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Top 5 Best Stocks to Buy in 2018

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Want to increase your revenue? Though plenty of risks exist in online trading, the rewards can be overwhelming. Here are the best stocks to buy in 2018!

It’s 2018! If you’re looking for ways to increase revenue, you might have looked at stocks to buy this year.

However, if you’re new to buying stocks, you might not know which companies to invest in.

Read on for 5 of the best stocks to buy in 2018.

1. Ashford Hospitality Trust (AHT)

For those who like to travel, they might consider investing in Ashford Hospitality Trust. This real estate investment trust is based in Dallas, Texas and has a portfolio of about 121 lodging properties.

AHT operates under the names Starwood, Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton. This trust has different tiers of hotels ranging from the upper-midscale, upscale, upper-upscale, and luxury.

Their upper-midscale hotels include the Courtyard hotel brand, while their luxurious brands include the Ritz-Carlton.

The Ashford Trust has hotels that span over 30 states in the United States.

2. Customers Bancorp (CUBI)

This small-cap bank flies under the radar of many, but the truth is, it’s worth around $800 million.

In 2018, CUBI plans on launching a digital-banking branch designed to cater to those who are underbanked and their main demographic will be college students.

If this deal happens, CUBI shareholders can expect to receive $3.57 a share. With all the changes happening in 2018, shareholders could take about $37.76 per share home at the end of 2018.

3. Facebook (FB)

With over 2 billion users, Facebook continues to grow at a rapid speed. Their earnings have surpassed those of Google.

Google is expected to grow 33 percent compared to Google’s 19 percent.

Although Facebook is expected to go through some changes such as focusing more on user’s security over profits, they’re still expected to have a great year.

Facebook is working on developing a video content option that could potentially rival Google’s YouTube.

Although Facebook faces challenges and controversy, don’t let that put you off from investing in Facebook stock in 2018.

4. Ryanair Holdings PLC (RYAAY)

Travel and stock investors can rejoice when they learn one of Europe’s most popular airlines, Ryanair is on this list.

Although Ryanair experienced a pilot shortage that forced them to cancel 20,000 flights, they expect to have record-breaking profits in the upcoming fiscal year.

Since Ryanair’s competitors, Monarch, Alitalia, and Airberlin went out of business in 2017, it put pressure on Ryanair to have more competitive fares.

With so many people flocking to Ryanair, it’s no wonder investing in their stock is a good idea.

5. Siemens (SIEGY)

As a global manufacturing and engineering company, Siemens is an expert in autonomation, electrification, and autonomation.

2017 was a great year for Siemens. In the fourth-quarter, they reported earnings of $0.89 per share. The estimated per share amount was of $0.99, so they didn’t fall too far behind.

Siemens is optimistic about the upcoming fiscal year. They expect earnings of $4.18 to $4.47 in the upcoming future.

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Look at These Stocks to Buy in 2018

If you’re new to investing and want to get your feet wet, these are companies with great stock potential in 2018.

Want to learn more finance and investment tips, visit our blog.

Be sure to leave us a comment if you have any ideas or thoughts on buying stocks.

Grand National Horse Generator

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If there’s any race where the longshot stands a fighting chance, it’s the Grand National. Multiple times the 100-1 shot has managed to win the race from Tipperary Tim where every other horse fell, to the surprise jump overtake of Foinavon and even Mon Mome who won less than ten years ago at a 100-1 odds from Paddy Power Horse Racing. With that in mind, some would say it’s dangerous to back the favourite since, historically, they haven’t actually won all that often. All that in mind, trying to handicap the Grand National can be incredibly difficult because the variables just keep mounting up and nothing can throw off your best guess quite like 39 other horses all running past each other. While the Grand National’s just been and gone, you might have friends asking you for a tip for next year after their bet crashed and burned- rather than spending time trying to pick the winner, just have your friend fill in this horse generator! The answer is completely random but with how hectic the race can be, this might be just what you need to give someone an off the cuff recommendation!

6 Reasons Why You Should Take a Boat Cruise This Summer

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Summer is the perfect time to get out on the water and enjoy the scenery. Click here to learn why you should consider a boat cruise and take a break from it all

Have you been bitten by the travel bug?

One of the most popular ways to travel is on a boat cruise. In fact, more than 20 million people board some type of cruise ship every year.

Options for cruising are almost limitless. You can choose from week-long cruises through the Mediterranean or island-hopping in the Caribbean. Closer to home, you can enjoy a romantic dinner or overnight cruise on a lake or river.

Whether your vacation budget is large or small, there’s a boat cruise out there that’s perfect for you.

Still not convinced? Read on for six compelling reasons to take your family on a fun-filled cruise this summer.

1. Convenience

A major reason for the continued popularity is the convenience factor.

Think about it. You board the ship with all your luggage, check in to your “room,” and go to sleep in the same bed every night. And yet, every morning when you wake up, you’re in a new port, a new city, or a new island.

If you tried to visit four different Caribbean islands by plane, think of the hassle involved in getting to and from airports and sleeping in four different hotels.

With a cruise, you don’t have to worry about any of that. Simply board the ship and sit back and relax as it ferries you to your next exotic destination.

2. Easy Budgeting

Another terrific reason to take a boat cruise? You know exactly how much money you’ll spend, which make it budgeting a cinch.

We all have a tendency to overspend on vacations. But with a cruise, you’ll know exactly how much you’re going to spend before you even set foot on the boat.

Most cruise packages include your room, meals, and onboard activities. Depending on your budget, you can add on optional shore excursions to the price of your cruise.

Some cruises may include alcoholic beverages and gratuities for staff, while others do not. Be sure to read the fine print for any cruise you’re considering so you know exactly what is–and isn’t–included.

3. Fabulous Food

Gone are the days of drab cafeteria-style offerings on cruise ships.

While you’re still likely to find 24-hour buffets and bars, most cruise companies have really kicked their cuisine into high gear. Even on budget cruises, expect the option of five-star dining rooms with a delicious menu selection.

Many menus on cruises are inspired by the local cuisine of the destinations you’re visiting.

Others have paired with celebrity chefs to ensure their offerings rival any you’d find on land.

Worried you might gain weight on your cruise? You don’t have to. Wellness cruises offer seminars on active living, along with customized fitness programs and healthy meals.

4. Endless Activities

One thing is for certain: You’ll never be bored on a boat cruise.

Let’s start with the onboard activities. During the day, you can enjoy pools, water slides, rock climbing walls, or dance classes. In the evening, enjoy Broadway-style performances, live music, or magic shows.

Need some adult time? Drop off the kids for an endless array of supervised activities. They’ll have so much fun with their new friends they won’t want it to end.

And all of this is just on your days at sea. What about when the ship docks at its next destination? Depending on where your cruise takes you, there’s almost no end to the choices that await you.

In Europe, tour ancient ruins and explore hidden grottos. In the Caribbean, relax on a postcard-perfect beach or scuba dive with dolphins and sharks. If you visit Alaska or Antarctica, bundle up and get ready to trek across glaciers or watch whales breach.

What if these faraway destinations are out of your reach? That’s okay too. There’s no reason you can’t enjoy a fabulous boat cruise closer to home.

Read more here about champagne brunch, dinner, and special event cruises on Lake Minnetonka.

5. Disconnect (and Reconnect)

One of the best things about being out on the water–whether it’s the ocean, a sea, or a lake–is the chance to disconnect from the outside world.

Of course, all modern ships offer the option of connectivity. If you need to check your email or make a phone call, you certainly can.

But why not take the opportunity to unplug, not only from your daily life but from your electronics as well? Leave the cell phone in your cabin and unwind on a lounge chair beneath a beautiful sunset.

Spend some uninterrupted time with your family or friends. By disconnecting from your life onshore, you’ll have more of a chance to reconnect with nature and the people around you.

6. Do As Much (Or As Little) As You Want

When you take a boat cruise, you’ll find two types of people: those who want to do it all, and those who want to do nothing at all.

The do-it-alls sign up for every class, every shore excursion, and every show. They make the most of their vacation by cramming in as many fun activities as time allows.

The nothing-at-alls, on the other hand, spend their cruise unwinding from the stresses of life. You’ll see them relaxing by the pool all day or indulging in various spa treatments.

Which camp do you fall into? It doesn’t matter.

The point is: You can make your boat cruise whatever you want it to be!

Ready for Your Summertime Boat Cruise?

No matter where you decide to cruise–Alaska, the Caribbean, or a nearby lake–you’re sure to enjoy your time on the water.

Looking for more helpful travel advice? Check out our latest blog posts for more inspiration.

10 Surprising Benefits of Counseling

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There are many benefits of counseling, and it can do wonders for you or a loved one. See why you should improve your mental health and relationships through it.

Nearly half of 1,000 people polled in a survey claimed that they, or someone in their household, had visited a mental health professional within the year, proving that much progress has been made in the field.

The advantages of talking extend far beyond a single session.

Therapy, supplemented with good exercise, diet, and persistent work, can help turn you into the well-rounded individual you strive to be.

The benefits of counseling can include anything from a clearer, more focused headspace, to better interactions with family, friends, and coworkers. It leaves patients feeling more well-rounded; freer from guilt or the shackles of trauma; and more positive than when they started.

An unbiased, objective peek into your life could be just what you need to get things put in perspective. We’ll lay out the 10 surprising ways counseling can help you or your loved ones heal.

What Are the Benefits of Counseling?

Great question – and we bet you know some of the answers already.

The advantages of having someone help guide you through the ever-changing world of life, work, and love are huge. No longer is therapy seen as something that only the weak do.

Therapy is utilized and embraced by a number of successful people, some of that success actually being attributed to a long history of counseling.

It’s like having an extra helper carry in the groceries with you. You can do it by yourself in two or three trips, but a counselor grabs a couple bags and helps you make it one smooth trip. They’ll probably even help you unload the bags, observing what’s inside.

If you’ve ever considered therapy before, now’s your time to make moves. Options are getting broader with the rise of technology, too. Some companies like Sam Nabil Counseling Services are even offering online therapy so you can avoid traveling as well as the stigma attached with clinical diagnoses (although the stigma is dying).

From relationship challenges (familial or otherwise), to difficult life changes, to everyday anxiety issues, counseling can and will help you.

Here are just ten ways it can aid in improving your overall health.

1. Ability for Self-Reflection

Therapy allows for the opportunity to reflect inwards in humbling ways. Not many people are willing to look inside themselves for mistakes or ways to improve.

The brave souls who have decided to try their hand at therapy are stronger than the average. They are willing to right their wrongs, make amends, and improve their lives and the lives of those around them through modest living.

2. An Alternative to Medication

Therapy can be used as a transition to removing oneself from medication or avoiding it altogether.

Therapy in the long-haul is a great way to avoid the pitfalls of depression and anxiety. A clear conversation could have the same calming effects as a pill, but without the complications that can arise from the use of medication.

3. Not Just Mental, but Physical

The benefits of counseling are not just in your head.

Tension-causing headaches, stress-inducing ulcers – and that’s just naming two – are direct results of leaving feelings locked inside until they manifest in other ways. If it’s gotten that far, you’ll see that a few sessions will leave your head clearer, and less ache-y, too.

4. No More Repressing

As discussed, the repression of toxic issues is bad for not just your mental wellbeing, but your physical one, too.

Repressed issues cultivate themselves in ways you may not realize. You may find yourself being angry at the wrong people, having trouble connecting with yourself and/or loved ones, and other isolating feelings.

Getting it all off your chest to a confidential source is just one of the many obvious benefits of counseling.

5. A Friendly Ear

At the very least, the intimate relationship that flourishes between you and your counselor will provide salvation. Sometimes an honest, objective listener is the difference between a bad day and a good one.

6. Improves Relationships

Couples counseling is a wonderful way to get unbiased opinions, and sometimes that’s just what we need to rejuvenate passion.

Signing up for counseling is the hardest part. Once you and your partner are committed to that, the rest is healing and informing. The opportunity to calmly and clearly see both you and your partner’s wishes for your love is a unique one.

Look forward to improved communication and renewed intimacy, at the least.

7. Set Important Goals

Talking out your life goals and wishes to a professional is one solid way to gather ideas and direction from legitimate sources.

Life coaches are like walking, talking mirrors. They know the answer is within you, and they guide you to finding it.

8. Have Some Structure

At the very least, counseling leaves you balanced and with a solid direction in mind. Keeping up with weekly or biweekly appointments, practicing exercises in your off-time, and living a more meditative lifestyle will bring structure to your everyday existence.

9. Make Transitions Smoothly

Although therapy does wonders in the long-haul, temporarily using this method during rough transitions – new job, moving, divorce, separations – is like using crutches for a few weeks after a surgery.

Once you’re able to stand on your own two feet again, you may be done with therapy (for now.) Or you may find that the benefits of counseling have crossed over into your daily life, and you stick with it!

10. Breathe a Little

An hour spent in a quiet, peaceful room, or a half-hour online with a sturdy but warm counselor, is, if anything, a chance to breathe a little. (Or a lot.)

We all get wrapped up in our everyday lives. But think of it like this: you know how when planes drop oxygen masks from the ceiling, the flight attendants tell you to put yours on first, before helping others?

Counseling is like that. Breathe first. Take care of yourself first.

And then tackle the day and kick butt helping others.

Try It Out

Thanks for making it this far. Are you convinced yet?

From a therapist to a couples counselor, to a life coach, counseling includes a number of various methods to suit your lifestyle and your goals. There is no one process when it comes to this style of healing or one type of doctor.

Each person will be different, so you may have to experiment with a few before you find your one – but when you do, the intimate conversation and problem-solving is sure to amaze.

We know the importance of mental and physical well-being, and we’re excited to explore as many options as possible to achieve the optimum healthiness we can. We hope you’ll join us on this journey of self-improvement.

We’re right here if you want to talk to us before you talk to your new therapist!

15 Things to Do After a 30 Day Rehab

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Recovery doesn’t end after your 30 day rehab. It’s only the beginning. Begin your new life with these 15 things after you’re finished with rehab.

Almost 62% of those that attend a rehabilitation program of any kind will face a remission issue.

Within that number 43% reportedly had no post-rehab assistance plan. Those that did have a post plan and failed was only 20%.

Clearly, the sustained recovery route includes a plan to capitalize on the processes and habits started within the short 30-day rehab stay.

To capitalize on the success of others, follow their path and learn the 15 things that make for a successful recovery.

Life After 30-Day Rehab

With recidivism being such a problem with the rehabilitation process, knowing what to do after to strengthen the techniques learned becomes key. The following list offers no-nonsense recommendations from years of successful people who avoided falling back into habits and lived healthier lives.

Theis list has no specific order and following each isn’t as important as following most.

1. Follow a Treatment Plan

The most important step (of which the rest of these elaborate in a layman’s way) to follow after a 30-day rehab stay is the follow-up plan.

Depending on the facility, entire staff will be dedicated just to compiling and issuing a treatment plan. These plans can include contacts from the facility or local support staff. They will often contain names of healthcare professions in the patient’s area, support groups, and emergency services.

Because recidivism is such an issue following a 30-day rehab program, those showing a dedication to follow-up treatments get offered a lot of resources.

Unfortunately, those who seem to be more than keen to get out the door don’t receive as much help. But as has been learned throughout years of offering treatment, those that don’t want help won’t do well having it forced on them.

2. Collect Sober Associates

Sometimes out with the old and in with the new makes the best break with a past life. Changing up and making new sober friends works in this way. Anyone that caused problems or provided more negativity to your life than positivity should be removed.

Likely this removal will be permanent, but we’ll cover when that guideline changes up later.

The idea behind this item is to make a life not burdened by the temptations that former friends, especially users and abusers represent. Staying sober and keeping ahead of the statistics in falling back after a 30-day rehab stay involves a lot of direct and permanent changes.

This one can be easier than most, surprisingly, as meeting new people has bonuses that help keep you going with many other of these list items.

3. Find a Support Group

Much like when you sought to find rehab centers at the outset of your recover, finding support groups takes some initiative and dedication.

Support groups offer an interesting juxtaposition of help. The people involved have suffered and help with the same problems. This gives them as much perspective on what to do as what not to do.

Support groups help you to create a network of workable contacts that help with many of the other list items. Most importantly, support groups are full of people who have been there so they can see the signs of recidivism cropping up.

4. Exercise

Body chemistry alters. This is one of the truisms that creates problems for addicts and also helps change after.

Exercise after a 30-day rehab program can be the hardest activity to maintain but does wonders for resculpting the desires and the brain chemistry.

Exercise also takes time and energy and dedication to engage in. These are all the types of things you need to learn to balance after a rehab program.

A strong body can keep the worse issues of less-than-strong mind from doing the kind of damage they tend to do.

5. Volunteer

Giving back to a community or others helps solidify healing. This process helps because the individual sees their contributions and also gets some reflection on others.

Seeing how others live and how they struggle can provide wonderful perspective on how your own recovery matters in the grand scheme of things.

Reaching outside of yourself and having a personal commitment to help an individual or group also provides accountability.

6. Set a Schedule

Speaking of accountability, setting and keeping a schedule helps you to prioritize and organize. After weeks of pre-scheduled time at a 30-day rehab center, setting a schedule yourself also gives some validating autonomy.

Scheduling activities and mundane maintenance give you something to accomplish. Each task in a day done on purpose, rather than by happenstance, offers validation and confidence. Even if a scheduled item is ‘free time’ knowing that it exists and honoring that commitment to the self can be challenging and rewarding.

7. Watch for Signs of Relapse

Relapsing represents a fail state for recovery. The problem isn’t that failure happens, it is that the gradual breakdown that leads to it undermines everything that you’ve been through. The vicious cycle of abuse and recovery exists because recovery makes failure seem both inevitable and harsh.

Avoiding these feelings is as important as avoiding failure. The best way to prevent the kind of spiral that leads to undoing everything worked for is to be aware of when it seems like things are slipping.

Staying mentally aware of how you are doing, why you feel as you do, and what steps to take to avoid leaning into the problems are what you have been learning all along.

8. Focus on Staying Mental Healthy

To this end, being aware of your mental health and knowing how to build up your mental health becomes an obvious item.

Dealing with depression, disappointments, and desires all fall into the same category here. Each of these led to a behavior or habit that ultimately leads to relapse and pain. Avoiding these issues can be taxing and stressful.

The key, easy to state, but hard to follow, is to learn to cope with the underlying b trigger without resorting to negative consequences.

Items on this list, and especially support groups and support staff exist to help you understand that these are not isolated issues.

9. Re-evaluate the Living Situation

After leaving a 30-day rehab program you might find that you feel different but then the normal patterns of your life put you right back where you were.

Changing your living situation after treatment has a significant impact on letting you think and live your new life and not fall back into previous patterns.

Transitionary living comes highly recommended during this post-rehab period. It gives a patient a cheaper living alternative, provides accountability and also provides nearby support.

This can really help to solidify new habits before ‘going it alone’ with a new residence or living area.

10. Be Wary of Rehab Bonds

Staying in touch with those you met in a 30-day rehab center may seem like a good idea. After all, they are going through a lot of what you are and you have a shared history.

The problem is that the bond that forms among those that go through rehab has been shown to psychologically resemble the bond of those in a foxhole together. They tend to overemphasize protection and insular thinking, which can drag down individual recovery.

Some also feel a need to relapse simply so they can get back to those they feel safe with. These behaviors don’t reflect healthy thinking.

11. Don’t Over Do It

With all of this rigor and everything being new, some patients can spiral simply to not have to feel in control.

Be careful to stay busy but not get so wrapped up in working a program that you stop living your own life, you will grow to resent the program and can become obstinate.

12. Meet Follow-up Obligations

Being accountable to the things you set for yourself and the restrictions placed upon you by others help provide needed structure and a stronger sense of self.

The fastest route to relapse for many is avoiding obligations and hiding from their responsibilities. People feel like they have disappointed others and try to avoid being redressed for actions. Avoid these feelings by staying on top of what you commit to.

The unspoken rule here is to also only create obligations you can keep. As above, don’t stretch yourself so thin that you can’t help to keep on top of it all.

13. Be a Mentor

This item helps with both of the previous items. Coming out of a 30-day rehab program can leave you feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed. Taking on a mentee helps to provide you with a valuable volunteer experience.

It also helps you understand how restrictions and responsibilities work. Working with a mentee gives you a chance to see how advice you are receiving can be filtered. Knowing why you would tell someone else a piece of advice helps you to take that same type of advice in stride an.

We are also less likely to force on another something we wouldn’t want to do ourselves, so you can see where your limits should be.

14. Seek Help When Struggling

Don’t be afraid to tell others when you struggle. Seeking help doesn’t have to be a one-time thing. Keep getting help until you can stand on your own.

15. Plan a Sober Life

Finally, feel free to plan your new sober life. Don’t be afraid that it will be rules and struggle forever. Planning a bright and hopeful future gives you something to work towards.

Knowing that your struggles today will mean something tomorrow can mean a world of difference between suffering and enduring. Look forward to your progress and don’t dread your past.

Live Better

Fighting through life doesn’t always have to be an uphill struggle! Capitalize on the groundwork done by many people before you and learn how to live life without limits. Figure out what you need to figure out by checking out our education blog.

If you have the time and means, consider the many benefits of travel to your wellness and future goals.

The Health Benefits of Leading a Vegan Lifestyle

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Going for a vegan diet can be an extremely nutritious decision, as the amount of saturated fat in such a diet is very low and alternatively the amount of rich nutrients is in abundance. All protein content, vitamins, and minerals need to come from vegetarian sources. Hence, the choice of food and preparation are vital. Vegan diets are usually suggested to people wanting to lose weight, but they also deliver a range of extra health benefits. Overall, every practitioner has confirmed that it is a great lifestyle to lead. Here are some of the crucial health benefits of leading a vegan lifestyle.

Protection against certain types of cancers

According to WHO (World Health Organization), over 30% of cancers can be prevented just by controlling certain aspects of the diet. For example, having legumes on a weekly or bi-weekly basis may decrease the danger of colorectal cancer by about over 10%.

Studies also suggest that consumption of at least seven servings of fresh-fruits and veggies on a daily basis may decrease the chances of one getting cancer by 15%.

Vegans usually eat significantly more legumes. Fruits and veggies are a part of their daily diets. Compared to non-vegans, their consumption of such helpful food items is far more. This may clarify why a new assessment of 96 research papers discovered that vegans may enjoy a 15% lesser danger of getting a deadly stage of cancer.

Another food item that works in the favor of vegans is soy. Soy products have proven to be a good cure for breast cancer. The risk of getting prostate, breast, colon and other types of cancers is also less when an individual does not indulge in the consumption of meat.

That might be for the reason that vegan food regimes are bereft of smoked or treated meats and meats prepared at extreme temperatures, which are known to encourage some kinds of cancers. A strictly vegan diet also prohibits the consumption of dairy products, another common food item believed to spur prostate cancer.

Prevention of heart diseases

Having fresh fruits, vegetables, pulses and fiber is related to a lesser risk of heart disease. All of these food items generally are a part of most heart patients’ diets.  Studies that involved studying certain heart patients found out that vegans have a 15% lesser risk of suffering from high blood pressure

Vegans have registered a 42% lower risk in deaths from heart attacks. The most common vegan stereotypes usually dictate that vegan diets are unhealthy as they do not provide the body with sufficient nutrients. However, that is not at all true. While all the nutrients a human body requires can be attained from a carefully planned vegan diet, not consuming meat inadvertently becomes a healthier option due to the reduced risk of heart diseases.

Curing arthritis

Vegan food regimes based on whole foods that are rich in probiotics can expressively reduce the warning signs of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It has been observed that a gluten-free vegan diet is very good for patients suffering from arthritis.

A vegan life is synonymous to a healthy life. So, go the vegan way and give your health a boost!

How to Make More Out of Every Day: A Wellness Guide

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Making the most out of every day takes a lot of energy, but by making mundane activities like getting up in the morning more routine, you can actually save your energy for more fun activities. Wellness is huge right now because it is important, and more people a realizing that to lead a happier life, you need to be both mentally and physically healthy. Our lives have shifted so drastically. Our lifespans are longer than ever and yet our futures are so very uncertain. Youth today have no guarantee that they will ever even be able to retire, which is why focusing on wellness and on enjoying every day is so crucial. We need to increase our quality of life instead of waiting to retire. You need to follow this guide:

Make Routine Tasks Routine

Every day we need to wake up, we should then get cleaned up, make ourselves breakfast, then head out the door for work. At work, we similarly have the same tasks to do again and again. These routine tasks should require very little mental effort, but unless we have a good routine that works with our bodies, it is these same routine tasks that can feel so painful.

To start, improve your bedtime and morning routine. A great sleep can make you feel like you are ready to take on the day, and achieving this sleep every single day can help you go far. To do this, you will first need to stop using electronics before bed. An hour will do the trick but if you really want to feel the benefits try to limit your exposure or use night mode on your electronics after sunset.

Go to bed at the same time, wake up at the same time, and do more with your morning routine to help benefit your mental and physical health. Eat a healthy breakfast, make yourself feel good – even read. The more consistent your routine is here, the more refreshed you will feel in the long-run. The same principles apply to work and to your other responsibilities. By finding a routine that allows you to work better and sticking to it, you can minimize the amount of energy you use doing it.

Make Fun Activities More Fun

Once you have your routine activities working for you, it’s time to enjoy more of your off-time. Feeling fulfilled is not a feeling that one should take lightly. By getting out there and seeing more of the city, you live in you can feel more at home, make new friends, and forge new memories. That’s why, instead of opting for another night out drinking with your friends, go out and solve puzzles together at the Syracuse Escape Room. Do something new, see new things, try new things, and you and your friends will make the most out of every excursion out.

Wellness is doing more for your life so that you can enjoy every day. By minimizing the energy that you need to use for everyday tasks through routine, and by doing more exciting activities afterwards, you can achieve this.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: How To Recover And Move On To A Healthier You

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Do you suffer from Failed Back Surgery Syndrome? It’s a devastating diagnosis, but it doesn’t have to keep you down. Here’s how to recover and move forward.

Dealing with chronic back pain is one of the most uncomfortable, and outright discouraging things a person can go through. When you have a limited range of motion, or it becomes painful to do regular tasks, you simply stop trying to do many of the things you love.

This is no way to live, which is why many people invest in back surgery to fix their spinal issues.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t always provide the results a person is looking for.

Sometimes, surgeries go wrong, and a patient is left with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. This can create new problems and pains in the spine or make old matters worse.

But, such a condition can be turned around!

Here’s a closer look at Failed Back Surgery Syndrome and how to treat it.

What Is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?

In the simplest of terms, Failed Back Surgery Syndrome is a condition when a patient has undergone spinal surgery, but he or she is still in chronic pain.

Chronic pain is a sharp discomfort in the body that has been consistent for six months or more.

While it’s normal for spinal surgery patients to experience a bit of an adjustment period during recovery, ongoing pain is a sign something is wrong.

When that pain becomes chronic, it’s safe to say there is a case of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. Some symptoms to make note of include:

  • new pain at another part of the spine
  • restricted range of motion and mobility
  • back spasms
  • a numbing sensation in the lower back or legs
  • trouble sleeping due to spinal discomfort

It’s always best to consult a spinal specialist to better understand this condition. Additionally, it’s probably a good idea to get a second opinion from someone other than the doctor who performed the original surgery.

For further insights on how this condition comes about, and who to contact to solve it, click for more. There are also a few options you can look into yourself if you or a loved one are experiencing the symptoms of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.

How Can You Curb Back Pain and Move on?

A lot of the times, a spinal surgery patient will have to go back into surgery to fix their Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. But, this can take a while to schedule and prepare for.

In the meantime, there are ways to make the pain of this condition more manageable, like the options listed below.

Medication and Frequent Rest

Chiropractors and spinal specialists have a wide range of knowledge regarding different pain medications. Talk to your doctor of choice if you’re in need of something to soothe your pain right away.

They can give you a prescription on the same day you go in for a consultation, which shouldn’t take long to fill. In addition to a medical prescription, though, be prepared to get some sort of directions to rest.

Although painkillers will soothe your back pain, they won’t actually fix the problem. Resting keeps you from making matters worse.

The combination of medicine and mindfulness allows you to do normal tasks like cooking and driving. But, anything that may put some strain on the body should be avoided.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

The thing about painkillers is that they aren’t a good choice for anyone who has a history of addiction or certain mental conditions. Other barriers to this form of treatment for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome could be medications that don’t mix well with pain-management pills.

Not to mention, some people just don’t like the thought of relying on medication.

In such cases, spinal cord stimulation offers a great alternative.

This is a pain management tool that is often used for conditions of the back, neck, arms, and legs. It works by stopping pain impulses before they can communicate with the brain. Think of this like the neurological version of a painkiller.

Spinal cord stimulation treatment doesn’t numb a sharp pain or an entire area of the body like painkillers do. It won’t affect regular cognitive functions, either.

It’s simply an innovative tool to make pain less of a distraction throughout your day.

Alternative Medical Options

Sometimes, patients who have undergone a faulty spinal surgery want to contact medical specialists with focuses other than spinal treatment. They may look into fields like acupuncture, massage therapy, and even hydrotherapy to make post-surgery pains more tolerable.

Such alternative medicines can’t target the spine and completely fix the issue at hand. But, with regular visits, these options can curb a significant amount of pain and make daily life more enjoyable.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese form of healing, now practiced worldwide. It’s a form of balancing all the energy in the body by targeting specific areas of pressure. This practice is typically done with needles.

Massage therapy is another form of soothing certain pressure points.

But, many people enjoy that there are no needles involved. Instead, a massage therapist will use their hands to work muscles that are strained and tense. They may use things like hot stones or warm towels, essential oils, and even bamboo sticks to further enhance the treatment.

Hydrotherapy has nothing to do with applying pressure, but rather relieving some of the weight that is already on the body. It’s the practice of using gentle movements in water to strengthen certain parts of the body – like the spine.

Each form of alternative medicine is entirely unique. Patients should always be sure to communicate the severity of their Failed Back Surgery Syndrome before beginning any of these treatments.

Gentle Back Strengthening Movements

The more manageable post-surgery chronic pain becomes, the more a patient is able to use their body. Some will take up old hobbies that were limited by their back pain, such as gardening.

Others will look into activities that support and strengthen the back to use in conjunction with their treatment. Yoga and pilates are two popular exercises that accomplish this.

These are a series of low-impact, gentle movements which can be modified to fit specific needs. Over time, the results of such motions create significant spinal improvements in an all-natural manner.

The Joys of Living without Mobility Restrictions

Being diagnosed with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome is pretty heartbreaking. It can set back a person’s daily routine and long-term goals very much, as this is something that requires much attention.

Still, there is hope for better days. With all the treatments available, there is bound to be a solution for the chronic pain you or someone you care about is going through. Although such efforts may take more time and effort than originally planned for, they give you more reason to celebrate once the spine feels strong and stable again.

This is a joy like no other!

It can often remind people of the simple things that get taken for granted, and to just be happy. For more ways to build happiness during your spinal treatments and beyond, click here.

3 Serious Injuries that Plague Rugby and Football Players

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While rugby and American football are definitely not the same, they do share some key features with each other. This is exactly why the athletes involved in both the games also experience some of the same injuries as well. If you or anyone close to you play any of the two sports, here are a few injuries you should be aware of while playing because these are highly dangerous contact sports; a fact that people often forget.

Concussion

A concussion is, by definition, an injury to the brain. It is caused when the brain hits the skull with significant force. The extent, effect, and damage caused by a concussion depend totally on the intensity of the impact which caused it. Now, concussions can even be deadly and, sometimes, athletes don’t even realize how bad it is until it’s too late. Never keep playing after a concussion and don’t go back on to the field until your doctor gives you the permission to do so. Aside from becoming unconscious, which doesn’t always happen, some common symptoms of concussions include the following.

  • Temporary amnesia
  • A headache and pressure inside the head
  • Balancing problems
  • Fatigue, confusion, and dizziness
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Nausea and throwing up
  • Speech problems
  • Impaired cognitive and motor functions

Myelomalacia

Myelomalacia typically refers to softening of the spine and both football players and rugby players are at high risk of developing it, alongside other full-contact sports such as ice hockey, wrestling, boxing, martial arts, etc. Any activity that involves getting hit repeatedly and dropping on the ground with impact can give rise to myelomalacia, and since both rugby and American football are pretty much based on those two concepts, the athletes in both sports are at high-risk of developing the disease over time. It can even cause death due to asphyxiation if not treated properly, due to a paralyzed respiratory system. Some of the early symptoms of myelomalacia are a loss of motor function in the fingers and toes, high blood pressure, reduced sensitivity to pain, gradual paralysis, numbness, etc.

Shoulder Dislocation

An extremely painful, but also very common injury experienced by sportsmen is the dislocated shoulder, where the upper portion of the humerus, aka the “ball”, comes out of the scapula, known as the “socket.” As a result, the shoulder becomes dislocated, therefore, disabling the athlete. This happens particularly when the arm is rotated outwards with force during a collision or a nasty fall. Surgery might be necessary if there are associated injuries such as fractures and ligament tears, or if the injury doesn’t heal naturally within a few months. In any case, the first thing the doctor, chiropractor or the physiotherapist will do is pop the ball back into the socket. Getting back to full strength will take time and rehabilitation.

There are. of course, tons of other injuries that plague athletes in these two sports, such as fractured bones, torn ligaments, other dislocated joints, broken teeth and broken noses. Nevertheless, these three are some of the most serious and common injuries that every aspiring athlete should look out for.

Top 10 Essentials to Pack in Your Camping Backpack

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You only have so much space in your camping backpack, so you need to maks sure you pack the right stuff. Here are the top 10 essentials.

Planning your next outdoor adventure? Before leaving home, make sure you pack everything you need. Having the necessary supplies will save you a lot of headaches and make your trip more exciting.

Without a doubt, camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time with your loved ones. Just like everything else, it takes planning.

Whether you’re traveling alone or with your friends, there are some things you need to do before leaving home.

A map, for instance, could save your life. You never know when the GPS stops working or your smartphone gets lost. With an actual map, it’s easier to find your way through the woods and explore the surroundings.

The question is: what should your camping backpack look like? Do you really need all that stuff experts recommend? Let’s find out!

How to Choose the Right Camping Backpack

First, choose a quality backpack that has enough room for your gear. Consider your destination and the length of your trip.

Camping backpacks come in all shapes and sizes. There are several options to choose from, such as:

  • Daypacks, which are perfect for single-day camping trips
  • Canvas backpacks, which appeal to weekend hikers and urban travelers
  • Internal frame packs, which offer a lot of storage space
  • Frameless backpacks

If you’re only traveling for a day or so, a daypack will do the trick. For longer tips, choose an internal frame pack.

These accessories range in volume from 15 liters to 55+ liters. A backpack for two or three nights will require at least 45 liters.

Besides volume, you must also consider the fabric, frame, pockets, padding, and attachment points. Ideally, select one made from waterproof materials. Make sure it has lockable zippers and multiple compartments.

Certain features, such as a padded hip belt, padded back, and padded shoulder straps, will take pressure off your body and provide extra comfort. If you’re planning to sleep outdoors, pick a backpack with sleeping bag compartments.

As a rule of thumb, keep your pack light. Don’t take anything with you unless it’s a must-have. The lighter your load, the faster you’ll walk and move around.

Ready to pack your gear? Put these camping supplies on your list:

Shelter

Start with a tent, sleeping bag, and blankets. Another option is a sleeping pad. Eventually, you can also pack a headrest.

These accessories will keep you warm and protect you from the elements. Plus, you’ll feel more comfortable during your trip.

Navigation Gear

A map and compass are must-haves for your camping backpack. If you’re traveling in the mountains, consider using an altimeter too.

Traveling with a group of friends? Two-way radios will make it easier to communicate.

Illumination

Pack a flashlight or a headlamp, and extra batteries.

Look for compact, waterproof flashlights with laser lights. These models send signals that can be seen up to 20 miles at night.

Hydration

The human body can survive for 30 to 40 days without food, but only three or four days without water.

Even the slightest dehydration can ruin your trip and make you sick. Every cell in your body needs water to function optimally.

Your camping backpack should contain several water bottles.

Choose one that’s leakproof and has double-wall vacuum insulation. Stainless steel bottles are better than plastic because they last longer and resist bacteria.

Nutrition

Depending on your plans for the trip, you can either stick to canned foods and snacks – or take enough ingredients to cook a full meal.

Camping snacks will curb hunger and boost your energy. They should consist of whole foods that nourish your body and can last for days.

Homemade granola bars, protein bars, canned tuna, trail mixes, nuts, fruit leather, and peanut butter are all a great choice. Other healthy options include energy gels and electrolyte drinks.

These treats will prevent dehydration and keep you energized all day long.

First-Aid Supplies

When you’re out in the wild, anything can happen.

Tick bites, for instance, can cause allergic reactions and even Lyme disease.

If you or a loved gets bitten by a tick, you might be able to get to a Lyme disease clinic right away. Prevention is your best defense.

Take a quality insect repellent that works against ticks. Don’t forget about sterile pads, gauze pads, bandages, and antibacterial ointment.

If you suffer from allergies, pack antihistamine medications as well.

Spare Batteries

Nowadays, most smartphones have a short battery life and won’t carry you through the day on a single charge. Extra batteries are a must for your camping backpack.

Take a power bank and spare batteries for your mobile phone, radio, GPS, and other gadgets. This will ensure that you’re connected to the outside world and can easily call for help in case of emergency.

Clothing

When it comes to camping, layers are the absolute best. Pack your clothes according to the climate. Even if it’s warm and sunny during the day, the temperature can drop at night.

Your camping backpack should include one or two T-shirts, an extra pair of jeans or shorts, socks, and sweaters. A rain jacket and a cap are essential. Don’t forget about underwear.

Fire

Even if you’re not planning to spend the night outdoors, you still need a lighter or a fire starter. Matches can help too.

Depending on your budget, opt for a basic lighter or one with extendable burner head that can be used upside down.

Fire starters can be a lifesaver if you get lost or find yourself in a critical situation.

Toiletries

Last, make sure you pack basic toiletries like a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, and antibacterial soap. Sunscreen is a must-have.

Take a few towels or wet wipes with you. Shampoo and conditioner are not necessary unless you’re planning a long trip.

Now you have it – a complete camping checklist for you and your family! If you have enough room in your backpack, you can also take fun stuff like bats, balls, board games, or fishing gear.

Get Ready for Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Planning your trip doesn’t have to be a chore. All you need are a few basic items to keep you safe and cozy.

Pack your gear ahead of time to make sure you don’t forget anything. Use this handy list for inspiration. The right gear can take your outdoor adventure to a whole new level!

Do you have any camping tips? Are there any must-have items you can’t travel without? Share your thoughts below!