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9 Ways To Stop Bleeding In Under A Minute

October 23, 2015 by Power of Positivity

When an unexpected medical emergency arises, being ready to respond can make a difference in the quality of care. In the case of minor wounds, considered the on tools you have in your bathroom, kitchen, or garden to help you heal and even stop the bleeding when necessary.

Of course, it’s important to keep safety in mind when administering first aid by treating yourself or someone else. When in doubt, seek the help of a medical professional. Furthermore, remember that first aid is only the first line of defense until you can arrange medical treatment.

Here’s how to stop bleeding immediately:

Typical first aid for an open, bleeding wound is to immediately apply firm, direct pressure to the wound. If possible, apply gauze or clean fabric to the wound and apply pressure to the cloth rather than contaminating the wound with a hand or other tool that is not sterile.

It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you have the following:

Bleeding soaks through the fabric and cannot be stopped after ten minutes of firm, direct pressure
Blood squirts in pulse beats
The wound is in a major body part such as the head, neck, chest, abdomen, or groin

Here is a list of common household items that can help in a pinch:

Cayenne Pepper. Sprinkle a generous amount of powdered cayenne on an open wound to help blood clot and close the wound faster.
Geranium. An astringent styptic in the garden that helps wounds close quickly.
Salt. Rubbing salt in a wound may sound like it would make things worse. But salt can absorb blood that can help an open wound to dry, close and heal faster. Salt is a disinfectant and can pull toxins from the open wound to prevent infection.
Toothpaste. Dabbing toothpaste on a minor shaving cut has an astringent effect and can constrict blood vessels to help close the cut faster.
St. John’s Wort. This garden herb is an antiseptic and antiviral which helps heal wounds.
Witch Hazel. A natural astringent that helps stop the bleeding of minor cuts and scrapes and promotes healing by preventing infection.
Yarrow. A poultice made from the fresh leaves of Yarrow acts as an astringent to speed the closure of wounds.

Going to the kitchen or garden for herbs may not be your first instinct in a medical emergency, but with this list of natural blood clotting agents, there will be a natural, herbal remedy just a cupboard away.

In the case of a minor wound to the surface layers of the skin, where stitches are not required to close a cut, a home remedy may be helpful to help quickly stop the bleeding. Here are a few ideas for home remedies to stop bleeding.

Styptic Sticks

Men who regularly shave with a straight razor know that they are more likely to knick the skin than they would if they used a safety razor. Often they will have a styptic (also spelled stiptic) stick in their shaving kits. This styptic stick looks like a short white lip balm and is sometimes called a styptic pencil. The stick must first be wet with water and is then applied directly to a cut. It stops the bleeding by sealing the skin.

Pet groomers also traditionally carry styptic sticks for minor bleeding when a pet’s nails are clipped too close to the quick. A styptic stick is applied to the nail where the cut was made to stop bleeding and quickly close the wound. After use, rinse the stick again to rinse away any remaining blood on the pencil.

These sticks are readily available at drug stores and also in the grooming section of pet supply stores. The active ingredient in styptic sticks is alum. Alum is frequently used in pickling recipes and is sold in stores that carry pickling supplies. Do you have the powdered form of alum on hand in your kitchen? You can apply it to minor cuts in place of the styptic stick.

Botanical Herbs

The ingredients in styptic pencils can be replaced with botanical herbs that you may have on hand in your garden or kitchen. The key ingredients in botanical styptics act as astringents, which cause blood vessels to constrict, thus reducing blood flow. Some herbal styptics are also antiseptic or disinfectant by nature, which promotes healing. For these herbal remedies, wash the wound prior to applying the treatment and then wash again after bleeding has stopped prior to dressing the wound with a bandage.

Poultice

There are many common spices in our pantry that can be made into a poultice to help quickly stop a bleeding wound. To make a poultice, combine fresh or dried herbs with hot water and apply directly to the skin or place between two layers of clean cloth before applying.

After the successful treatment of the wound and once the bleeding is under control, it is important to follow up with a health professional to make sure the wound was adequately cleaned to help prevent infection and other complications down the road.

How A Single Word Creates Most Breakups

October 22, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Human beings are social creatures that thrive off of developing relationships. As such, we value the people we choose to share our lives with. As relationships mature and develop, they become more intimate and complex. Circumstances may arise that cause rifts in our relationships – with friends, family and our significant others. Indeed, it is important to minimize and mitigate these as they happen. Often times, it can be as simple as watching what you say.

Words are incredibly powerful things. Think about it: what can cause someone to be happy one moment, and then miserable the next? You guessed it: words. Many relationships have ended…ended…or become irreparably damaged, because of a slip of the tongue.

So, what are these words that we shouldn’t say? Sometimes, we don’t intend to hurt someone else by our words; this is where it gets a bit tricky.

Read these statements and conclude whether they are damaging or not:

“Sorry I didn’t reply to your calls or text messages. I’ve just been really busy.”

“That sounds like so much fun! Unfortunately, I’m busy with work.”

“I’d love to try that new place with you guys, but I’m busy with the kids.”

What do you think? On the surface, there certainly doesn’t seem to be anything wrong. After all, we all have responsibilities, so it’s safe to assume that they really are busy, right?

How Saying “I’m Busy” Devalues Your Relationships

Let’s discuss three reasons why the words “I’m busy” could leave you with fewer relationships…and three ways to address the issue better.

1. Everybody is busy

Here’s a newsflash that not really news at all: nearly every single person walking the earth is “busy.” If they’re not “busy,” they probably feel “busy.” To tell someone “I’m busy” is too quickly becoming a replacement phrase to avoid the discomfort of any kind.

After all, what is busy? You could be rushing around the office, grabbing at paperwork and spilling your coffee, or rushing inside the hotel where you’re staying on vacation. But when you think about it, these are not close to being one and the same.

To be truly “busy”, your schedule should be filled to the max with just enough time for family, food, and sleep. That’s busy. But most of us at least have some periods of downtime…downtime that we can (sometimes!) use to catch up with people who care about us and keep our relationships on good terms.

2. “Busy” is open to (often bad) interpretation

Most of us are caring individuals with good hearts, so we’ll grant some leeway to people that we care about. But when something becomes a bad habit, a consistent behavior that often leaves us hurt, then we are much less open to amicably agreeing with them.

More specifically, we’ll take “I’m busy” to a certain point…but when you’ve asked someone to meet for coffee and been denied for the tenth time, then you’re less likely to believe that they are indeed “busy”.

3. “I’m busy” often means “It’s not that important”

Balancing priorities is a difficult thing for many of us. We are so focused on careers, finances, and other things that it can make it extremely difficult to strike that ever-alluding “work/life” balance. The problem is that the words “I’m busy” do not elaborate on any of this, leading to others thinking that they’re just not that important.

In other words, “I’m busy” can lead to feelings of rejection – of them, their time, or their feelings. Of course, we don’t intend this often, but it’s not intention which is the problem here – it’s perception – the perception that the person is simply not important enough.

Although you may be tied up, there are ways to communicate more effectively and show the person that you do indeed care for them and their time.

That said, here are three tips on how to communicate better in relationships:

1. Elaborate

“I’m busy,” or a phrase to this effect, provides no specificity and is extremely vague. Of course, there are rare times when you simply must get off the phone ASAP (emergencies, an urgent meeting, etc.)

In non-emergency situations, a little more detail can go a long way. Let’s use an example to illustrate this:

“Gosh, I’d love to have your kids overnight, but I’m way too busy.”

“Unfortunately, I can’t have your kids overnight. Dave is already having people over for his Friday night poker with the boys.”

See the difference? The second statement provides reasoning, which is very important when telling someone “no”, whereas the first statement is simply a getaway phrase.

2. Arrange a time

If you are indeed busy or tuckered out from the demands placed on you, make an effort to arrange a different time. If you know that your kids need extra attention or you have an endless number of obligations, simply propose another time.

Here’s another area where an example is helpful:

“I’ve wanted to try that new restaurant! Unfortunately, I’m very busy.”

“Let’s try that new place! I can’t make this Friday night, but let’s do next Friday. I’m much more available then.”

Again, an immediate difference is felt, simply because of how the response is phrased. The first response demonstrates nothing except for that the “busy” person may want to try the new restaurant. The second response adds some enthusiasm and is proactively attempting to engage the other person, all while showing some initiative and flexibility.

It’s important to pause and emphasize the importance of effort in any relationship. Yes, we may be tied up, and our energy reserves diminished because of the demands placed on us. That said, we should remember that relationships are truly important; important enough to give some precious effort at times, even though it may be difficult.

3. Have that hard, honest conversation

If indeed you are putting off someone – not because of time constraints – then it’s important to have a conversation, as difficult as it may be.

For those of us who are non-confrontational (raises hand), this can be very (very) hard. But think of this: what does the other person deserve? Do they deserve having you continue to put them off, or do they deserve you to give it to them straight?

Regardless of the reason – lack of connection, lack of interest, etc. – it’s much easier, in the long run, to simply delay the inevitable. Time to say “Goodbye” and “Best wishes” instead of “I’m busy” over and over…and over.

Final Thoughts on Why Declaring You Are Busy Harms Relationships

You might be busy. Who isn’t? But declaring you are too involved with other stuff devalues the other person. It implies that your time is more valuable than theirs–whether you mean harm or not. Let’s sum it up with this wise quote:

“Words can inspire. And words can destroy. Choose yours well.” – Robin Sharma

What Does Your Sleep Position Say About You?

October 22, 2015 by Chris Butler

Did you know that your sleep position can reveal many things about your personality?

Sleep experts have extensively researched people’s sleep positions and how they can uncover important details about personality types. Just as much as your favorite color or car says a lot about your disposition, so does how you sleep, it turns out.

Whether you curl up in the fetal position while you sleep, turn over on your belly, or lie on your back, your sleep position can paint a pretty clear picture of who you are. Moreover, one study notes how you may move into several sleep positions in a single night.

Your Sleep Position Reveals These Things

Read on to find out what your sleep position says about you:

Log

The second most popular sleep position, people who sleep this way have their legs extended straight and their arms resting by their sides. Although this position looks uncomfortable and stiff, people who sleep this way surprisingly have the opposite personality. Log sleepers enjoy talking with all sorts of people and have an extroverted, friendly, nonchalant nature about them. They can sometimes trust people too quickly, however.

Yearner

The yearner sleep position looks very similar to the log, except that the person’s arms extend out in front of them instead of resting by their sides. Their legs are fully extended, and their body faces to the side. This can also be called the “mummy” position because it looks strikingly similar to a mummy. Sleep experts say that yearner sleepers have a very warm, open disposition but can also let their suspicions and cynicism keep them from getting too close in relationships. They take a long time to make crucial decisions, but once they have committed to a decision, they won’t change their mind under any circumstance. These folks have a mean, stubborn streak.

Soldier

Soldiers sleep on their backs, with their legs fully extended and arms lying beside them. Just like you might have expected, soldier sleepers have a very strong, tough exterior and don’t like to do too much talking. People who take this sleep position hold themselves and others to a very high standard and enjoy a structured, regimented lifestyle. They take things very seriously and expect a lot from themselves and others.

Free faller

A free faller sleeps on their stomach, with their head twisted to one side and their arms hugging the pillow. People who choose this sleep position to have an easygoing outlook on life and have a playful, open personality. They love to have fun and enjoy other people’s company and don’t like to feel tied down to anything. Many people consider them free spirits, although inside, they actually feel anxious and want stability over everything else. They can be very blunt and tactless but don’t mean any harm. They also love taking risks as much as possible but take other people’s opinions of them and their decisions to heart.

Starfish

The least popular sleep position, starfish dozers sleep on their backs, with their legs outstretched and their arms curved up by their heads. As you might guess, people who sleep this way are very open, friendly, and want to help their friends out however they can. They are very loyal, trusting people and put their friends and family above anything else. They also make very good listeners and will give you their undivided attention if you have something on your mind that you need to talk about.

Fetal

According to research, 41 percent of people sleep in the fetal position, making it the most popular sleep position. More than twice as many women as men tend to sleep this way, according to sleep specialist Chris Idzikowski, Ph.D., a director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service in London and the author of the book Learn to Sleep Well. People who sleep this way have a tough exterior but are very soft and sensitive on the inside. They have a shy disposition and tend to mull over problems and let their worries take over their lives sometimes.

We spend approximately one-third of our lives sleeping, so how we sleep plays a big role in our overall personality and outlook on life.

Final Thoughts on Having a Better Understanding of Your Sleep Position

Did your sleeping position describe you? If so, share it with your friends and family, and let them see what their sleeping position says about them!

10 Signs You Should Stop Eating Gluten Immediately

October 21, 2015 by Power of Positivity

A gluten-free nutrition plan seems to be the latest eating trend. The question remains as to whether being “gluten intolerant” is a fad or if it is a real concern in our fast-food, over-processed, sugar and wheat-laden eating habits. It’s time to cut back or stop eating gluten if you experience sensitivity.

According to the latest estimates, about 1% of the population has celiac disease, an autoimmune disease that makes it difficult to digest food, and another 10% of the population may be suffering from non-celiac gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity. While that 10% number may seem low to some, it is higher than most in the scientific community had originally thought.

Gluten is the protein found in wheat, and there is no scientific evidence to support that eliminating gluten from the diet has any benefit other than to those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. By some estimates, the sales of gluten-free products have grown by nearly 70%. That means a lot of people are eating gluten-free for non-health-related reasons.

In fact, according to a recent poll conducted by The NDP Group, 30% percent of adults said they wanted to “cut down or be free of gluten.” This is a problem since whole wheat is considered one of our primary sources of dietary fiber.

“The average American diet is deficient in fiber,” says Dr. Leffler, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. He says, “take away whole wheat and the problem gets worse.”

Ten Signs You Must Stop Eating Gluten Right Away:

So how do you know if you are one of the 10%? Well, your doctor can tell you. Before seeing your doctor, however, it might be helpful to go in with a food journal. Keep track of what you are eating and when. Specifically, pay attention to how you feel after eating certain meals. Information is essential, and the more you have, the better chance your doctor can help you find out what is going on.

1. Irregular Digestion Might Mean You Should Stop Eating Gluten

One of the most common indications of gluten intolerance is continual irregular digestion, including excessive gas, bloating, and even constipation or diarrhea.

2. Frequent Mood Changes

Frequent and severe mood changes may be seen in those people with gluten intolerance. If you are feeling depressed, anxious, or overly active, pay attention to when these frequent mood changes are happening.

3. Joint Problems

Inflammation is a common cause of aching knees and other joints. For some people, gluten can cause an increase of inflammation in the body.

4. Stop Eating Gluten if You Have Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris, also known as chicken skin, because of the raised bumps on the skin’s surface. They are caused by the inability to absorb fatty acids and vitamin A properly. This manifests itself after intestinal damage caused by constant exposure to gluten over time.

5. Severe and Constant Exhaustion

A feeling of living in a constant state of fog or tiredness where every decision seems difficult may indicate that something isn’t quite right.

6. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia are catch-all diagnoses, usually indicating the true cause of fatigue hasn’t been identified. Gluten sensitivity can play a role in fatigue and actually may be responsible.

7. Migraine and Intense Headaches Might Reveal You Must Stop Eating Gluten

There are many triggers for migraines, and one is gluten intolerance. A study suggests that for those diagnosed with gluten intolerance, eating excessive amounts of gluten can trigger intense headaches and migraines due to increased inflammation in the nervous system.

8. Autoimmune Diseases

When someone suffers from gluten intolerance yet continues to eat a gluten-rich diet, the body assumes it is under attack. As a result, various autoimmune diseases can develop including lupus, psoriasis, arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

9. Hormone Imbalances

Gluten can cause excessive inflammation in people who are sensitive to it. That inflammation taxes the adrenal glands, which cannot operate efficiently under stress. Eventually, the adrenal glands will malfunction. As a result, the body’s hormones will end up out of balance.

10. Neurological Symptoms

Again, excess inflammation in the body can cause neurological symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo, plus numbness and tingling in the extremities.

Don’t automatically assume having one or more of these symptoms means you have gluten sensitivity, because other conditions may be the cause.

It is recommended that anyone experiencing several of these symptoms see their doctor before self-diagnosing and going gluten-free. Once gluten has been removed from the diet, it becomes difficult to determine whether celiac disease or gluten intolerance is present or if other health issues may be causing the symptoms.

When People Realized What They Were Seeing At Niagara Falls, Their Jaws DROPPED

October 21, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Tourists visiting Niagara Falls in Ontario recently captured an incredibly rare weather phenomenon from the revolving restaurant at the top of the Skylon Tower above Niagara. You won’t find a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow because it doesn’t have a visible end.

Usually, only pilots enjoy views of a full circle rainbow from the skies above, but tourists took a video of the rainbow for all to see this time. Because they were so high in the air, the tourists got to look down upon the water droplets that had refracted the sunlight, which created rainbows.

Normally, people only see rainbows from the ground up, which means they only get to see half of it, as the horizon essentially blocks the other half. So, this means all rainbows form perfect circles, but only a select few get to see them in their truest form.

To see the rainbow at Niagara Falls for yourself, watch this video below:

Have you ever witnessed a full circle rainbow before? Share with us in the comments below to let your friends see this!

10 Signs Of Adrenal Fatigue

October 20, 2015 by Power of Positivity

It’s important to know adrenal fatigue is not a proven medical condition. The term describes the appearance of chronic fatigue and other symptoms caused by an over-taxed adrenal gland, usually a sign of extreme stress or emotional distress.

The adrenal glands are important because they make the hormones that keep our bodies in balance. The theory, (again, there is no scientific evidence), is that when we are experiencing high levels of stress, our body perceives itself to be under attack, and the adrenal glands may not be generating enough hormones to counteract the attack.

Adrenal fatigue is the result of our adrenal glands not working as efficiently as they could. There is a rare medical condition called Addison’s disease, which is where the adrenal glands cease to function completely.

Only 4 out of every 100,000 people have Addison’s disease, and it is diagnosed through blood tests. There is no blood test to diagnose adrenal fatigue, however, and no other way of proving the existence of low hormone production. As such, adrenal fatigue is still a theory.

That doesn’t mean that adrenal fatigue doesn’t exist, though, and it’s often suggested that someone has adrenal fatigue simply because of the symptoms they are manifesting. According to The Mayo Clinic, “Adrenal fatigue is a term applied to a collection of nonspecific symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances and digestive problems.”

Here are 10 signs of adrenal fatigue:

Do you notice any of these things?

1. Always feeling tired and never able to get enough sleep.

It is not normal to wake up feeling tired, or still feel tired after taking a nap.

2. Trouble focusing, making decisions or thinking clearly.

Something is usually going in our bodies when we walk around in a foggy state and are unable to think clearly.

3. Moodiness and overly emotional behaviors.

You should seek help if your mood swings become uncharacteristic or out of place.

4. Adrenal fatigue causes salt and sugar cravings.

Our bodies signal that it lacks something through cravings. Both salt and sweet cravings are an indication that our hormone levels may be low.

5. Muscular aches and pains.

When our bodies are under stress, we tend to hold it in our muscles, which end up resulting in achiness and tightness that continues until it is relieved.

6. Dizziness and lightheadedness from sudden movement.

When our bodies are out of balance, it takes longer to respond to changes.

7. Hormonal imbalance can stem from adrenal fatigue.

A hormonal imbalance can be manifested through excessive weight gain, insomnia or restless sleep, an increase in sweating and digestive problems.

8. A low libido.

When we are under chronic stress and experiencing low hormone production, our sex drive can be one of the first things to go.

9. An increase in menopausal or PMS symptoms.

These symptoms rely entirely on hormones, so it makes sense that a decrease in hormone production would manifest itself through more severe symptoms.

10. A decrease in the immune system.

Keep an eye out for more frequent colds, flu, and allergy-related symptoms.

Proponents of diagnosing adrenal fatigue often associate it with chronic stress. And as is evident from the lists of symptoms, you can attribute much of it to stress. When we experience normal levels of stress that tax our hormonal output, the adrenal glands can recover quickly. It’s when the stress continues over a long period and at above normal levels, that the adrenal glands begin to produce a lower level of hormones.

The general nature of the symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue makes treating it through supplements potentially dangerous because it can mask what is going on inside the body. Again from the Mayo Clinic, “Unproven remedies for so-called adrenal fatigue may leave you feeling sicker, while the real cause — such as depression or fibromyalgia — continues to take its toll.”

Treating adrenal fatigue can be as simple as addressing the sources of stress and taking a natural approach to relieving it. Before seeking supplements, try incorporating natural stress reducing activities to help get your adrenal glands back on track.

Some natural approaches to treating adrenal fatigue and relieving excess stress are:

Meditation
Taking regular walks outside
Exercise, specifically yoga
Building more downtime into the schedule
Eating whole foods and eliminating processed sugars
Staying hydrated

As is evident, the natural approach to treating adrenal fatigue is also a solid approach to living a healthier life that will promote longevity. Many in the medical community resist offering the diagnosis of adrenal fatigue since it is hard to prove. If you have several of the above symptoms, begin to implement some of the natural remedies. If the problems persist, insist on getting a real diagnosis.

The bottom line: Paying consistent attention to our overall well-being by improving our diet, sleep, physical activity levels, and stress management can lead to a holistic approach to handling many environmental induced conditions.

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