the office, you may want to check out his story.

4 – They avoid ownership of their mistakes

Not taking responsibility for things is often a slippery slope for liars. They blame everyone else for what happened using pronouns like “he” or “she” or “they” rather than “I” statements. According to the American Psychological Association, one study found that liars need to distance themselves from situations to avoid taking responsibility for their own behavior. Other negative emotions liars use to throw you off course from realizing their responsible include

Anger, hate, frustration speech to push you away
Victimization or hurt, and disappointment as if they’re the one who has been taken advantage of.
Complain about being misunderstood or judged, indignation, and self-righteousness towards anyone who would accuse them.

Researchers developed a software program to analyze whether someone was lying in their writing. The software could detect lies 67% of the time. This was better than humans who could see being lied to only 52% of the time. It just shows that it’s tough to know if someone is lying to you.

5 – They use denials, justifications, and short answers

When a liar is asked about their story, they will deny wrongdoing automatically even before being accused. They may try to explain their behavior, even if you didn’t ask them for an explanation. Plus, they’ll use short sentence fragments that may not make any sense. Perhaps they feel guilty about lying, but this behavior is a dead give away you’re being lied to.

Five primary reasons why people lie

Perhaps you’ve realized you have fallen into a pattern of lying. It can be a subtle habit you develop over time. Here are some typical reasons why you could have fallen into a pattern of lying.

1 – To avoid punishment

According to criminal behavior expert Samantha Dewitt, deflecting blame is a big motivation to lie. It doesn’t matter whether you accidentally did something or you did it on purpose. You are still motivated to avoid getting punished. If you are worried about being punished, it may be time to step back and evaluate why this is happening if you tell the truth. Are you in an abusive relationship? Are you afraid at work? Whatever the reason, seek help from a counselor, pastor, or a good friend to talk to about it. Break free from living in fear.

2 – For a reward

The motivation to get something you want is so strong you are willing to lie to get it. For instance, you lie on your resume to get the job you really want, even though there’s a good chance you could be found out. This is self-defeating. This behavior could hurt you if you keep doing it. Seek out counseling to help you break free from this type of self-harm.

3 – To be popular

One study explains that peer pressure motivates people to lie.

Do you create stories to get people to like you? For example, you may claim to have visited several countries when you’ve never traveled. You may be suffering from low self-esteem. Don’t sell yourself short. You are a worthwhile person just the way you are without needing other’s approval of you.

4 – To protect someone else

You may lie to protect yourself, but perhaps you are lying to protect others from getting punished. You may be lying to protect your family, friends, or coworkers. If this is the case, find ways to help these people without needing to lie for them. It could be that they are manipulating you to lie for you. Suppose this is the case. Distance yourself from this type of relationship. Find out friends who don’t require you to lie for them.

5 – To protect yourself from physical abuse

You may lie to protect yourself from a partner or a co-worker. This is understandable. If you’re in an abusive relationship, seek help immediately.

Final Thoughts on Unmasking a Chronic Liar

It’s difficult to determine if someone is lying to you. One rule of caution is to be sure not to judge people but to get to know them before deciding they’re lying to you. Ask them lots of questions and look for inconsistencies in what they’re saying to you. If they are co-operative with you and want to help you understand what they’re saying, that indicates they’re telling you the truth.

Look for common phrases like saying “always” or giving lots of details in a rehearsed kind of way. Also, look for other indications of lying, such as not looking at your eyes, overly nervous movements, or headshaking at the wrong time.

What if you’re a chronic liar? If you find yourself falling into a habit of telling lies, you may want to evaluate why you engage in this behavior. If you’re in an abusive relationship or protecting someone manipulating you to lie, get help immediately.

Schizophrenia Found to Actually Be These 8 Genetic Disorders

August 18, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental health disorder that affects more than 1% of the American population, or one in every 100 individuals between the ages of 16 to 30. Its’ symptoms include paranoid delusions, agitation, hallucinations, and dysfunctional thought processing. Until recently, schizophrenia was thought to be a single disease. However, scientists have found new evidence that suggests otherwise.

Schizophrenia Found to Actually Be These 8 Genetic Disorders

In research documented in 2014 at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, schizophrenia has been linked to a group of eight genetic disorders with their own set of symptoms. C. Robert Cloninger, MD, PhD, one of the study’s senior investigators, shares, “Genes don’t operate by themselves. They function in concert much like an orchestra, and to understand how they’re working, you have to know not just who the members of the orchestra are but how they interact.”

Commenting on their findings, co-investigator Dr. Dragan Svrakic, a professor of psychiatry at the university, says: “In the past, scientists had been looking for associations between individual genes and schizophrenia. When one study would identify an association, no one else could replicate it. What was missing was the idea that these genes don’t act independently. They work in concert to disrupt the brain’s structure and function, and that results in the illness.”

Facts about schizophrenia in the US:

Schizophrenia is one the leading causes of disability in the US.
Approximately 75% of people who develop schizophrenia are between the ages of 16 and 25
Past research has indicated that 25% of people with schizophrenia recover completely
25% have symptoms that do not improve over time,
50% have symptoms than improve over a 10-year period.

Up until this research was conducted, about 80% of the risk factor for schizophrenia was known to be inherited. The recent study and research with more than 4,200 people identified distinct gene clusters that contributed to the eight different classes of this disease. The researchers looked at almost 700,000 areas of the genome that showed the variation occurring in a single unit of DNA. This variation is known as a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).

“By comparing the SNPs of schizophrenic individuals with those of healthy controls, the team was able to identify the genetic variations linked to schizophrenia. Individuals with schizophrenia were divided into groups based on the type and severity of their symptoms. The team looked at how the genetic variations interacted with each other to produce specific symptoms of the disorder.”

Ultimately, the researchers discovered that eight distinct forms of genetically based schizophrenia currently exist, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Researchers began to match symptoms with people’s unique genetic features to create genetic profiles. The results showed that, based on the genetic profiles, people are more susceptible to developing schizophrenia in their lives. As per the university’s findings, some patients who have hallucinations were matched to a distinct genetic feature with other symptoms. These specific genetic variations concluded a 95% certainty in the disease. For example, they found that disorganized speech and behavior were associated with a set of DNA variation that carried a 100% risk for schizophrenia.

Unfortunately, most of the variables regarding schizophrenia have not been explained. However, Dr. Cloninger said, “What we’ve done here, after a decade of frustration in the field of psychiatric genetics, is identify the way genes interact with each other, how the ‘orchestra’ is either harmonious and leads to health, or disorganized in ways that lead to distinct classes of schizophrenia.”

The team of researchers also believes that by studying how these genes interact, they can start to uncover new information about other common disorders, such as heart disease and diabetes. Even though the exact mutations that cause schizophrenia are not yet pinpointed, there is hope for the future of the illness. Genetic research continues in the regions of the brain so that schizophrenia can be cured, as it robs millions of individuals from having a mentally healthy life.

Treatments for the disease have not changed, or advanced, in over 50 years since the discovery of drugs that reduce the activity of the chemical messenger called dopamine. After this recent discovery, these drugs are being targeted for further investigation, since the findings are based in areas of genetic variations.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

10 Health Symptoms Men Should Never Ignore

August 17, 2016 by Power of Positivity

We men are notoriously reluctant to go to the doctor. It probably stems from our aversion to admitting weakness to other men. Men are raised to be strong, dependable and tough. We are used to people leaning on us, not the other way around. When it comes to our bodies, though, we should pay attention to any symptoms and get them checked out if they become a problem.

Here are 10 health symptoms men should never ignore:

1. Stress

Chronic stress can cause mental health issues like depression, insomnia and anger management issues. But, it can also be a contributing factor to biological issues like heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Try to set aside time for yourself to relieve stress, whether it is a hard workout or relaxing with friends and family.

2. Erectile dysfunction

Men are pretty sensitive when it comes to the family jewels, the twig and berries, junk, or manhood. We define ourselves by it. So, when it isn’t working right, we don’t want to advertise it. It is a secret source of shame, but it might also be a sign of an underlying condition. Cardiovascular disease, or Arteriosclerosis, could cause reduced blood flow to the smaller blood vessels in the penis and inhibit the ability to get an erection. If you are having trouble getting or keeping an erection, then go see a doctor and have some bloodwork done just to be on the safe side. If anything, it just may be stress, but get it checked out anyway. Based on the results, your doctor should be able to recommend a suitable ed treatment.

3. Lumps on testicles

In order to keep your health intact, you should check your testicles regularly for any lumps. The testicles should be smooth, so if you find any abnormalities, you should get them checked. It could be something like a cyst or fluid buildup, but it could also be testicular cancer.

4. Difficulty urinating or urinating often

If you are getting up in the middle of the night to urinate only to have either nothing come out or dribbling before you get there, then you might have an issue with your prostate. The prostate produces the fluid your sperm swim around in and sits right under your bladder near the tube (Urethra) that goes from the bladder to your penis. When the prostate is inflamed or swollen, it puts pressure on the bladder (making you feel like you have to pee) or pinches the urethra (making it hard to pee even when you have to). Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer in men, and you should be getting it checked every year over the age of forty.

5. Persistent cough

A cough from a cold or flu should only last a week or so, but if it lasts for three weeks or longer, then it could be a sign of a persistent lung infection, COPD or lung cancer. Smoking increases your chance of having some, or all, of these issues, but you can still get them even if you don’t smoke. If your cough lasts for more than three weeks, then go get it checked out.

6. Changes in stool

If you have long term diarrhea or constipation (and haven’t changed your diet), or notice your stool is very dark (black), then you need to see a doctor. Colon cancer is another leading cause of death among men and can cause changes in your stool or ability to have a good bowel movement. If your stool is dark, almost black, then that is a sign of bleeding near your stomach or small intestine. So if you notice changes, then go see a doctor.

7. Large moles

Everybody has a mole or two, but if you notice new moles forming on areas of skin that get a lot of sun (like your arms and face), then get them checked out by a dermatologist.

8. Bloody urine

Blood in the urine can be a sign of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer often stems from smoking. That’s because the chemicals in cigarettes enter the bloodstream, damaging the bladder cells over many years. Other signs of bladder cancer can be abdominal pain, weight loss for no reason, lower back pain and frequent or recurring bladder infections. See your doctor immediately if you have blood in your urine.

9. Pain in your big toe

Pain in the big toe can be an early sign of gout. Gout happens when your body is not eliminating all of the uric acid. Uric acid builds up and forms tiny crystals of sodium urate in and around joints. These crystals eventually build up into hard lumps of crystal in and around joints causing those joints to be stiff and painful. In men, symptoms usually begin after the age of 30.

10. Lumps near the nipples

Lumps are never a good thing, and while women have had a very successful campaign to make women aware of breast cancer, there is no campaign for men. Yes, men can and do get breast cancer. So, call the doctor and schedule an exam if you feel a lump near your nipples or in your pecs.

The bottom line is that if something feels wrong in your body, put any stubbornness aside and see the physician.

11 Signs A Deceased Loved One Is Nearby

August 16, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Do you ever feel a presence near you but don’t see anyone around? While it might seem a bit spooky or unsettling, don’t fear. Feeling someone nearby without being able to see them might mean a deceased loved one wants to pay you a visit, if only to say hello and ease your mind. They might want to dispel any fears you might have about their well-being; they want to reassure you and let you know they’re okay.

The spirit world can try to get your attention in many ways, but the following eleven are some of the most common signs that your loved one wants to contact you.

11 Signs A Deceased Loved One Is Nearby

1. You have powerful visions while meditating.

The spirit world can convey messages to us in many ways, but most commonly, they talk to us when we silence our minds. Those voices that pop into your head during meditation can easily come from a deceased loved one, so pay careful attention during your meditation sessions or other quiet times. You might also get visions from them while meditating; maybe you see them doing one of their favorite activities, or even sitting down on the couch chatting with you.

“The spirit world is able to get through to you easily when your mind is still and clear. Meditation is often referred to as ‘sitting in the silence. Whenever you want to reach Spirit from this side of life, start by sitting in the silence.” ~ James Van Praagh

2. Your senses seem more intense.

Spirits communicate through smell, touch, taste, vision, and sound. If you smell a perfume that your loved one used to wear, for instance, they might have come to pay you a visit. You might also see them manifest before your eyes, or hear their voice calling to you. You might also feel them brush up against your skin; the room may feel suddenly cold, like a draft from an open door or window. Finally, maybe you have a taste in your mouth from food that they used to love cooking. All of these signs point to a presence with you.

3. Electronics suddenly malfunction.

A spirit may use electronics in order to communicate with you, as many of these provide excellent mediums for them to do so. For example, if you have a radio in your room, they might use one of the frequencies to try to talk with you. You’ve probably seen this happen in scary movies before, and many people have attested to this happening in real life. However, your loved one doesn’t want to scare you; they just want to find an easy way to get through to you in the Earthly realm.

“Remember that although bodies may pass away, the energy that connects you to a loved one is everlasting and can always be felt when you’re open to receiving it.” ~ Doreen Virtue

4. You feel them in the room.

You can’t explain it, but you just feel something with you that you didn’t feel before. The room just seems different, like someone you can’t see is in your presence. Instead of feeling afraid, however, you feel comforted, loved, and reassured.

5. You get goosebumps.

You might get chills on your body during an encounter with your loved one. This happens due to their colder temperature, so if you feel the room suddenly get chilly, then you might have a deceased loved one nearby.

6. Everything feels surreal.

You might feel a bit disconnected from reality, like you’ve entered another dimension. Your loved one came from a different dimension after all, so maybe you have been temporarily transported to their current reality. You might have an out-of-body experience, as the energetic vibration from their spirit affects your frequency. Looking back on it, you may have only glimpses of the experience in your head, and not be able to account for certain time periods.

7. You awaken feeling peaceful and refreshed.

You might wake up feeling totally well-rested, even if you normally don’t sleep well. Your loved one may have come to you in a dream, wishing for you to get better sleep, and sent you this gift as a way of looking out for you.

A review of 20 after-death communications found that people who had an encounter with the deceased felt more able to cope with the grief. This may have happened because people felt reassured by the experience, as it supported their spiritual beliefs.

8. You’ve had dreams about them recently.

Maybe you recall dreams you’ve had about your deceased loved one; this may mean they want to communicate with you. They might very well be nearby if you keep having dreams about them.

9. You think about them more often.

Even though your deceased loved one passed away years ago, you think about them frequently. If this sounds like what you’ve been experiencing, then they may have returned for a visit with you. Don’t discount your thoughts; they mean a lot more than you’d think, especially in regards to our deceased loved ones.

10. You feel watched by someone.

We can feel someone in the room with us, even if we can’t see them. If you feel as though you’re being watched, this might be your deceased loved one looking out for you.

11. You have a sense of comfort.

If you suddenly feel comforted and safe, but can’t explain why, then look to the spiritual world for the answer. Our deceased loved ones want us to feel protected, loved, and looked after, so they will come to visit us when we need the support. If you’ve been struggling lately but suddenly feel comforted and supported, you might have a deceased loved one nearby.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

The One Most Probable Place To Find Your Soulmate

August 16, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Anytime people spend a great part of their lives together, there is a huge probability of falling in love. When you are with someone for long periods of time, familiarity, comfort, and acceptance become part of that relationship.

The most common place to find your soulmate is not at the supermarket, in your apartment building, or at a bar. And no, it’s not even on an Internet dating site.

The One Most Probable Place To Find Your Soulmate

The most probable place to find that one special person is in your workplace because it is there that you spend more time participating in something that is important to you. Our jobs, in most cases, become our livelihood.

There are many components to why we fall in love with someone we work with every day. We look for partners who share the same similar goals. When we meet someone at work, they understand the ins and outs of our daily struggles to succeed. This person gets it. They are witnessing the duties and what it all entails. Most people who are in relationships and do not work together can’t relate to their partner’s challenges at work.

Stress is a common bonding element in relationships at work. They count on others at the workplace to understand and support each other. Someone who doesn’t work with you may empathize with your stories, but they don’t know firsthand what you go through. However, someone who is in the same environment acknowledges and accepts all aspects of your day.

Another reason that people fall in love and find their soulmates at work is that they have similar interests. For example, someone in the fashion business understands the ups and downs of fashion. Another couple working in a magazine can relate to the fast pace and ever-constant changes of last-minute details. These people have a common root that they don’t have to explain at the end of the day.

Working side by side in any office allows you to see people in many forms. Whereas, if you are meeting online, you get to see what that person wants you to see, oftentimes, not the real person. Co-workers share countless hours a year participating in projects, obstacles, and deadlines. Also, with a co-worker, you get to be who you are in the rawest of forms. You partake in lunchtime talks, walks, and the hustle and bustle of daily life. The close proximity adds to the intensity of nurturing love.

There is also the possibility of finding your soulmate at work while you are still married, or in a committed relationship. You begin to see the things that are missing in your life outside of work. This person understands what you go through on a daily basis and admires your commitment to getting things done. In many cases, your co-worker is seeing you looking your best. You begin to confide in that person. You create a close-knit relationship that starts to overlap with your home life. Most soulmates come into your life with powerful life lessons that mirror your own. It’s no wonder we may meet them at our place of business.

Dr. Tina Tessina shares her insight on why we fall in love with a co-worker:

“Research shows that the workplace is where the majority of couples meet. There’s a reason for this: Unlike online dating, newspaper ads, singles events, and speed dating, the office gives you a chance to actually get to know and even bond with a person before declaring your interest. Working side by side with someone daily, seeing him or her under pressure, commiserating over problems and congratulating over wins gives you a portrait of the person on the inside as well as the outside.

Because it’s the inside that matters in a love relationship (despite all the media focus on the external) love can grow without either party really being aware of it. The couple develops a relationship “infrastructure” in an organic, natural fashion, as opposed to forcing it. These relationships often last a long time, because they’re reality-based. Unfortunately, the same ingredients can make office connections tempting even to the married, which is the downside of the issue.”

Having a relationship with a co-worker has its highlights and disastrous points. If the relationship doesn’t work out, you still have to see them at work each day. There may be a power struggle in play. There could also be jealousy and other emotional attachments. However, if you find your soulmate while tending to your professional life, don’t dismiss the opportunity to follow through with this once-in-a-lifetime love affair. (That’s if you are not already in a healthy relationship).
There is a difference between a flirtatious lustful affair and a serious-ever-changing love union. You might not get a second chance to connect with someone that deeply who is truly your soul counterpart. You can always find another job, but a soulmate is difficult to encounter. Take this chance to dive into the depth of love and make it work (no pun intended).

6 Signs Of A Stroke People Often Ignore

August 16, 2016 by Power of Positivity

A stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain either becomes blocked (Ischemic) or begins bleeding (Hemorrhagic). Each type of stroke can cause severe damage to the brain and even death.

Stroke is ranked fifth as a cause of death in the United States. It is also very preventable with exercise, watching your salt intake, and keeping your weight healthy. A stroke can happen to anyone at any time. Even if it doesn’t kill you, it might cause severe physical and mental damage like paralysis, difficulty thinking or understanding others, and blindness.

Seven Lifestyle Factors That May Increase the Chances of Having a Stroke

Before diving into the signs of a stroke, let’s review some factors that increase the odds of having one.

1 – Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

High blood pressure is one of the most significant lifestyle factors that increase the risk of stroke. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can damage the walls of the blood vessels, making them more prone to blockages or ruptures. Over time, this can lead to a stroke. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure is the most significant controllable risk factor for stroke. Individuals should work to keep their blood pressure within a healthy range to lower the risk. This can be achieved through regular exercise, a healthy diet, and medication if necessary.

2 – Smoking

Another lifestyle factor that can increase the risk of stroke is smoking. Smoking damages the blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots, which can lead to a stroke. Smoking can also worsen other risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of stroke and other severe health conditions.

3 – A Sedentary Lifestyle

Physical inactivity is also a significant risk factor. Regular exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing blood pressure, and improving cardiovascular health. Physically inactive individuals are more likely to be overweight or obese, which can increase the risk of stroke. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly to reduce the risk of stroke and other health conditions.

4 – An Unhealthy Diet

A poor diet can also increase the risk of stroke. A diet high in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium can contribute to high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, both risk factors for stroke. Additionally, a diet low in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutrient-dense foods can lead to obesity and other health conditions that increase the risk of stroke. Individuals should eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to reduce their chance of stroke, as well as type two diabetes and cardiac arrest.

5 – Overindulging in Alcoholic Beverages

Excessive alcohol consumption is another lifestyle factor that can increase the risk of stroke. Heavy drinking can raise blood pressure and contribute to developing other health conditions, such as liver disease and obesity, which increase the risk of stroke. To reduce the risk of stroke, individuals should limit their alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day.

6 – Stress

Stress can also contribute to the risk of stroke. Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, contribute to unhealthy lifestyle choices, and lead to the development of other health conditions that increase the risk of stroke. To reduce the risk of stroke, individuals should learn healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques.

7 – Sleep Apnea

Finally, sleep apnea is a risk factor for stroke that people often overlook. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep, leading to a drop in oxygen levels and increased blood pressure. Over time, this can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke. Individuals who snore loudly, wake up gasping for air, or experience excessive daytime sleepiness should talk to their doctor about getting tested for sleep apnea.

Six Often Ignored Signs of a Stroke

Unfortunately, the signs of a stroke can often masquerade as other things we might dismiss. Here are six signs of a stroke people often ignore:

1. Fatigue

The body is a delicate balance of water, chemicals, and hormones. When that balance is disrupted, it can cause the sudden onset of symptoms like fatigue. Your brain manages the system in your body that regulates hormones (endocrine system). So when a stroke occurs, your brain is damaged by a lack or total loss of blood to the affected area. When this happens, it can result in sudden and severe fatigue or lack of energy.

It will happen without warning, without logical explanation (such as hard work). So if you find yourself suddenly exhausted and lethargic for no good reason, you should see a doctor. That’s because it may be a sign of a stroke or another issue.

2. Vision Problems in One Eye

The brain is divided into two sides, each of which controls or is responsible for the opposite side of your body. When the brain is affected by a stroke, it can cause problems in one eye. Because both eyes need to be focused on the same point in space together to have normal vision, if one eye is off because of the stroke, it will result in double vision since both eyes are no longer working together perfectly.

It might be easy to dismiss this as just being tired, reading too much, watching too much TV or working on the computer too much. A change in vision to just one eye could definitely be sign of a stroke or other serious medical issue. So you should see a physician immediately.

3. Numbness or Weakness in One Arm

Like the double vision above, a stroke will affect just one side of the body depending on where the blockage or bleeding is happening inside the brain. A sudden weakness or numbness in one arm or leg that doesn’t go away in a few minutes is a sign of stroke.

That would be easy to dismiss if you just woke up from a nap and your arm was numb. But if it persists for over a few minutes, it is a sign of something more serious and could be a stroke.

4. Slurred Speech and Dizziness

When one side of the brain is affected, it interferes with balance and speech. This could be easy to dismiss if you have been drinking even a little. But if it persists for more than an hour or so after your last drink, it might be a sign of something more serious. If one side of your mouth droops or you are having trouble speaking, it could mean that the part of your brain responsible for speech or the cranial nerves responsible for facial muscles could suffer from a lack of blood due to a stroke.

Your inner ear is responsible for balance, and blood loss to a portion of the brain that interprets those signals could lead to severe dizziness or vertigo. If you don’t suffer from vertigo and sudden and severe dizziness or difficulty speaking, go see a doctor.

5. Difficulty Thinking

A stroke means that a part of your brain is starved of oxygen. Thus, it can cause you to be unable to focus or think straight. If you have difficulty expressing yourself, can’t find the words for what you want to say, or don’t understand what others are saying, you could be in the middle of a stroke.

6. Bad Headache or Migraine

During a stroke involving a blockage, you might not feel anything in some cases. However, though most people who have had this incident report it painless, strokes involving internal bleeding may cause migraines. A sudden splitting headache or a migraine in a person who does not have a history of migraines might be a sign of a stroke.

It would be best to have it checked out by a physician.

The American Stroke Association uses the acronym FAST to determine whether you should seek help for a stroke. It stands for Face Drooping, Arm Numb, Speech Difficulty, Time to Call 911. If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately. Seconds count when it comes to a stroke. Wait too long and you could suffer from long-term brain damage, speech impairment, paralysis and vision issues.

Final Thoughts on Knowing the Signs of a Stroke and Healthy Changes You Might Make to Prevent Them

Several lifestyle factors can increase the risk of stroke, including high blood pressure, smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, stress, and sleep apnea. Individuals can reduce risk and protect their health by understanding these risk factors. Additionally, it is worth knowing the signs of this emergency, as you might easily overlook them with dire consequences. Now that you know, it’s time to make healthy lifestyle choices and take good care of your body.

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What causes people to become liars?

What do chronic liars say?

1 – Using the phrases “Honestly” & “To Tell You the Truth.”

2 – Revealing too many details

3 – “I never,” or “I always.”

4 – They avoid ownership of their mistakes

5 – They use denials, justifications, and short answers

Five primary reasons why people lie

1 – To avoid punishment

2 – For a reward

3 – To be popular

4 – To protect someone else

5 – To protect yourself from physical abuse

Final Thoughts on Unmasking a Chronic Liar

Schizophrenia Found to Actually Be These 8 Genetic Disorders

Facts about schizophrenia in the US:

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Here are 10 health symptoms men should never ignore:

1. Stress

2. Erectile dysfunction

3. Lumps on testicles

4. Difficulty urinating or urinating often

5. Persistent cough

6. Changes in stool

7. Large moles

8. Bloody urine

9. Pain in your big toe

10. Lumps near the nipples

11 Signs A Deceased Loved One Is Nearby

1. You have powerful visions while meditating.

2. Your senses seem more intense.

3. Electronics suddenly malfunction.

4. You feel them in the room.

5. You get goosebumps.

6. Everything feels surreal.

7. You awaken feeling peaceful and refreshed.

8. You’ve had dreams about them recently.

9. You think about them more often.

10. You feel watched by someone.

11. You have a sense of comfort.

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The One Most Probable Place To Find Your Soulmate

Seven Lifestyle Factors That May Increase the Chances of Having a Stroke

1 – Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

2 – Smoking

3 – A Sedentary Lifestyle

4 – An Unhealthy Diet

5 – Overindulging in Alcoholic Beverages

6 – Stress

7 – Sleep Apnea

Six Often Ignored Signs of a Stroke

1. Fatigue

2. Vision Problems in One Eye

3. Numbness or Weakness in One Arm

4. Slurred Speech and Dizziness

5. Difficulty Thinking

6. Bad Headache or Migraine

Final Thoughts on Knowing the Signs of a Stroke and Healthy Changes You Might Make to Prevent Them

Editorial note 08/22/2023: Corrected attribution to American Heart Association

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