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Find the Best Supplement on a Review Site

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Top View Photo of Food Dessert

In a perfect scenario, one can eat delicious meals every single day. They can sleep for more than 8 hours, take two naps a day, and stay hydrated. They can eat all the available fruits and vegetables without the extra preservatives.

However, today, the world is a hectic place where you go to work, deal with stress, and buy takeout food. If you are one of the people who wish to be healthy, but you can’t get all you need on your diet, then supplements are there for you. Read more about how you can stay healthy when you click here.

Note that supplements are not some miracle drugs that will keep you healthy even if you are living a poor lifestyle. You should still make an effort to eat nutritious meals, sleep whenever you can, and exercise. Here are some reasons why you need an extra boost.

Why You Need Supplements

1. Fill the Gaps on Your Nutrition Goals

Most people don’t meet the recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals in a day. They can’t get these nutrients on food alone. Some can’t meet the dietary requirements because they can’t prepare nutritious meals all the time, they are on a diet, or they have a poor appetite.

One of the goals of supplementation is to bridge this gap. One should maintain a balance between supplements and food. When taken in the right dosage, the pills can enhance the density of nutrients in a diet and make sure that the body meets its vitamins, iron, potassium, and lots of other requirements.

2. Absorption of Nutrients Declines with Age

One of the problems of older adults is a decrease in the body’s absorption of vitamins from the food that one eats. The body can’t break down some of the lipids than it used to as one is aging. Since there’s a natural decline in the absorption process, you can help boost your body through supplements found in sites such as https://supplementsmarts.net.  

If your system works so well, you will have a longer life with fewer health problems as you age. You won’t also be taking more than the necessary medications when you get older. Medicines also cause some of the imbalances since they can deplete the body’s essential resources. The supplements can help with this imbalance making you live a healthier life.

3. Supplements with Poor Eating

Woman Holding Iphone While Eating

Some people have erratic eating habits that they can’t meet the nutritional requirements if their bodies. Some days, they eat plenty of greens such as broccoli and kale. Other days, they are eating burgers and fries. Most don’t eat well because of stress or poor habits.

It can be true that supplementation will never replace the value of eating healthy. However, one can prevent further damage that their erratic eating habits are causing. The extra boost of antioxidants will help the body boost its immune system. This means that one is less likely to get sick or experience health problems in the short-term if they have extra help.

4. Lessen the Impact of Ingesting Chemicals

There are herbicides and pesticides used in most vegetables and plants. The chemicals can also be found in the water supply. In this day and age, some pests can harm the entire crops, and the only way to avoid them is to kill them through chemicals.

To avoid the drastic effects of polluting chemicals, one needs to ingest antioxidants that can help the body fight these unwanted toxins. The harmful chemicals can make the immune system significantly weaker. To strengthen them, one should have supplements rich in antioxidants to clean the liver and other organs in the body.

5. Increases Nutrients that are Used through Exercises

If you are into exercising, you will require more protein and other building blocks of the body to make up for the lost ones. Some athletes need to stay in shape, and this involves a lot of vitamins. As one exercise, they use the energy and fuel that are naturally stored in the body.

When these are used up, one can feel weaker, and their bodies can suffer the consequences. To make up for the intense workouts, replenishing the nutrients is a must. The body can recover faster and becomes more robust in the process when there are plenty of carbohydrates and proteins stored. Most people prefer to drink protein shakes instead of eating extra chicken and pasta.

Some doctors reported that their patient tells them that they are eating plenty of grains, fruits, beans, and vegetables. They avoid anything too fatty or sugary. They can be confused about why there’s a need for supplements. While taking so many pills and drugs may not be natural, and it can be a valid agreement, there are reasons why one should take supplements.

Mother Nature’s Programming

If mother nature wants everyone to have more than enough nutrients, is there a reason why she wouldn’t put these in the food that she produces? However, if one wants to have the maximum lifespan and avoid lots of diseases, diet is not enough.

This can be compared to plants where they can survive with just water and sunlight. But in their early years, if you add some fertilizers that are organic and rich in nutrients, they will thrive. They can grow faster and are less likely to die.

For the human body, the same scenario applies. A diet full of fruits and vegetables that is supplemented by boosters will make the body carry out tasks even under rigorous exercises. Mother nature was not concerned about longevity. The main aim is survival and propagation.

She programmed everyone to be in their highest potential in their 20s. This is the age where everyone can reproduce and be in good health to take care of their babies. Beyond that, everyone is on their own. Since there are no provisions that your body will continue to take care of itself beyond your peak years, it’s never too late to establish good habits and drink supplements.

Five Tips For Choosing the Best Pulse Oximeters For Home Use

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Pulse oximetry is an entirely painless method of measuring your oxygen saturation levels. This test is crucial for determining the ability of the bloodstream to supply your body organs with the right amount of oxygen, essential for the healthy function of your organism. 

Pulse oximetry is performed by using a device, called an oximeter, available in various types, convenient for medical and personal use. In case you need to check or track your hemoglobin saturation, you can purchase a pulse oximeter for home use. 

The following tips will help you purchase the best one for your needs.

Have a consultation with your doctor

The initial thing to do prior to purchasing an oximeter would be consulting with your doctor. He/ She is the right person to determine the type of device you need in accordance with your medical condition. For instance, in case you intend to use this instrument for the sole purpose of occasionally measuring your oxygen saturation, then a finger oximeter would be the appropriate choice. 

However, if your doctor has to track your oxygen levels at all times, then the wrist model would be the perfect alternative, as it provides constant monitoring. In case your medical condition requires heart rate measurement, your doctor would advise you to purchase a model with a pulse monitor. Make sure you follow its recommendations, as there is no other person more familiar with your health condition. 

Check all the models

Although the core function of all oximeters is measuring oxygen levels in one’s bloodstream, there’re in fact different models, each designed for a specific use. For example, the clip-on model is most frequently purchased for home use, owing to its small size and portability. You’re only supposed to attach it to your finger and wait for the results to appear on the screen. 

Another commonly used variant is definitely the wrist-sensor model, convenient for constant tracking. It’s in the form of a watch, worn on your wrist and connected to the probe on your finger. This instrument helps doctors to monitor the condition of their patients, suffering from the chronic disease without staying in the hospital. Click here for some tips on using your pulse oximeter correctly.  

On the other hand, the handheld and tabletop instruments are predominantly used by hospitals, considering their big size. However, they are undoubtedly more accurate than the portable ones, working on the same principle of attaching the probe to the index finger of the patient, only this time the probe and the screen are connected by a cable. 

Consider the variety of features

Apart from choosing the type of instrument, you’re also supposed to select the features that are convenient for you. For instance, if you want to be absolutely certain in the accuracy of the result, make sure you choose a model with a light that turns on every time there is an obstruction in the measurement process. 

Another useful feature is undoubtedly the alarm. Some devices feature an alarm that sounds when your oxygen levels are dangerously low. Also, make sure you purchase a device with long battery life, particularly if you intend to use it for constant monitoring.

Test the device

In order to check if your oximeter shows accurate results, take the instrument to your doctor and compare it with the one in its office. If the readings are identical, then the instrument is fully functional and ready to be used. 

However, in case your instrument’s readings differ from the ones of the doctor, there is no other alternative, but taking the product back to the vendor. Anyhow, in order to avoid any problems with the return procedure, make sure you purchase a model with a solid return policy.

Use it correctly

There are several rules to abide when using your oximeter so as to provide accurate readings. Firstly, you’re supposed to wash your hands properly, as even the slightest dirt can get in the way of the light, emitted by the device.  Also, female users must remember to remove their nail polish, as once again the light will be obstructed by the polish. 

Furthermore, don’t expose the device to direct sunlight, as its light might be influenced by the sun rays, thus resulting in a wrong reading.  Also, you’re expected not to move during the measurement process, as any movement is likely to affect the scan. Your hands need to be warm in order for the scan to be successful, as cold hands indicate insufficient bloodstream. Visit the following link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulse_oximetry, to learn more about the pulse oximetry method so as to be more prepared for using your newly-bought instrument.

Conclusion

Purchasing such a device can really help you keep track of your health.

It’s certainly worth the investment! 

How To Increase Your Productivity With A Healthy Work/Life Balance

How To Increase Your Productivity With A Healthy Work/Life Balance

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One proven method of increasing productivity among employees is cloud adoption. The adoption of the cloud has been driven by the digitization of the business world, which has exponentially added to the amount of data, programs, and systems that an organization needs to manage in order to keep up. The cloud offers the best way to keep your business organized and innovative, and businesses have reported back strong results. And now, with the development of Social Cloud Storage™ by MrOwl, cloud-based productivity can expand into areas the cloud has never reached. The post, Enhancing Productivity Through MrOwl, details the ways Social Cloud Storage can help increase productivity. Here are five additional ways MrOwl and the cloud can improve productivity within companies.

Flexibility and Agility

Agility and flexibility used to be considered the domain of technology companies but now, it is necessary for any business. Cloud computing allows you to adapt to market conditions with a flexibility that is not available when you use on-site, physical solutions. Aside from adapting to external conditions, this virtual solution also enables quick responses to internal demands. If user demand increases, cloud services can rise to meet the demand, and then be easily decreased as demand drops, thus eliminating the problem of over-provisioning or IT systems overload.

The cloud enables opportunities that simply don’t exist without it, such as the ability to instantly deploy an application or service to all employees with one click. As your organization grows and changes, flexibility becomes that much more important in maintaining productivity. Being able to easily adopt and deploy services as you need them and monitor workloads is a huge gain for the organization and one that’s only available with a cloud instance.

Collaboration and Mobility

A Forbes survey recently found that 64% of respondents indicated that cloud-based collaboration tools have helped their organizations execute faster than before, and 87% of leaders surveyed indicated that cloud-based solutions “represent a true breakthrough in collaboration”.

With the traditional workplace breaking down into more remote, decentralized teams, the need to collaborate efficiently whether employees are in or outside of the office is more important now than ever. One of the keys to higher productivity is through enabling your employees to more easily work together through the myriad collaboration tools available in the cloud. This is where Social Cloud Storage truly shines. It “enables the sharing of content directly out of your cloud storage to a community beyond your contacts.”

With MrOwl, company documents, links, and projects are accessible whenever and wherever employees need them on a self-service basis. The cloud additionally allows employees to, collaborate, and instant message each other, whether they are in the same room or half a world away.

Worker Satisfaction

Working remotely makes such a difference to employee satisfaction that 36% said they would pick working remotely over a pay raise and the same percentage said they would even take a 10% cut in pay for the telecommuting that the cloud makes possible. Distractions in the workplace are another factor inhibiting productivity and these are estimated to cost the US economy $600 billion a year. Cloud computing allows employees to work remotely which cuts down on office distractions and can increase productivity by 35-40%. 

Disaster Resistant

Losing important data to a fire or some other disaster at your business premises can devastate your business. Data back-up service providers have preached this message for a long time, but with the availability of cloud services, it is now much more convenient to heed the message. Virtualization technologies enable the incorporation of cloud-based recovery models which keeps a cloned version of all your data readily available at data centers should something go wrong.

Competitive Edge

A Harvard Business Review study found that 74% of organizations reported that cloud services have given them a competitive advantage because of the ease and speed of capitalizing on opportunities. The ability to build and deliver faster, easier, cheaper, and higher quality results is a huge business advantage that can make all the difference in today’s market.  When employees have exactly what they need in order to do their job the best they can, they gain the ability to be much more productive than before – which helps the business’ bottom line, now and in the long run.

The business world is becoming more complex by the day. With Social Cloud Storage, your employees and overall business are enabled to stay above the chaos and be as productive as possible.  MrOwl offers a huge opportunity to change productivity levels among employees and throughout the organization, and with a strong cloud strategy best fit for your specific needs, you can succeed. With the speed of innovation consistently rising in any and every industry, empowering your employees and business with the best solutions around is essential to success.

The Misdiagnosis Of A Child That Changed Everything Forever

The Misdiagnosis Of A Child That Changed Everything Forever

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In May 2015, Lorina and Jason Troy of Texas had just welcomed a new baby boy into the world. But when the child’s head kept growing, so did their concern. Appointments with medical specialists kept leading them to the same wrong answer.

When Lorina’s second son, JJ, was born, she had no idea there was any potential problem with her child. She did not know that an ultrasound near the end of her pregnancy had shown JJ’s head to be two weeks larger than normal. No doctor mentioned there being any abnormalities when JJ was born, even though his head was still bigger than usual. Even after his birth no medical personnel said anything about JJ’s head continuing to grow. Lorina was concerned but not alarmed. 

However, when JJ started vomiting a lot, Lorina took him to their pediatrician where he was diagnosed as having a stomach virus. They were simply sent home with instructions to keep him hydrated. But the vomiting didn’t stop. Lorina took JJ to an urgent care facility and eventually a children’s hospital. All agreed it was just a stomach bug even though JJ’s head had continued to swell along with the stomach upset.

Eventually, Lorina managed to get the doctors to do an MRI on JJ. They discovered there was a fluid build-up in her son’s cranium. This can be a sign of head trauma and they immediately assumed the worst and accused Lorina’s family of child abuse. She asked for a second opinion but was denied. She said, “I told him, my son has never been hurt in any way, could this be anything else? And he told me, yes, but since he’s a baby and can’t talk, we are just going to go with abuse and walked away.” So Lorina’s children were taken from her and placed in foster care.

Soon after, her husband Jason, was charged with two felony charges of child abuse, which carry a sentence between five and 99 years. These charges caused him to immediately lose his top-secret government job. The couple searched for a lawyer who would take the case. They were forced to sell their home to pay for attorney expenses. The Troy family ultimately ended up losing over $80,000 in fees, medical expenses, and lost wages.

Over the following two years, JJ was seen by numerous doctors but continued to be misdiagnosed. Eventually, a doctor in Maryland discovered JJ had Benign External Hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a condition where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the cranium, causing an enlarged head among other symptoms like vomiting, seizures, and breathing difficulties. It can be present at birth and is the result of genetic abnormalities, problems with fetal development, or complications at birth.

With the new diagnosis, the charges were dropped, and the parents were reunited with their children. But they feel the medical and legal systems have failed them. How was it possible for two loving parents to so quickly be labeled abusers and have their children taken away?

In the mid-1970s, new theories on child abuse were being formed. Infant cranial injury inflicted by blunt force trauma, shaking, or a combination of forces came to be known as “shaken baby syndrome” (SBS), more often today referred to as “inflicted or abusive head trauma.” The idea that certain head injuries were indicative of child abuse grew and soon a new sub-specialty in pediatrics formed: child abuse pediatricians. 

The child abuse pediatrician became the linchpin in a successful child abuse prosecution; in so doing they took on the conflicting roles of health care provider, investigator, medical expert, accuser, key prosecution witness, promoter of the prime hypothesis, and defender of their own past medical decision making regarding abuse. Without their testimony regarding the prime hypothesis there could be no convictions. 

For whatever reasons, over the years, these specialists began to hold more power over the medical establishment to the point of being considered almost infallible. Today, colleagues are reluctant to contradict any findings made by child abuse pediatricians, so getting second opinions can often be difficult. That is a large reason JJ’s diagnosis came from a doctor from another state. And the legal system sees these specialists as experts in their field. Therefore, there is no reason to question their determinations or authority. This has increasingly led to child abuse pediatricians misdiagnosing accidental injuries, dermatological issues, and developmental disorders as abuse when they were not. 

The Troy family is trying to heal from the trauma of separation, legal battles, and financial loss. Lorina has become an advocate for families like hers that have experienced devastating results from a child’s misdiagnosis. She lobbies lawmakers in Texas, California, and Washington D.C. to change laws on getting second medical opinions and the role of CPS in instances like these. She also talks to the press to raise awareness of Hydrocephalus and stories of misdiagnosis like hers and many other families across the country. Lorina says, “Our strength came from our faith, our prayer, and the love and support of family and friends. But we went through the most challenging events of our lives, and it has strengthened us.” She has now written a book, titled “Miracles of Faith,” that goes into the details of her family’s journey through the medical and legal systems and how their faith saw them through it all. It is available directly through the publishing company, Westbow Press, A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan. 

Vanilla Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Vanilla Sandwich Cookies Recipe

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If you are faced with a day when you have nothing to do, staying home and baking cookies is a great way to add excitement. There are so many kinds of cookies you can make, but vanilla sandwich cookies are an all time favorite. They have a light creamy taste, which is perfect as an ice cream topping or by itself with a cold glass of milk.

If you are looking for a vanilla sandwich cookies recipe you can make to brighten up your day, here is one we recommend.

Vanilla Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

For the cookies:

  • 100g (or ⅓ cup + 5 teaspoons) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 100g (or ¾ cup + 2½ teaspoons) powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • 115g (or ¾ cup + 2 tbsp + 2 tsp) all-purpose flour
  •  A pinch of salt

For the filling:

  •  ½ cup buttercream

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with baking parchment.
  2. In a medium-size bowl, beat butter until smooth with a wooden spoon. Add powdered sugar, egg and vanilla, and stir. Add flour and salt and stir until the batter is smooth and has a thick buttercream consistency.
  3. Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a medium open tip, and pipe 1-inch dollops onto the baking sheets. Make sure to leave space between the dollops, as the cookies will spread in the oven.
  4. Bake (one sheet at a time) in the middle of the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies have turned a golden color. Remove from the oven. Allow the cookies to cool completely on baking sheets.
  5. Once cool, use a piping bag fitted with a small star tip to fill the cookies. Start in the center of each cookie and spiral outwards. Place the second cookie on top and press down lightly.
  6. Serve the cookies cold or at room temperature.
  7. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for three days but they will start to lose their crunch over time.

Can I Use Vanilla Essential Oil Instead of Vanilla Extract?

If you look at a vanilla sandwich cookies recipe, most will call for vanilla extract. If you don’t have any in the house, you may be wondering if your vanilla essential oil can do as an alternative. In most cases, the answer would be no; however, the NOW Foods company makes an essential oil that is so pure, it is considered “food-grade” and can be used for cooking.

NOW Foods has been providing sports nutrition, beauty products, supplements and organic whole foods since the 1940s. Their Vanilla Essential Oil is made with two simple ingredients, vanilla oil and jojoba oil. Not only are these safe to ingest, they also smell great when diffused.

So the next time you are looking for something to do, why not try your hand at a great vanilla sandwich cookies recipe like the one we have listed above? It is sure to brighten up your day, and your taste buds will thank you later!

Planning the Perfect Day in Memphis

Planning the Perfect Day in Memphis

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Memphis offers everything from the blues to civil war history, with plenty of delicious eats in between. There’s so much to see and do, after getting a taste you might find yourself searching through the Memphis houses for sale so you can enjoy unlimited time there, but for now, if you only have one day here in this Tennessee city, here’s how to do it right. 

Morning

Start your day the way many of the locals do, with a delicious country-style breakfast at Barksdale’s with classics like biscuits, cheese grits, omelets, eggs, and bacon. While it’s no-frills, you can expect a warm welcome with friendly service and a sense of community while surrounded by autographed glossies of famous Memphians like actress Cybill Shepherd, Grizzlies’ stars and political signs. 

Just a 5-minute drive away is Sun Studio, often referred to as the spot where rock ‘n roll was born – public tours are available that reveal the Sun story and its stars, including Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, with lots of memorabilia on display. They start at the bottom of every half hour until 5:30 p.m., and you can even have your photo taken in the very place where the legends once recorded.

From here you can easily check out the National Civil Rights Museum and the Lorraine Motel, paying homage to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (who stayed in room 306 in April 1968) and others who’ve fought for civil rights throughout history. 

Afternoon

You can’t visit Memphis without seeing Graceland, the home Elvis Presley purchased in 1957 for $102,500 when he was just 22 years old. As tourists usually arrive in the morning, it’s usually less busy in the afternoon, with the last tour starting at 4 p.m or 5 p.m., depending on the time of year and day of the week. You’ll be able to explore the magnificent mansion, including The King’s legendary jungle room, his pink Cadillac, record collection, elaborate costumes, and the aircraft that he traveled on from show to show. 

If you aren’t still full from breakfast, Graceland hosts two restaurants, Vernon’s Smokehouse, renowned for its Memphis BBQ, and Gladys’ Diner serving classic American cuisine. Just keep in mind that you might want to save room for dinner. 

Evening

Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous is a long-time Memphis institution, serving BBQ in a downtown alley for over 70 years. Located just across from the famous Peabody Hotel, the ribs, dry rub done true Memphis-style, are a favorite of former President Bill Clinton and thousands come to sample them. Afterwards, enjoy the best show in town at The Orpheum, an opulent theater built in 1928 hosting Broadway productions, big-name concerts and entertainers, theatrical performances, and summer movie series.

Sample the nightlife, starting on famous Beale Street, enjoying the blues at B.B. King’s or among the beer-loving goats at the Irish dueling piano pub known as Silky O’Sullivan’s. In the heart of the scene is Alfred’s, famous for its live music, including popular cover bands for dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. If the weather cooperates, you can also enjoy the only rooftop patio on Beale, a fabulous place to spend the rest of the evening.

Why You Should Choose Vintage Engagement and Wedding Rings

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With ample choices available when it comes to you choosing an engagement or wedding ring, it might better suit you to look back in time, rather than forward. By this we mean that you should try and scout out vintage pieces that have already seen decades of love. Although the allure of custom rings is strong for people wanting a ring that reflects their personality, there’s a good chance that such a ring already exists – in the form of an antique ring! Even if you’re set on creating a custom ring, researching antique styles can help you find an altogether new style you can incorporate into your new ring! In this article we take a look at a few reasons why antique rings should be at the top of your engagement or wedding buy list. 

Luxury from another era

Just like styles from a century ago regularly coming back into fashion, looking for wedding rings in Melbourne antique stores can help you find some incredible designs that were understandably popular. These rings, often the pinnacle of luxury during their time, offer an incredible quality of workmanship that is rare nowadays, where the ring manufacturing technology we have today wouldn’t have been dreamed of. For this reason, you’ll often see jewellery techniques demonstrated in these rings that are simply not performed anymore, which can give you some great ideas if you’re looking into having a custom ring made. If you choose to instead buy one of these rings outright, you’ll be able to own a special piece of history – the opportunity to speculate regarding who owned the ring and when can be a really fun exercise, and you’ll be able to know you’re contributing to the unique and storied history of your ring. You’ll also be able to choose a ring that is tied to a certain period of history, such as Art Deco or Victorian times, which can be particularly exciting to the history lovers out there. 

 Saving the planet and your wallet

For those that appreciate sustainability, vintage wedding and engagement rings are an excellent way to use beautiful resources that are already available to us. Rather than organising a brand new ring that will demand labour and resources are sourced from around the world, a vintage ring that has already been created greatly reduces your carbon footprint. For those that appreciate savings, there’s also an opportunity to save a little bit of money with enough persistence. Although some particularly rare rings might cost more than modern rings, you might be able to find some rings from a few decades ago that are much cheaper than their brand new modern counterparts. If this is the case, for your budget you’ll be able to find something with a much more impressive gemstone. As we mentioned before, this might require a good bit of hunting on your part, but the payoff is truly worth it, particularly when your ring is something you’ll get to enjoy for the rest of your life. 

Traditional or modern?

Whether you’re planning on having a custom ring made or looking for a pre-loved ring, looking out for antique wedding rings is the perfect way to find the perfect ring for you. Even if you’re not set on buying an antique ring for yourself, finding an old style you love – such as Art Deco – can inspire the same beautiful touches in your new ring. 

The Right To Second Medical Opinion: Why The Government Should Mandate This For All

The Right To Second Medical Opinion: Why The Government Should Mandate This For All

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In May 2015, Lorina Troy experienced one of the most devastating events a mother can go through: her children were removed from their home and placed in foster care. Lorina had two sons, one was four years old at the time, and the other was just five months old. The five-month-old, JJ, had been having issues with vomiting a lot, and had a somewhat enlarged head. This eventually led to a misdiagnosis of child abuse and CPS removing the children. It took 5 months to regain custody of her sons and two and a half years to get JJ the correct medical diagnosis of Benign External Hydrocephalus, a condition where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the cranium.  

In a recent report, the federal Administration on Children, Youth and Families estimated that there are nine abused children for every 1000 in the population. But the report also says that only 20% of child abuse investigations are substantiated. The rest, 80%, are cases in which the children are found to not be victims of maltreatment. What the report doesn’t count is the number of investigations leading to the state taking the child from the parents and placing them in foster care before the parents are ultimately cleared of abuse. No one knows exactly how many incidences of this kind of misdiagnosis occur each year.

NBC News along with the Houston Chronicle recently did a year-long investigation highlighting the plight of parents accused of child abuse based on mistaken or overstated reports by doctors. They received hundreds of stories just like Lorina’s. These stories came from all over the United States demonstrating the nationwide nature of this issue. 

The news reports focused on child abuse pediatricians. Child abuse pediatricians are a small but growing subspecialty of physicians who work closely with state child welfare agencies. They provide, “expert reports and court testimony in thousands of cases a year, shielding untold numbers of abused children from additional harm.” However, the investigation found that when the evidence is less clear, a mistaken or overstated diagnosis of child abuse can be made.

Child abuse pediatricians must determine whether an injury is the result of trauma or was accidental or natural. But once a child abuse expert makes a determination of abuse, it becomes very difficult to change the tenor of the conversation. There is no requirement for getting a second opinion. And often, other doctors in the community are reluctant to contradict colleagues. In some cases, parents did get second opinions that disagreed with the diagnosis of abuse, but these were ignored by Child Protective Services (CPS).

This has resulted in families going through the horror at being accused of abuse and the agony of weeks or months apart from their children. Many parents have trouble finding lawyers or medical experts to review their cases and often must take out tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans for legal fees. Lorina’s family ended up losing $80,000 in lost wages, legal fees, and medical costs.  They also suffered emotionally and even missed time with their children they could never get back.

Due to the reporting done by NBC and the Houston Chronicle, Texas lawmakers launched a series of hearings, and some have proposed enabling courts or parents to seek a second medical opinion after a doctor reports abuse. Other lawmakers have suggested changing the way Child Protective Services approaches investigations when the only evidence of abuse comes in the form of a doctor’s note. Texas lawmakers said they plan to take up these proposals in the state’s next legislative session in 2021.

Since her family’s experience, Lorina has become an advocate for families like hers that have experienced the devastating results from a child’s misdiagnosis. She has lobbied lawmakers in Texas and California to change laws on getting second medical opinions and the role of CPS in cases like these. She also talks to the press to raise awareness of Hydrocephalus and stories of misdiagnosis like hers and many other families across the country. Lorina says, “Our strength came from our faith, our prayer, and the love and support of family and friends. But we went through the most challenging events of our lives, and it has strengthened us.” 

Lorina wants to make physicians, hospitals, judges, law enforcement and CPS aware that children can be misdiagnosed with child abuse when the child has a medical condition. She believes a nationwide law needs to be passed that would give a parent the right to get a second opinion on their child’s health from a medical expert, especially when there is no other evidence of child abuse. 

Lorina has now written a book, titled “Miracles of Faith,” that goes into the details of her family’s journey through the medical and legal systems and how their faith saw them through it all. It is available directly through the publishing company, Westbow Press, A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan. She’s currently writing a second book, a continuation of the first, which will consist of her journey towards healing and advocating for legislative changes.

7 Easy Ways to Lower Your Electricity Bill

7 Easy Ways to Lower Your Electricity Bill

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If you’re trying to shore up your budget, it’s a good idea to reevaluate every line item. While things like groceries are, of course, necessary, there are always ways that you can reduce the amount you spend at the store. Such as changing behaviours at home, replacing high-consumption devices, and stick to suitable electricity providers. For instance, just by searching for Texas energy rates, you will find better plans, and this way, cut your bills by the end of the month dramatically. The same is true for utilities like gas and electricity. Read on if you’re looking for some simple ways to save on energy bills.

Buy energy-efficient light bulbs.

One of the most common components of any list of suggestions for how to save on your electric bill is to buy better lightbulbs. Using LED or energy-efficient light bulbs is a surefire way to reduce the amount of energy your bulbs consume each day. Best of all, some LED lightbulbs are designed to last for years, making it easier to save by decreasing the number of times you wind up buying bulbs.

Turn off your lights.

Another easy way to reduce your energy consumption is to turn off the lights when you don’t need them on. If you’ve just left a room, such as a bathroom or your kitchen, make sure to flip the lights off when you leave. You may also want to orient different aspects of your home around windows so that you can make the most of natural light.

Get better windows.

Heating and cooling during the summer and winter are huge culprits when it comes to energy spikes. If you feel like you’re constantly turning the air up in the summer or the heat up in the winter, it may be worth investing in new windows. If your windows are certified energy-efficient and create a better seal, your home will be better insulated, saving you money.

Keep an eye on your thermostat.

Going along with the previous suggestion, it’s a good idea to stay conscious of the temperature you keep your home at. Even adjusting the thermostat down a degree or two in the winter and putting on a pair of socks or a sweater can be effective when it comes to reducing how much money your energy plan charges you. Installing a smart thermostat is another way to help reduce your energy consumption without having to think twice about it.

Use a microwave when possible.

Do you own a microwave? Did you know that if you do, meals that can be prepared in the microwave instead of in an electric oven or stovetop can help you save money, too? Microwaves use a lot less electricity than other, bigger appliances, so when it comes to heating up that soup, maybe you should use the microwave instead of an electric burner.

Insulate your home.

Insulating your home goes beyond getting better windows. Having the proper kinds of insulation in your attic and walls can make a huge difference when it comes to getting a better deal. Especially if you have a higher rate due in the hot summer months and cold winters, it can be a great idea to have your insulation checked. If there are any leaks, or the material is subpar, it may be contributing to the need for your HVAC to work overtime.

Find a new energy provider.

Sometimes, even with the above tips and tricks in mind, you may find that your monthly bill is still a little high. If you’ve determined that your usage level is under control, looking into other energy companies could be the secret to finding a lower rate. Even with an early termination fee, it may be worth switching providers if it means you’ll be saving money by getting the cheapest electricity in any given month. Find cheap electricity plans with iSelect and start comparing your options to see if a new provider could help you save money by changing your rate plan.

What You Should Know About 1-Andro Before Using It

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You have probably heard about steroids. People that work out and want to have a fit physical form often use steroids to achieve that. Also, steroids are used to shape and enlarge muscles, mostly in the upper part of the body. The male population is known for using more steroids than the female. However, this doesn’t mean that a female won’t be able to use them.

Moreover, there isn’t just one type of steroids on the market. Read more on this link. There are over thousands of options you can choose from, and new formulas are being invented even as you read this article. This is because a lot of people seem interested in using them and are satisfied with the outcome later on. Just ask any bodybuilder. Their well-defined physique is often achieved through the usage of steroids.

The best thing to do would be to consult with a nutritionist or your personal trainer about what to do. If you have set your mind on a particular steroid, then you should do research about it to find more. Or, if you have been using the same steroid over and over again and want a change, you should also try to learn more online. 

Take 1-Androsterone, for example. There’s been an increase in interest regarding this particular steroid. If you are curious to know more about it, then continue reading this article. Here’s what you should know: 

Why do people use it? 

The function of this particular compound is to increase muscle mass and strength without any fat. In fact, it has become a very popular steroid for muscle building. If you are looking to speed up the process of shaping your muscles, then you should try this steroid. 

Moreover, before you rush into buying it, you should do some research beforehand. There are several websites online that review products like these. Check them out as well. You can also consult with bodybuilders that go to the same gym as you for a recommendation. 

You should also know that there aren’t any adverse side-effects to using it. It won’t do any harm to your organs, and you’ll be able to achieve your goal. You will be able to encounter it under several different names, as well. So, when you are shopping for steroids, have this in mind as well. This is where research comes in handy. The more you know about the drug, the better.

How does it work? 

The first thing you should pay attention to is the right amount of dosage to intake. With it, you’ll be able to take charge of your cortisol and testosterone levels. As mentioned above, the drug is effective for muscle bulking as well as losing fat. There are several benefits of using this compound. Click on the link to discover more about the prohormone https://anabolicsteroiddrugs.com/1-andro/.

With the right amount of dosage, you can boost the testosterone levels in your body. Not only that, but the effect of the drug can slightly reduce the estrogen levels in your system. If this is something you are determined to do, then you should give this drug a chance. However, talk to your personal trainer first. They may be able to offer some advice on what to do. 

The compound can help you control the effects of the hormones in your body. Its formula is designed for those that want to gain muscle mass for a faster period. Also, doing just workout won’t be able to give you the desired large muscles you want on your arms and chest. You’ll need this drug if you want to see a difference in your body. 

What’s in its formula? 

The steroid is made from several ingredients. Some, you might know. The first component present in the formula is gelatin. As you can see, the compound is rich in proteins. Other ingredients include magnesium stearate, silica, modified cornstarch, etc. if you are a bodybuilder, then you probably know about these components and their effect on the body.

If not, then you should do some research or consult with a professional trainer on the matter. If this is your first time working out and trying to get fit, then the more you know, the better. A professional trainer can surely point you in the right direction.

Are there any side-effects? 

This is a relatively new drug that is still being tested. For now, there aren’t any adverse side-effects experienced by a particular user. The best thing to do would be to control the dosage you are planning to take. If, by some misfortune, you start to feel unwell, consult with a medical professional immediately.

However, this is not the case with this particular drug, but different bodies react differently. Always remember that.