Category: Health Essentials

being an empowered patient

Being an Empowered Patient: Getting the Most Out of Your Appointments

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Have you ever left one of your health appointments disappointed with your visit? Maybe you had just spoken to a health care professional, but instead of feeling like all of your concerns were addressed, you found yourself with even more questions? In this article, I will present some practical ways in which you can prepare for any encounter you might have with the health care system—whether it is a routine doctor’s visit or an unexpected trip to the ER—so you can make the most out of your interactions with your health care professionals. In short, these tips will show you how to be an empowered patient.

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High Blood Pressure & How to Improve It Naturally

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Have you ever been told that your blood pressure is high? Are you already on medications for your blood pressure? If so, you are not alone. Just in the U.S., it is estimated that half of all adults—over 100 million people—live with high blood pressure…and many aren’t even aware they have it. This article will discuss the fundamentals of high blood pressure, tips to properly monitor your own blood pressure, and ways you can improve your high blood pressure safely and naturally.

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Quick Relaxation Techniques for Instant Relaxation and Zen

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Let’s face it; life can be stressful. Sometimes, it can feel like we don’t even have 10 minutes to spare. Even if you know all the Stress Management skills, sometimes one just needs a quick break from the stresses of a busy day—in the middle of the day. At these times, instant relaxation techniques can serve as lifesavers. These mini-relaxation techniques are powerful stress-busters that you can reach for anytime. Whether you’re preparing for an important meeting, stuck in traffic, or in the middle of an uncomfortable situation—these exercises can be a fast and effective tool to help you achieve instant relaxation so that you can confidently face the stresses of the day. So go ahead—take some time to try them all to see which ones work best for you.

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Causes of Fatigue: 6 Conditions You Need to Know

Causes of Fatigue: 6 Conditions You Need to Know

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Do you always feel tired? Do you often have difficulty getting through the day because of lack of energy? Sometimes, being tired is expected and normal (such as after an all-nighter, a bout of the flu, or a busy non-stop week). However, if you find yourself always feeling fatigued and worn out despite adequate rest, to the point your tiredness negatively affects your quality of life, it’s time to do something about it. In this article, I will discuss six causes of fatigue and daytime sleepiness that—while common and treatable—often goes undiagnosed. In another article, I discuss practical ways in which you can fight fatigue and improve your energy level. 

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Managing & Overcoming Depression: 7 Practical Tools

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Depression. One word that can mean so many things. For those who have lived with or currently live with depression, you know very well the effects it can have on your daily life. Depression can drain not only your physical energy, but also your hopes, motivation, enjoyment, and personal drive. You may be aware of all the steps to getting better, but you just cannot get yourself to take even the first one. If this sounds all too familiar to you, you are not alone. And there is hope. This article will present 7 tips for overcoming depression and its symptoms that will help you take back your life.

Related article: Feeling Depressed? Coping with Depression during COVID

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obstructive sleep apnea risk snoring

Snoring & Tired? You Might Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea

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Do you often feel sleepy during the day? Do you feel exhausted in the mornings, despite the amount of sleep you get? Have you been told that you snore? If you answered yes to these questions, you may be at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that can ruin your health and quality of life when unaddressed. But fortunately, it is easily diagnosed and treatable. In this article, I will discuss exactly what obstructive sleep apnea is, how you can know whether you are at risk, and what you can do about it.

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relaxation technique you need to try

5-Minute Relaxation Technique You Need to Try

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Do you ever feel tense during the day or have trouble sleeping at night? If so, you are not alone. For many, relaxation may consist of scrolling endlessly on your phone through social media. But this does little to reduce the damaging health effects of chronic stress and can actually harm the quality of your sleep. On the other hand, relaxation exercises are designed to help your body let go of tension, clear your mind, and cause you to fall asleep faster while experiencing deeper and better quality sleep. This article will provide an overview of one of the most effective relaxation techniques: Progressive Muscle Relaxation.

Don’t really feel like reading? Then simply sit back and play this 10-minute video, in which Dr. Chi gives a brief overview of the physiologic stress response before guiding you through a soothing session of relaxation.

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