How To Keep Your Relationship Fresh After Marriage

How To Keep Your Relationship Fresh After Marriage

Keeping a relationship fresh after marriage is essential as all relationships take some form of work. People that grow apart do not put in the effort to stay close in their marriage. A fresh marriage with a great relationship can make the world seem like a far better place. Listing out things that you can do to maintain your relationship is important. This can give you an actionable plan of what you need to do. The following are ideas to keep your relationship fresh after marriage.

Plan Date Nights

Date nights can be something that you look forward to all week. The suspense increases when you have children and a trusted person to watch them for the night. Parents with teens have the convenience of being able to go out as the teens can care for themselves. 

Date nights don’t always have to be expensive either as you could hit your favorite restaurant on a night where they have a special. Picnics at parks can also be a great intimate date if the weather cooperates. Dates don’t have to include dinner but rather just quality time that is spent together. 

Don’t Spend All Of Your Free Time Together

With remote work there are couples that are with each other every waking moment. Unfortunately, this is a recipe for disaster for most couples. You should have your own friends that you go out with or hit the gym alone. The last thing you want is to get sick of your spouse or have resentment towards them start to build. People that have hobbies or friends should have no issue spending time apart. You don’t want to be involved in a codependent marriage where one spouse never goes anywhere without the other. 

Find A Hobby You Both Love

Finding a hobby that you both love can allow you to see a different side of your spouse. The hobby you pick will depend on both of your interests. You might find something that helps you broaden both of your horizons. Trial and error can be a part of finding this hobby. Even if you try a few things you don’t like, at least you are doing this with someone you love. Active hobbies like that of biking through the city or to different breweries can be a hobby you enjoy for a number of reasons. Try to find a hobby that allows you to get out of the home especially if you work remotely. 

Consider Boudoir Photography

Boudoir photography can be an amazing gift for your spouse for an anniversary or just a good opportunity to spice things up. Intimacy is such an important part of marriage that this can show quite an attractive side. You need to work with a professional as these individuals can get all of the right angles. 

Your marriage is something that will require work over the course of time. A proactive approach to keeping things healthy is not an approach you will regret in the future. A fresh and interesting marriage will keep both parties engaged which is invaluable.

Types Of Exercise That Can Get You Into Great Shape

Types Of Exercise That Can Get You Into Great Shape

2022 can be the year that you finally keep your promise to get into decent shape. Your body composition will only go as far as the exercise takes you as you will have to eat in a healthy manner as well. Muscles are made in the gym while abs are made in the kitchen. Finding a form of exercise that you actually enjoy is something that could take a bit of trying. Other people love certain types of exercise and just need to get back into their old routine. The following are types of exercise that can get you into great shape. 

Yoga 

Yoga therapy can be great for the mind and body simultaneously. Yoga has been practiced for so long that there is an obvious spiritual element. Anytime that you can clear your mind and concentrate on your breathing you will find you are relieving stress. So many people have a tough time turning off their minds and yoga can allow you to do just that. Yoga is low-impact and can help people that have pain that is caused by a lack of flexibility. 

Swimming

Swimming is a form of exercise that is easy on the joints which is very important. You do not want to try to do certain activities as it can come back to haunt you as you get older. You don’t want to have back knees or a bad back from running daily on concrete. Even water aerobics is done by elderly people as it helps get their heart rate up without a chance of serious injury. Interval training could be the best thing for you as you can maintain a heart rate. Holding your breath and breathing in a certain pattern can also drive up your heart rate and provide a great anaerobic workout. 

Spin Classes

Spin classes have gained popularity around the US in the last 15 years. The motivation that the right spin instructor can provide allows their students in the class to push themselves to new levels. Biking can be something that is far more fun for certain people that want to explore a certain area. You can even take spin classes at home with a Peloton or virtual trainer. Finding the right instructor can allow you to look forward to exercising daily. 

Daily Hikes On An Incline

Daily hikes are something that will be a great usage of your time. Hiking on an incline can be a challenge, especially when going a long distance. You will need the right equipment as you don’t want to hike in tennis shoes as this is a recipe for an ankle injury. You might even knee a walking stick and keep something for protection if hiking in an area with bears or mountain lions. 

Getting into great shape is something that will take consistent effort and a focus on eating a healthy diet. Make sure you enjoy the form of exercise you dedicate yourself to as this can make all of the difference.

Explore the Story of A Tomato Grows in Brooklyn

Explore the Story of A Tomato Grows in Brooklyn

What if we told you that an award-winning chef can help you make his finger-licking Italian recipes in your kitchen? “A Tomato Grows in Brooklyn” by David Ruggerio is all you need to recreate the magic and make each meal extra special. Here’s a candid chat with the renowned chef and author where he spills the beans about his latest cookbook and more.

What was the purpose of writing A Tomato Grows in Brooklyn

It was for a few reasons; first and foremost, I wanted to return to my roots and share with my grandchildren and future generations a taste of what it was to grow up in Brooklyn in a very different era. My generation was still recognizable to my parents and my grandparents–we have now entered a period that is extremely different than my childhood. My time was colorful and raw, a period when the family got together often to share great food, long-tenured traditions, and pass on our culture. Lastly, at a time when the Italian culture is under assault in this country, I wanted to stand tall and express my pride for being Italian.

Who is your inspiration?

The women of my family. I was orphaned when I was five, witnessing my pregnant mother’s death. I went to live with my grandmother and my great-grandmother. These were women who hailed from Sant’Angelo Dei Lombardi, a storied village outside of Naples. They epitomized being Italian in Brooklyn. Like Brooklyn itself, they were extraordinarily resilient while sharing their heritage, customs, and of course the food. At our kitchen table, fresh pasta was made, homegrown vegetables were preserved, and stories were told. From that table, I understood what it was to be Italian.

Will beginners find recipes they can cook from A Tomato Grows in Brooklyn?

These recipes are straightforward, home-grown dishes that any person who wants to experience the Italian American cuisine can enjoy and get a taste of what it was like in the neighborhoods of Brooklyn.

What’s your favorite recipe from the book? What makes it unique?

“Pasta’ Ncasciata,” which is a “Baked Pasta with Eggplant with Caciocavallo.”

I adore this recipe. This was brought to Brooklyn by Sicilians. It is traditionally made with annelli pasta, or ‘little rings,’ dressed in a meaty tomato ragu made with spare ribs (It can be made with beef, pork, or even sausage). My grandmother added tiny meatballs to the ragu with the spareribs-though I thought it a bit much for the recipe. It is emblematic of what made Italian American cuisine in Brooklyn so special—that Sicilians lived next door to Neapolitans, who lived next door to Calabrian’s, who lived next door to Abruzzese. Over years, they shared recipes and they progressively melted together to create our own cuisine.

Do you grow your own vegetables in your backyard in Brooklyn? What’s your tip for the readers?

I grow nearly all the vegetables that we eat during the year. My garden is alive and producing twelve months out of the year, with not only the holy trinity-tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants- but also figs, apples, pears, blueberries, lettuce, escarole, cardoons, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, onions, potatoes, and of course, garlic! My tip was best expressed by my great-grandmother, Antoinette Quagliarello Pesce. She taught me that we don’t grow vegetables, we grow soil. By enriching the soil with many long-held traditions and tricks developed by the Southern Italians, that marvelous land made extraordinarily tasty produce that fed us throughout the seasons.

You’ve won so much recognition for your work. What do you enjoy writing the most, horror or cookbooks?

I love them both and do them both nearly every day. I work till late into the night, and during those dark, late hours, my imagination wanders into dark, scary places that make writing horror quite easy. During the glorious days, wandering in my garden or hand making cavatelli pasta on a wooden board, or making pizza in my backyard brick oven with my grandchildren, my heart burns Italian, writing about food is easy and consoling. 

What has been the highlight of your cooking career? What about your writing career?

My professional career was spent in glorious French kitchens. There are two highlights in my career. The first was as a teen finding myself at the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountain, where I found an elf-like chef, Michel Guerard who taught me how to spell magic. He was the greatest chef of the twentieth century who changed me as a person. The second, was when the famed fashion designer put me in charge of his restaurant; Maxim’s, and I garnered three stars. 

Time for our rapid-fire round. Here are your questions:

David Ruggerio

Pasta or pizza

Pasta! I can eat it every day

Cooking or writing

I was created to cook!

Jazz or classical music

Come on, I was raised in Brooklyn during the 70s! Disco!

Patio or Candlelight dinner

Outdoors on my patio, with my family

What’s your favorite cheese?

Pecorino Romano, I can put it on everything!

One dish you love

Linguini with Clams

One restaurant you frequent

I adore Di Fara’s in Brooklyn when Dominick, an old friend and the owner, is cooking. The best pizza in America

An Exclusive Interview With the Author of Our African Unconscious

An Exclusive Interview With the Author of Our African Unconscious

Our African Unconscious by Dr. Edward Bruce Bynum uncovers all aspects of our human evolution. It sheds light on how the arts, sciences, philosophy, and religious roots originated in Africa. Author Edward Bruce Bynum, Ph.D., ABPP is an award-winning psychologist and former director of the behavioral medicine program at the University of Massachusetts Health Services. If you want to learn more about Dr. Edward and his fascinating work in the field, here’s your chance.

Hi Dr. Edward, how do we all share a common origin? How do we all come from Africa?

I sought to create a modern medically and scientifically sound understanding of our unity as a species that was also a complete vision absolutely undergirded by the great spiritual traditions of both East, West, and Africa. Thus a good deal of anthropology, m medical genetics, ancient history, and the living history of religions. 

Why did you decide to write Our African Unconscious: The Black Origins of Mysticism and Psychology?

It was a natural evolution from an earlier book called DARK LIGHT CONSCIOUSNESS: Melanin, Serpent Power and the Luminous Matrix of Reality. It dealt, as a clinical psychologist, with the effect of this deep hidden bodily and spiritual energy better known in classical literature and practices of meditation and yoga.

What’s the best way to truly appreciate our shared consciousness and identity as a species?

A meditative discipline you are drawn to plus a deep love for another person beyond what you can explain to yourself.

What are your thoughts on the varied different ethnicities that exist? How can we thrive in today’s world?

This is a complex question. However, as a species at war with itself, we have come to the point in our development as a species on this volatile planet of vast changes and rapid changes that we either learn to love each other despite our difference or we die !! It is that simple and uncomfortably true.

Would you say one of the predictions made by George Washington is yet to come?

Yes, 2 of them have already occurred. He predicted the American civil war and a great civil confrontation yet to come involving Africa and the notion that ‘all men are brethren”. Is that not where we are today in the USA?

Could you share one fascinating piece of information that you came across during your research for the book?

Yes. That America’s first war over slavery was not our civil war but about ‘white slavery,’ the war with the Barbary Coast pirates of north Africa that far arose soon after the founding of the republic. They were raiding ships at sea and stealing white women to sell to the harems of the sultans.

How do quantum mechanics, string theory, and relative physics weave into the book?

They are all part of the emerging new paradigm in science that takes us past Einstein.

Could you answer some of these rapid-fire questions for your readers?

Dr. Edward Bruce Bynum

The most peaceful place for you…

On the deck at home on a warm summer afternoon or in my meditation setting in the early morning at home.

A book that made a significant impact on you

Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramansa Yogananda and also The Phenomenon of Man by Teilhard De Chardin

Dusk or dawn

Both actually, but perhaps dusk most

Jazz or country music

Jazz but I also like  classic country music by the greats like John Denver

Podcasts or documentaries

Documentaries

What’s your next project?

I am also a published poet with an equal number of texts in psychology/psychiatry as in poetry: I am finishing up a long poem that is 7,777 words in length titled “If I Trusted Poetry Completely”

Tell us one thing about yourself that we likely don’t know

I was an altar boy as a child.

Benefits of Cooking with Avocado Oil Spray

Benefits of Cooking with Avocado Oil Spray

When you plan a recipe, you may not pay a lot of attention to the cooking spray you use. But studies have shown that many of these products contain ingredients that can be harmful to health.

For example, dimethylpolysiloxane, which reduces the formation of foam in the product has been shown to cause health conditions when consumed excessively. Isobutane, which helps the product maintain a balance between liquid and vapor, has been identified as carcinogenic.

So, what can you do to ensure your meals are as healthy as possible? An avocado oil spray will help.

Avocado oil has been shown to have many health benefits making it a good for you cooking spray that adds nutritional value to a  meal. Here are some ways it can boost wellness.

Rich in Oleic Acid

Avocado oil consists of almost 70% oleic acid, a healthy fat that is high in omega-6 and omega-3, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and dementia.

Improves Heart Health

Research shows that people given foods that were made with avocado oils had lower levels of triglycerides, inflammatory cytokines and bad cholesterol as compared to those given meals with butter. One animal study showed that the oil has similar effects to losartan, a popular blood pressure medication. Therefore, it is an essential part of a heart healthy diet.

High in Lutein

Avocado oil has been shown to be high in lutein, an antioxidant and carotenoid that’s beneficial to eye health. Foods that are high in lutein can reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Since lutein is not found in the body, it’s important to get it from dietary sources.

Increases the Absorption of Essential Nutrients

Some nutrients are not as bioavailable as others. They need to be accompanied by fats for ultimate absorption. Avocado is high in healthy fats and can aid with the absorption of nutrients like lutein, lycopene, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and more.

May Reduce Arthritis Symptoms

Numerous studies have shown that avocado and soybean oil extracts can reduce arthritis pain. They may be most beneficial to those that have hip and knee osteoarthritis.

What Avocado Oil Sprays are Recommended

Avocado oil is a recommended cooking spray ingredient, but it can also be beneficial when used in other applications. For example, it can be applied to the skin to encourage a healthy and radiant glow. If you are thinking of using it in your beauty routine, Now Foods’ Moisturizing Avocado Oil is recommended.

NOW Foods has been around since the 1940’s and has established itself as a natural food and self-care product company you can trust. Its Moisturizing Avocado Oil is nutrient-rich and formulated to keep skin supple. It’s non-greasy, USDA organic, non-GMO, and it has not been tested on animals.

Avocado oil is beneficial in so many ways. It’s a terrific cooking ingredient and it has age-defying effects when incorporated in a skincare routine. How will you be using it to boost your health and wellness?

Health Benefits of Dietary Supplements

Health Benefits of Dietary Supplements

Health Benefits of Dietary Supplements

They know that their body needs the right nutrients to be healthy, but where can they find them? Dietary supplements are a great way to get all of the vitamins and minerals they need. They may not realize it, but these substances are more important than food.

The following article will discuss how dietary supplements can help improve their health, according to Dr. Jordan Sudberg. He will talk about what they are, why they’re so important, and some specific benefits of taking them regularly. It might surprise them just how much impact this one little change can have on their life.

Dr. Sudberg suggests these health benefits for Dietary Supplements:

1. Dietary Supplements are healthier than regular food.

People want to eat healthily, but it can be hard—especially when they have picky eaters in the house. Even worse, sometimes people don’t know how to cook healthy foods themselves. That’s why dietary supplements are so important. They provide all the vitamins and nutrients that people need in an easy-to-take pill form. No cooking required.

2. Vitamins might help them feel better faster.

When someone is sick, they probably think that taking a vitamin will do nothing. However, in some cases, that might not be true at all. Some research has found that vitamin C can make colds shorter and less severe when taken regularly (1). Plus, it can’t hurt to take vitamins when they’re feeling sick because they probably won’t feel any worse, and they might feel a little better.

3. They can help improve their mood.

According to Dr. Sudberg, it’s no secret that dietary supplements can positively impact someone’s mood. For example, omega-3 fatty acids are known for helping to improve moods (2). This is because they help increase the amount of good cholesterol in the body while also decreasing the bad cholesterol. As a result, people feel better both physically and emotionally.

4. Dietary Supplements might help them live longer.

Not only do dietary supplements make people feel better, but they might also help them live longer. For instance, some research has found that vitamin E might help decrease the risk of heart disease. This is just one example, but it goes to show that dietary supplements can be beneficial in a lot of ways.

5. Support mental and sports-related performance.

It is no secret that dietary supplements offer a bevy of health benefits. There are countless reasons to take them regularly, from decreasing the risk for heart disease to supporting mental and sports-related performance. They might just be one of the most important things someone can do for their health.

6. Provide immune system support.

Another excellent reason to take dietary supplements regularly is that they offer immune system support. This means that they can help keep a person healthy by fighting viruses and bacteria. Plus, they can help speed up the healing process when someone does get sick.
So, there they have it: some of the many health benefits of taking dietary supplements. Dr. Jordan Sudberg recommends that everyone take them every day for the best results. Make sure to talk to their doctor before starting any new supplement and read the label carefully to make sure that they are not allergic to any of the ingredients. With just a little effort, they can significantly improve their health and well-being.

Healthy Eating Habits

Healthy Eating Habits

How to keep the body healthy in an intelligent way

There are many reasons that people need to understand healthy eating, but some of the more important knowledge of this has come from those in sports. Doctors like Jordan Sudberg have seen how eating correlates with how a body deals with injuries and pain when someone is hurt as an athlete. Developing healthy eating habits requires people knowing what their body needs and not which trendy diet is popular. Some people think because they are younger that they can eat anything, but the habits need to start early and be maintained. Here are some ideas of how to be better.

Cheat Days

One of the ways that many healthy people are able to cope with maintaining their diet is by having cheat days. Almost everyone has a food or more than one that they love that everyone knows is unhealthy. As many top athletes have shown, a person can have a cheat day when they splurge on these foods and still remain healthy. It is a reward for being healthy and is made easier if the person doing this works out to help their body. While there are healthy alternatives a person can eat through the week, treats help cravings.

Fad Diets

There are many fad diets that come and go that people have a tendency of thinking will help them with their body. Many times they do not have the nutrients that the body needs and will end up leaving people far less healthy than when they started. A steady path of healthy eating takes away the need from diets and allows people to live a full life with fewer concerns. Healthy habits are a daily thing, not a quick way to lose a little weight that could come back after it is done. Stay steady and never worry.

Needed Nutrients

The body requires certain nutrients for it to remain healthy, and a person needs to remember this when they eat. Many people forget about this when they switch to only eating certain foods. Anyone who wants to be healthy needs to remember that they need to have the right nutrients for their body when they are needing to heal, deal with pain, or just live life. When developing a sound lifestyle, see if there are any nutrients missing and make sure to start including food that provides it. Being healthy means being intelligent when planning every meal.
There are many doctors, such as Jordan Sudberg, that can back up every aspect of what was said here. A healthy life requires a person to know what is required to not worry that they may be missing something. The right amount of fluids will keep the body hydrated and keep the skin healthy. Potassium is necessary to keep a person from having joint issues, and that is provided in several foods. All of these needs to be known and maintained for a life that is full and active. Doctors can help shape what a person is doing for health.

Types of Energy Drinks Best for Driving

Types of Energy Drinks Best for Driving

Driving can be monotonous and a bit boring at times, so it helps to have something to keep you awake and alert. Many people turn to caffeinated drinks such as coffee or tea, and millions of Americans head for the energy drink aisle. Energy drinks are convenient and often contain more caffeine than even the strongest cup of coffee, so they’re ideal for a grab-and-go boost.

In addition to caffeine, energy drinks often contain sugar that works in your body to produce insulin, which causes your blood to flow faster throughout your body. This is what people refer to as a sugar rush. You feel a burst of energy, but will crash after the rush wears off. Be sure to check your daily recommended amounts of both caffeine and sugar before you consume any energy drink.

After effects of consuming too much caffeine and sugar can be a rapid heartbeat, headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness, jitters, and dehydration. All of these effects can be extremely dangerous, especially if you’re operating a motor vehicle while you’re tired because they may inadvertently lead to car accidents. Most people shouldn’t consume more than 400mg of caffeine in a 24 hour period, according to the FDA.

Reign Total Body Fuel

A relatively new energy drink on the market, Reign Energy Drink is produced by the well-known Monster Beverage Corporation. One full can has a high dose of 300mg of caffeine and it’s sugar-free with no artificial colors or flavors. Although the many flavors such as Orange Dreamsicle and Carnival Candy contain electrolytes, the high amount of caffeine could be dehydrating. 

C4 Energy Drink

This one has been around since 2006, so it’s already a favorite among consumers. C4 Energy Drink comes in seven flavors including Electric Sour and Peach Mango Nectar, and has about 135mg of caffeine per can. This energy drink comes in both sugar-free and sugar added versions and is a good choice if you don’t want to be over-caffeinated while driving.

5-Hour Energy

Coming in at just under 2 fl.oz, this tiny energy drink packs a huge punch with 200 mg of caffeine per serving. 5-Hour Energy is sugar-free and has only 4 calories per bottle, with zero carbs, which makes it a great choice if you’re not trying to fill up on empty calories or sugar. It comes in 17 flavor shots including Tropical Burst and Strawberry Watermelon, but don’t let its sweet flavor and size fool you. It packs a caffeine punch.

Red Bull

This is the brand that everyone thinks about when someone says “energy drink”. That’s because it is the first mass produced and advertised energy drink, the original, and is the highest-selling in the entire world. Red Bull comes in different sizes with varying degrees of caffeine, ranging from 77.4mg to 147.6mg of caffeine per can, with flavors including Sugar-Free Tangerine and Cranberry.

Bang Energy Drink

This one is the third best-selling energy drink, boasting a whopping 300mg of caffeine per can. It comes in 24 flavors including Birthday Cake Bash and Root Beer, and for those that love the flavor but don’t want the energy boost there are caffeine-free flavors including Sour Heads and Cotton Candy. Although Bang Energy Drinks are advertised as sugar-free, the high amount of caffeine can make you jittery if you have a low tolerance.

6 Important Reasons to Use Lotion on a Daily Basis

6 Important Reasons to Use Lotion on a Daily Basis

A lotion is a lightweight moisturizer that absorbs easily without leaving the skin greasy. Because of its high-water content is an excellent product for moisturizing all skin types, even the oily ones. Some people think lotions are for aesthetic purposes, but the truth is every skin requires sufficient hydration. Because your skin is the largest organ, you must not neglect your skincare routine to keep it healthy and vibrant.

The best time to apply a lotion is after bathing, exfoliating, or shaving. After a hot shower, your skin loses moisture and oil, so it makes sense to rehydrate it with a good lotion. Even if you shower twice a day and are not going out, never skip the application, and don’t forget the feet and heels as they tend to be neglected most of the time.

1.    Encourages New Cell Growth

With age, your cell turnover rate diminishes, and your skin imperfections become increasingly apparent. A moisturizing lotion encourages natural cell development when combined with a healthy diet. A study published on NCBI indicates that lotions containing cytokines and growth factors are good for skin rejuvenation and collagen production. Ingredients such as vitamin A and essential fatty acids stimulate cell functions and quick recovery.

2.    Minimizes Inflammatory Symptoms

The outermost layer of your epidermis (stratum corneum) provides a barrier against UV, toxins, and bacteria. When you apply lotion, you strengthen it to withstand harsh elements that leave you vulnerable to infections that ultimately cause inflammations.

3.    Keeps You Supple

Drafty air, blazing summer heat, and frosty weather can dehydrate your skin. Lotions are your best allies for preventing dryness in any climatic conditions. Supple skin is the first defense against most dermatological conditions like acne and psoriasis. It is easier to get dry patches even with normal skin if you do not apply anything after a bath. Rough areas like knees and elbows could use a moisturizer more often to keep them smooth.

4.    Preserves Your Tanner

A self-tanner is critical during the sunniest days. You want to enjoy a golden sun-kissed tan without suffering the consequences of harsh UV. A natural lotion from a CBD skin care brand would be a fantastic way to lengthen the time of your tanner.

5.    Antiaging Benefits

Daily use of a body lotion wards off the symptoms of aging such as wrinkles, scaly skin, and fine lines. Consistent usage gives you younger and vibrant looks. Your face, neck, chest, and ears are prone to environmental hazards, and they also shed more cells than other body parts. Focus more on them to stimulate blood circulation and cell growth.

6.    Soothes and Relaxes the Skin

Dry skin tends to crack more, but a hydrating lotion comes to soothe and boost the ability of skin cells to repair. Apply a natural lotion to calm yourself if you have an itchy, red, or swollen part. When massaged into your skin, a lotion can help you relax. Treat yourself with a pleasant lotion scent after a long day. You might also want something that warms during the application for some sensory heat.

A lotion should be part of your everyday skin regimen. When selecting one, look for essential ingredients like vitamins B5, C, A, and E. Also, ensure that it is PABA-free and has an SPF of at least 15 to protect your skin from harsh sun rays. If you have sensitive or oily skin, go for non-comedogenic oil-free lotions that won’t clog your pores.

A Look at the Importance of Balloon Catheters in Healthcare

A Look at the Importance of Balloon Catheters in Healthcare

Balloon catheters are a simple and effective procedure used to treat blocked arteries, tumors, and other conditions. It has been used since the 1960s and has proven successful in more than one-million operations worldwide. The balloon is made up of two parts: an inflatable balloon containing air or fluid and a deflated sheath inserted into the area of interest. The balloon catheter works by inserting the sheath into the area, inflating it, and deflating it once the desired change has been made. Besides their use in blocked arteries, balloon catheters are also used in the urinary tract to check urine flow and clear blockages.

Importance of Balloon Catheters in Healthcare

1. Efficient Treatment for Blocked Arteries

The cardiovascular system is crucial to one’s health and survival. Thus, it should be no surprise that the balloon catheter has been used to unblock arteries when other modes of treatment have proven ineffective or dangerous. Patients who suffer from blocked arteries present a number of symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. One common cause of blocked arteries is the formation of plaque or fatty deposits on the walls. When blockages occur, blood flow is restricted, resulting in angina or heart attacks.

2. Treatment for Tumors

The balloon catheter has also proved effective in dealing with several types of tumors, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This non-cancerous tumor causes the prostate gland to swell, restricting the flow of urine. The balloon catheter is inserted in much the same way as blocked arteries are dealt with, which results in relief for patients.

3. Clear Passage of Urine

The balloon catheter can also be used to clear blockages to ensure the proper flow of urine. The balloon is inserted into the urethra to ensure that this passage is open and clear. This procedure can be completed quickly, which means no recovery time for patients.

4. Treatment not Relying on Surgery

Surgery presents inherent risks but also has the potential to provide lasting results, so it should come as no surprise that many prefer this method of treatment. However, it is not always an option for some patients because of the potential risks or other health conditions that can be aggravated by surgery. Some treatments are best suited to non-surgical options instead. When this type of treatment is available, it should be sought out as a safer alternative to surgery.

5. Side Effects are Minimal or Nonexistent

The balloon catheter is effective at treating blockages of the arteries without causing too many side effects. The only complication that may arise involves excess pressure on the kidneys, which can cause them to shut down, but this is rare. Most patients do not experience any side effects after the procedure has been completed.

6. Inexpensive

There are several benefits associated with balloon catheters, but one that is often overlooked is their affordability. Compared to other medical equipment and treatments, the balloon catheter is relatively inexpensive, meaning it can be used in cases where finances might limit a patient’s options.

7. Versatility and Potential for Future Use

The balloon catheter continues to prove itself as a viable treatment option in several areas of care. It can treat both benign and cancerous tumors, blocked arteries, and problems with urine flow, making it an attractive choice. As such, these procedures must continue to be offered because they do not require the use of surgery.