The Chicago Journal

Skincare Essential Recommended by a Dermatologist

Nicholas Alexander Nicholas Alexander on February 6, 2023

Get rid of all that stuff in your bathroom cabinet! You don’t need it anymore.

Here’s the best skincare routine for a healthier life, according to an expert. The key is simplicity and straightforwardness.

Dermatologist Dr. Fayne Frey revealed her skincare secrets to Fox News Digital, and we’re all better for it. The expert in West Nyack has been treating patients of all ages for three decades now. She shared nothing but success stories returning time after again. 

The secret is good sun protection. 

The importance of sunscreen cannot be understated, especially for those who have naturally fair complexions. Frey shared that this product is a necessary component to maintain your skin’s health and beauty to keep it timeless. 

“The single product [that] everybody should be using 365 days a year is a sunscreen,” she stated. “It is by far the most effective ‘anti-aging’ protective product on the market that promotes not only skin health but skin appearance.”

Frey said that even during the cold winters, people must use sunscreen.

Read also: L’Oreal struck with lawsuit regarding uterine cancer

Sunscreen is a Necessity

It’s not just your skin that needs protection from the sun. It’s also UV rays that can cause long-term damage. Frey said most women don’t use sunscreen enough for adequate protection. 

“I always suggest wearing sunscreen – an SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen. And then apply your makeup over it,” she stated. “And put it on liberally.” 

If you want to avoid the effects of aging, your skin must stay protected. Sunscreen can help prevent pigmentation and delicate wrinkle problems with age. 

The doctor said most people don’t need to follow a multi-step skincare routine. It’s just not necessary. 

Furthermore, the most important thing to remember about skincare is that it’s not just what goes on your skin but also the lifestyle choices you make every day.

“Healthy skin mimics a healthy lifestyle,” she stated. “So, getting up in the morning and maybe exercising, getting a good night’s sleep, [eating] a nutritious diet. All of these things are wise to do.

“The best things in life don’t come in a bottle or a syringe or a tube or a jar.” 

Real Skincare Necessities

When you are surrounded by the media telling everyone about your flaws, it is almost impossible not to feel insecure. Frey has met with thousands of these women, and they all share one thing in common: Their insecurity comes from media standards. 

“Marketing is powerful,” she stated. “And our cultural bias is a definition of beauty that is unattainable and unreachable for many people.” 

Misunderstandings are common in skincare and beauty. For example, one common misconception is that anti-aging products will help you look younger for longer. 

“The truth is, science hasn’t found a single ingredient to reverse the aging process,” she stated. “It is inevitable, and it is irreversible.” 

Healthy skin can be retained when water is used to wash the face. So The Skincare Hoax’s author recommends washing with just plain old H2O, instead of using cleansers or toners. 

“I don’t know anybody who doesn’t use cleanser and has sick skin because of it,” she stated. 

For those with sensitive skin or acne, Frey suggests seeking the help of a dermatologist to find products that will be most beneficial for them.

“Petroleum jelly is the most versatile skincare product on the market,” she stated. “It’s great for really dry areas, like elbows and knees, runaway eyebrows, chafing on the nose when you have a cold, chapped lips. I can’t imagine life without it.”

Read also: Portland woman breaks into another apartment and raises mental health help concerns

 

RxPass joins array of Amazon projects in the pharmacy market

Edward Anderson Edward Anderson on January 30, 2023

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RxPass: A worldwide technology enterprise, Amazon offers various services to customers and companies.

The following are just a handful of the services that customers can avail:

  • Amazon Prime
  • Amazon Web Services
  • Amazon Marketplace
  • Amazon Music
  • Amazon Studios

Amazon operates an online pharmacy and just unveiled a new marketing plan.

Amazon Pharmacy

Using the company’s website or mobile application, customers can procure either over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals from Amazon Pharmacy.

Customers have access to their order history, may schedule recurring refills, and receive special offers and discounts based on their insurance or Amazon Prime subscription.

They have the choice between picking up their meds from a nearby pharmacy or having them delivered to their home.

However, only US residents can utilize Amazon Pharmacy.

Tuesday saw the introduction of RxPass, a brand-new prescription service for Prime subscribers.

The perk

The recent addition to Amazon Pharmacy is intended to bring in more users and subscriptions.

RxPass customers have access to 50 generic medications in as many dosages as they need to address more than 80 common chronic conditions.

These meds include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Anxiety
  • Diabetes

Since delivery is free, there are no shipping charges to worry about, and the RxPass only costs $5 per month to use.

Venture into health care

For years, Amazon has worked to build a solid reputation in the healthcare sector.

During the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, the e-commerce giant launched Amazon Pharmacy, which supplied medication at more reasonable rates.

PillPack, an online pharmacy that specialized in shipping customers presorted medications in handy containers, was acquired by Amazon in 2018.

Consequently, Amazon Pharmacy was created.

This acquisition allowed Amazon to expand its clientele and offer a more specialized service in the market for the delivery of prescription medications.

Read also: Shooting incident in California: confrontation leads to suicide

The company’s entry into the healthcare sector produced Amazon Care, but it was later discontinued.

For employees of partner firms, Amazon Care provided virtual primary care, follow-up care, medicine delivery, and video consultations with medical specialists.

Amazon shifted course and bought upscale primary care company One Medical in July 2022.

One Medical provided general care and telemedicine through a network of walk-in clinics and online therapeutic options.

They provided the following:

  • Telemedicine consultations
  • Home medication delivery
  • Same-day visits
  • Online scheduling
  • 24/7 virtual care.

One Medical sought to increase patient accessibility, comfort, and personalization of primary care.

One of the services that Amazon provides is RxPass.

Customers who make use of the Prime Prescription Savings Benefit can reduce the cost of generic drugs by up to 80%.

It also falls to 40% when using drugs from famous brands.

Subscription program & layoffs

The CEO of the biggest e-commerce company on the planet, Andy Jassy, is determined to reducing expenses while growing the Prime membership program.

Members of Amazon Prime may access a number of benefits and services for a nominal monthly subscription, including:

  • Free two-day shipping on eligible items
  • Streaming of movies, TV shows, and music
  • Access to a rotating selection of e-books, magazines and other content

Also, Prime members get access to exclusive deals and reduced prices on a variety of goods.

Additionally, the service provides free same-day or one-day shipping on qualified products to a certain number of urban regions, as well as free release-date delivery on qualified pre-order items.

The corporation also intends to abandon other projects, freeze corporate employment, and let some 18,000 staff go.

Amazon has pledged to focus on long-term opportunities, such as the healthcare sector, which Jassy confirmed.

Pharmaceutical competition

In the pharmaceutical industry, Amazon is up against competitors from long-running businesses like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart.

The company has not yet provided an update on its efforts to launch the online pharmacy since its formation.

According to Business Insider, a Morgan Stanley report from August indicated that Prime members did not consider Amazon Pharmacy to be one of their most vital services.

Vin Gupta, chief medical officer of Amazon, says the firm is committed to offering a distinctive pharmacy experience from that of other vendors.

“This is still day one for us when we’re at our beginning stages here, but we recognize that change is needed,” said Gupta.

“That’s what patients across the country are telling us, and that’s what Amazon is responding to.”

RxPass does not yet offer insulin or other specialized drugs, and Medicaid or Medicare recipients cannot use it.

As for whether Amazon would soon boost the amount of prescription medications it offers through RxPass, Vin Gupta remained silent on the subject.

Gupta estimates that around 150 million people are using at least one of the prescription medications made available through RxPass.

Covid-19 surges among senior citizens or ‘senior waves’

Edward Anderson Edward Anderson on January 30, 2023

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Covid-19: Despite a spike in hospitalizations throughout the majority of states in the winter of 2022, Covid-19 has only slightly increased.

When compared to other surges, the overall rate is still a very small portion of what it once was.

Cases involving senior individuals have so far been the only prominent exception.

Senior hospitalization

The age difference is at its widest degree ever as senior hospitalizations approach the height of the Delta spike.

In Covid-19, the hospitalization rate for seniors has been four times higher than the national average since October.

There was never a gap between nursing facilities greater than threefold, even during the winter spike in 2020.

Seniors who tested positive for Covid-19 during the pandemic have repeatedly been a source of concern.

Only 13% of all cases reported in the US were adults 65 years of age or older, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, that age group has been responsible for 50% of all hospitalizations and 75% of all deaths.

According to larger trends, the hospitalization rate for seniors in Covid-19 has changed.

Before seeing a steep drop in the summer, it hit a record high during the Omicron spike last winter.

However, senior hospitalization rates have often been greater than those of other age groups.

Age Gap

Professor of molecular medicine at Scripps Research, Dr. Eric Topol, has termed the latest increase the “senior wave.”

“Right now, we have an immunity wall built up against the Omicron family – between shots and prior infections and combinations thereof – that seems to be keeping younger folks in pretty good stead,” said Topol.

“But the immune systems of people of advanced age are not as strong.”

Topol says that the most recent wave is likely having disproportionately severe effects on young people who have immunocompromised systems.

To assess the trends in that age range, however, not enough data is available.

According to Dr. Eric Topol, a factor in the growth in senior hospitalization rates may have been the underuse of medications like Paxlovid and new, immune-evasive variants.

He emphasized booster deficiency as the main culprit, notwithstanding the appallingly low rates.

“It all points to waning immunity,” said Topol.

“If more seniors had their booster, the effect would be minimal.”

Read also: Skincare Essential Recommended by a Dermatologist

Vaccines & boosters

Only a third of those 65 and older had an updated booster shot, according to CDC data, which worries experts.

Infectious diseases and geriatric medicine specialist Dr. Preeti Malani from University of Michigan Health said: “It’s very, very concerning.”

“There’s a sizable number of people who actually got previous boosters who have not gotten this one and I worry that there’s confusion, there’s misinformation,” Malani added.

“So to seniors – and to everyone – I say: if you have not been boosted, get boosted.”

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey, 60% of seniors were concerned about an increase in Covid-19 cases and hospital admissions this winter.

More over 40% of respondents said they were concerned about becoming sick, but almost as many said they had no immediate plans to get the new booster.

Additionally, 25% of seniors claim they don’t have any plans to get a booster and will only do so if it’s required.

Communities

Vaccinations and booster doses continue to be effective at preventing serious illnesses.

Seniors still utilize boosters more frequently than other age groups, despite their low uptake.

Less than 10% of adults under 50 and less than 5% of children got their most recent booster, according to CDC data.

Despite this, experts insist that the difference in hospitalization rates cannot be explained by the expanding gap in vaccination rates alone.

“The truth is that, really, anyone can get this,” said Dr. Preeti Malani.

“But the older you are, the more likely you are to have severe symptoms, the more likely you are to be hospitalized, and the more likely you are to die.”

According to experts, viral diseases like COVID-19 spread equally among older and younger people.

Seniors are often introduced to Covid-19 by family, friends, and the greater community since they are more likely to suffer more serious consequences.

“Seniors are the most at risk, but we bring it to them,” said Malani.

“A thing unique to older adults is that many of them are grandparents and many of them provide childcare for their grandchildren.”

“So they sometimes get infected from their grandkids, who may also be going to school or daycare.”

Malani also emphasized the particular risks that senior citizens who live in communal settings, like nursing homes, present.

Read also: Mental health becomes concern following studies

Nursing homes

Despite how vulnerable they may appear, seniors do not constitute the majority of population growth.

A government watchdog report from earlier this month discovered a strong connection between breakouts in nursing homes and community spread.

This winter, nursing homes are at risk once more.

With the exception of the initial winter wave and the Omicron wave, weekly cases among residents have already surpassed previous highs.

They continue to rise.

However, according to information from the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, only 22% of the staff and 47% of the residents had received all of their vaccines.

The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists’ executive director, Janet Hamilton, said:

“We all would have hoped that we would have a vaccine that prevents transmission. We don’t have a vaccine that does that, but it does reduce transmission and it does reduce severe outcomes.”

Hamilton underscored the importance of vaccination for elders who interact with other seniors in order to avoid detrimental consequences.

“But really, any individuals that come in contact with high-risk groups need to be the primary focus for getting vaccinated.”

Reference:

A Covid-19 ‘senior wave’ is diving up hospitalizations

Children susceptible to more illness if codetection finds Covid and another virus

Leah Cooper Leah Cooper on January 30, 2023

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Children: There is still a lot to learn about the fatal virus, despite the fact that it has stalled since the 2020 Covid-19 epidemic.

Even now, researchers are working to better comprehend the virus.

According to a recent study, children under the age of five who test positive for another respiratory virus typically get worse.

They also get more illnesses.

According to research published on Wednesday in the journal Pediatrics, hospitalized children under the age of five who test positive for both Covid and other respiratory viruses have a doubled risk of developing serious respiratory diseases.

The study

When RSV, flu, Covid-19, and other respiratory infections filled children’s hospitals, research was conducted.

The results demonstrate the impact such viruses have on pediatric hospitals.

It also demonstrates how ongoing monitoring of Covid-19 and other viruses in circulation might aid in projecting future spikes in hospitalization.

Researchers from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as from other institutions and health agencies around the country, conducted the study.

Firsthand account

Caring for children with overlapping respiratory conditions may be difficult, as Jenevieve Silva discovered throughout the pandemic.

Silva is a mother of eight and resides in San Jose, California.

She has had to cope with a slew of illnesses since her twin boys, who are toddlers, started preschool in May 2021.

“The height of the illness was from September through mid-November, when our household just could not catch a break,” she said.

Her twins tested positive for Covid-19 in October 2022.

Their pediatrician eventually diagnosed them with what they later developed as having another respiratory disease, perhaps a respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

“Based on what the pediatrician told us, she said, ‘I highly believe that they had these overlapping viruses,'” said Silva.

She also mentioned the following symptoms with the boys:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough
  • Fatigue
  • Fever

In addition, one twin developed a temperature of 105 degrees for four days in a row.

Jenevieve Silva said watching her boys suffer was heartbreaking, despite the warm baths and Vicks VaporRub on their backs and chests helped them manage the discomfort.

“They had just looked so frail – they looked sick, like something deeper than back-to-back viruses,” noted Silva.

“It was hell. I mean, it was really bad.”

Read also: Covid-19 surges among senior citizens or ‘senior waves’

Aftermath

The boys of Jenevieve Silva have now recovered from the illnesses.

Although they are doing better today and have put on healthy weight, she is still concerned that their fevers may have caused them to develop asthma.

The doctor stated it appeared to have possibly induced asthma since October when the twins had overlapping infections, added Silva.

They then start to have asthma symptoms like coughing and possibly throwing up if they get a cold.

“I can’t be the only mom dealing with virus after virus,” Silva said.

“Be patient. Listen to your doctor.”

Data

The most recent research contains data on 4,372 kids who were hospitalized with Covid-19.

21% of individuals who were tested for other respiratory viruses had a codetection, meaning that additional viruses were also found in their test findings.

Researchers remarked that rather than coinfection, they were concentrating on codetection.

The child may not have been actively sick despite testing positive for the two viruses.

According to the study, detections of respiratory viruses were few throughout the first year of the pandemic.

While influenza codetections were scarce during the first two years of the pandemic, RSV and rhinovirus (or enterovirus) codetections surged during the Delta-predominant era.

The data showed that children with codetections were mostly younger than five.

Additionally, they were more likely to be admitted to critical care units and get increased oxygen support.

When children under two test positive for RSV while receiving Covid, they frequently develop serious illnesses.

Pandemic lessons

Dr. Ascuncion Mejias, an associate professor of pediatric infectious diseases at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, said that the children she treated with Covid-19 and other viral codetections frequently required critical care and oxygen support.

“Covid is a very proinflammatory virus, so it really weakens your immune response,” said Mejias.

“And when you haven’t recovered yet, and you get a second hit, in this case, RSV or rhinovirus, you develop a more severe disease.”

The new study’s results, according to Dr. William Schaffner, a professor at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Division of Infectious Disease, highlight the significance of keeping children up to date on their vaccines.

Mejias added her two cents, emphasizing the significance of safe procedures to prevent diseases from spreading to infants who are too young to get vaccinations.

“The pandemic taught us how contagious these viruses are,” said Mejias. “If somebody is sick, try to avoid contact.”

“These viruses are not only transmitted by saliva and secretions, but by hands. It can survive in your hands for more than 30 minutes.”

“So if you touch your mouth and then touch a little baby, the baby can self inoculate the virus and become infected.”

“So washing hands and all these measures are very important.”

Reference:

When young children test positive for Covid-19 and another respiratory virus, their illness may be much more severe, a new study suggests

Pfizer cleared of stroke risks, CDC and experts claim

Edward Anderson Edward Anderson on January 16, 2023

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Pfizer: Despite the necessity of Covid-19 booster doses and vaccinations in general, some people still opt not to get the shots due to fear of getting sick.

Seniors, in particular, are anxious about the injections’ potential side effects since many have developed a phobia of strokes.

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has conducted studies to dispel such concerns.

Surveillance

The discovery prompted the implementation of a CDC surveillance system that Pfizer’s omicron Covid variant booster dose was linked to an increased risk of stroke in adults 65 and older.

In collaboration with networks across the US, the CDC’s Immunization Safety offices, and a comprehensive healthcare organization, the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) system was developed.

It monitors and evaluates the safety of vaccinations using electronic health data from affiliate facilities.

It includes information on the type administered, the vaccination date, and any other vaccines received on the same day.

The VSD also utilizes information on health problems identified during doctor visits, ER visits, urgent care visits, and hospital stays.

Statement

The CDC issued a press release on its website on Friday.

“Following the availability and use of the updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines, CDC’s Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD), a near real-time surveillance system, met the statistical criteria to prompt additional investigation into whether there was a safety concern for ischemic stroke in people ages 65 and older who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent.“

“Rapid-response investigation of the signal in the VSD raised a question of whether people 65 and older who have received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Vivalent were more likely to have an ischemic stroke in the 21 days following vaccination compared with days 22-42 following the vaccination.“

A review of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services database found that there was no increased risk of stroke as a result of the modified vaccines.

Additionally, Pfizer-BioNTech’s global safety database has not discovered any signs of stroke in connection with the updated injections.

Read also: Covid-19 surges among senior citizens or ‘senior waves’

Detection

A CDC spokesperson said the problem was first brought up in late November.

The CDC began looking into the possibility of seniors suffering a stroke 21 days after receiving the Pfizer injection when it was discovered in the middle of December, and worries persisted.

For Moderna boosters, the initial signal and results were the same.

The representative stated that 130 patients 65 and older who had the Pfizer omicron booster injection suffered strokes within 21 days.

More than 550,000 seniors who had their booster injection reported the data.

According to the CDC, no other monitoring system has so far detected any issues with the Pfizer booster.

Data

No extra stroke risk was noted when researchers examined the data from the following sources:

  • Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs
  • The Vaccine Adverse Reporting System
  • Pfizer’s global safety database

“Although the totality of the data currently suggests that it is very unlikely that the signal in VSD represents a true clinical risk, we believe it is important to share this information with the public, as we have in the past, when one of our safety monitoring systems detects a signal,” the CDC wrote.

The CDC asserts that the monitoring system picks up signals from sources unrelated to immunization.

The agency spokesperson noted that the investigations should provide a clearer view and additional facts in the upcoming weeks.

Investigation

The Food and Drug Administration will convene a panel discussion with independent immunization authorities on January 26 to tackle the issue.

Furthermore, Pfizer said in a statement made on Friday that there is no proof between the Covid vaccination and ischemic strokes.

Pfizer, BioNTech, the CDC, and the FDA have not discovered any connections between the different monitoring systems in the United States, claims company spokesperson Kit Longley.

“Compared to published incidence rates of ischemic stroke in this older population, the companies to date have observed a lower number of reported ischemic strokes following the vaccination with the omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine,” said Longley.

The omicron injection from Pfizer is still prescribed by the CDC.

Those who have finished the primary vaccine series and are five years of age or older are eligible for the booster.

Ages six months to four years old are the youngest children that can receive an omicron injection.

Reference:

CDC says it’s ‘very unlikely’ Pfizer booster carries stroke risk for seniors after launching review

CDC & FDA identify preliminary COVID-19 vaccine safety signal for persons aged 65 years and older

The Successful Care Center Changing Healthcare

Leah Cooper Leah Cooper on January 12, 2023

Conventional medicine sees a chronic disease as something that can be controlled, but not cured. The team at Biologix Center for Optimum Health, however — led by founder and CEO Dr. David Jernigan — sees it differently. Their unique approach to diagnosing and treating illnesses that are typically classified as chronic diseases is changing healthcare by providing healing where others have failed.

For almost 30 years, Biologix and its team of medical professionals have succeeded in helping many thousands of people from around the world who have exhausted conventional medicine treatments with non-responsive chronic illnesses. Their initiative of treating the underlying causes of disease as opposed to just its symptoms has resulted in thousands of success stories.

As a result of the success Biologix has achieved, Dr. Jernigan has become an internationally recognized innovator of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies who has been welcomed to share his research in many venues, including professional conferences, TV, and radio. His use of advanced precision techniques in restoring the optimum structural and functional integrity of the body has established him as a leading expert in the treatment of chronic and treatment-resistant illnesses. The testimonials offered by patients on Biologix’s website reveal the success that Dr. Jernigan and his team have had with treating a wide range of conditions. 

Changing the narrative on chronic disease

Many consider chronic disease to be an epidemic. In the US, over 40 percent of the population has been diagnosed with one or more illnesses that are considered chronic diseases. For 40 million Americans, chronic diseases limit their activity in some way.

The Biologix Center provides treatment for a host of illnesses that conventional medicine considers to be chronic and incurable. They include Lyme disease, Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The prevailing mindset in conventional medicine is to first and foremost mask a condition’s symptoms by prescribing pharmaceuticals. Treatment aimed at simply suppressing symptoms can allow the underlying condition to continue to affect the body, often causing more harm that could be avoided. In some cases, the issue can disappear for a time only to return unexpectedly weeks or months into the future.

The treatment generally prescribed for treating a fever provides an excellent example of this approach. A variety of pharmaceuticals are prescribed for treating the symptoms of a fever, which include chills, muscle aches, and irritability, but nothing is done to address the underlying condition. More often, this approach frustrates the healing work that the body is attempting to do by triggering a fever.

The approach at Biologix is to use precise, real-time testing to understand the imbalances that are causing the symptoms. Then, armed with the understanding that their testing has provided, Biologix’s doctors provide treatments that enable the body to naturally and often rapidly achieve lasting relief. Their belief is that masking symptoms prevents the body from achieving true healing.

Restoring the body to optimal health

The belief that all of the body’s symptoms are interconnected and interdependent is foundational to Dr. Jernigan’s approach to healing. Optimal health, he believes, can only be truly achieved if each system is considered and precisely addressed. Every treatment that Biologix’s patients receive works with the natural design and function of the body without causing unwanted side effects.

Conventional health care delivery is often a minimalistic approach founded on the belief that it is far easier to prescribe a painkiller or antibiotic than to provide the maximum applied effort needed to truly restore the optimum form and function of the body. The Biologix Center’s approach is for those who truly desire to be well, not just feel well from drug-induced illusions of health. The Biologix team brings the best of every healing method and testing to each patient treated.

Providing treatments that are custom tailored

Eliminating the guesswork in doctoring is one of the distinctive features of Biologix’s approach to treatment. The conventional blood tests relied upon for much of modern diagnostic efforts provide a mere snapshot of a patient’s blood on the day it was drawn. Biologix’s methods look beyond snapshots, relying on constantly evolving technologies that provide far more insight into the root causes of a patient’s symptoms.

Before beginning any treatment, Biologix’s doctors test each option to ensure that it is compatible with and effective for each patient’s unique body. There is no “one-size-fits-all” at Biologix. Each treatment is natural, structural, functional, and uniquely tailored for the patient. 

For nearly three decades, the team at the Biologix Center has treated patients from all over the world who have fallen through the cracks of both mainstream healthcare and natural healthcare. Often, those who are treated tell Biologix that they have searched for a clinic like theirs for many years before finally finding theirs. Others say they had been uncertain about making a change from mainstream medicine to other treatment options, but that after they found Biologix they wished that they had done it sooner.

Drinking habits you can quit this year

Edward Anderson Edward Anderson on January 10, 2023

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Drinking: Many people made a number of new resolutions when the new year began in earnest in January.

At the start of the year, many people make plans to eat healthier, exercise more, and give up vices.

Reduced alcohol consumption is one of the most frequently made New Year’s promises, but it’s also one of the hardest to keep.

Neuropsychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez from Teachers College, Columbia University, offered solutions to the problem.

“For some people saying, ‘I’m not going to drink this entire month,’ might be really hard,” said Hafeez.

“So trying to do so may show you how easy or difficult it is for you.”

Here we take a look at ways that you can turn down drinking.

Goal clarity

Clarifying your goal, according to Dr. Sarah Wakeman of the Massachusetts General Hospital will aid in the development of the habit.

“The research we have on goal setting says goals are more likely to be achieved if they’re really relevant to you as an individual and not an abstract, like, ‘I should stop drinking because drinking is bad,'” said Wakeman.

She pointed out that making realistic goals like changing your sleeping habits or starting an exercise regimen can help you stop drinking.

“I really want to stop drinking because I know when I drink heavily, I don’t get up the next morning and I don’t work out is a very specific goal,” continued Wakeman.

Experts claim that the benefits to your health that come from cutting back on or quitting alcohol may increase your motivation.

“Drinking less over time can have really measurable benefits in your health in terms of your blood pressure, your risk of cancer, your risk of liver disease and other conditions,” added Wakeman.

“Over the course of a month, you may notice some short-term benefits like better sleep, a better complexion due to improvements in your skin, feeling more clear-headed and having more energy.”

SMART goals

Setting SMART objectives is one way to stop drinking.

The acronym goes:

  • Specific: Set attainable objectives and stop the habit
  • Measurable: Log the quantity of drinking you intend to cut back on
  • Achievable: Make sure there aren’t too many gatherings when drinking is anticipated
  • Relevant: Consider the benefits of quitting for your life and health
  • Time-based: Set goals and deadlines for your efforts

“If you set a bar too high, you may fail,” said Hafeez. “So it’s better to set smaller goals to achieve it.”

“Nothing starts without an honest conversation with yourself.”

Read also: Mental health becomes concern following studies

Share the goal

According to experts, notifying your loved ones about your goal will increase your chances of success.

Posting on social media, according to some, inspires others to follow them.

“That’s where I think ‘dry January’ has kind of caught on,” said Wakeman.

“If you publicly state you’re going to do something, you’re more likely to stick with it than if you keep it to yourself.”

Substitutes

As you become older, you may drink more alcohol at social events.

However, according to experts, alternate beverages are just as delicious and festive and may be used to replace the impulse to drink.

“For some people, it can be sparkling water, and for other people, it’s actually having a mocktail or some sort of (nonalcoholic) drink that feels fun and celebratory,” said Wakeman.

“Substituting one behavior for another can work because you’re tricking your brain,” Hafeez chimed in.

“That can absolutely help you avoid temptation.”

There is now an industry for nonalcoholic beverages with flavors that are very similar to alcohol.

Some claim that the added substances are healthier and more soothing.

“I’m skeptical of anything that claims to relax you or have amazing health benefits that comes in a glass regardless of what it is,” Wakeman added.

“But if it’s an alternative that allows you to feel like you’re not missing out on a social situation and helps you make the changes that you want to your alcohol consumption, I don’t think there’s any downside to that.”

Progress tracking

Even if you don’t completely give up alcohol, keeping track of your emotions and urges may help you identify triggers, according to Sarah Wakeman.

“Even just measuring your behavior, whether it’s alcohol or exercise or your diet, can be an intervention in and of itself,” she explained.

“Even if someone’s not yet ready to make changes, just keeping a diary of when you’re drinking, what situations you’re drinking more and how you’re feeling at those times, can really help you identify sort of trigger situations where you may be more likely to drink.”

Read also: Skincare Essential Recommended by a Dermatologist

Monitor symptoms

Experts claim that the temptation to stop drinking suddenly can result in horrible symptoms that may indicate the need for medical attention.

“The first thing to be mindful of is whether or not you actually have an alcohol use disorder,” suggested Wakeman.

“If someone’s been drinking very heavily every single day and is at risk for withdrawal symptoms, then it can actually be dangerous to stop abruptly.”

“That would be a real indication that you need to talk to a medical professional about getting medical treatment for withdrawal and not stopping on your own.”

Reference:

Worried about your drinking? Here’s how to check it

Take your power back! A guide by Kimberly Spair, PhD

Jason Robinson Jason Robinson on January 3, 2023

Have you ever wondered if our body is designed to heal itself? What many don’t know is that the body has an incredible ability to heal itself. When we suffer from an injury or illness, most times, the body efficiently deals with the problem and restores itself to health. However, the question arises: if the body is made to combat illness, why does it sometimes fail to recover from symptoms that then become chronic? The answer is simple. There is often more going on. Toxins, pathogens, exposures, nutritional deficiencies, to name a few! Due to our limited knowledge, most of us are unaware of the power of our body’s self-healing mechanism, that is fully capable of fighting chronic illnesses when we identify the root cause.  

Dr. Kimberly Spair, a Ph.D. in Holistic Natural Health and Nutrition, emphasizes the science of dis-ease, toxicology, and epigenetics. She believes that healing is inside of each and every one of us. According to her, we can utilize key therapeutic nutrition + herbal medicine to turn dis-ease (which means lack of ease) into a healthy mind and body and bring the body back into balance. 

This renowned practitioner has dedicated her career to supporting and empowering women, especially mothers and children, as they reclaim their health and vitality using food as medicine in a world that does not always align with these intentions. She is also a yoga therapist and has completed training in the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), reiki, and homeopathy. “Healing is a JOURNEY, and there are many paths we can take. Several will lead to TRUE Healing,” shares Dr. Kimberly Spair.

Kimberly was diagnosed with neurological Lyme disease and then developed neurological symptoms and autoimmunity. As a result, she suffered at the hands of countless doctors, tests, traditional medications, and alternative therapies for years before she found her path to healing. Sharing her healing experience, Kimberly says, “The experience of overcoming chronic illness and disabling autoimmune disease has completely changed my life.” 

Although the path was challenging before finding answers, Kimberly’s determination to reclaim her health and vitality led to an endless pursuit of self-actualization and self-transformation. Furthermore, this healing journey steered her to help others suffering from chronic symptoms. 

When it comes to holistic health, it is described as a lifestyle approach that prevents or mitigates chronic illnesses; it emphasizes restoring the optimal level of health by identifying and treating the underlying causes of disease, not just treating symptoms. It includes the involvement of mind, body, and spirit; and asking people to take responsibility for their own health.

Kimberly advises adopting a holistic approach by using “food as medicine.” She encourages her clients to begin with a nutrient-dense whole foods approach. She then works by individualizing her treatment plans based on each client’s needs – this includes strategies such as conducting emotional therapy, detoxifying through whole foods, boosting nutrient intake, or using supplements and supportive herbs. 

If you ask, what is the one thing that you can do to heal yourself from chronic illness and stay healthy? The answer would be to optimize nutrition. Dr. Kimberly Spair supports this statement throughout her online courses and consultations. “Healing circle is a 6-week program to rapidly reclaim your health. Create balance and ease through nutrition, supplementation, and mind/body medicine,” she explains.

Moreover, what you consume in your diet has a significant role in combating chronic symptoms. 

There is no denying that embracing a holistic approach when it comes to our health helps support our self-healing mechanism, which can be quite transformative for our lives. On a concluding note, Dr. Kimberly Spair says, “I started my practice with a passion for recovery that is fueled by my healing journey and the desire to share the light of healing with all who need it and teach them to BE their own advocate, their own hero, and their own compass.”

Dr. Kimberly Spair is a renowned practitioner who has dedicated her career to helping individuals, particularly women and children, reclaim their health and vitality through holistic natural health and nutrition. She believes that the key to healing lies within each and every one of us and that by utilizing key therapeutic nutrition and herbal medicine, we can restore our bodies to balance and overcome chronic illness. Dr. Spair is also trained in various complementary therapies such as yoga therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), reiki, and homeopathy. She advocates for a holistic approach to health that focuses on treating the underlying causes of disease and emphasizes the importance of nutrition in combating chronic symptoms. Through her online courses and consultations, Dr. Spair helps individuals optimize their nutrition and rapidly reclaim their health.

The Rise of Naor Yazdan: From Military to Fitness Model

Edward Anderson Edward Anderson on December 28, 2022

Being a successful fitness model and instructor in today’s world requires a combination of dedication, hard work, and marketing know-how. Naor Yazdan is one of many individuals who have successfully made their mark in the industry through their passion for fitness and desire to help others achieve their goals. Naor’s unique story tells us that effort and endurance transcend the physical but are also required in spirit if you have a life-long vision to change people’s lives. 

Naor is a fitness model and athlete who has made a name for himself, particularly in Israel. But his road to success wasn’t a straightforward path. In fact, there were many pivotal moments that led to his triumph as a fitness expert.

Before becoming a fitness model, Naor served in the military. It was during this time that he developed a passion for fitness and a desire to help others achieve their fitness goals. After completing his service, Naor made the decision to pursue a career as a fitness model and personal trainer.

Since then, Naor has helped over 10,000 clients get in shape and achieve their dream bodies. He has become one of the most well-known fitness athletes in Israel, with a large following on social media and a successful business helping people reach their fitness goals. 

However, Naor has faced his fair share of challenges along the way. One of the biggest was going through heart surgery, which required him to take time off from his training and focus on his recovery. But through determination and hard work, Naor was able to overcome this obstacle and come back stronger than ever.

Naor points out that when things get tough and challenges arise, it can be easy to lose motivation and fall off track with your fitness goals. However, it’s important to remember that the best way to overcome these challenges is to keep moving forward and stay committed to your fitness journey. Among his best advice for fitness enthusiasts are to focus on small, achievable goals rather than big ones, to find a workout buddy or support group to keep you accountable, to not be too hard on yourself, to get creative in your workouts, and to remind yourself of your long-term goals when times get hard.

Today, Naor is inspiring others with his story of perseverance and determination. He shares that anyone can achieve their fitness goals, no matter what challenges they may face. His ultimate goal is to open branches of his business around the world and help even more people achieve their dream bodies.

Naor’s journey from military service to fitness modeling is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. The fitness expert shows us the power of seeking support and accountability, incorporating physical and mental strength into your daily life, and eliminating the fear of expanding your boundaries. Naor serves as an inspiration to others, showing that with dedication and a strong mindset, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

Naor Yazdan’s success as a fitness model and instructor is a result of his dedication to the industry and his desire to help others. He has made a name for himself in Israel, and has helped over 10,000 clients get in shape and achieve their fitness goals. Naor’s journey from military service to fitness modeling is a testament to the power of hard work and determination, and he serves as an inspiration to others who are working towards their fitness goals.

In addition to his dedication and hard work, Naor has also had to overcome challenges and obstacles on his journey. One of the biggest challenges he faced was undergoing heart surgery, which required him to take time off from training and focus on his recovery. However, through determination and hard work, he was able to overcome this obstacle and come back stronger than ever.

Naor has learned that when things get tough and challenges arise, it’s important to stay committed to your fitness journey and to keep moving forward. He advises others to focus on small, achievable goals, find a workout buddy or support group to keep them accountable, and to not be too hard on themselves. He also encourages people to get creative in their workouts and to remind themselves of their long-term goals when times get hard. With these strategies, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their fitness goals.

L’Oreal struck with lawsuit regarding uterine cancer

Leah Cooper Leah Cooper on December 26, 2022

L’Oréal is one of the parties being sued for claims that its products put women at risk of developing uterine cancer.

The lawsuit

Last Friday, civil rights attorney Ben Crump and attorney Diandra “Fu” Debrosse Zimmermann filed a lawsuit in Illinois.

The lawsuit is on behalf of Jenny Mitchell, a 32-year-old woman from Missouri.

They claim Mitchell’s uterine cancer was caused by her regular and prolonged exposure to hair care products from companies like L’Oreal.

According to the claims, the products contain phthalates and other chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system.

Debrosse Zimmermann says the lawsuit marks a “watershed moment” for women of color who use hair products like relaxers.

Read also: Binghamton University research finds unidentified chemicals in tattoo inks

Jenny Mitchell

The lawsuit says Jenny Mitchell was diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2018.

In addition, she underwent a total hysterectomy on September 24, 2018, at the Boone Hospital in Missouri.

Mitchell says her family has no history of cancer.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, she said she started straightening her hair when she was eight.

“At that time, at the age of 28, my dreams of becoming a mother were gone,” said Mitchell.

“As most young African-American girls, chemical relaxers, chemical straighteners were introduced to us at a young age.”

“Society has made it a norm to look a certain way in order to feel a certain way,” she continued.

“And I am the first voice of many voice to come that will stand, stand up to these companies, and say, ‘No more.'”

From the early 2000s to March 2022, Jenny Mitchell used L’Oreal and other hair straightening products.

As a result, she is seeking $75,000 in damages.

Other cases

Jenny Mitchell is not alone in the lawsuit.

Two other individual lawsuits are filed against L’Oreal and other cosmetics companies in California and New York.

The two cases also claim hair straightener chemicals and the cancer diagnoses are linked.

“We imagine that we will continue representing additional women in filing cases,” said Debrosse Zimmerman.

“As will other firms, and more and more women will come forward.”

Read also: “Being a dermatologist is no easy job. It requires determination and a strong mindset,” Dr. Rola Shahadat on her success as a dermatologist

Studies

Mitchell’s lawsuit follows a study by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, which found relations with her case.

The publication states that 4% of women who regularly use chemicals to straighten their hair are at risk of uterine cancer by age 70.

Additionally, the study estimates that women who haven’t used chemicals to straighten their hair in the past 12 months have a 1.6% risk of developing uterine cancer.

Furthermore, it says that Black women were more likely to use hair straightening products than White women.

To summarize, the data show that the relationship between hair straighteners and cervical cancer cases was more evident in Black women.

However, Black women only comprised 7.4% of study participants, and 59.9% reported using straightening products.

Other factors play a role in the frequent use of hair straightening products, such as:

  • Eurocentric standards of beauty
  • Social pressure on Black and Latina women in the work environment relating to microaggression and threat of discrimination
  • Desired versatility in changing hairstyles and self-expression

“Black women have long been the victims of dangerous products specifically marketed to them,” said Ben Crump.

“Black hair has been and always will be beautiful, but Black women have been told they have to use these products to meet society’s standards.”

“We will likely discover that Ms. Mitchell’s tragic case is one of countless cases in which companies aggressively misled Black women to increase their products.”

Reference:

US woman files lawsuit against L’Oreal, claiming chemical hair straightening products are linked to her cancer