For those people who have anxiety, just at the thought of going to the dentist, you have some solace knowing he or she will do their best to put you at ease. This may involve a local numbing anesthetic. But did you know that these do not work on everyone? There are factors that determine your personal ability to get numb. Although rare, if it happened to you in the past you may need to understand. There are various numbing techniques which work by numbing a single tooth versus numbing a nerve or nerves supplying sensation to a group of teeth. Sometimes you need to numb “accessory nerves” to get to the root of the problem (pun). Not all techniques can be used on all teeth, the upper teeth respond differently than the lower teeth and the location of the tooth depends on suitability. If this has happened to you previously, it is wise to give your dentist a heads up, so they know what to look for. Unfortunately, not all dentists share the same technique or training. There is a chance they did not give enough anaesthetic, didn’t wait long enough for it to be effective, placed it improperly, […]

Urinary incontinence occurs when your bladder leaks during exertion. This is usually caused by problems with the muscles and nerves that help the bladder hold or pass urine. While very embarrassing, this can be a temporary condition caused by certain drinks (caffeine and alcohol), foods (chocolate and spices), or even medications (heart and blood pressure medications, sedatives, and muscle relaxants). It can also be caused by a urinary tract infection or constipation. Certain health events unique to women, such as weight, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, can cause problems with these muscles and nerves. Some of the risk factors would be your gender (women are more prone), age, weight, family history, smoking and certain diseases. Male urinary incontinence can also involve prostrate problems or treatments. Drinking alcohol can make urinary incontinence worse. Taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs such as diuretics, antidepressants, sedatives, opioids, or nonprescription cold and diet medicines can also affect your symptoms. By gaining control over the muscle that supports the entire pelvic region including the bladder, rectum, and prostate, the benefits of EMSELLA include regaining control over the bladder, ending urinary incontinence and improving sexual functioning Fear not! A new treatment is being offered. The EMSELLA from BTL […]

Whenever you hear people talking about Colonoscopy; whether it is to schedule, to go, waiting for results… the word is always surrounded by dread. Personally, I never quite understood that.  You go to see your Gastro Doctor, who is a totally nice and personable healthcare professional with a very understanding staff.  You discuss your overall health care and set up the date.  So far so good. The night before you do the prep. The purpose for the prep is that the colon and rectum need to be cleared of any stool residue before the colonoscopy is performed. For you newcomers on the colonoscopy scene, the prep is so much easier and less distasteful than it used to be. In the “old days”, you used to have to chug down what seemed like an entire tanker truck of liquid that didn’t go down easily. The liquid is less volume and a bit more palatable than it used to be. You arrive on your scheduled day and time, either at the hospital or an outpatient facility.  You get all comfy in your hospital gown and bed, watch a little TV while you wait your turn, and wait for the intravenous sedative to […]

Kudos to you for trying to stick to a gut-supportive diet over the holidays. We know it’s not easy, especially when treats are being brought to the office, dropped off by granny, or lining the aisles of grocery stores. If you happen to have a treat here or there, don’t stress. These tips will help improve your digestive symptoms and keep you on track towards a healthier gut. 1. Lemon Water and Apple Cider Vinegar Meet two of your greatest allies over the holidays for improving your digestion: citric acid and acetic acid. The citric acid from lemons and acetic acid from apple cider vinegar can help stimulate protein digestion and prevent bloating. If you know you’ll be having a heavy meal (or experience digestive symptoms after a meal), squeeze the juice of ½ a lemon into a glass of room-temperature or warm water and add 1 tablespoon of  Apple Cider Vinegar. Drinking lemon water and apple cider vinegar first thing in the morning is a great way to improve your digestion throughout the day. 2. Chew Your Food Slowly and Thoroughly Alright, we know you may be thinking, “okay, captain obvious,” but you’d be surprised how little we tend to chew our food before […]

Kudos to you for trying to stick to a gut-supportive diet over the holidays. We know it’s not easy, especially when treats are being brought to the office, dropped off by granny, or lining the aisles of grocery stores. If you happen to have a treat here or there, don’t stress. These tips will help improve your digestive symptoms and keep you on track towards a healthier gut. 1. Lemon Water and Apple Cider Vinegar Meet two of your greatest allies over the holidays for improving your digestion: citric acid and acetic acid. The citric acid from lemons and acetic acid from apple cider vinegar can help stimulate protein digestion and prevent bloating. If you know you’ll be having a heavy meal (or experience digestive symptoms after a meal), squeeze the juice of ½ a lemon into a glass of room-temperature or warm water and add 1 tablespoon of  Apple Cider Vinegar. Drinking lemon water and apple cider vinegar first thing in the morning is a great way to improve your digestion throughout the day. 2. Chew Your Food Slowly and Thoroughly Alright, we know you may be thinking, “okay, captain obvious,” but you’d be surprised how little we tend to chew our food before […]

(BPT) – With the giving season upon us, people are thinking about how they can give back to their communities. There are numerous ways to give back whether by helping those in need, volunteering your time, or choosing to support businesses in your community. Last year charitable giving reached a record of more than $471 billion. With the recent launch of its 2020 Global Responsibility Report: Nourishing People and Planet, Erin Richards-Kunkel, senior director of Strategic Partnerships and Corporate Social Responsibility at Herbalife Nutrition, shares tips to help you find ways to give back this holiday season and beyond: 1. Take stock in your community and identify what the biggest issues or gaps are that need support With the best intentions, many people may decide to donate or volunteer time to an organization without asking the important question: “What is the specific need here?” Different communities, geographically, demographically, etc., have different types of challenges that need to be met, and understanding what those communities or certain organizations need is critical to make a sustainable impact. When you identify a potential nonprofit or organization you want to give back to, “Ask them what gaps they experience that you can fill,” says […]

(BPT) – Imagine nightmares limiting you to a few hours of sleep a night, feeling too scared to drive or take a walk, and staying inside your home week after week due to anxiety. This was the reality for Tishawna of St. Louis, Missouri, a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly referred to as PTSD. “I can go weeks without leaving my house. I have an 11-year-old child still at home and there are things she wants to do and I feel like I’m letting her down,” said Tishawna. “PTSD has taken a lot of my life.” Tishawna is not alone. Over 3 million veterans suffer from PTSD. Having tried a variety of mental health treatments with limited success, she then learned that PTSD service dogs are proven to reduce the symptoms of PTSD, even when traditional therapies cannot. PTSD service dogs are not the same as emotional support, therapy or companion dogs. Like service dogs for the blind, deaf and physically disabled, PTSD service dogs for veterans must be specially trained to help their handler perform tasks they cannot otherwise perform on their own. Unfortunately, it costs over $20,000 on average to train and care for one service dog […]

Healthy Aging Month is an annual observance month designed to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older for those 50 plus. It is never too late to hit the reset button and change your ways to change your life with better physical, mental, social, and financial well-being. September can be your motivating month!  Why wait? Tomorrow is another day that you can start feeling better in so many ways. Thinking points: Why do we have to act our age? Let’s start living your best life right now! Age is a number, not a punishment. Can you have a more positive attitude? Focus on what is good in your life and push the negative out of your thoughts. Surround yourself with positives!  Negative people will pull down your mood and your thoughts. Surround yourself with energetic, happy, positive people of all ages and you will be happier too. Enjoy the strong connections between positive thinking and longevity. Project your great energy!  Watch your posture and be vibrant, let your movements show your youth and purpose. Dress your success! Let your wardrobe project your personality with youthful flare and color.  A little trendy never hurt anyone. Smile, there is […]

(BPT) – Imagine nightmares limiting you to a few hours of sleep a night, feeling too scared to drive or take a walk, and staying inside your home week after week due to anxiety. This was the reality for Tishawna of St. Louis, Missouri, a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly referred to as PTSD. “I can go weeks without leaving my house. I have an 11-year-old child still at home and there are things she wants to do and I feel like I’m letting her down,” said Tishawna. “PTSD has taken a lot of my life.” Tishawna is not alone. Over 3 million veterans suffer from PTSD. Having tried a variety of mental health treatments with limited success, she then learned that PTSD service dogs are proven to reduce the symptoms of PTSD, even when traditional therapies cannot. PTSD service dogs are not the same as emotional support, therapy or companion dogs. Like service dogs for the blind, deaf and physically disabled, PTSD service dogs for veterans must be specially trained to help their handler perform tasks they cannot otherwise perform on their own. Unfortunately, it costs over $20,000 on average to train and care for one service dog […]

Grief can be an overwhelming emotion and one that can severely impact our lives. Studies of this emotion have revealed that species does not limit our experience of grief. Losing our companion animals has been shown to be just as devastating as losing a friend or family member. Managing our experience of these emotions is, therefore, just as essential to our well-being. The grieving process is very personal and is influenced by both our social groups and culture. As a result, everyone’s grieving process will look different. Steps You Can Take To Help Process Grief After Loss Of A Pet Self-care is vital during periods of emotional distress. Grieving can be a long, painful, and exhausting experience both physically and emotionally. The grieving process helps us adjust to a life without our loved one’s presence. While precious, the memories of our pets can be painful as we try to adjust to a life without them. With these steps, you’ll be able to work through your grief and be able to hold those memories dear while moving on. Give Yourself Time – Grieving doesn’t have a set timeline, and there’s no way to rush it. Our busy lives don’t often give us […]

(BPT) – Welcoming a new cat or kitten into your home is an exciting event. However, like any new experience, it can feel daunting to prepare your home for your new furry family member. Now is the peak season for finding kittens and adult cats available for adoption, as it’s the height of the kitten season. And of course, there are always wonderful adult and senior cats in need of forever homes, all year round. Cats make excellent pets, especially for those who live in apartments or other areas with limited green space, which would be needed for a dog. Cats are also an excellent option for those with limited mobility who are in need of companionship. If you are considering opening your home to a new cat, here are some tips to help make the transition easier — both for you and for them. 1. Prep your home ahead of time Before you go to pick up your new cat or kitten, make sure you’re all set up with the appropriate supplies. Here is a quick checklist of things to do and buy: Crate or carrier to safely bring home your new feline friend Food dish and appropriate food […]

(BPT) – While many loving pet owners are unaware their pet may not be at their healthiest weight, the fact is that more than half of cats and dogs in the U.S. are indeed overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Overweight pets tend to be less active, experience joint pain, groom less and develop more health conditions, so it’s important to take a proactive approach to help your pets live a long, healthy life. Two of Purina’s pet experts, behaviorist Dr. Annie Valuska and veterinarian Dr. Callie Harris, help by answering frequently asked questions about pet weight concerns: How can you tell if your pet is a healthy weight? “A great way to start is to give your pet a ‘healthy hug,’” advises Dr. Harris. This involves three steps: 1. Evaluate the ribs: Place your hands gently on your pet’s sides. You should be able to run your hands down their chest and feel their ribs without having to “press” or “dig” in. 2. Evaluate the waist: Stand above your pet. You should be able to see a waistline or an “hourglass” shape. 3. Evaluate the abdomen: Stand to the side of your pet. Your […]