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How Fit People Stay Fit

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Getting in great physical form and staying there is one of the biggest health issues facing Americans today. Not only is it difficult to know exactly how to get fit, but studies have shown that the majority of people that lose weight just to end up gaining it back. Obesity is the American health crises that millions of families are affected by every single day, and the problem just keeps growing. However, instead of looking towards individual people, we should be looking towards what societal implications have lead to this increase in obesity and what we can do about it as people, and as we try to reconstruct the way we think about the world and our place in it.

The first thing that we should realize as a nation is the that the problem of obesity is a national one, not an individual one. The way in which America has changed, and the quickness with which it has changed had lead to an overconsumption of more “bad calories” and less physical activity. Paralleling the rise of processed food has been the rise of more technology both in our work and our home lives, which has lead to many people leading much more sedentary lifestyles than they did even ten years ago. This is a problem for many reasons, but with busy sedentary lifestyles, comes worse food choices, and less concentration on physical health. All these things combined means that those in the modern era will suffer more from obesity than others.

Now that we have an idea of why America has an obesity problem, it’s time to look at how to change it. Although we have a mass of information on a daily basis about nutrition and fitness, it goes through deaf ears for many people who struggle getting started, and those that struggle getting to a place that they want to be. If you’re someone who wants to make sure that you get fit and stay there, it’s important to think about the way that you’re living your daily life. It’s important to look at the way fit people live their lives and find out ways that you can make changes in your everyday life, instead of relying on short-term solutions so that you can get the most out of your fitness, and that you stay fit for longer.

When studies have looked at the differences between fit people and unfit people, the main differences is that fit people have different habits and everyday lifestyles. In most cases, people that are fit have lifestyles that concentrate on physical activity, and those with a high level of physical fitness concentrate on having interests that include physical activity, and some even make their jobs and more the kind that gives you physical exercise on a daily basis. Although we can’t all change our careers on a dime, it’s important to make sure that you are involved in some sort of physical activity that you’re passionate about.

This video about Barefoot Waterskiing is a great example of an awesome hobby to have, that will end up extending your life by giving you the physical exercise that you need, as well as the passion to go out and do something that you love. In this video, you can get the tips you need to do the one hand one foot trick, which is a great way to get started with this fantastic sport and get the physical exercise that your body needs. A hobby like this that you regularly do is a great way to keep your body looking great, as well as living a healthy life.

Hair Growth Products: What You Should Be Using

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If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you had more hair, then you’re in the right place. Check out this list of hair growth products to give a try!

Hair loss is a common problem, not only among men but women, too.

As many as 35 million men in the United States experience it. About 21 million American women also suffer from the condition.

That’s not all. Hair loss can also be confusing. Especially because there’s normal, and then there’s excessive shedding.

Normally, you can lose up to 150 strands of hair per day. Shed more than that, and it could already signal hair loss.

It’s for this reason the demand for hair growth products increased over the years.

Treating hair loss is a big industry. By 2024, it will be worth almost $12 billion! That’s from $7.3 billion in 2015.

A possible reason for this is because many factors contribute to hair loss. Worry not though, as hair loss is not an end story.

Here, you can learn about several health growth products to try.

1. Biotin Hair Growth Products

Some quick stats:

Did you know that male pattern baldness accounts for more than 95% of hair loss in men? In women, a major cause is a hormonal change.

Now, let’s talk biotin. It’s one of the most popular hair growth products across the globe. The question is, why?

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the vitamin B family. Dubbed as vitamin B7, it plays a pivotal role in hair, skin and nail health. It’s main job though is to convert food into energy.

A recent study shows that biotin is effective in nail and hair problems. It promotes increased hair growth as well as healthier and stronger hair.

So… How does it work?

Men have a male sex hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It’s an androgen that gives men their male characteristics such as body hair, increased muscle mass, and a deeper voice.

To make you understand better:

Hair growth has three phases – anagen, catagen, and telogen.

Anagen is the hair’s growth phase. It occurs for about 2 to 6 years. So, the majority of the hairs on the head are in this phase.

Then there’s catagen, which is the phase allowing the hair follicles to renew. It lasts for only two weeks.

Lastly, there’s telogen, the resting phase. The follicle stays dormant for about 1 to 4 months.

When the telogen ends, anagen starts again. New hair grows.

In hair loss, hair follicles become miniaturized. As a result, the anagen phase decreases and the telogen phase extends. Many experts believe that DHT is a major factor why this happens, particularly in men.

Biotin blocks DHT, then resulting in prevention of hair loss in men.

2. Medical Devices to Treat Hair Loss

The innovative technology today paved the way for the development of hair loss medical devices.

One of the most popular hair growth products today is the use of laser therapy.

Laser light treatments and at-home handheld devices work by helping new hair grow. They work by stimulating blood flow to the area. Click here to have an idea on how to use these products.

But, laser light therapy hair growth products are not an overnight remedy. It takes time and commitment. You have to be patient in using the product for better results.

Here’s a bit more information on how these devices work:

Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is a treatment option that uses a laser to help promote hair growth. The cells absorb the low-level light and trigger enhanced cellular activity and increased blood flow. The cells become more active, then promoting hair growth.

3. Minoxidil Treatment for Hair Loss

Minoxidil is a hair growth agent that’s designed to create ideal conditions for the hair to grow. It comes in a spray, liquid solution, or foam form.

The drug has an interesting backstory. Did you know that it was not originally intended for hair regrowth?

In the past, minoxidil is a drug used to address high blood pressure. But, the doctors noticed that the patients started growing hair all over the body. In the long run, they formulated the drug into a topical form.

And that’s when minoxidil hair growth products emerged.

So, how does it work?

Unlike biotin that blocks DHT, minoxidil opens up the capillary system. It expands the blood flow to the hair follicle where nutrients collect. The hair follicle becomes healthier, reactivating to allow new hair to grow.

Some studies show that the use of the drug led to a 12.7% to 18.6% increase in total hair count. For people with hair loss, this drug makes a visual difference.

4. Hair Loss Shampoos

Feeding your hair with the proper ingredients and nutrients may halt hair loss. Better, these nutrients can boost hair regrowth.

Some of the most popular hair growth products come in shampoo form. But, there are hundreds of hair loss shampoos on the market.

How do you choose which one to use?

Hair growth shampoos with ingredients like pyrithionezinc and ketoconazole can greatly impact the speed of hair growth. Instead of checking out shampoos as a whole, you need to focus on the ingredients.

Determine which ones you want to use. Nioxin shampoo can also help the scalp remain healthy. For others who want to go natural, organic shampoos or those with natural herbs can also help.

5. Hair Growth Oils

Essential oils gained popularity for their health benefits. They’re actually part of many women’s relaxation regimen nowadays.

For hair loss, some natural oils, like rosemary oil and pumpkin seed oil, show effects on hair growth.

A study showed that taking pumpkin seed oil produced a 40% increase in hair count. Rosemary oil is also effective in promoting hair growth. In fact, a 2015 study shows that it produced the same positive effects on hair growth as minoxidil.

Natural oils are safe to use. They do not contain harmful chemicals. If you want natural remedies, these oils are a must try!

Find the Right Hair Loss Remedy Now

Hair loss is an embarrassing health problem. The good thing is, there are many hair growth products that you can use today.

The only thing to do is determine which one is effective and suitable for you. With all the choices, it’s important to study each product properly. Make sure the ingredients are safe and effective and don’t waste your time and money on something you’re not sure about.

Looking for more interesting health articles like this? Head to our blog site then! It’s full of life pro tips that can help you enjoy better health.

How To Be OK With Your Transition To a Senior Center

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How are you adjusting to life at a senior center? For new residents, the transition can be difficult. Read this guide to help you ease into your transition.

At the moment, there are about 1 million Americans living in some sort of senior center. By 2030, that number is expected to double. People are living longer than ever before, and as a result, the need for senior care is on the rise.

Despite this, there are many seniors who don’t feel comfortable at all when they first move into a senior home. These facilities seem so foreign to them, and some seniors have such a hard time with their new living arrangements that they end up struggling with depression.

The suicide rate among seniors has shot up in recent years, and many experts have blamed it on the mental anguish seniors feel when they’re forced to give up some of their freedom.

Are you in the process of transitioning yourself or a loved one into a senior center?

Here are some tips for doing it successfully.

Tour Different Facilities Before Choosing the Right One

You wouldn’t just browse through a bunch of home listings on the internet, pick one that looks nice, make an offer on it, and then move into it, would you? So you shouldn’t take that approach when you’re trying to decide which senior center would be best for you, either.

Whether you make the decision to move into an assisted living facility or nursing home or your family makes it for you, you should still play an active role in picking out the place where you will live.

You should make an effort to visit different facilities in your area before picking out the one that works best for you.

When touring senior homes like the Seasons Nursing Home, you should speak with the staff members at each one to see how they interact with seniors. You should also check out the living accommodations. You might even want to sit in on the activities offered to residents.

After you have toured several facilities, you shouldn’t have any problem picking out one that you like best. It will give you a say in the matter and help you feel more comfortable with where you end up.

Share Your Thoughts About Moving Into a Senior Center With Family

Prior to moving into a center, you should sit down with some of your family members to talk about how you feel about making the move. It’s a big step in your life, and you shouldn’t be afraid to open up to them about the transition you’re going to be making.

Ask yourself these questions prior to speaking with your family members:

  • Am I ready to make this move?
  • Is there anything I’m worried about?
  • How is this transition going to change my life?
  • Will I receive enough support from my family?

The answers to these questions should help you get started when you sit down with your family.

But whatever you do, don’t make such a big move without speaking with someone about it.

The last thing you want to do is keep your feelings buried deep down inside.

Bring Things From Your Old Home to Your New Home

Just because you’re moving into a senior home doesn’t mean you have to give up all of the things that made your current home so special.

While it’d be impossible to move all your stuff from your old home to your new home, you should feel free to bring things that will help make your senior center feel more comfortable.

Here are a few suggestions as far as what you should bring to make your transition easier:

  • The afghan you’ve had sitting on your living room couch for years now
  • The mat you’ve used to welcome people to your home’s front door
  • The pictures you have hanging up in the foyer
  • The nightstand you have sitting next to your bed
  • The recliner you love to fall asleep in every night

While you should check with your specific center to see what you’re allowed to bring, there’s a good chance they won’t have an issue with you bringing items that will make your new home feel a lot like your old one.

Meet With the Staff on Your First Day

The staff at your senior center is going to work hand-in-hand with you on a regular basis to make sure you’re comfortable. Rather than being standoffish towards them, you should make it a point to introduce yourself on your first day.

Doing this will set the right tone for you and the staff members who will be in charge of looking after you. It will also put your family members’ minds at ease as they leave you in the care of those at your new home.

Do Your Best to Learn Your New Schedule

If you’re like most people, you crave a routine. You want to wake up in the morning and know where you need to be, what you need to be doing, and who you need to be doing it with.

Moving into a senior center can really throw off your whole routine and make it difficult for you to transition. To combat this, you should try and learn the schedule at your center.

Find out when you’ll eat throughout the day, what activities will be available each day, and how you’ll be expected to keep yourself occupied.

Doing this will help you find a routine that works for you. It’ll also make your senior home feel a lot more like home when you’re sticking to a schedule every day.

Ask to Speak With a Social Worker About Any Problems

No matter how hard you work at it, your transition into your senior center might not go smoothly. You might feel sad at times. You might even feel downright depressed as you seek to embrace your new life.

Know that you don’t have to go through your transition alone! While some seniors opt to speak with family members about the way they’re feeling, not everyone has someone they can turn to in order to talk.

If you need someone to lend an ear so that you can talk about your mental health or any other issue, don’t be afraid to ask to speak to the social worker at your senior home.

It’s their job to help you deal with any problems you might be facing. Speaking with them will go a long way towards helping you settle in.

Find the Right Senior Center Now

There are many seniors who put off moving into a senior center because they’re afraid of the big changes it will bring. But you should know that you can live comfortably and even extend your life by finding the right center.

Check out our blog for more tips on managing your health and taking better care of yourself.

8 Tips for Selecting the Most Comfortable Camping Cot

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Choosing the right camping cot can make all the difference in your entire trip. Here are 8 tips for selecting the best one so you can get a good night’s sleep.

You’re looking for adventure, want to get away, and love being outdoors, a camping trip is a great way to accomplish all of the above.

Are you planning your next camping trip? If you are, you’ll want to make sure that you have adequate supplies for your trip prior to hitting the trail (or road, if you’re driving to your destination).

Because as fun as going camping can be, a successful trip does require some planning.

For instance, what are some essentials you should have in your backpack?

And, just as important, what are you going to sleep on? If you’re thinking about investing in a camping cot, look no further.

Our guide gives you 8 great tips for selecting the most comfortable cot, so you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.

Ready to learn what they are? Let’s get to it!

How to Choose a Suitable Camping Cot

Picking an appropriate cot for your unique journey and set of needs is important.

If you don’t do your research and choose the right camping cot for your trip and personal preference, there’s a good chance you’re not going to get a good night’s sleep – and that can have a huge impact on your ability to enjoy the trip as a whole. No one wants to be miserable and exhausted before their hike even starts!

To ensure that you’re making the right choice, take the below considerations into account when shopping for the most comfortable cot for you.

How Much Does It Weigh?

The weight of your camping cot will be particularly important to you if you’re planning to carry it on your back. If that’s the case, be sure to look for models which are light enough so you can carry them comfortably.

If you won’t be carrying it for a long distance, a cot with a sturdy, steel frame won’t be an issue.

What’s the Size?

Another important consideration is the size of the cot. Will it fit inside of your tent or other sleeping arrangements?

Additionally, is it a size that’s going to be comfortable for you to sleep on? You don’t want to end up like Goldilocks, do you?

Is It Portable? Does It Need to Be?

If you’re planning on carrying the cot with you by foot, it’s going to have to be portable enough for you to carry for extended periods of time without hassle.

However, if you’re going to be parking something like a caravan (from Campsmart, for example) or an SUV and setting up camp beside it, you won’t have to worry about carrying your camping cot for a long distance.

If that’s the case, you obviously don’t need to worry about finding a cot that’s ultra-portable.

What Type of Fabric Does It Feature?

For optimal comfort, your ideal camping cot should be comfortable on its own…without any other sleeping gear on top of it.

Think about it like this: If you buy a cot that’s made from stiff fabric, throwing a sleeping bag or pad on top of it really isn’t going to make a whole lot of difference.

You’re still going to be uncomfortable, and you may even wake up with unnecessary aches and pains – making the rest of your trip much more difficult to enjoy.

You’ll also want something that’s easy to clean and relatively light, like nylon or polyester.

What Kind of Support Does It Provide?

Sleeping arrangements are rarely one size fits all. In other words, it’s rare that what works for one person will work for another.

Knowing this, it’s a good idea to look for a cot that offers adjustable tensions, so you can set the tension of the cot to your personal preference to ensure that you get a good night’s sleep.

You’ll also want to confirm that the cot can support your body without issue as well.

How Often Will You Be Using It?

This goes hand-in-hand with our last consideration. Before you purchase your new camping cot, you’ll want to give some thought to how often you’re planning on using it, so you can be sure that it’s going to be a worthwhile investment.

How Much Does It Cost?

The last thing to think about when you’re shopping for a cot for your next camping trip is its cost.

Think about how often you plan to use it and the various features it has. If you’re only going to use it 1 or 2 times a year, it may be best not to splurge on a premium cot, because the cost per use will be outrageous.

However, if you’re confident that you’ll use it and the features are in line with the price, purchase away.

Can You Set It Up?

You don’t want to go and buy a camping cot that you can’t set up easily, do you?

Find a model that isn’t a hassle to set up, and you’ll be better off for it.

Find the Most Comfortable Cot for You

Now that you know what you need to consider when shopping for the most comfortable camping cot for your needs, finding the right one should be easy.

Just think about whether it needs to be portable (and if so, how much it weights) and what the size is. You’ll also want it to provide ample support and be made from a fabric that’s comfortable to you without and added sleeping gear.

Finally, you’ll want to think about how much you’ll be using it, and, if the price of the cot is worth it given all of the above factors.

Keep these considerations in mind, and you’ll be sleeping like a king (or queen) at your campsite from day one.

Want more great tips, like how to improve on every trip you take? Check out the rest of our blog for more!

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.

If you want to understand better how day traders do it, be sure read about tastyworks review.

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!