Category: Health

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Prescription drugs are so expensive…

Prescription drugs are so expensive, an insurance company is flying members from Utah to Mexico to fill their drugs, stay in a hotel overnight, and giving them a $500 stipend on top of the free travel and lower copays.

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Here’s How a Navy SEAL Deals With Sleep Deprivation

Parents don’t get as much sleep as any functioning human needs on a daily basis. And that’s not me talking – there have been countless studies on the physical and psychological benefits of a restful night.

From the time you bring home a newborn, though, your ability to sleep when and for as long as you’d like goes right out the window. Even once your kids are technically sleeping through the night, there will be times when they don’t, when they’re sick, or when they decide the crack of dawn is their new “good morning” time – which means that it’s yours, too.

If you’re looking for ways to cope – or just to function – one Navy SEAL is here to share his tips on how he managed sleep deprivation in conditions that are almost as harrowing as the first weeks home with your first baby.

Almost.

Former Navy SEAL John McGuire has experiences with both kinds of hell, as he’s not only survived the 5 days with 4 hours of sleep Navy SEAL test, but he’s also the father of 5 kids.

This guy is a pro and he’s an in-demand motivational speaker who helps people who are facing down any sort of sleep-deprivation test in the near future.

Step One: Get Your Head Right

Photo Credit: Pixabay

John says that, first and foremost, you’ve got to keep your wits about you.

“You can’t lose your focus or discipline. Self-doubt destroys more dreams than failure ever has.”

Step Two: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Photo Credit: Pixabay

You can’t do anything as hard as being an elite military member or raising children without a good team around you, and communication is key. Talk about how you’re feeling, when you need a break, or what is about to make you lose your ever-loving mind if it doesn’t change immediately.

McGuire says to remind yourself that you’re likely not responding at your best because you’re sleep-deprived, and hopefully your partner will keep that in mind the next time you bite his or her head off, too.

Step Three: Secure Your Own Oxygen Mask First

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Like on an airplane, you need to remember to take care of yourself – especially making time to exercise.

“Exercise helps reduce stress, helps you sleep better, and get the endorphins pumping. You can hold your baby and do squats if you want. It’s not as much about the squats as making sure you exercise and clear the mind.”

This one is particularly hard for me, so I appreciate the reminder!

Step Four: Don’t Try to Be the Hero

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Sleep when you can, for as long as you can – don’t try to act like you don’t need it when you do.

“Sleep is like water; you need it when you need it.”

Step Five: Know Your Limits

Photo Credit: Pixabay

When you’re not getting enough sleep, many things suffer – your patience, your eating habits, and your ability to think on your feet.

“A good leader makes decisions to improve things, not make them worse. If you’re in bad shape, you could fall asleep at the wheel, you can harm your child. You’ve got to take care of yourself.”

Final Tip: Embrace the Insanity

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Remember that everything in life is a season, and with kids, those seasons are typically very short.

“You learn a lot about people and yourself through your children. Have lots of adventures. Take lots of pictures and give lots of hugs. It won’t last forever – and you’ll have plenty of time to sleep when it’s over.”

So, there you go. Having brought home two newborns, neither of whom thought sleep was a necessary thing, I can confirm that you definitely need a strategy and that all of this is very good advice.

Good luck out there, folks. You’re gonna need all the help you can get.

And yeah, you’re probably going to need a shoulder to cry on when it’s over, and you can sleep as much as you want.

The post Here’s How a Navy SEAL Deals With Sleep Deprivation appeared first on UberFacts.

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Funny Tweets About Self-Care From Parents

When you’re single and you don’t have kids, you may think your life is busy and you have no time for taking care of yourself…

But when you have kids? You’re in for a whole new world, my friends. A walk from the living room to the bathroom might be the only exercise you get during a week filled with family obligations.

Parents are still trying to practice self-care in their own unique ways, though.

And here are some funny tweets about it.

1. That’s what it’s called.

2. I totally get it.

3. Sleep is all you need.

4. Whatever works.

5. It’s a fun game!

6. All of the above.

7. Looks like she’s killin’ it.

8. That’s all you get from now on.

9. The ultimate checklist.

10. DON’T DO IT!

11. Whole lot of screaming going on.

12. You might be on to something.

13. Some truth right here.

14. The master plan.

15. That will also work.

Hey, self-care is important, right? No matter how small the doses are…

Parents, we want to hear from you!

Tell us how you break away if even for a second to have a little time to yourself. Let’s hear from you in the comments!

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After discovering a rare tumor…

After discovering a rare tumor on an unborn fetus, a Nigerian doctor removed the baby at 26 weeks, successfully operated on the tumor & put the baby back into the mother’s womb. She carried her daughter full term & both are happy & healthy four years later.

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Hypochondriacs Share Their “This Is It, the Big One” Stories

I know some peole who are total hypochondriacs. They always think they’re dying, they’re constantly on WebMD analyzing their symptoms, and they’re always preparing me and other people for the worst.

Annnnnnnd, they’re always fine and nothing ever happens to them. I guess that’s just the way it is with these people!

Here are 16 funny stories from these folks who are always convinced that something is wrong with them.

1. It’s the Jello.

2. Just let it out.

3. That is hilarious.

4. Needed that info.

5. Way too many Oreos.

6. You’ve been sleepwalking.

7. No motor skills.

8. Wasn’t “the big one”.

9. That explains it.

10. The culprit: an air freshener.

11. A serious issue.

12. Might’ve been Hershey’s.

13. Lay off the beets.

14. I’m seeing double!

15. Learned a lesson.

16. A good friend.


I have to admit, I do this sometimes myself, so I feel for these folks.

What about you? Are you a hypochondriac?

If so, tell us about some of your fears and stories in the comments! We’re here to listen!

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Some People Believe Corona Beer Has Something to Do with the Coronavirus

Yes, that’s right, the Mexican-style beer Corona. With a lime or without, I couldn’t say, but I can promise you here and now that alcohol makes viruses and other icky junk disappear, not the other way around.

In general, I mean, not as a treatment protocol – don’t drink beer if you feel sick.

The coronavirus in the news is a new respiratory-type illness that started in Wuhan, China. It’s now infected around 40,000 people, mostly in China, and the death toll is nearly at 1000 (also mostly in China).

People are scared, because this is a new illness without a treatment protocol, but the truth is that 80,000 people died from the regular flu in the United States in 2017. So that’s just something to keep this all in perspective.

Right now, scientists aren’t sure how the coronavirus outbreak began, but they’re reasonably sure that the virus jumped from an animal species into humans, probably at one of the open-air bushmeat markets so popular in China.

We can say for sure, though, that it’s not caused by drinking Corona beer.

A lot of people seemed determined to prove the movie Idiocracy (and Aldous Huxley) right by believing that they’re safe if they don’t drink Corona beer, though.

Search engines are getting tons of requests for “beer virus,” “corona beer virus,” and the like – so many people were searching, in fact, that Corona issued an official statement denying any involvement.

Really.

The internet is largely having fun at these people’s expense, and I’m not really mad about it – I just don’t know how we got to this place as a species, or how to go back.

Because this way lies madness and monsters, and for sure the end of the world.

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Food Poisoning May Not Be Because of the Last Thing You Ate

There are two different kinds of food-borne intestinal distress, the first of which sets in a few hours after a meal and may leave you nauseous (or even running for the bathroom). This one, believe it or not, is actually the milder case, and your body typically finds relief after evacuating the offending meal.

The other sort of food poisoning – what I like to refer to as “real” food poisoning – doesn’t arrive until between 12-24 hours (at the earliest) after the bad food passed your lips, and it could leave you praying for death on your bathroom floor for up to 24 hours after that.

Yeah. Did it once, do not ever wish to repeat.

The CDC lists four common culprits of food-borne illness: norovirus, Salmonella enterica, Clostridium perfringens, and Campylobacter jejuni. The time from ingestion to symptoms varies from (at least) 6 hours with Salmonella to up to 2 days with Campylobacter.

So, even if your last meal is the one coming up (and the one your mind will associate with the terribleness for years to come), it’s probably not the culprit in the worst cases of food-borne nastiness.

Sadly, there’s nothing much to do besides cry, call your mom, and camp out in the bathroom until its over. You should try to keep down liquids (ha!) and call a doctor if you haven’t been able to for over 24 hours.

There’s not a whole lot you can do to prevent nasty microbes from arriving with your dinner in a restaurant (or a hotdog at a ballpark, in my case), but at home, make sure to wash your hands and prep surfaces regularly, avoid contamination between raw and cooked foods, cook to recommended internal temperatures, and yeah, did I mention washing your hands?

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#MaxFact: After four outbreaks in less than two years where likely contaminated romaine lettuce contained deadly E. coli O157: H7, the Food and Drug Administration is turning to microbial testing for clues for the next year to try to figure out what’s happening. ⠀ .⠀ The FDA reports it is now “conducting a small, focused assignment to collect samples of the raw agricultural commodity (RAC) romaine lettuce to test for salmonella app and pathogenic Escherichia coli…” ⠀ .⠀ The year-long testing program will run through November 2020. Testing for Shiga Toxin-producing E. coli or STECS includes the microbial hazards associated with romaine lettuce consumption. The FDA will collect raw lettuce that is trimmed or washed in its natural form before processing. ⠀ .⠀ The four E. coli outbreaks infected a total of 320 people and were notable for their high hospitalization rates. Five outbreak patients died. [source: freshplaza.com]

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Take extra care with foods like shellfish, red meat, poultry, eggs, and fresh fruits and vegetables, as these are at the highest risk for carrying pathogens.

Wash your lettuce and berries, people. Trust me (and the CDC) on this one.

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It Might Be Healthier For Men To Pee Sitting Down, According to Science

Even from the youngest of age, sitting down to pee when you could do it standing up is apparently something people with penises resist.

I get that it’s probably way more fun to aim, or pee in circles, or whatever, but listen up males: it turns out there are actual health reasons to sit down on the pot.

Urologist and professor Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt says that goes double for older men who might be beginning to experience prostate issues. In fact, sitting can help men empty their bladders more effectively if their prostates are large and they need to help relax the pelvic muscles in an effort to help push the urine out.

Being able to fully empty your bladder can reduce the risks  of cysts and other health complications associated with enlarged prostates.

Image Credit: Pixabay

Doctors and scientists aren’t totally sure what causes the prostate to enlarge in aging males, though since men without testicles rarely experience the phenomenon, it’s likely connected in some way to hormone levels.

It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re at an elevated risk for prostate cancer, but the enlarged prostate on its own can cause medical issues. But here’s the thing… most, if not all of those issues, can be relieved by sitting down to pee. Yeah, it can be THAT simple.

And if you’re young (under 50), there are other reasons to start sitting – mostly hygienic.

Physicists (yes, they actually studied this) have found that peeing standing up significantly increases the velocity of the stream and potential for splatter, which leads to truly disgusting, bacteria-filled bathrooms.

Image Credit: Pixabay

Dr. Brahmbhatt adds his two cents on the matter,

“There are men that have bad aim and can soak the toilet with splatters of urine.

Sitting and urinating on the toilet does increase your odds of making sure the urine is actually going down the drain.”

I mean, why not just go ahead and start practicing for the big transition on your 50th birthday now?

Your wife, and your bathroom floors, would be delighted.

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Here’s How to Tell the Difference Between Allergies and a Cold

From a runny nose to overall fatigue, the symptoms of allergies can be frustratingly similar to those of a cold – so how do know how you should try and recuperate?

If you find yourself sidelined and under the weather, here are a few fool-proof ways to figure out if you’re allergies are flaring up or if you’ve caught a common cold.

Skin Rash: Allergies

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Can’t seem to scratch that itch away? This is a tell-tale sign of an allergic reaction.

According to Arizona-based allergist Amy Shah, “Itchy eyes, nose, ear, or throat are associated with allergies because of the compound histamine, which is what the body releases when allergy cells are activated and cause an itch.”

If you have a cold, this wouldn’t be a typical symptom. You may need to utilize topical creams or medication to help alleviate that persistent itch.

Sore Throat: Cold

Waking up with a sore throat is just a bad start to the day. Even mouth-breathers know the difference between a bad night’s sleep and the early warning signs of sickness.

A sore throat signals an oncoming cold (or one that has already arrived to the party) and can be pesky to deal with. According to Dr. Ian Tong, the chief medical officer at Doctor On Demand, “Colds are viruses that affect the upper airway. The virus can spread to the entire respiratory system including the throat, causing soreness.”

You can treat a sore throat with different home remedies, including tea and honey. Just don’t expect to join in on Friday night karaoke this week.

Fever: Cold

While some symptoms of an allergic reaction can mirror those of a cold, having a fever is not one of them. If you start to feel overheated, it means you’ve caught a cold or some other illness.

According to Dr. Matthew Mintz, “When you contract a viral infection, one of the primary ways the body helps to fight the infection is by increasing the body’s temperature to kill the virus.”

Watery Eyes: Allergies

If you’re constantly dealing with itchy and watery eyes, your allergies are the likely culprit. Dr. Shah recommends that you rinse your eyes with water and use allergy drops to keep your eyes clear.

Green Snot: Cold

Blow your nose and check what just came out (gross, I know). If you find Hulk-like green snot, you may have a cold. According to Dr. Mintz, “In general, the nasal discharge in allergies is clear and watery. While a cold can also cause clear nasal discharge, it can often become yellow or even green.”

No matter what you’ve got going on, best stock up on tissues, my friends.

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Patagonia’s CEO Donated Company’s $10 Million Tax Cut to Fight Climate Change

As much as some people (and organizations) out there would like to bury their heads in the sand and pretend climate change doesn’t exist, it is very real, and its effects are growing more drastic.

Because of the 2018 rewrite of America’s tax laws – a tax code revision that greatly benefited corporations by lowering the corporate tax rate by almost a third for most companies – Patagonia paid $10 million less in taxes that year than it had anticipated. So the company’s CEO, Rose Marcario, decided to donate the $10 million to non-profit groups that are working to fight climate change and help the environment.

Marcario believed the corporate tax cut was not a good thing, and she wrote, “Based on last year’s irresponsible tax cut, Patagonia will owe less in taxes this year—$10 million less, in fact. Instead of putting the money back into our business, we’re responding by putting $10 million back into the planet. Our home planet needs it more than we do.”

Speaking about climate change deniers, including many in government, Marcario wrote, “Far too many have suffered the consequences of global warming in recent months, and the political response has so far been woefully inadequate—and the denial is just evil.”

Patagonia has been a friend of the environment for many years now and their website says the company has donated more than $89 million to environmental groups to fight climate change.

Let’s hope that more corporations and individuals make their voices heard about the extreme consequences of climate change that are occurring around us every day. This isn’t something that might happen in the future, this is taking place right now.

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