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12 Chemicals That Can Disrupt Your Hormones

August 19, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Most people know about the “dirty dozen” list of fruits and vegetables that have extremely high levels of pesticide contamination. What few are aware of is that a similar list exists for personal care products. Furthermore, they can wreak havoc on your hormones.

According to the EWG, there are 12 major chemicals lurking in products many of us use on a regular basis. These toxins can damage the hormonal function and create a widespread imbalance in the body. Choosing safer options for not only the foods we eat, but also what goes on our skin is vital for optimal function. (1.)

12 CHEMICALS THAT ARE DISRUPTIVE TO YOUR HORMONES

Used in plastics, this chemical can imitate estrogen in the body. This can cause devastating effects for both men and women, as we all have a delicate hormonal balance that is extremely susceptible to disruption. Evidence links BPA to breast cancer, reproductive issues, obesity, early puberty, and heart disease, among other ailments. According to government testing, 93% of Americans have BPA in their blood!

How to avoid:

Minimize canned food consumption – or at the very least, do research about what brands don’t use BPA
Opt for digital receipts, as thermal paper often has a BPA coating
Avoid plastic marked with a “PC,” which stands for polycarbonate, or recycling label #7

Dioxin

This sneaky compound is a byproduct of many different industrial processes. It forms when chlorine and bromine are burned in the presence of carbon and oxygen. Dioxin can disrupt sex hormone signaling in the body, which can have long-lasting effects.

Even low-level exposure in the womb and during early life has been shown to permanently affect sperm count and quality during a man’s prime reproductive years. Dioxins are long-lived and build up in the food chain in addition to the body. They are also powerful carcinogens and can affect immunity as well as the reproductive system.

How to avoid:

Minimize animal product consumption. We most commonly consume these in meat, fish, milk, eggs, and butter.

Atrazine

Just to illustrate how powerful this herbicide is, male frogs became female after being exposed to low levels of Atrazine. It is used on the majority of conventional corn crops in the United States and has contaminated the water supply as a result. Side effects may include breast tumors, delayed puberty, prostate inflammation in animals, and possibly prostate cancer in humans.

How to avoid:

Buy organic corn and invest in a water filter that has been proven to remove Atrazine

Phthalates

Common personal care product additives, these chemicals can have potent ill effects on our health. They induce premature death in testicular cells, which can lead to less mobile sperm and/or a lower count altogether. Phthalates may also cause birth defects, obesity, diabetes, and thyroid dysregulation.

How to avoid:

Phthalates are primarily found in beauty products, so be sure to read ingredient lists before purchase. Keep an eye out for the word “fragrance,” as this umbrella term can include a host of different additives, including phthalates. Plastic food storage containers, children’s toys, and plastic wrap with recycling label #3 may also be contaminated.

Perchlorate

This chemical is a component of – wait for it – rocket fuel…and it contaminates much of the produce and milk in America according to the EWG. Perchlorate competes with iodine, a vital nutrient for optimal thyroid function. This can cause hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid if too much is ingested.

The thyroid is the body’s master regulatory gland, so disruption can have long-lasting negative effects. It produces hormones that maintain metabolic homeostasis in adults and ensures proper brain and organ development in children.

How to avoid:

Completely eliminating your perchlorate intake is virtually impossible because it has tainted so much of our food supply. You can, however, install a reverse osmosis water filter to minimize ingestion that way. Ensuring adequate iodine consumption, such as from salt, can also reduce its negative effects.

Fire retardants

PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers, are lurking within the bodies of people and animals all over the globe. In 1999, a study looking at women’s breast milk discovered these endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Even more troubling is that the levels had been doubling every year since 1972! PBDEs can imitate thyroid hormones in the body, which disrupts their effects. This can lead to a lowered IQ and many other negative effects. (2.)

How to avoid:

PBDEs have largely been phased out, but they’re incredibly persistent. This means they will likely be around for decades to come, but there are things we can do to mitigate their effects. Consider adding a HEPA filter to your vacuum cleaner, which can cut down on toxic household dust. Also, avoid reupholstering foam furniture and use caution when replacing the old carpet.

Lead

One of the most well-known toxins, lead is especially harmful to children. It harms every organ system in the body and has been linked to a shocking list of negative health effects. Some of these include permanent brain damage, lowered IQ, hearing loss, miscarriage, premature birth, high blood pressure, kidney damage, and nervous system dysfunction.

Another way lead can affect us is by altering our hormones. It has been proven to lower sex hormone levels in animal studies. In humans, it can disrupt the HPA axis, which influences how our bodies respond to stress. This can result in anxiety and depression, among other ailments.

How to avoid:

Keep your home clean and take extreme care when disposing of old paint. A high-quality water filter and a healthy diet can also reduce your exposure to lead.

Arsenic

This potent heavy metal can be found in the water supply and many foods, namely brown rice and juices. Ingesting enough can cause death, while the chemical can cause skin, bladder, and lung cancer in smaller amounts. Arsenic can also alter hormone function in the form of the glucocorticoid system. This system regulates how our bodies process sugars and carbohydrates.

Dysfunction has been linked to changes in weight, protein wasting, immunosuppression, insulin resistance, osteoporosis, growth retardation, and high blood pressure.

How to avoid:

Use a water filter that removes arsenic

Mercury

Although naturally occurring, mercury is a highly toxic metal. It seeps into the air and oceans via burning coal and also contaminates our seafood. Pregnant women are the most at-risk for ill effects, as mercury can build up in the fetal brain and impair development. In terms of hormone function, it has the ability to cause dysfunctional cycles and ovulation. Mercury may also play a role in the development of diabetes, as it can damage pancreatic cells responsible for the production of sugar.

How to avoid:

Consider minimizing seafood consumption, or at the very least, choose wild-caught over farm-raised.

PFCs

Perfluorinated chemicals, or PFCs, are used to make nonstick cookware. An estimated 99% of Americans have traces of the substances in our bodies because they’re so prevalent. One PFC in particular, PFOA, is completely resistant to biodegradation. This means it doesn’t break down in the environment at all!

Despite having been banned some time ago, PFOA will linger in people’s bloodstreams for many years to come. It has been linked to decreased sperm quality, low birth weight, kidney and thyroid disease, and high cholesterol, among other issues.

How to avoid:

Opt for cast iron instead of nonstick cookware, and avoid stain and water-resistant coatings on furniture, clothing, and carpet.

Organophosphate pesticides

The Nazis produced similar compounds during WWII which they (luckily) never used. After the war, scientists in America utilized the same basic chemistry to develop pesticides that target insects’ nervous systems. Even though numerous studies have linked these toxins to stunted brain development, behavior, and fertility, they’re still extremely common. Organophosphates can affect the body by altering testosterone and thyroid hormone levels.

How to avoid:

Purchase organic produce when possible. If finances are an issue, use the EWG’s guide to learn which conventional fruits and vegetables have the most pesticide

Glycol ethers

You’ll most often find these chemicals listed as ingredients in paints, cleaning products, brake fluid, and cosmetics. In rodent studies, they actually caused testicular shrinkage! According to the European Union, glycol ethers can damage fertility and unborn fetuses. Studies done in painters have linked exposure to these toxins to abnormal blood levels and lowered sperm counts. Additionally, children surrounded by the ethers from their bedroom paint had significantly more asthma and allergies.

How to avoid:

Read the EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning and avoid products with ingredients like 2-butoxyethanol (EGBE) and methoxydiglycol (DEGME).

FINAL THOUGHTS ON 12 CHEMICALS THAT CAN DISRUPT YOUR HORMONES

Environmental toxins are virtually impossible to escape. Not only are we exposed to nearly 80,000 each day by simply going outside, but they invade our lives in much sneakier ways, as well. Personal care products are some of the worst offenders for contamination by toxic chemicals. (3.)

Science links these toxins to birth defects, certain cancers, and cognitive decline. What most people don’t know is that they can also act as endocrine disrupters, wreaking havoc on our hormones. Choosing EWG-certified personal care products is a prudent decision to ensure optimal reproductive function and an overall balanced body.

Texas First State to Use More Wind Power Than Coal

August 18, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Texas is one of the leading states for environmental friendliness, according to recent reports. For the first time since the Electric Reliability Council of Texas started collecting data on the state’s fuel use in 2003, wind power surpassed coal as an energy source during the first half of the year.

Texas First State To Use More Wind Power than Coal

Wind energy is now leading the way in Texas, according to a new report. The data showed that wind has generated 22% of Texas’ electrical needs this year. Over the past few decades, there has been a huge increase in wind power in Texas, showing that clean energy concerns are a top priority in the state.

Just 35 years ago, wind energy hardly even existed on the U.S. electric grid. However, today there is an estimated 75 gigawatts of wind capacity in the U.S. During the past seven years, wind power has tripled from 25 GW to 75 GW, which equates to providing a little more than 5% of consumed energy.

Coal provides 21% of Texas’ energy needs, according to the Electrical Reliability Council of Texas, which manages electricity on approximately 90% of Texas’ electric grid. Though wind barely surpassed coal, this is still a big sign that things are headed in the right direction. Maybe with Texas’ example, other states will follow and we can collectively lower greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2003, wind accounted for 0.8% of the state’s power, and coal fueled 40% of electrical needs, according to data from the council.

Seven years later, wind made up 8% of the state’s energy, and it climbed to a whopping 19% last year.

Coal use has declined slightly as wind energy has increased, down to just 21% this year from 24% last year. In 2013, coal made up 37% of energy use.

Even though clean energy use is on the rise, Texas still uses more natural gas than any other energy source. Last year, natural gas accounted for 44% of the energy mix.

Wind Power Increases Across America

Texas has the second-largest population of any state, but it consumes more energy than any other state. Texas uses double the energy of Florida, the state next in line for energy use, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

Texas generated a quarter of all wind energy in America in 2017, and it leads the nation in producing wind power.

Nationally, wind makes up 6.6% of American energy production, according to the Energy Information Administration..

In January, the agency stated that wind and solar power will be the fastest-growing sources of power for at least the next two years. This is exciting news for the entire country, and maybe a sign that companies are starting to pay attention to climate change.

In fact, New Jersey’s biggest and oldest coal company, PSEG, stated that it wants to be carbon-free by 2050.

“We believe climate change is real. There is this crescendo that’s building,” CEO Ralph Izzo told CNN Business.

However, not all coal companies are making it in changing times. The fourth major coal company since last October filed for bankruptcy in July of this year, which cost 2,000 people their jobs. However, with solar and wind companies popping up as demand increases, people will have other opportunities for employment.

Wind Energy in Scotland

In another part of the world, a whole country is running off wind energy. Between January and June 2019, winds in Scotland generated enough electricity to power the number of homes in the country twice over. 4.47 million homes could be powered by the wind for six months, which is double the amount of households in Scotland!

Scottish wind turbines generated 9,831,320 megawatt hours between January and June 2019, WWF Scotland said.

“Up and down the country, we are all benefiting from cleaner energy and so is the climate,” Robin Parker, climate and energy policy manager at WWF Scotland, said in a statement.

“These figures show harnessing Scotland’s plentiful onshore wind potential can provide clean, green electricity for millions of homes across not only Scotland, but England as well,” he added.

Energy Goals for Scotland

By 2030, the Scottish government says it wants renewables to make up half the country’s energy consumption. By 2050, it wants to be almost completely carbon-free.

Europe is very much a leader when it comes to wind energy production. In September 2018, Europe officially opened the Walney Extension Offshore Wind Farm in the Irish Sea. Capable of producing 659 MW, it’s currently the world’s most expansive operational offshore wind farm and can bring power to almost 600,000 homes in the U.K., according to Danish energy business Orsted.

Final thoughts about wind power in Texas

As you can see, wind power in Texas and in other areas of the world is increasing each year. Hopefully, the whole world will follow suit so we can all breathe cleaner air and move to more environmentally friendly energy sources.

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

Scientists Explain What Happens To Your Brain From Using Smartphones Every Day

August 18, 2019 by Power of Positivity

The headline sounds like something out of a science fiction movie. “Using smartphones causing ‘horn-like’ bone growth in young people.”

Really? That’s what it’s come to? So, children develop horns because they can’t put down their phones?

Let’s “pump the brakes” a bit. What’s going on?

“We hypothesize EEOP (enlarged external occipital protuberance) may be linked to sustained [abnormal] postures associated with the emergency and extensive use of hand-held … technologies.”

Oh, okay. Thanks, I guess?

Allow us: a researching team is reporting that there’s the bony growth – an external occipital protuberance (EOP) – “emanating” from a prominent lower rear area of the skull.

In other words, the authors believe that we’re growing horns in our skull (technically, bone spurs) because of too much time spent staring down at our digital screens.

Can this possibly be true?

While a couple of other scientists are refuting the duo’s claims citing a lack of presented evidence, the study’s findings nonetheless warrant investigation and, if necessary, appropriate action in the form of public health education.

Let’s dig a little deeper and see what we can find out.

The Study

“Our findings raise a concern about the future musculoskeletal health of the young adult population and reinforce the need for prevention intervention through posture improvement education.” ~ Shahar, D. & Sayers, M.G.

(Note: this section contains scientific definitions to report the study as is. We include a simpler explanation below the study.)

The development of enthesophytes – bony filaments that arise from ligaments – was once considered extremely rare in young adults. However, according to Dr. David Shahar, Ph.D. and Associate Professor Mark Sayers at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, this is no longer the case.

Shahar is a licensed chiropractor. He first shared these findings after examining a series of x-rays of patients aged 18 to 30.

Here’s a breakdown of the study on smartphones and these growths.

Evidence: It includes radiographs from 218 patients, ranging in age from 18 to 30 years.

Included images clearly show a bony, spur-like protrusion originating from the bottom-rear of the skull.
Protrusion size had an inverse relationship with age.
Incidence: 41 percent of young adult patients reportedly had the protrusion.
EEOP (enlarged external occipital protuberance) was found in 33 percent of Shahar’s patients across age groups.

Risk factors: The condition’s Predictive factors are forward head protraction (FHP), age, and sex.

FHP or “poking chin” is an abnormal posture in which the head “shifts anteriorly” from center gravity.
The FHP posture places pressure on other muscles attached to the cervical spine as the body attempts to hold the head vertical for straight-ahead vision.
Males are nearly six times as likely as females to have the ‘condition.’
Older patients exhibited smaller enthesophyte (‘bone spur’) size than younger patients. (“…a conundrum,” says the team, “as the frequency and severity of degenerative skeletal features in humans are associated typically with aging.”)

Cause(s):

The physiological catalyst of enthesophyte growth is mechanical load: skeletal resistance to the force created when part(s) of the body. And in this case, the skull and the surrounding areas are situated in a maladaptive position.

It is known that the body will catalyze enthesophytes in an attempt to counteract this skeletal shift in force.
Ultimately, it is this mechanical loading phenomenon that the authors hypothesize produces a bodily adaptation in the form of a “horn” on the back of the skull of young adults.

Study Conclusions:

The authors believe there exists sufficient evidence (“a direct link”) between (a) the “aberrant” mechanical loading caused by mobile device use, and (b) the anomalous growth rate of EEOP instances in young adults.

Because of this alleged link, the authors cite reservations about “the future musculoskeletal health” of young adults and call for appropriate intervention and preventing using posture improvement education.

A Quick Summary

Please forgive the scientific mumbo-jumbo as derived from the study. Confused? No, don’t worry. Here’s a point-by-point analysis in simpler, more readable terms.

#1: The authors suggest that young adults are growing a bony-like projection at the back of their skull. Images appear to confirm this suggestion.
#2: A key piece of evidence is the more frequent occurrence of this condition in younger people than older.
#3: Because of point #2, the authors suggest that these growths are possibly triggered by the frequent, sustained head ‘tilting’ when using a digital device. Of course, these include a smartphone or a tablet.
#4: If the presented correct and authentic data and images, it could signify a potential evolutionary adaptation of the human form.
#5: The research team suggests that these findings are a “concern” and that the muscular and skeletal health of young adults may necessitate educating young people on these effects through posture education.

“Text Neck”

“Text neck” is a term coined by the American chiropractor Dr. D.L. Fishman. The term describes a collection of symptoms that arise from the tilting of the head while staring at handheld devices over a prolonged period.

There is a medical term to describe such a condition: anterior head syndrome. Experts say that the condition is becoming much more frequent due to the rapid adoption and use of smartphones all over the world.

Symptoms of text neck include:

Stiff neck: Soreness of the neck and limited maneuverability caused by excessive mobile device use.
Pain: ‘A dull or throbbing pain in and around the neck area
Radiating pain: Pain that starts in the neck and extends downwards to the arms and shoulders.
Weakness: Muscle weakness of the shoulder muscles, including the external rotators, rhomboids, and trapezius muscles.
Tension headache: Caused by the tightening of the sub-occipital eye muscles
Other reported symptoms of text neck include cervical spine compression, early-onset arthritis, loss of lung capacity, and spinal degeneration.
Digital adoption: Some perspective

Some Eye-opening Statistics About Smartphones

Most of the problems related to mobile devices really come down to three points: (1) the sheer number of smartphone users, (2) the rapid adoption of smartphones and other mobile devices, and (3) the extensive use thereof. Here are some statistics:

Total number of smartphone users: ~ 3.3 billion (B)
Average time spent on mobile devices per day (young adults): 4 hours
Percentage of people with a smartphone in:
- 2008: 17
- 2018: 78
Percentage of people with a tablet in:
- 2008: 2
- 2018: 58

Final thoughts: Is it time for a serious discussion?

“…we are still in the early stages of the digital revolution, and new media experiences such as virtual and augmented reality are just around the corner. Perhaps now, more than ever, we should consider what this might mean for the children who will at the forefront of this new digital era.” ~ Romeo Vitelli, Ph.D.

Technology, including sophisticated mobile devices, can be a benefit to society. They disseminate knowledge and allow easy communication. Additionally, they can be great for passing the time.

Nevertheless, it’s plain to see that our young adults have a serious problem with putting down the smartphones. Now, there’s some possible evidence to suggest that we may be adapting to this digital addiction by ‘growing horns’ in our heads.

Really? That’s what this has come down to?

Multiple studies have confirmed the damaging psychological and neurological effects of digital addiction. But again, we didn’t’ really need a bunch of scientists to tell us something that should be intuitively grasped: staring down at your smartphone or tablet for hours on end is not good.

It’s not good for your:

Eyes
Brain
Spine
Head
Cognition
Mental well-being
Sleep habits

As far as the issue at hand: young adults growing so-called ‘horns’ on their heads, who knows? It sounds outrageous, but then again, so is the fact that there are actual treatment centers and treatment programs to curb internet addiction and digital addiction.

Is it time for a serious discussion? What should we do, if anything?

We’re all adults here. It is pointless to tell any grown man or woman what to do with their phones, health, or anything else for that matter.

But what about children? The tech-addicted young adults of today are those that we didn’t think twice to giving a smartphone or tablet yesterday.

Is this necessary? Do kids really need to have a smartphone?

If the answer is ‘yes,’ what can be done about teaching each child about responsible device use?

The first step may be to sit down to explain the concept of a “tool” to your child. Then, help your kids understand how that fancy device you placed into their eager hands is just that.

Heart Diseases : Causes, Symptoms + Prevention Tips

August 17, 2019 by Power of Positivity

If you have heart disease, we assure you that you are not alone. According to a study published by Science Daily, an online resource covering topics related to science, health, the environment, and technology, more than 48 percent of all adults in America have some form of heart disease. Also called cardiovascular disease, heart disease is an umbrella term used to describe any number of conditions. But, they have one thing in common– each adversely affects one’s cardiovascular health.

Some of the most commonly diagnosed cardiac disorders include arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrest, heart failure, heart valve disease, vascular, and pericardial disease.

Research shared by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), reveals a sad truth. And that is the news that cardiac conditions are the leading cause of death in both men and women alike. To be precise, it is responsible for more than 600,000 deaths in the United States every year. So, let’s take a closer look at the root of cardiac ailments, symptoms associated with the medical condition, and available treatments.

WHAT CAUSES HEART DISEASES?

While most people will agree that a cardiac condition is a serious medical emergency, very few people know what causes it. So, if you’re among those few, you’re encouraged to read on. One of the most important things to note when it comes to heart diseases is that the causes can vary depending on the type of the illness in question. In most cases, however, plaque is one of the primary contributors to each of these disorders. In nearly all cases involving heart disease, plaque builds up in the arteries and causes them to become narrow. Then, it reduces blood flow.

Plaque build-up generally occurs when calcium, cholesterol, and other materials accumulate on the artery walls. If left untreated, plaque can break away from the artery walls, which not only causes blood clots but also increases your risk of suffering a cardiac arrest. Additional complications that stem from cardiac disorders include:

Heart failure

Easily one of the most common complications of heart disease, heart failure occurs when the heart is incapable of pumping enough blood to meet the needs of the body. Heart failure can also be a byproduct of coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, heart infections, heart defects, or cardiomyopathy.

Aneurysm

This serious medical condition is characterized by a bulge in a weakened area of the artery wall that could potentially rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.

Stroke

This is a complication which occurs when the arteries to the brain become either narrowed or blocked, which can damage brain tissue.

Sudden cardiac arrest

Typically a byproduct of an arrhythmia, sudden cardiac arrest is characterized by the sudden loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness. If not treated promptly, this serious medical condition can lead to cardiac death.

Peripheral artery disease

Often caused by atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease is the result of poor blood circulation and plaque build-up inside of the artery walls. This serious medical condition is generally characterized by leg pain, particularly while walking.

COMMON RISK FACTORS FOR HEART DISEASE

Now that we have a better understanding of the complications associated with heart disease, let’s take a look at risk factors for developing a cardiac disorder:

High blood cholesterol

If your cholesterol, which is the waxy substance found in your blood, is too high, it can lead to plaque build-up and atherosclerosis.

Hypertension

Like high cholesterol, hypertension can also lead to cardiac disease as the condition can arteries to harden and thicken, which, in turn, narrows blood vessels and impedes blood flow.

Diabetes

Diabetes is yet another medical condition that can increase one’s risk of developing heart disease, especially since the risk factors for both conditions are the same, namely obesity and hypertension.

Obesity

In addition to placing a tremendous strain on your joints, excessive weight can also trigger heart disease.

A sedentary lifestyle

A lack of exercise is the primary contributor to a wide range of heart diseases, not to mention diabetes and certain cancers.

Poor diet

Along with a sedentary lifestyle, a poor diet that is high in salt, fat, sugar, and cholesterol can lead to a variety of different heart diseases.

Smoking

If you smoke, you have yet another reason to consider quitting. Studies show that the nicotine content in the average cigarette can narrow blood vessels. As you know, that can lead to a heart attack. Beyond that, the nicotine in cigarettes can produce enough carbon monoxide to damage the inner lining of blood vessels, which can lead to atherosclerosis.

Stress

Managing stress is one of the best ways to improve your health and to keep heart disease at bay. Studies show that high levels of stress can damage arteries and may also lead other forms of heart disease.

Poor hygiene

Of course, poor hygiene is not usually thought to contribute to cardiac wellness. However, evidence shows that a lack of handwashing can lead to the spread of viral and bacterial infections. Thus, those can increase one’s risk of developing heart infections and other health problems.

HEART DISEASE AND CANCER TREATMENTS

It is important to note that individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer are at a high risk of developing heart disease. That said, the increased risk has more to do with the cancer treatments than the disease itself. According to the National Institute of Health, certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapies can increase the risk of developing one of these disorders.

HEART DISEASES CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS:
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HEART DISEASE

Now that we have a better understanding of cardiac ailments in general, let’s take a look at some specific forms of the conditions and the symptoms associated with them. After all, cardiac conditions cause a variety of symptoms. Additionally, those symptoms can vary depending on the nature of the disease.

ARRHYTHMIAS

A heart arrhythmia is a cardiac ailment that disrupts the rhythm of the heart and occurs when the electrical impulses that regulate the heartbeat fail to work correctly. In these cases, the heart will either beat too slowly or too rapidly. Some of the most common risk factors for arrhythmias include

Diabetes
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
Coronary heart disease
Substance abuse
Certain over-the-counter medications

Symptoms of heart arrhythmias include

A fluttering sensation in the chest
Breathing problems
Chest pain
Profuse sweating
Fainting

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Recognized as one of the most common forms of the disease, coronary artery disease is linked to atherosclerosis, which can cause arteries to constrict and become hardened. The most common risk factors for this form of heart disease include

High cholesterol
Hypertension
Smoking
Obesity

Also worth noting, coronary artery disease is especially common amongst post-menopausal women and middle-aged men. The most common symptoms of coronary artery disease include

Lightheadedness
Experiencing pain in the chest, arms, or shoulders
Nausea and vomiting
Indigestion
Heartburn

HEART VALVE DISEASE

Heart valve disease is a condition that occurs when any one of the valves is unable to open fully. This condition usually arises as the byproduct of stiff or fused leaflets that allow blood to move through the heart as it beats. The most common risk factors for heart valve disease include:

High blood pressure
Smoking
Diabetes
A sedentary lifestyle
Obesity
Genetics

The most common symptoms of heart valve disease include

Heart murmurs
Irregular heartbeat
Breathing problems
Swollen feet or ankles
Fainting

VASCULAR DISEASE

Vascular disease is a term used to describe a blockage in the coronary arteries. Because those are the arteries responsible for carrying blood in and out of the cardiac muscle, it’s a severe situation. Some of the risk factors for this form of heart disease include:

High cholesterol
Diabetes
Smoking

The most common symptoms of vascular disease include

Painful cramping
Leg numbness
Sores that do not heal
Claudication

PERICARDIAL DISEASE

Pericardial disease is a condition that inflames the pericardium, which is the thin tissue sac that surrounds the heart. Some of the risk factors for this form of heart disease include

Autoimmune diseases
Viral infections
Bacterial infections
Certain cancers
Kidney failure

The most common symptoms of pericardial disease include

Heart palpitations
Breathing problems
Clammy skin
Lightheadedness
Fainting

HEART DISEASES CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS: COMMON HEART DISEASE TREATMENTS

While all forms of heart disease are serious, heart failure and heart attacks are especially serious and can have devastating consequences if not quickly remediated. In addition, cardiac diseases causes and symptoms can vary widely. As such, treatments can also vary depending on the specific type of heart disease.

More often than not, cardiac disease can be resolved by making a few lifestyle changes like eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, quitting smoking, exercising, and limiting your alcohol consumption. In some cases, however, prescription medication may be needed. Additionally, in cases where the heart is significantly damaged, surgical procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting, for example, may be needed.

In summary, heart diseases causes are plentiful, complex, and very serious. Thus, if you experience any of the symptoms detailed in this article, schedule an appointment with a physician or cardiologist today.

30 Quotes About Love Everyone In A Relationship Needs to Read

August 16, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Relationships can be the best part of our lives. But they can take work and sometimes we need to be reminded of what our relationship means to us and why our person is so special. What’s an easy way to do that? Reading quotes about love to remind us of these feelings.

A relationship is something that is always growing and changing and needs different amounts of different things over its course. Quotes about love can help us show what we mean. The best quotes about love are simple but powerful.

There can also be specific things to keep in mind depending on what type of person your partner is. If they are introverted you may need to pay special attention to their body language and signs. If they are more extroverted you’ll always be communicating but you may need to put in some more work to have deeper, more meaningful conversations.

Quotes about love can help you start these conversations and the very best quotes about love can help you have the best conversations.

Learning who your partner is and sharing who you are can be the most exciting and challenging part of a relationship. But, it can also be the most rewarding.

There are so many things we want to share with our partners including the best quotes about love that serve as reminders of what love means and how it makes us feel. Sometimes we have trouble finding the words to say to our love, so lets the quotes so the talking. Let these quotes about love be the guide to help you show your partner what they mean to you.

Quotes About Love in Fiction

1 “Relationship is an art. The dream that two people create is more difficult to master than one.”

~Don Miguel Ruiz

2 “What a happy and holy fashion it is that those who love one another should rest on the same pillow.”

~Nathaniel Hawthorne

3 “What greater thing is there for two human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life — to strengthen each other in all labour, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in all pain, to be one with each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting?”

~George Eliot (1819–1880), Adam Bede, 1859

4 “If you made a list of the reasons why any couple got married, and another list of the reasons for their divorce, you’d have a hell of a lot of overlapping.”

~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic’s Notebook, 1960

5 “Just as Amy and Jay had for decades slept nude together, inhaling each other’s odors, her hands familiar with the man’s body hair. Even her face creams and his night grunts would have entered into it. And shared cakes of soap and clothes closets and dinners — such a complex of intimacies.”

~Saul Bellow (1915–2005), The Actual, 1997

6 “To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the loving cup,
Whenever you’re wrong, admit it;
Whenever you’re right, shut up.”
~Ogden Nash

7 “Wasn’t marriage, like life, unstimulating and unprofitable and somewhat empty when too well ordered and protected and guarded. Wasn’t it finer, more splendid, more nourishing, when it was, like life itself, a mixture of the sordid and the magnificent; of mud and stars, of earth and flowers, of love and hate and laughter and tears and ugliness and beauty and hurt.”

~Edna Ferber, Show Boat, 1926

8 “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”

~Nora Ephron, When Harry Met Sally

9 “As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.”

~John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

10 “I am nothing special, of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts and I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough.”

~Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

Quotes About Love — Classics

11 “I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul.”

~Pablo Neruda, 100 Love Sonnets

12 “Doubt thou the stars are fire;
Doubt that the sun doth move;
Doubt truth to be a liar;
But never doubt I love.”

~William Shakespeare, Hamlet

13 “You could have had anything else in the world, and you asked for me.”
She smiled up at him. Filthy as he was, covered in blood and dirt, he was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen.
“But I don’t want anything else in the world.”

~Cassandra Clare, City of Glass

14 “Two people in love, alone, isolated from the world, that’s beautiful.”

~Milan Kundera

15 “I’ve never loved anyone ’til you. You were so worth the wait. You’re my first, my always.”

– Jacquelyn Middleton

16 “Happily-ever-afters don’t come in happily-every-days. They are found at the end of challenges-ever-met, promises-ever-kept, and tears-ever-wept.”

– Richelle E. Goodrich

17 “You can’t reason with your heart; it has its own laws, and thumps about things which the intellect scorns.”

~Mark Twain

18 “The heart is the perfection of the whole organism. Therefore the principles of the power of perception and the soul’s ability to nourish itself must lie in the heart.” ~Aristotle

Quotes About Love that Show Wisdom

19 “As important as shared memories are the silent agreement that certain things never happened.”

~Robert Brault

20 “My night has become a sunny dawn because of you.”

~Anonymous

21 “If you remember me, then I don’t care if everyone else forgets.”

~Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore

22 “True love is rare, and it’s the only thing that gives life real meaning.”

~Nicholas Sparks, Message in a Bottle

23 “You may hold my hand for a while, but you hold my heart forever.”

~Anonymous

24 “It was as if we’d known each other for a thousand years.”

– CJ English

25 “I felt it shelter to speak to you.”

~Emily Dickinson

26 “To truly know someone is to know the silence that stands for the thing they never speak of.”

~Robert Brault

27 “The concept of two people living together for 25 years without a serious dispute suggests a lack of spirit only to be admired in sheep.”

~A.P. Herber

28 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

~Proverbs 17:22 (Bible: King James Version)

29 “If my heart could do my thinking, and my head begin to feel,
I would look upon the world anew, and know what’s truly real.”

~Van Morrison

30 “It is only possible to live happily ever after on a daily basis.”

– Margaret Bonanno

Quotes About Love

Love can be an all-encompassing thing. It can be very important to continue to show your partner how much you love them every day. Sometimes when you’ve been together a long time, you will need to do things to make sure you are still falling in love.

In addition to reading loving quotes, you may find the art of illustration is a wonderful way to remind yourself and your partner of the love in your life. Drawings, illustration, quotes about love, art and words can envoke beautiful feelings when shared.

But if you haven’t found love yet, you may want to have a stroke of inspiration and hope. If you believe in love you will find it!

Love is a very powerful, meaningful aspect of our lives. Reading inspiring words from great writers, poets, playwrights and more can help inspire us to speak to our partners in a way that makes them feel loved, appreciated and fulfilled in a shared life with you.

Inspiring quotes can offer a new perspective or a new way of looking at things. Words and quotes about love can be the guiding light throughout what we do, how we live our lives and how we treat others.

Take a look at these quotes about love and gather some inspiration for the next time you want your partner to feel special. They’re sure to appreciate the sweet words that remind you of the love you share with your person. Maybe they’ll even start to look for the best quotes about love to share with you as well and you can enjoy a new tradition.

10 Foods to Help You Recover from Lyme Disease

August 15, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Lyme disease treatment presents unique nutritional challenges. The disease triggers inflammation that spreads throughout your body. Fortunately, you can nourish your body with foods that help you improve your health and fight inflammation. Thus, you will help your body in its recovery from the ravages of this illness.

You need an anti-inflammatory diet

Lyme disease both causes problems with digestion and triggers inflammation. This event may cause you to lack appetite when you need essential vitamins and minerals the most!

So what’s the solution? Eating a diet of powerfully anti-inflammatory foods that also pack a nutritional punch. Let’s take a look at ten methods to give your body all that it needs as you recover from this illness,

Foods to Eat for Lyme Disease Prevention

Eating well is fundamental as your body repairs from the ravages caused by Lyme Disease. Proper nutrition is one of the wisest–and simplest–things you can do to improve your general wellness. However, it’s even more critical if you have Lyme disease.

Every person has their own taste in foods. So, find the meals on this list of anti-inflammatory foods that sound the tastiest to you, and be sure to consume them as you recover.

1 – Water

OK. You got us. Water is not a food. However, it tops our list in the numero uno spot, nevertheless!

Water comprises over 60 percent of the human body. Thus, it’s a priority every day to drink your fair share. Not only will it maintain your wellness, but it will also help fight any fever or infection that stems from your illness. Finally, it helps your liver flush toxins out of your system.

If you know you should drink more water, but you’re uncertain of the correct amount to drink, here are some water intake guidelines, according to science.

Adult Males:

The 2018 study cited above suggests that men drink 3700 milliliters, or 125 fluid ounces of water each day.

Adult Females:

In addition, the study recommends that adult females drink 2000 milliliters, approximately 68 fluid ounces daily.

Pregnant adult females should drink 2300 milliliters, 78 fluid ounces daily.

2 – Fatty Fish

Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and other cold-water species are well-documented sources of nutrients when you’re fighting inflammation. That powerful impact comes from the presence of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Omega 3s are so essential to the diet that science now recognizes it as Vitamin F.

Fatty fish serves a role as an essential source of protein as you recover from Lyme disease. And, if you get into a good habit of consuming oily fish regularly, you’ll gain an added benefit. That’s because these fish also improve arterial health, feed your brain the fats it needs, and fuels your metabolism.

3 – Sunflower Seeds

Do you think of sunflower seeds as a tasty snack food? They definitely are that, but they’re much more! Sunflower seeds deliver your body powerful punches of Vitamin E and help boost your body’s natural antibodies. That’s an essential job in the fight against inflammation.

Snack away at will on these healthy seeds. But, also consider adding them for a crunchy bite over your next salad or stir them into your oatmeal for added texture.

4 – Turmeric

Best known for its frequent use in Indian cuisine, Turmeric offers far more than tasty flavor to your curry dishes. Ancestral Indian healers used this ancient spice for centuries to cure everything from insect stings to arthritis pain to fevers–all inflammatory complications.

Because Lyme Disease often triggers inflammation and discomfort in the joints, it should be a go-to as you recover from Lyme disease. Besides, it helps to reduce the chances of complications like secondary bacterial infections you could contract while you’re improving.

5 – Leafy Greens

Because you probably feel sluggish and lethargic during recovery from this illness, you need to embrace leafy greens. Think spinach, collard greens, kale, mustard greens. etc.

These greens are high in nutrients to help you bounce back after this illness. Additionally, they improve anti-inflammatory benefits, improve your heart health, and boost your energy.

Remember that the darker green the vegetables, the more concentrated the nutrients.

6 – Kimchi

Kimchi, Korea’s famous fermented cabbage this is also critical food for fighting Lyme disease. That is because Kimchi aids your gut health.

This good bacteria is useful because it balances the “good bacteria” in your gut. That’s important in overcoming the impacts of Lyme disease. While most people don’t understand precisely what their gut does, many of the negative symptoms associated with Lyme link to gut health.

Poor gut health can trigger inflammation. So by prioritizing gut health and eating kimchi, you’ll be able to feel better–much sooner.

7 – Chickpeas

Whether you are eating a scrumptious hummus dip or tossing chickpeas into a salad, doing so will help to boost your general well-being after Lyme.

These delicious legumes are chock full of essential Vitamin B6. That vitamin is critical to helping support your immune system, which is stressed during a bout of Lyme.

It’s easy to sneak chickpeas into many dishes. That versatility makes it one of the simplest foods to consume while healing after Lyme.

8 – Sweet Potatoes

Whether you enjoy baked sweet potatoes or make a comforting soup, adding sweet potatoes, serve a vital role when you want to counteract the effects of Lyme.

That’s because sweet potatoes are high in Vitamin A. Thus, support a healthy immune system. And, the healthy dose of Vitamin A also helps you fight any secondary infections as you heal.

9 – Stevia

Stevia is a natural sweetener that might also be useful in combating Lyme as this sweetener can counter the impact of Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, the species that infects your body with Lyme

A 2015 study suggests that Stevia is a biofilm disruptor that may destroy the biofilm produced by the aforementioned bacteria.

10 – Garlic Essential Oil

A 2018 study states that Garlic Oil is one of ten essential oils that help Lyme disease patients recover from their illness faster. While the study makes that statement, the research team also recommends further research is necessary to pinpoint more exact science.

But, the research makes garlic essential oil worth a try.

Foods to Avoid When Treating Lyme

So, now we’ve established that you must eat very well while treating this illness. On the flip side, it’s also critical that you avoid the foods that can trigger inflammation and thus worsen your condition. Here’s a list of ten such foods.

1 – Sugar

Terrible bugs such as Lyme and the candida yeast thrive on sugars. And that’s not even to mention that too much sugar intake might suppress your immune system.

Because sugar and sugary foods can wreak havoc on your body’s immune system, steer clear of sugar and sugary foods during your recovery period.

2 – Grains and Gluten

You should also take care to avoid grains or products with gluten as you recover from this illness. Even if you are not allergic to gluten, it’s essential to eliminate these from your nutrition plan at this time.

Anecdotal evidence reveals that Lyme patients report feeling better, overall after they cut out grains and gluten from their diet. Additionally, experts link grains to issues with cognitive function and also a leaky gut.

3 – Dairy

If you can tolerate dairy during your recovery, be sure to consume only organic products. However, if you usually are even slightly sensitive to dairy products, then avoid it altogether during your recovery.

Dairy products cause inflammation in those who are sensitive, adding to the feeling of unwellness.

4 – GMOs

High in pesticides and generally unhealthy, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) connect to inflammation and cause poor gut health. Therefore, Lyme disease patients must avoid them at all costs. Some commonly-consumed GMO foods include the following: corn, soybeans, milk, and canola.

5 – Caffeine and Alcohol

As we mentioned in food to eat #1, water, proper hydration is fundamental in fighting this ailment.

Conversely, caffeine, and alcohol, which lead to dehydration, can create severe problems for you if you suffer from this illness.

6 – Trans Fats

You may already avoid trans fats as they have so many negative consequences for heart health. If you don’t, then know that they trigger inflammation and cause a sluggish immune system and metabolism. Thus, avoid them for Lyme’s recovery.

7 – Foods with Dyes, Colors, and Additives

Foods that contain synthetic or additives, cush as preservatives, dyes, or colorings trigger a myriad of health concerns. These human-made consumables are inferior for your overall well-being.

Final Thoughts on Lyme Disease Prevention

For those contending with this illness, an intentional, healthy eating plan is the first step in recovering from feelings of ill health you’re currently experiencing. While eating well, alone, will not cure your disease, you will support your recovery by making smart food choices.

12 CHEMICALS THAT ARE DISRUPTIVE TO YOUR HORMONES

BPA

Dioxin

Atrazine

Phthalates

Perchlorate

Fire retardants

Lead

Arsenic

Mercury

PFCs

Organophosphate pesticides

Glycol ethers

FINAL THOUGHTS ON 12 CHEMICALS THAT CAN DISRUPT YOUR HORMONES

Wind Power Increases Across America

Wind Energy in Scotland

Energy Goals for Scotland

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

Can this possibly be true?

The Study

Here’s a breakdown of the study on smartphones and these growths.

Cause(s):

Study Conclusions:

A Quick Summary

“Text Neck”

Symptoms of text neck include:

Some Eye-opening Statistics About Smartphones

Final thoughts: Is it time for a serious discussion?

Really? That’s what this has come down to?

WHAT CAUSES HEART DISEASES?

Heart failure

Aneurysm

Stroke

Sudden cardiac arrest

Peripheral artery disease

COMMON RISK FACTORS FOR HEART DISEASE

High blood cholesterol

Hypertension

Diabetes

Obesity

A sedentary lifestyle

Poor diet

Smoking

Stress

Poor hygiene

HEART DISEASE AND CANCER TREATMENTS

HEART DISEASES CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HEART DISEASE

ARRHYTHMIAS

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

HEART VALVE DISEASE

VASCULAR DISEASE

PERICARDIAL DISEASE

HEART DISEASES CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS: COMMON HEART DISEASE TREATMENTS

Quotes About Love in Fiction

1 “Relationship is an art. The dream that two people create is more difficult to master than one.”

8 “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”

Quotes About Love — Classics

14 “Two people in love, alone, isolated from the world, that’s beautiful.”

Quotes About Love that Show Wisdom

24 “It was as if we’d known each other for a thousand years.”

Quotes About Love

You need an anti-inflammatory diet

Foods to Eat for Lyme Disease Prevention

1 – Water

Adult Males:

Adult Females:

2 – Fatty Fish

3 – Sunflower Seeds

4 – Turmeric

5 – Leafy Greens

6 – Kimchi

7 – Chickpeas

8 – Sweet Potatoes

9 – Stevia

10 – Garlic Essential Oil

Foods to Avoid When Treating Lyme

1 – Sugar

2 – Grains and Gluten

3 – Dairy

4 – GMOs

HEART DISEASES CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS:
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HEART DISEASE

Rise and Shine On!
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