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10 Signs of Loneliness and 10 Ways to Fix It

September 19, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

Do you pretend to be happy to the outside world while loneliness causes pain behind the scenes? You may go as far as to make up fake stuff to post on social media so that people think your life is fantastic. Almost everyone will experience lonely spells. In fact, you can only understand it entirely if you experience the pain yourself.

You can tell the world that everything is great, and a good family and friends surround you, but you know you’re not at your best. It’s likely that life handed you a few blows and threw things at your front door that knocked the desire to socialize out of you. At some point, you must learn to get out and mingle again and get the life you so richly deserve.

Ten Frequent Signs of Loneliness

It’s possible that being lonely has become part of your life, and you don’t know it’s happening. You’ve hidden these feelings for so long that you think it’s normal to feel this way. If you’ve wondered what happened to the life you once had, it may be time to fight the inner demons that keep you isolated. Here are ten signs that you’re lonesome and how you can fix it.

1. You Tell People You Are Busy to Conceal the Loneliness

How often have you told someone that you’re busy but don’t have anything to do? Many folks try to make it seem to the outside world that they have a hopping social life, but the truth is you’re lonely and bored out of your mind.

How to Fix It:

Start being honest with people about your lack of things to do. Chances are you’re bored because you’re coming across to people that you have no time to do anything. People will invite you to parties and other outings when they think you have free time to go.

2. There’s No Downtime

Everyone has some downtime, but what you do with these time frames counts. You can work until you have only a few hours to sleep a day, but you’re only isolating yourself from the life you want. When you do have time off from work to sit and think, you’re spending it on how you can make others believe your life is so amazing.

How to Fix It:

You must take time for yourself and engage in self-care. According to Harvard Health, when you take time to nourish your body and soul, you will feel and function better.

Experts further state that this is an excellent way to help with physical and mental health disorders, which can be behind much of your loneliness. If you have social anxiety or paranoia, you may avoid going out at all costs.

3. Loneliness Contributes to Irregular Sleeping Habits

If you’re lonely, chances are you’re not sleeping very well. If you’ve ever dealt with a child with ADHD, you know that you must wear them out before they can fall asleep at night. The same principle applies to adults, too, whether you have a neurological disorder or not.

You need to have a full day where your body craves rest. If you lounge on the couch watching TV, you may sleep off and on during the programs and have a hard time sleeping that night.

How to Fix It:

Loneliness can cause poor sleeping habits for many reasons. If there’s depression in the mix, you may find that you sleep more than you should. However, others find they can’t get their eyes to stay shut. Becoming more active will tire your body and make rest easier.

4. You Make Things Up on Social Media

One significant indication that someone is lonely is that they will invent stories for social media. If your life isn’t interesting enough, then making up something good and juicy will make people pay attention.

This is attention-seeking behavior and can lead you down a toxic road. These stories are a cry for help from a place of loneliness, and you don’t have to live this way.

How to Fix It:

If you like making up stories to make your life seem more interesting, it’s time to get out and start living. Try to connect with people in some chat rooms in your local area. You’ll have more stuff to do when you make friends and put yourself out there.

5. You Flirt a Lot

Did you know that lonely people tend to flirt a lot? They do it for attention, as it soothes the loneliness they feel inside. There’s certainly nothing wrong with some harmless flirting, but if this isn’t your style, you may be craving attention so bad that you will stop at nothing to get it.

How to Fix It:

If people notice that your flirting has become ridiculous, it indicates something deeper is going on inside. The loneliness you feel can drive you to do acts of desperation, and sometimes these acts can get you in serious trouble. It’s time for some healthy outlets to eliminate these intense feelings.

6. You Pretend You’re Happy to Hide the Loneliness

Many folks act like everything is excellent in their world, and they would never dare tell someone how they feel on the inside. Perhaps, the greatest struggle is not being honest with yourself or others about the conditions of your life.

How to Fix It:

Loneliness can only be cured by engaging in social activities and finding your purpose. Put yourself out there and let people know you’re looking for things to do. If you keep closing yourself off from the world, they will leave you alone, thinking you are content as a party of one.

7. You Engage in Seasonal Relationships

Perhaps part of the reason why you’re so lonely is that you treat your friends like seasonal parts of your life. You only call them when you need something and don’t check in regularly. Friendships need nourishing to keep them healthy and growing, and if you’re not putting the time or effort into them, it could be why loneliness has found you.

How to Fix It:

If you want people to be in your inner circle and help you fight the feelings of being alone, you need to acknowledge their existence. While you’re sending the message to them that you’re too busy, what’s happening is that you’re too afraid to admit that there’s an issue with loneliness inside.

8. You’re Always on Your Phone When You Feel Lonely

Your phone is glued to your side, and you check your email and social messaging a hundred times daily. You’re so afraid you will miss something that you’re addicted to this device. You wait for someone to post on social media so you can read their story, and you answer emails within minutes.

How to Fix It:

To be successful in business and life, you don’t need to be on electronic devices. You might have an easier time finding the social life you want if you get off your phone and talk to people face-to-face.

9. Loneliness Often Leads to Impulse Purchases

Did you know that many people use shopping as a type of therapy? Loneliness can temporarily ease when you have a new outfit, some great kitchen gadgets, and the pair of boots you’ve been waiting to purchase. Have you heard people say they need retail therapy?

A study in 2014 by the Journal of Consumer Psychology states that there’s some truth to shopping being therapeutic. The study found that shopping does alleviate sadness and helps lonely folks as it causes a surge of dopamine in your brain. Sadly, the intense feelings are short-lived, which is why it often becomes a huge problem.

How to Fix It:

Retail therapy can be just as addicting as gambling. If you are spending money you can’t afford or running up debt to make yourself feel better, you need to get help. A therapist can help you find social activities in your area and explore why you’re so lonely at this stage.

10. Messing Things Up is a Habit

You can be surrounded by people and still feel all alone. Part of the issue with the lonely crowd is that they tend to mess things up frequently. Maybe you engage in self-sabotaging relationships as you can’t imagine those good things will happen to you.

How to Fix It:

You need to seek counseling to see why you’re self-sabotaging good relationships. You may have paranoia and relationship anxiety, so you need to find coping skills for these flaws.

Final Thoughts on Identifying Loneliness and How to Overcome the Lonely Feelings

If you feel lonesome, you may be dealing with something more profound. Many mental illnesses like anxiety and depression cause you to isolate and close the world off from around you. It’s not healthy to remain alone when there are people that will love and support you.

While it’s okay to spend time alone to process things that happen to you, you must remember that you can’t lock yourself away forever. It will only worsen things if you’re in denial about the situation. The sooner you admit that you have a problem and are lonesome, the quicker you can get help and resolve the core issues.

10 Daily Stretches to Help Fix Back and Neck Pain

September 19, 2022 by Chris Butler

If you experience back or neck pain, you know it is some of the worst agony possible. Doing everyday things like vacuuming or doing the dishes can be overwhelming when your body is so uncomfortable. Thankfully, you don’t have to take this pain sitting down. Pain relief might be as easy as mastering a few daily stretches.

You can do many exercises to strengthen your spine and muscles and reduce the aching you experience. Neck and spinal pain can happen to anyone. Even infants and children are not immune. Here are some of the most common causes of this common ailment.

Age
Excess body weight
Weak or unused muscles
Genetics
Abnormalities
Degenerative diseases
Arthritic conditions

If you live with this intense pain, you may feel like you’re all alone. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, back and neck pain is the most common cause of disability in this country. Additionally, it’s the most common reason that people seek medical help. Since it’s a common problem, you need to know how to get relief to sleep, work, and go about your life.

You can never be too careful when it comes to your back. Doing things like lifting inappropriately or too heavy can cause strain. However, spinal and neck pain is often unavoidable, even if you’re careful.

Some think ice or heat is the answer, while others turn to rest as a solution. However, exercising is one of the best ways to relieve pain. Even a mild workout can help to strengthen those muscles and keep everything in its proper place.

Stretches for Back and Neck Pain

Are you tired of dealing with tired and achy joints and muscles? Doing chores at home and work is a total nightmare. Here are ten stretches you can try to help alleviate pain while offering more strength and flexibility.

1. Cat-Cow

Yoga poses are ideal for relaxing and relieving pain in your muscles, joints, and bones. Both classic positions work your spine and surrounding muscles. They’ll also be helpful if you have neck pain.

How To Do the Cat-Cow Pose to Relieve Neck Pain:

The starting stance is on all fours on your mat, with your neck in a neutral position.
Align your knees directly under your hips with your palms lined up under your shoulders.
As you inhale through your nostrils, pull behind in an arch to the center of your spine, like a cat.
Pull your tummy toward your spine and allow your head to droop and relax.
Hold this position for three to five breaths.
Next, exhale slowly through your lips and return to the starting position.
Go into the cow position by turning your face toward the ceiling.
Sink your belly slowly toward the mat, so your middle back is concave. Hold this pose for three to five breaths.
Finally, return to the starting position. This completes one set, and your goal is at least five repetitions.

2. Arm Circles

Have you ever noticed that you often have neck pain when your shoulders are tense? These gentle arm circles help release the tension and ease the pain in your neck and upper back. Some people also call this exercise “airplanes.”

How To Perform Arm Circles:

Stand comfortably on your mat with your arms stretched straight out from both sides, palms facing downward.
Gently move your arms forward, making small circles and gradually bigger ones. Breathe deeply as you are moving and feel the muscles relaxing.
Do these circles for fifteen to twenty breaths.
Now, repeat the steps in the opposite direction for another twenty breaths.

3. Shoulder Roll

Here’s another simple exercise that can ease neck pain. You can even do these while seated at home at your desk. Do these rolls whenever you feel the tension in your neck or upper spine.

How To Do a Shoulder Roll for Neck Pain Relief:

Stand straight with your arms relaxed at your sides. You can use a chair for comfort while doing this neck exercise.
Gently raise your shoulders and roll them backward five to ten times in a circle.
Then, repeat the steps and roll them forward five to ten times.
Try to do at least two to three sets, each going frontward and backward.

4. Neck roll

An article published by John Hopkins Medicine explains that neck pain is expected because of your neck’s location and range of motion. Doing these neck rolls periodically can alleviate aches and stiffness. They can also keep your neck and upper back limber to prevent pain.

How To Do the Neck Roll Correctly:

Stand comfortably or sit with your spine straight and facing forward.
Gently tilt your neck toward your right shoulder. You’ll feel a stretch in your neck and across your left shoulder.
Hold this position for two breaths, then slowly roll your head counterclockwise.
When your head reaches your left shoulder, hold for another two breaths.
Continue circling your head until you return to the starting position.
Repeat the steps toward your left side and roll your head clockwise. This completes one set.
Your goal is to do two to three repetitions.

5. Overhead Arm Reach

Spinal and neck pain often radiates in your arms and hands. This sitting exercise benefits your arms as well as your upper body. If you prefer, you can also do it standing.

How To:

Sit in a comfortable chair with your feet on the floor, or stand in a neutral position.
Stretch your left arm over your head and reach toward the right.
Twist your torso gently until you feel a stretch in your left side and shoulder.
Hold for two to three breaths and return to the starting position.
Repeat the same steps for your right shoulder.
Try to do at least five repetitions.

6. Knee to Chest Lift

When you have pain in your middle and lower back, it makes sitting or standing difficult. Try this exercise that helps align your spine and relax those aching muscles.

How To Perform a Knee to Chest Lift for Pain Relief:

Lie comfortably on your mat face up. If needed, you can use a small cushion under your hips.
Bend your right leg, raise it toward your chest, and hold for five breaths.
Release and return to the starting position.
Now, repeat the steps with your left leg.
See if you can do at least three to five repetitions.

7. Shoulder Blade Squeeze

Do you often feel the tension between your shoulder blades when stressed? Here’s a simple exercise to ease tension and relax your shoulders and upper spine. You can do these standing or sitting whenever you feel that familiar pain.

How To Relieve Neck Pain With the Shoulder Blade Squeeze:

Stand or sit comfortably with both arms at your sides.
Gently squeeze your shoulder blades together, hold for five breaths, and release.
Repeat the steps three to five times.

8. Snow Angel

Remember lying in the snow as a kid and making snow angels? The same movements can strengthen your muscles and soothe the pain. If you want, you can do these movements while leaning flat against a wall.

How To Do the Snow Angel Exercise:

Lie flat on your mat or stand with your spine flat against a wall.
Stretch your arms into a “T” shape and bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle.
Slowly and gently move both arms up and down above your head as if you’re making a snow angel.
Try to keep your body flat against the mat or wall.
Continue the motions for fifteen to twenty breaths.

9. Superhero

Since you have so many responsibilities with family and work, you’re already a superhero. However, superheroes sometimes overwork their bodies and battle painful muscles and joints. This classic exercise can be your superpower.

How To Take Superhero Power to New Heights to Beat Neck Pain:

Lie comfortably on your stomach and stretch your arms and legs above your head, keeping your neck relaxed.
Use your glutes and back muscles to do the lifting.
Hold the position for one to two breaths, then return to the starting position. Your goal is at least ten repetitions.

10. Butterfly

The butterfly is another easy exercise that can relieve shoulder and neck pain. You’ll feel the pleasant stretching throughout muscles in your upper body. They are especially beneficial if you do a lot of lifting or carrying things.

How To Do the Butterfly:

Stand or sit comfortably and place your right palm on your left shoulder.
Cross your left arm over and place your left palm on your right shoulder.
Bring your elbows together until they touch or get as close as you can without pain.
Hold this position for ten to twenty breaths, then release it to the starting position.
Repeat this sequence three to five times.

Final Thoughts on Back and Neck Pain

These stretching exercises aim to minimize your pain, not worsen it. If you feel any pain while doing these, stop immediately. You can also consult a certified fitness expert for exercises tailored to your needs.

It’s exasperating to spend a day with spine or neck pain. Consider trying these helpful exercises or adding them to your usual fitness routine. They can make your muscles and joints more robust, more flexible, and provide a reasonable measure of pain relief.

Study Explains the Likely Cause of Mental Exhaustion

September 19, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Many people today suffer from mental exhaustion due to the mounting pressures of modern life. Manual labor can drain your energy from physical exertion, but what about complex cognitive tasks? Thinking for hours can make you feel as much fatigue as running a marathon.

Researchers have found new evidence to explain why thinking causes mental exhaustion. And they also discovered that intense concentration leaves less brain power for making decisions.

For instance, you may opt for a microwave dinner instead of cooking after a long day after you come home from work. Since you have limited energy, your mind naturally gravitates towards the easiest option.

The research reported in Current Biology delves deeper into why people feel mental exhaustion after periods of intense focus. Researchers found that several hours of intense cognitive labor causes a buildup of toxic byproducts in the prefrontal cortex. This accumulation of toxins can inhibit your decision-making skills, making you choose low-cost actions that require little effort.

“Influential theories suggested that fatigue is a sort of illusion cooked up by the brain to make us stop whatever we are doing and turn to a more gratifying activity,” says Mathias Pessiglione of Pitié-Salpêtrière University in Paris, France.

“But our findings show that cognitive work results in a true functional alteration — accumulation of noxious substances — so fatigue would indeed be a signal that makes us stop working but for a different purpose: to preserve the integrity of brain functioning.”

Pessiglione and his colleagues wanted to understand the mechanisms causing mental exhaustion. While the brain resembles a highly complex machine, it cannot compute endlessly like a machine.

So, researchers wanted to find out why the brain has limited thinking capacity. They hypothesized that the brain’s need to recycle potentially toxic byproducts of neural activity might explain its limitations.

Study Proves What Causes Mental Exhaustion

To prove this hypothesis, the team used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure brain chemistry throughout the workday. They analyzed two groups of people: those who had to think intensely for work and those who had comparatively undemanding mental tasks.

The team only observed obvious signs of exhaustion, such as pupil dilation, in the group doing hard mental labor. People in that group also tended to seek instant gratification after completing work.

They also showed higher glutamate levels in the brain’s prefrontal cortex synapses. Combined with prior evidence, the authors believe this supports the idea that glutamate buildup slows brain activity. In other words, toxic substances in the brain make cognition more challenging and energetically costly after a mentally demanding workday.

Could we somehow circumvent these constraints on our cognitive abilities? Unfortunately, researchers believe the brain’s computing powers have hard limits–for a good reason.

“Not really, I’m afraid,” Pessiglione said. “I would employ good old recipes: rest and sleep! There is good evidence that glutamate is eliminated from synapses during sleep.”

The authors offered additional advice on avoiding mental exhaustion. They believe that monitoring prefrontal metabolites could help identify extreme cognitive fatigue. Detecting these toxins in the brain may encourage employees to take breaks more often, thus avoiding burnout. Researchers also suggest people refrain from making critical decisions when feeling mentally exhausted.

In follow-up studies, the team hopes to discover why the prefrontal cortex seems particularly vulnerable to glutamate buildup and mental exhaustion. In addition, they want to explore further research on glutamate recovery levels during sleep or rest. Finally, they’re interested to learn whether the same fatigue markers in the brain could improve treatments for conditions like depression or cancer.

Tips on Avoiding or Limiting Mental Exhaustion or Fatigue

In our overly stressed world, more people have reported feeling burnt out than ever before. In a 2021 Indeed survey, 52% of Americans said they felt burnt out, with millennials being the most affected generation at 59%. So, what can we do to combat this ever-increasing mental exhaustion? Below, we’ll provide a few tips on improving your mental stamina.

• Protect your energy. We have endless distractions in our modern world, all demanding our attention. However, you don’t have unlimited energy, so use it wisely. You don’t have to agree to work longer hours or respond to text messages when you feel the impact of mental exhaustion. Take your power back by setting clear boundaries with yourself and others. Give yourself a time limit to catch up with friends on social media, and then give technology a break. Our brains need rest, especially in our “always on” society.

• Avoid multitasking. Did you know that our brains can’t multitask? We may think we’re accomplishing more by multitasking, but the brain can only complete one task simultaneously. Therefore, multitasking slows us down since the brain must switch rapidly between tasks. Researchers have found that attempting to multitask can reduce productivity by up to 40%!

• Choose what to care about. It seems evident that we have a problem with overthinking in society. Smartphones and technology have likely played a significant role in the epidemic of overthinking. Our brains haven’t evolved to handle the inundation of stimuli and inputs in modern society. To minimize the thoughts in your mind, try to simplify your life as much as possible. When the mind isn’t stretched so thin, it eliminates some cognitive stress many of us experience.

• Meditate. Studies prove that regular meditation can improve focus and reduce distractibility by altering alpha wave activity. Try meditating for at least fifteen to thirty minutes daily to eliminate mental exhaustion.

Final Thoughts on Study Showing What Causes Mental Fatigue

A recent study by researchers from the University of Paris revealed what causes mental exhaustion. The team found that intense mental labor for prolonged periods results in toxic byproducts such as glutamate in the brain. These toxins accumulate in the prefrontal cortex, which can reduce decision-making abilities and cause cognitive decline.

They hope further research will reveal why the prefrontal cortex seems especially susceptible to mental fatigue. A few ways to avoid mental tiredness include taking breaks, setting boundaries, and meditating. Remember, taking care of your needs before catering to society’s demands isn’t selfish.

Researchers Connect Drinking Cola to Cognitive Decline

September 19, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

A new study involving rats links drinking cola to oxidative stress and memory impairment. Researchers from the University of Southern Santa Catarina in Brazil made the discovery. According to their research, 67 days of drinking soda increased biological stress markers in the rats’ brains. Cognitive decline influenced their behavior, in turn.

The research appeared in the journal Experimental Gerontology.

The research team wanted to investigate how cola might impact the rats’ brains in a controlled lab setting. Prior research found a link between high cola intake and enhanced risk of cognitive decline and disease.

Researchers placed the rats into two groups. One group drank as much cola as they wanted and had water available. The other group only drank water. The team monitored the rats for 67 days and killed them on the 68th day to analyze their hippocampus and frontal cortex.

Before killing the rats, the team gave them several maze tests to complete. These tests aimed to pinpoint differences between the cola and control group by evaluating their spacial memory and behavior.

Drinking Cola Led to Cognitive Decline in Rats

Cola resulted in memory impairments and cognitive decline in young rats between two and eight months old. They scored lower on the maze tests compared to the control group. However, researchers did not observe this effect in the older rats.

After analyzing the rats’ brain tissue, researchers discovered that cola-drinking rats of all ages had higher levels of oxidative stress markers. The finding suggested that biological changes occurred in the rats’ brains. The youngest rats had the greatest vulnerability to behavioral changes.

The findings mirrored prior research, which suggested that cola intake led to neurodegenerative and cognitive impairments. Higher levels of oxidative stress had the most pronounced link to heightened dementia risk.

Researchers have found an association between high-sugar diets and cognitive decline previously. However, the rats drinking cola did not have higher blood glucose levels, suggesting something else caused poor cognition.

One caveat of the study was that researchers only tested male rats. However, male and female rats often react differently to dietary risk factors, including high sugar consumption. The research team acknowledged that future experiments should involve males and females to confirm findings.

For now, researchers don’t know if drinking cola similarly impacts humans. However, many studies have linked soda consumption to adverse effects on health. Therefore, it’s probably best to drastically limit or avoid soft drinks and opt for water instead.

Other Negative Impacts of Drinking Cola

Drinking cola can cause weight gain. A 20-year study followed 120,000 men and women who upped their sugary drink intake by one 12-ounce beverage per day. Researchers found they gained an average of one additional pound every four years. Other studies have discovered that sugary drinks increase childhood obesity risk. One study found that for each extra 12-ounce soda children drank daily, their obesity risk increased by 60% after 1.5 years of follow-up.
Soft drinks heighten diabetes risk. A study revealed that people who consumed one or more soft drinks each day had a 26% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The threat became more pronounced in young adults and Asians.
Soda makes a heart attack more likely. A 20-year study following 40 men found that those who averaged one sugary drink per day had a 20% higher risk of having or dying from a heart attack. Another study involving 90,000 women over 20 years found similar results. Women who drank more than two servings of sugary beverages each day had a 40% higher heart attack risk or death from heart disease.
Soft drinks increase gout risk. A 22-year study of 80,000 women discovered a 75% higher gout risk in people who consumed one sugary drink daily. Researchers found similar results in men.
Drinking soda could shorten lifespan. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that people with a high sugary beverage intake had shorter telomeres in immune cells. Telomeres help protect DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes, so shorter telomeres indicate aging and increased disease risk.
Cola enhances the risk of kidney disease or kidney failure. The danger includes diet sodas as well. Researchers from the Nurses’ Health Study found that women who consumed more than two diet sodas daily had twice the risk of kidney disease. They also had a 30% greater kidney function reduction than women who didn’t drink soda.
Cola can result in stained teeth and severe dental issues. A 2013 study revealed that excessive soda consumption could lead to similar tooth decay as doing meth. Researchers observed that a woman who drank two liters of diet soda daily for three to five years had tooth decay, similar to a methamphetamine addict. The citric acid in soda can result in tooth enamel erosion, making cavities and stained teeth more likely.
Soft drinks increase the risk of colorectal cancer in women under 50. Researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine discovered that each additional 8-ounce serving of soda increased colorectal cancer risk by 16%. The risk doubled from ages 13-18. Moreover, each extra daily serving increasing the risk of early-onset colorectal cancer by 32%.

Final Thoughts on Study Showing Soda Causes Poor Brain Health

Please reconsider your daily soda intake as a result of the studies above. A recent study revealed that drinking cola daily could increase oxidative stress, leading to cognitive decline. While the research only involved rats, human studies have found a link between sugar consumption and dementia. The authors hope to perform additional studies to confirm their findings.

However, mounting evidence shows the adverse effects of sugar on the mind and body. Drinking soda can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, gout, and kidney disease. It may also shorten telomeres, leading to an early death.

Other studies have even found an association between sugary beverage intake and tooth decay. In fact, even participants who drank diet soda showed enamel erosion over five years. The study proved what doctors have long advised–avoiding sugary drinks and consuming diet beverages occasionally would positively impact health.

Osteopath Warns of Too Heavy Backpacks for Children

September 18, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Many children today complain about back pain from carrying heavy backpacks to school. Health experts are now sounding the alarm about this growing problem, advising parents to double-check their children’s book bags. They say that overweight book bags can impact children more than people realize.

Data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission paints a clearer picture of the severity of the problem. The agency estimates that an annual average of 7,500 kids under 19 years old had serious backpack-related injuries from 2017 to 2019. The children had severe enough injuries to warrant emergency room visits.

Concerns about the impact of heavy backpacks on children’s health highlight the importance of durable and ergonomic solutions. Opting for a well-designed backpack from a reputable sewing company can help mitigate these risks.

These backpacks are meticulously crafted with robust materials and ergonomic layouts, effectively distributing weight to reduce strain on young shoulders and backs. Parents are encouraged to explore options that emphasize comfort and practicality, ensuring their children can carry essentials safely and comfortably.

In specialized fields such as tactical or medical settings, industrial sewing contractors like https://www.fieldtexcases.com/ excel in manufacturing backpacks that adhere to stringent standards. Their expertise in crafting tactical and medical-grade backpacks ensures durability and functionality, capable of withstanding rigorous environments while offering superior organization and comfort.

Partnering with Fieldtex Cases allows organizations to access tailored solutions that prioritize safety and performance, meeting the unique demands of various industries. Choosing high-quality backpacks from trusted manufacturers not only enhances safety but also promotes long-term health benefits for both children and professionals.

While most children with back pain don’t require a visit to the ER, it can still take a toll on them. For example, one mom of a 12-year-old girl said her daughter complained about upper back and neck pain for months, according to Fox News.

Initially, the mom from Long Island, N.Y., thought her daughter’s involvement in sports might explain her body aches. However, a visit to their family physician revealed her daughter’s overloaded backpack was to blame.

“She was picking up a backpack of books and going from classroom to classroom throughout the day and then carrying the bag to and from school. That’s a lot of lifting,” the mom told Fox News Digital in an interview.

After the appointment, her daughter underwent several weeks of osteopathic therapy to alleviate her neck and back pain. The treatment included spinal manipulation to improve movement by releasing pressure within her joints. The osteopath also recommended an exercise routine to improve her upper back strength to support the book bag’s weight.

Health experts warn how parents should keep an eye on their child’s backpack weight. They listed these warning signs of an overloaded book bag:

The child struggles to put on or take off the backpack
Child’s posture shifts (ex. they lean to the side or forward) when wearing a book bag
The child complains of numbness or tingling in their extremities
Red indentations appear on the child’s shoulders from the book bag
The child expresses discomfort when wearing the backpack

Health Experts Explain How Heavy Backpacks Harm Children

Dr. David Gentile, an osteopathic physician from New York, regularly treats patients complaining of back pain. He told Fox News that heavy backpacks could severely affect a child’s posture. Book bags can cause the spine to curve and twist to the side, also known as scoliosis.

Thousands of children and adolescents receive treatment for the condition each year. However, Gentile believes teaching children proper posture and self-care may prevent spinal conditions.

“We see it all the time in the older generation — the use of comfortable chairs at work, the sit-stand desks,” he said.

So “it’s evident we have become more aware of proper work ergonomics. Now it might be time to really educate children about these comfortable and functional changes to improve their health outcomes,” said Gentile.

He added that cities across the country should launch public health campaigns to help prevent childhood back pain. Gentile said that early identification of symptoms and genetic factors could also alleviate pain resulting from children carrying too much weight.

He added, “The implementation of physical therapists in physical education classes and educating teachers, administrators, children, and their families on appropriate ergonomics could all be beneficial.”

Most people don’t give their child’s backpack a second thought during back-to-school shopping. However, according to Edward Farrell, co-founder of Physical Solutions Physical Therapy, choosing one with a proper fit and weight capacity can make a difference.

“Our kids are often strategizing the navigation of the hallways, locker to classrooms, with as few stops as possible to their locker, if they even stop at their locker at all,” he told Fox News.

Farrell added that if a child’s book bag weighs a sizable percentage of their body weight, it can cause back pain.

“Imagine a 100-pound child carrying a 30-pound backpack all day,” Farrell said.

He also said backpacks with one strap over the shoulder could make shoulder and back pain worse. A sling pack puts excessive strain on one side of the body, potentially causing scoliosis. A heavy load can make children lean to one side or have rounded shoulders, even with a properly fitting book bag with two straps.

Tips on Choosing a Quality Backpack

Farrell advised students to lighten their pack’s load and choose a pack with two wide straps. Doing this helps balance the load across both shoulders and the neck. He added that, most importantly, students should stand tall with their chests out to maintain good posture.

Bill Schwarz, a physical therapist in Massapequa, N.Y., said students could reduce their pack’s weight by making multiple trips to their locker. Many students try to save time by carrying all their books, which adds unnecessary weight to their bags.

Schwarz also said, “Keep straps snug. If too loose, the bag hangs lower, increasing the torque on the mid and low spine.”

Finally, he advised students to bend their knees when picking their bags off the floor. This posture will alleviate unwanted strain on the lower back and knees.

Physical therapists and osteopaths recommend these tips for choosing backpacks:

Pick a light bag with ample back lining and wide, padded shoulder straps.
Choose a pack with two straps and use both while carrying the bag.
The bottom of the backpack should sit in the middle of the back, about four inches below the waist.
Choose a pack with a waist belt to provide additional support to the back and shoulders.
A backpack should weigh less than 10-15% of a child’s body weight. For example, if the child weighs 100 pounds, the backpack shouldn’t exceed 10-15 pounds.
Pick a bag with several compartments, and utilize all of them when carrying books. Pack the heaviest books closest to the spine to encourage proper posture.
A pack with wheels can eliminate back problems associated with traditional backpacks. However, remember that your child may have to lug them up stairwells and through rough terrain.

Final Thoughts on an Osteopath’s Warning About Heavy Backpacks

Many students carry all their books from one class to another. Doing this may save time but can cause undue back and neck strain. Therefore, health experts recommend that students lighten their load by making several trips to their lockers or desks. Also, they should choose a lightweight book bag with two straps to alleviate back pain. Helping students choose the proper pack and encouraging positive habits could help many children avoid back pain.

Finance Experts Reveal 4 Healthy Money Habits for Committed Couples

September 18, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

Money is one of the biggest causes of divorce and breakups among committed couples, especially those living under one roof with shared expenses. Even the most patient and relaxed people can get tense when matters involving finances are involved. That’s why your money habits can end up making or breaking your relationship.

If you want to ensure that your relationship is smart about finances, you must know how to be mindful of how you use money together. Here are four healthy money habits for committed couples.

1 – Couples Need Open Communication Regarding Money Habits

One of the places where couples tend to fall short when it comes to their finances is in communication and honesty. Many money-related issues recur, often becoming a significant factor in breakups and divorces. As with all relationship-related things, communication is always a solution. Here are some money habits related to open communication:

Discuss Lifestyle Choices As A Team

Each partner in a relationship will likely have ideas about their ideal lifestyle. In a perfect situation, partners can achieve their lifestyle goals, but for that to happen, you have to talk about those goals. For example, what type of life do you want to live? How often do you want to spend on big purchases? Are you interested in investing? What sacrifices are you willing to make to your lifestyle for better financial health?

Be Honest About Your Money Habits

If you’re a newly committed couple, you’ll have to discuss each person’s current financial situation. Equity can be brutal in relationships, so understanding each other’s current financial health is crucial. You have to be on the same page about what that equity will look like. For accurate equity, you’ll need to be completely honest about how much you make and spend on necessities.

Create Joint Budget And Spending Sheets

To track, monitor, and stay on top of your spending, it’s a good idea to create joint spreadsheets that catalog everything. This documentation ensures you have a quick reference to reflect on and facilitates smoother indirect communication. Creating and maintaining the sheets is a fair team effort, and this is one of the best money habits you’ll develop!

Avoid Financial Infidelity

Financial infidelity is the act of engaging in economic behavior and money habits that you know will not be approved of by a partner. This action also includes intentionally hiding this behavior from them, whether by outright lying or simply not disclosing it.

Many couples think hiding this unwanted behavior will avoid a fight, but studies show that it leads to more long-term conflict and can even ruin relationships. So while it’s not the usual, more typical explanation of infidelity, it still erodes trust and communication, which ultimately harms committed couples.

Be honest with your partner about your spending, even if you think your partner won’t like it. Couples who trust each other stay together and avoid the pitfalls of resentment, accusations, and disrespect.

2 – Mindfully Merged Finances Mean Better Money Habits

Merging finances is often an essential step in a committed couple’s life. This milestone allows for easier accountability and creates a togetherness that lessens the risk of breakups. Research also shows that consistent, healthy shared pools of finances contribute to better relationship satisfaction.

But it’s not as simple as dumping all your money in one place. It must happen mindfully. Different couples will have other preferences for exactly how they choose to pool money together. Many nuances determine the best method for financial merging between couples. For maintaining healthy money habits, here are some things to consider when merging finances as a couple:

Improve Your Money Habits With A Joint Bank Account

The easiest way to merge finances is through a joint bank account. Committed couples can fill this joint account with a predetermined percentage of their salaries. This system allows for paying for shared necessities, such as rent, utilities, groceries, and loan repayments. Some couples may have multiple joint accounts, such as one for immediate spending on bills and necessities, another for short-term savings for vacations and date nights, and a third for long-term savings.

Maintain Separate Bank Accounts

It’s generally unwise for couples to share all of their funds. So, in addition to a joint account, partners should maintain individual accounts for their spending. This grants them financial freedom while showcasing respect and trust for each other. As far as money habits go, this is a pretty important one if you want long-term, mindfully merged finances.

Keep In Mind Each Other’s Money Habits and Personality

Different people have different ways of spending and saving money. This bases finances on money “personality” types and one’s past experiences with money. A typical relationship problem is that couples try to change their money habits instead of accepting them, finding balance, and working together.

This option doesn’t mean that you should maintain unhealthy personal money habits. It just means that you should seek to understand and communicate the unique money personalities of a partner and use this knowledge to determine how best to merge finances.

Determine How You Combine Your Money

Not all couples want to merge funds; in some relationships, one partner may not even earn a salary. As such, there has to be a healthy discussion on how money is combined. Are bills split as evenly as possible? How can you ensure fairness if you earn very different salaries?

Who’s responsible for paying what? Can the mental load of bill payment and financial fatigue be split? Do you take turns paying for dates? If one person has a lot of debt, are they solely responsible for paying it off? Set ground rules to ensure healthy boundaries.

Hold Each Other Accountable For Good Money Habits

Merging finances with mutual respect allows couples to hold each other accountable. Studies show that people often have rose-colored glasses regarding their finances. As a result, they don’t realize how much they’ve spent and tend to undersave. When working with merged funds, couples can hold each other accountable and compensate for each other’s financial weaknesses.

3 – Money Dates for Goal-Setting

Once a month, ideally shortly before receiving your salaries, set aside time to discuss your financial situation and goals. These “money dates” form a part of healthy financial routines for committed couples, allowing you to check in with each other, stay on the same page, and discuss changes and future financial plans. During money dates, you should do the following:

Determine The Month’s Joint Goals

What monetary goals do you have for the month? This could be saving up for a nice vacation during a long weekend, buying presents for a child’s birthday or challenging yourself to decrease money spent on eating out, for example. Whatever you’re hoping to gun for in the following thirty days, now’s the time to bring forth ideas.

Discuss Progress On Long-Term Goals

Long-term goals are crucial to long-term success and improvement, even when it comes to money habits. For example, couples may have goals such as buying a house or car, moving to a dream city, or saving enough for a relatively comfortable retirement. Keep an eye on long-term goals in your monthly money dates and discuss your progress. Then, you can adjust them as needed and discuss short-term goals that may help long-term gain.

Air Out Issues

Financial issues will always cause tension in relationships, but you can prevent the worst of the conflict from arising by airing out problems during money dates. Use positive communication skills and seek to understand each other’s points so you can handle all financial issues with proactive and

As You Develop Smart Money Habits, Start To Discuss Saving Plans

Any discussion about money habits must include plans for saving money for the future. How do you plan to do that? Are there expenses you can cut out? Are you making the most of your available insurance plans? How many saving funds do you need? Ask all these questions and check to see if you’re happy with the amount you’re saving each month.

4 – Keep Your Money Habits In A Healthy Balance

One of the healthiest money habits you should keep in mind is simple: maintain balance. It’s easy to get lost in extremes when it comes to money. You may save to hoarding funds and then spend them impulsively. Or you may pay enough to run out of money within a few days of getting your salary. You may refuse to buy any expensive items, even if they’re better quality than the cheap counterparts you’ve been using. You may refuse to accept cheap things, preferring only brand-name products.

Regardless of where you fall in the realm of spending and money habits, the fact is that your best option is always a healthy balance. A reasonable middle ground to these extremes ultimately ensures better spending, saving, and financial decisions. Maintaining that balance is vital to a couple’s longevity, especially if you have very different spending styles.

The compromise allows each partner to get their fair share of satisfaction with how you spend your funds. Examples of a healthy balance in money habits include:

Having a fund for “fun” spending allows you to treat yourselves within your budget.
You permit yourselves to celebrate occasionally without guilt for spending on non-necessities.
You’ll ensure that everyone has a fair say in how to spend, not allowing one partner to rule all financial decisions.
You gain a reasonable financial security blanket or emergency fund that ensures you can make less serious financial decisions outside of that without fear.
Using budgets and sheets as a guide instead of a dictatorship.
You’ll understand that although money is essential, it’s a means, not an end.

Final Thoughts On Some Healthy Money Habits For Committed Couples

Managing money can be challenging for even the closest and healthiest relationships. Learning what money habits to incorporate can help you to navigate this complex and often complicated topic.

Discuss Lifestyle Choices As A Team

Be Honest About Your Money Habits

Create Joint Budget And Spending Sheets

Avoid Financial Infidelity

Improve Your Money Habits With A Joint Bank Account

Maintain Separate Bank Accounts

Keep In Mind Each Other’s Money Habits and Personality

Determine How You Combine Your Money

Hold Each Other Accountable For Good Money Habits

Determine The Month’s Joint Goals

Discuss Progress On Long-Term Goals

Air Out Issues

As You Develop Smart Money Habits, Start To Discuss Saving Plans

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Final Thoughts on an Osteopath’s Warning About Heavy Backpacks

1 – Couples Need Open Communication Regarding Money Habits

Discuss Lifestyle Choices As A Team

Be Honest About Your Money Habits

Create Joint Budget And Spending Sheets

Avoid Financial Infidelity

2 – Mindfully Merged Finances Mean Better Money Habits

Improve Your Money Habits With A Joint Bank Account

Maintain Separate Bank Accounts

Keep In Mind Each Other’s Money Habits and Personality

Determine How You Combine Your Money

Hold Each Other Accountable For Good Money Habits

3 – Money Dates for Goal-Setting

Determine The Month’s Joint Goals

Discuss Progress On Long-Term Goals

Air Out Issues

As You Develop Smart Money Habits, Start To Discuss Saving Plans

4 – Keep Your Money Habits In A Healthy Balance

Final Thoughts On Some Healthy Money Habits For Committed Couples

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Rise and Shine On! Master Your Day with the Ultimate Positive Morning Guide + Checklist

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