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Month: December 2018

  • Is Your Toothpaste Hurting Your Dental Health?

    Is Your Toothpaste Hurting Your Dental Health?

    Every single person in this world needs toothpaste to keep their teeth clean. If you don’t use toothpaste, you’re probably rocking some pretty gnarly breath. For other people out there who enjoy minty breath, toothpaste is a must-have toiletry. However, could your toothpaste be hurting your dental health?

    There are a number of ways in which your favorite toothpaste brand could be harming your overall dental health. If they don’t have the right mix of additives and ingredients to break down plaque and fight bacteria, your toothpaste could be doing more harm than good. Let’s get into what makes a good brand of toothpaste.

    Is Your Toothpaste Hurting Your Dental Health?

    What Goes into Toothpaste

    There are a number of things that go into creating effective toothpaste. One of the main ones is the additive fluoride, which helps to remineralize your teeth while also protecting their enamel lining. Another ingredient commonly seen is a food-grade abrasive of some kind. For instance, hydrated aluminum oxides, silicates and phosphate salts, calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate all act as abrasives. These help to get rid of plaque buildup and remove surface stains.

    Flavoring agents are also common in toothpaste. Thankfully, the ADA doesn’t clear any toothpaste with tooth decaying materials like sugar, so chemicals like saccharine are used instead. Humectants, like glycerol and sorbitol, are also included to keep the toothpaste from drying out too quickly.

    Sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium N-lauroyl sarcosinate are often present in some capacity as detergents. These allow for the foaming action and also have properties that help them clean your teeth. Finally, binding or thickening agents, like natural gums or synthetic cellulose, are used to give the product a long shelf life and keep the complex mix of ingredients all together.

    Which Toothpaste Should You Use?

    Well, that’s a complex question. Really, it’s best to talk to your dentist about which toothpaste they think is the best for your teeth. Depending on your unique situation, such as whether you have sensitive teeth, stains, cavities or some other complication, you might want specialized toothpastes. In any event, there are a number of brands that are considered highly effective by dentists and users.

    We’ll briefly go over some of the highest-rated toothpastes and explain why users love them. Of course, your mileage may vary, but this is a good starting point for people looking to upgrade.

    Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste

    Sensodyne’s Pronamel brand of toothpaste is great for protecting your tooth enamel. If you have very sensitive teeth you might have thin enamel or reduced enamel amounts. If you find your tooth sensitivity is a problem in your everyday life, consider using a Sensodyne toothpaste to help.

    Your enamel is very important for a number of reasons. Not only does it keep your teeth safe from changes in temperature in food and drinks, it also keeps them safe from crumbling. The enamel on your teeth gives them structure, keeping them safe while chewing and crushing foods. As such, toothpastes that can protect your tooth enamel are quite important.

    Acid erosion of the enamel on your teeth is actually quite common, even in young people. If you drink a lot of soda, energy drinks and the like you’re likely at higher risk of having your enamel erode at a young age. Toothpaste like Sensodyne can help your teeth to keep their enamel lining for longer.

    Crest Pro-Health

    Crest is one of the only toothpaste brands that uses stannous fluoride instead of sodium fluoride. This makes the Pro-Health toothpaste a great pick for people with chronic bad breath or issues with cavities. That’s because stannous fluoride is anti-bacterial as well as remineralizing. By killing the bacteria related to bad breath and cavities this toothpaste really takes care of your dental health.

    The other cool thing that Crest Pro-Health does is help to whiten your teeth. If you’ve got stains on your teeth this can be a great way to gradually whiten your smile. Some have even reported that it can help with tooth sensitivity.

    Conclusions

    Toothpaste is a really important cornerstone of dental health and picking the right one is important. Remember, your unique dental situation could change which toothpaste is right for you. If you’ve got a unique dental health issue, don’t hesitate to speak to your dentist and make sure you’re picking the right toothpaste for your condition.

    In any event, remember that there are a lot of things that go into complete dental health. Don’t forget to floss after you brush your teeth and brush at least twice daily!

  • Make Travel Easier With the Best Wheelchair Vans

    Make Travel Easier With the Best Wheelchair Vans

    A wheelchair-accessible van is a vehicle that has been modified to increase the interior size of the vehicle and is equipped with a means of wheelchair entry, such as a wheelchair ramp or powered lift, to allow access. There are many different options and possibilities with handicap accessible vehicles; the most common option is a wheelchair accessible minivan.

    This type of van is modified to allow a wheelchair van or scooter user to drive their mobility equipment directly into the handicap accessible vehicle with no assistance. Featuring a 10-11″ dropped floor for easy entry and exist (with headroom up to 58″!) and removable front seats that allow the user to ride safely in the front passenger area or even drive from their wheelchair.

    Finding the Right Wheelchair Van

    To get started with your hunt for the right wheelchair van, create a list of features you want and need, so you can accurately access the cost differences. Take into consideration how you’re going to transport the whole family. Consider the adaptive equipment that needs to be transported. Will it change over time? What is the age of the user and caregivers? Having a budget in mind is very important.

    Check with a Mobility Consultant to obtain all information including 10-year financing options and rebates available. They can also help explain features and benefits, and guide you through the wheelchair van conversion buying process. Rent and try before you buy.  Buy for today, and tomorrow! It’s a big investment that should last you many years.  Now that we have that checklist done, let’s take a look at the best wheelchair vans on the market.

    Chrysler Town & Country

    The Chrysler Town & Country is a storied minivan, known as much for its luxurious appointments as for its practical versatility. Chrysler (Town & Country) was one of the first automobile manufacturers to make minivans, and they instantly caught on with the American consumer. Naturally, handicapped vehicle manufacturers quickly made accessible modifications to these minivans that continue to be popular today.

    There are 8 different conversions available for the Chrysler Town & Country. Braun CompanionVan, CompanionVan Plus, CompanionVan Plus XT, Braun Power, Power XT, and Power Infloor, VMI Northstar and VMI Summit.  Chrysler Town & Country conversion is discrete: from the outside, it doesn’t even appear to be an accessible vehicle! It earns points for style as well as functionality, especially since it’s equipped with a 30” or 34” ramp that can be either automatic or spring-assisted according to your preference. This model is available in an ADA-compliant configuration with optional driver or passenger transfer seating.

    Dodge Caravan

    Another classic in the world of Wheelchair Vans. The Dodge Grand Caravan minivan remains one of the best mobility ramp vans in America. By sliding out of a space between the floor, the  mobility ramp maximizes space inside the accessible vehicle. There are so many benefits of an in-floor wheelchair ramp, it is easily understood why its so popular.

    The Dodge  Caravans feature a power in-floor ramp and power door. Many customers prefer the rugged look of the Dodge Grand Caravan over more urban styled handicap van conversions.

    Ford Minivans

    Minivans designed by Ford are known for their full-size and compact features. These include: a raised roof, lowered floor, and power doors specifically tailored for the driver. Maybe more importantly, they have a wide variety of price ranges to fit any customer’s budget. The van also has retractable shoulder belts, a reverse sensing system, high quality seating, and a three-year warranty.

    Whether you’re looking for comfort, accessibility, luxury, or performance, the vehicles mentioned above will satisfy your every need. Make sure to determine your budget and major concerns before making a decision, in order to ensure you’re purchasing the right vehicle for you.

    Honda Odyssey Wheelchair Van

    The Honda Odyssey handicap van is very popular and for good reason. It has a long history of performance. This model features in-floor and folding ramps, and has side and rear entry for easy access. The Honda Odyssey also has superior safety features, such as electronic brake distribution and anti-lock brakes. These features show Honda has one of the top minivans on the road. Conversions of the Honda Odyssey include the Braun, and VMI wheelchairs.

    The Honda wheelchair van comes available as a side-entry or rear-entry. A rear-entry vehicle’s low-angle ramp makes it easy to access the interior through the rear door. The unique design of this mobility upgrade makes it possible to use standard parking spaces when accessible parking is unavailable. Depending on the number of passengers you need to accommodate, a variety of seating options can be installed in your Honda Odyssey wheelchair van. Safety always comes first with this brand. Their Honda wheelchair vans are built on a state-of-the-art assembly line, ensuring consistent quality you can rely on day in and day out.

  • Top ATVs, Your Next Toy Could Be a Winter Workhorse

    Top ATVs, Your Next Toy Could Be a Winter Workhorse

    ATVs are multi-purpose vehicles that can be used for towing large loads or tearing through snow, dirt, and dunes. ATVs have helped revolutionize hunting by making difficult locations easier to access and exit. They have become a well sought-out resource for hunters. Comfort, handling, and size all play a role in choosing the right ATV for you. After all, you don’t want to arrive completely exhausted from a rough ride to your hunting location.

    Are you in the market for a new 4×4 ATV? Whether you’re looking to buy or finance your first or your fifth, buying a new ATV is something that takes a lot of thought and research. There’s a lot to consider when buying an ATV. It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the information that is out there. It is important to figure out what your priorities are. Ask yourself what you will be using the ATV for.

    Almost 230,000 ATVs are sold within North America every year, and 4×4 ATVs, also called “quads,” are by far the most popular. This means that there are tons of different models and brands to choose from. So how do you narrow it down? Start with the brand. The top ATV brands are familiar names within the traditional motorcycle industry. These brands don’t mess around and have a serious passion for anything with an engine and a sense of adrenaline.

    Honda Recon 250

    This manual shift ATV continues to be a favorite among riders and is a similar platform to the Honda TRX250 with a utility body including racks and floor boards. The rugged features, stylish looks, and get-it-done attitude along with its 229 cc OHV engine are truly amazing. Honda has a strong stake in the motorcycle industry and an even more firm grasp over the ATV sector.

    They’ve really created some great options that can be trusted, and also don’t hurt the wallet as much as some other brands. And you don’t even have to be an ATV person to recognize the 2018 Honda Recon 250 looks like one heck of a ride. Honda’s got a heart, and they’re killing this industry.

    Polaris Sportsman 570 EPS ATV

    This ATV probably has one of the best engines in the entire lineup of Polaris; the 570cc has been used in several other model line-ups including their ATV, Ace, Ranger and RZR. The Sportsman is compact, powerful, and offers a serious amount of power for the tough trails and hills. This is the first time one of their ATV’s is so powerful, though in a small package with a great starting price. This model also comes in the “touring 2-seat” configurations.

    When motorcycle lovers hear this name, what also comes to mind is “Indian.” We have tons of Indian motorcycle lovers out there, and we can thank Polaris for giving Indian that extra shot they needed. But Polaris isn’t just known for the stylized Indian motorcycles. They’re a personal crowd favorite when it comes to anything side-by-side vehicle and off-road related, and that’s for a good reason.

    Take a look at the Polaris Sportsman 570, and I dare you to tell me that it doesn’t have “fun” written all over it. It’s a comfortable ride for all ages, and those tires are ready to eat up all the mud you throw its way.

     Yamaha YFZ450R

    The high performance of this ATV combined with its race-ready engine makes it fly past the competition. Often in the First, Second or Third place podium standings with popular off road racing circuits like GNCC and others, this machine is built to win with its Advanced Frame, Fuel Injection and Assist-and-Slipper clutch.

    Note: ATVs are recommended only for use by those age 16 years and older. YAMAHA recommends an approved training course.

    Here’s another crowd favorite in the motorcycle industry. And if you’re not a personal lover of the brand, you can at least admit they do a damn good job of providing affordable bike options. Let’s be honest, not everyone can afford the price associated with a Harley, and Yamaha is always there in the wings trying to urge you over to try one of their rides.

    But when it comes to their ATVs, they’re a top name in the industry and aren’t waiting in the shadows for anyone. Yamaha is one of the most reliable brands, all without expecting the soul of your firstborn son as comparative payment. Have you seen the YFZ 450R? It’s a more matte-looking option than a lot of its shiny competitors, and it’s got an engine that just won’t quit.

  • Foods to Avoid over the Holidays

    Foods to Avoid over the Holidays

    No one likes having gastrointestinal issues at family gatherings over the holidays. If you’re going to a Christmas or New Year’s party, there are some foods to avoid. We’re going to break down some of the foods that can be the hardest on your gut and why you should avoid them when you’re trying to enjoy time with family.

    No one wants to be bloated, gassy or in the bathroom the entire time they’re visiting family. So, if you’re hosting, consider not having any of these foods out. If you’re visiting, consider just avoiding these foods altogether. Why risk getting sick on a snack when you’re trying to enjoy the holidays?

    Foods to Avoid over the Holidays

    Acidic Foods

    Acidic foods, like soda pop, tomatoes and tomato sauce, citrus fruits and the like can all cause stomach problems. If you’re prone to acid reflux or heartburn, consider avoiding these foods. Whether it’s in the form of a snack or a major part of the meal, consider taking it easy on these foods. Acidic foods impact your stomach more when it’s empty, though, so maybe grab a few orange slices or a bit of grapefruit after the main course!

    The worst part is, tomatoes and citrus fruits are really quite good for you. It’s unfortunate that their high acid content makes them rough on an empty stomach. However, if you eat them in moderation and make sure you don’t have them before a meal you should be okay over the holidays.

    Dairy Products

    A lot of people have a really hard time digesting milk. If too much lactose gets into your large intestine, it can even lead to diarrhea, which is a surefire way to ruin your holiday party. If you’ve got a history of lactose intolerance, avoid ice cream, milkshakes and the like as much as you can.

    If you really, really want your dairy fix, consider hard cheeses or yogurt. Thanks to the way these are made, they actually have no lactose content. That goes for most types of frozen yogurt, too! So, if you’re really hankering for some dairy but can’t handle lactose, these are your best bets. Alternatively, you could also just carry Lactaid pills and take them before eating dairy products.

    Alcoholic Drinks

    Everyone loves eggnog around the holidays, right? Well, maybe you should take it a bit easy on the ‘nog. See, not only is it high in dairy content (see our previous paragraph), most people like to enjoy it spiked with rum. Drinking alcohol has been shown to have toxic effects on your stomach lining, as well as many other health complications.

    The metabolic processes of your liver can be thrown off by alcohol consumption, too. This means that ingesting too much alcohol can cause serious stomach issues. That’s not to mention the risk of dehydration and other complications that can occur in the short term with alcohol consumption. In the long term it can even lead to increased risk for liver and heart disease.

    Fatty Foods

    Foods that are very high in fats, like potato chips, ice cream and red meat can upset your stomach. High-fat food items have a tendency to cause serious issues with the speed at which your intestines move food along. If slowed down too much, this can result in constipation. If sped up too much, this can instead result in diarrhea. In either event, you’ll experience significant discomfort in your abdomen as your intestines deal with the high-fat foods. Just take care to eat these foods sparingly, or avoid them altogether!

    Spicy Foods

    Peppers, curry powders and garlic can all cause your stomach to become upset. This goes double if you’re going from an empty stomach to chowing down on something spicy or heavily seasoned. In small quantities, spicy foods can be great for digestion. They help to kick your digestive system into overdrive and really add some zest to your meals!

    However, if you have a sensitive stomach or eat too much spicy food, you might find yourself with an upset stomach. Also, be careful not to eat too much spicy food for fear of the discomfort that you could endure when you pass it. It may still be spicy after you digest it, if you catch our drift!

    Artificial Sweeteners

    Make sure you avoid diet sodas and other foods with artificial sweeteners. Not only are they bad for you in the long term, they can also cause your stomach lining to become irritated. Sorbitol, in particular, has been shown to cause bloating, diarrhea and nausea in some people. Just avoid it and save yourself the trouble!

  • Easy Diet Choices to Cut Your LDL Cholesterol

    Easy Diet Choices to Cut Your LDL Cholesterol

    Cholesterol isn’t inherently a bad thing: it’s a substance in your body that helps create vitamin D and makes various hormones. However, if it’s in your body in too high of quantities it can result in plaque deposits in your arteries. This causes your arteries to narrow and can increase your likelihood of a heart attack. LDL cholesterol in particular is the more dangerous variety, as it puts you at much higher risk of heart disease.

    There are some easy choices you can make in order to cut your LDL cholesterol levels. These dietary choices go hand-in-hand with exercise and wellness and speaking to professional nutritionists is a good way to stay up on your good diet choices.

    Easy Diet Choices to Cut Your LDL Cholesterol

    What is Cholesterol?

    First, let’s get into what, exactly, cholesterol is. It’s a waxy substance that your body naturally produces and it helps to regulate hormones and vitamin D. Cholesterol is created by your liver from materials you absorb from foods that you eat. That’s why your diet has such an impact on your cholesterol!

    After your liver creates cholesterol, it is carried throughout your body by lipoproteins, proteins that are fat-based. Low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, take the cholesterol throughout your body and is often called “bad cholesterol.” LDL cholesterol, in too high quantities, can cause serious problems for your body if plaque buildups develop.

    High density lipoproteins, or HDL, often gets called “good cholesterol.” That’s because HDL picks up excess cholesterol from your cells and organs and carries it back to the liver. If your HDL levels are too low and your LDL levels are too high, your cholesterol levels in your body will remain at dangerously high levels.

    Dangers

    There are a number of serious dangers inherent with high cholesterol, but there aren’t many symptoms. The side-effects of high cholesterol levels do carry some symptoms though, and they’re worth keeping in mind. If you’re experiencing chest pains, heartburn and indigestion, dizziness or lightheadedness, irregular heartbeat, cold sweats or swollen extremities you should see a doctor.

    If your doctor identifies this as high cholesterol then you have some options when it comes to getting it lower. Exercise, or at least regular physical activity, is the first thing any doctor will tell you about for cholesterol control. Diet is one of the most reliable ways to control your cholesterol. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help control it as well, though that’s not always the case.

    If you’re prescribed medicine, make sure to take it only as prescribed by your doctor. Many types of medicine can be prescribed for cholesterol, though the most common ones are statins and niacin. Statins reduce your liver’s capacity to create cholesterol, while niacin is a B vitamin that lowers LDL and heightens HDL.

    Drinks

    The most straightforward way you can fight cholesterol is simply by changing your diet. There are a number of foods you can pick to try to reduce your LDL cholesterol. For example, one of the most often-cited things you can ingest to lower your LDL is red wine. The kind of grapes that are used to create red wines, Tempranillo grapes, are high in fiber. These grapes are well-known for their ability to help reduce LDL cholesterol. As such, having a glass of red wine made from Tempranillo grapes in the evening can be really good for you! Remember, though, to drink in moderation and responsibly.

    Another drink to keep high on your list of things to keep your cholesterol down is black tea. Try switching your morning coffee out for black tea! Black tea is full of antioxidants and other great things that help your body. Notably, studies have found that those who drink black tea daily have ten percent lower cholesterol than control groups.

    Less Meat

    Animal products create cholesterol, so opting to eat less meat can be great for your cholesterol. Maybe consider doing meatless Mondays, or even cutting back to one meat dish a day. Many people have cited cholesterol and health concerns for why they’re vegetarian or even vegan. Of course you can eat unhealthy foods on those diets, but they will help you to cut back on your cholesterol.

    Cutting back is also good for your budget! Meat is expensive, after all, so eating more produce can be good for your wallet. If you’re looking for ways to save on your groceries, cutting back on meat is the right call. Watch out for your health while watching out for your money!

    Foods to Choose

    As for foods, opt for more nuts in your diet! Nuts are high in fat, but not the bad kind. Walnuts, cashews, peanuts, pistachios and the like are all fantastic sources of good fats. In the same wheelhouse is the avocado, which is also quite high in good fats. These are great foods to replace meats if you’re looking to reduce cholesterol.

    Oats are another fantastic choice for cutting back on cholesterol. Adding a few scoops of oats to your diet can help reduce cholesterol greatly. If you want to incorporate oats easily into your diet you can do so with the popular breakfast dish overnight oats. Look up recipes for overnight oats to find some delicious and healthy breakfast options!

    Dark chocolates are also quite high in antioxidants. Milk chocolates aren’t so good for you, but the dark chocolates are where it’s at. These antioxidants help you to increase your HDL cholesterol which helps regulate your body’s LDL levels.

    Final Thoughts

    Remember, a good diet and lots of exercise are some of the best things for cholesterol. Make sure you stay active and get lots of time outside or in the gym. When it comes to your health, it’s never a bad idea to speak to your doctor. If you feel like you’re struggling with high cholesterol, speak to your physician and get a professional opinion on how you should proceed with your condition.

    After all, it’s not hard to live well, you just need to make a concentrated effort and keep at it!

  • Take a Unique Winter Vacation with a Northern Lights Tour

    Take a Unique Winter Vacation with a Northern Lights Tour

    There’s something really magical about the Northern Lights, or the Aurora Borealis. Northern Lights Tours allow visitors to experience the stunning natural beauty of this phenomenon first-hand while also enjoying a unique and breathtaking winter vacation. If you’ve been looking for a new winter tradition, you should consider taking a Norther Lights tour. It’s time to set out for the adventure of a lifetime!

    Northern Lights Tour

    Types of Tours

    There are Northern Lights tours in Iceland, Finland, Alaska and Lapland. They are available for as little as $800 or as much as $2000, depending on what you’re looking for. Whether you’re married with kids, single or anything in between, there are a variety of types of tours you can go on. In order to help you narrow it down, we’ll go over some of the more popular types of tours.

    Finnish Tours

    One of the most popular Finnish tours is the Northern Lights Finland tour. The tour is based around the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort and offers some stunning amenities. Visitors stay three nights in traditional cabins, allowing them to enjoy the rustic beauty of the region. One of the four nights during their stay, though, they get to sleep in a heated glass igloo from which they can view the stunning Northern Lights. Talk about an adventure!

    The tour also provides four breakfasts and four dinners, snowmobile rides and more. If you’ve ever wanted to take a dazzling winter tour of Finland, this is the way to do it. It’s hard to overstate just how wonderful the sights and sounds of this region are.

    Did we mention the cross-country skiing? Because this tour totally includes cross-country skiing. Yeah, we figured that would get your attention. Who doesn’t love racing downhill on the snow while the sunlight shines down on your ski gear?

    This five-day adventure is $2,195 per person, making it a little on the high end. However, the number of awesome amenities that come with it make it quite worth it.

    Icelandic Tours

    Icelandic tours are rather popular among visitors to the region. The Golden Circle Classic is a four-day tour that leaves out of Iceland that is incredibly popular. It takes visitors through stunning landscapes that include volcanic rock, geysers and waterfalls. Of course, during the course of the tour you also see the Northern Lights. If you’ve been itching to take in the natural beauty of Iceland, the Golden Circle Classic is a great choice.

    Reykjavik is a stop on the six-day Golden Circle as well, allowing travelers to take in the beautiful Icelandic capital and enjoy the local culture, cuisine and sights. After all, when visiting a new place, it’s only right to sample the local customs! This tour also includes guided sightseeing through the breathtaking regions of natural beauty in and around Iceland.

    The four-day tour is priced at $1,016, while the six-day version is $2,349. This makes them a bit on the higher side, but comparable to most luxury vacations.

    Alaskan Tours

    Starting from Anchorage and lasting eight days, the Arctic Circle Tour offered by Pursuit is one of the best American Northern Lights tours. This tour takes you along the path of the Iditarod Dog Race, through glacier hikes, and, of course, lets you see the Northern Lights. If you want to enjoy a Northern Lights tour without leaving the US, here’s the tour for you!

    After starting in Anchorage, the Arctic Circle tour also goes through  Talkeetna, Fairbanks, and Coldfoot. Finally, there is a brief jaunt into Denali National Park, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic park firsthand. The tour is $1,843 per person.

    Another popular Alaskan tour is the Northern Lights Activity Tour offered by Go Alaska. This particular adventure is a really reliable way to catch the Northern Lights in all their glory. This journey, which starts in Fairbanks, lasts for six days and five nights. For those looking to stride down the historic Dalton Highway, this is the tour for you.

    The Northern Lights Activity Tour also goes farther north than most tours into the region, allowing travelers a stunning look at the Northern Lights. After their trip, visitors are given personalized authenticity documents to show they personally journeyed to the Northern Lights. It’s a fun activity for any visitors to the frosty north.

    Anyone who wants to enjoy this tour only needs around $800 for some of the starting packages, though some of the higher ones go up to $1,285. In any event, you’re sure to have fun out there!

  • Best Options for Winter Dry Eyes

    Best Options for Winter Dry Eyes

    Winter is known for being a very dry time of year. After all, everyone knows the common complaints of people suffering from dry skin in the winter time. Much less known, however, are the issues that plague those with dry eyes. If you suffer with dry eyes in the winter time, you know how awful and itchy they can be. It can feel like there’s no relief to be had!

    Thankfully, there are some great treatments for winter dry eyes. If you’re looking to stop your eyes from itching and drying out so much this time of year, consider trying some of these treatments to keep your eyes comfortable in the dry months. After all, no one wants their eyelids to feel like sandpaper!

    Best Options for Winter Dry Eyes

    Mild Dryness

    If you experience some mild dryness and discomfort in your eyes you don’t need some huge thing to help you. Instead, you should opt for a treatment more suite to the scale of your issue. In this case, eyedrops or simple saline solutions will work wonders. If you need something a bit stronger, such as medicated drops, that’ll require a prescription. Normal eye drops are easily available over the counter, though, so you should have no problem getting those.

    The kind of dry eye that is normally milder can be caused by looking at computer screens for too long, so there are a few other ways to tackle that. One way is to use “night mode” on your computers. This is a visual mode that changes your computer’s display to lessen the blue light it emits, making it much easier on your eyes.

    Ongoing Dryness

    Chronic dry eye, or dry eye syndrome, is a bit more problematic than some mild irritation or redness. For those with this ongoing, chronic issue, winter time only magnifies their normal issues with dry, itchy eyes. If this is the case for you, you need to see your doctor. They will be able to help you by prescribing a treatment plan that works for you.

    One such treatment is prescription lubricating eyedrops. These eye drops are medicated and contain enzymes that are intended to help your eyes produce moisture on their own. After repeated uses, the drops are meant to “trick” your eyes into producing a healthy amount of moisture. As such, the goal of these drops is to use them until you simply don’t suffer from dry eye syndrome anymore.

    Another treatment method is through eye solutions that have steroids. Steroids are used for short term, immediate relief of irritation, redness and itchiness and are only available through a prescription. The use of steroid eye drops is less common and is typically only advised in short-term situations and usually it goes hand-in-hand with other treatments.

    Serious Dry Eye Treatments

    For those experiencing serious, ongoing problems with dry eyes there are a few other procedures available that are a bit more drastic. For instance, there is always the option to undergo an eye and tear duct cleaning by their doctor. This is recommended in cases of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, which is an uncommon condition.

    In the case of a Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, the eye cleaning is used in order to flush the blockage causing the dysfunction from the tear duct. This allows the eye to function normally again. If you feel like your eye dryness is abnormal, speak to your doctor to see if it is a legitimate medical concern like Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

    As for other dry eye treatments, there is also the option to have a punctal occlusion surgically inserted into the openings of your tear ducts. This object causes the moisture excreted by your tear ducts to stay on the surface of your eye for longer. However, as with all surgeries, this procedure is not without risks. It involves the surgical implantation of a foreign object into your body, and so there are potential risks involved.

    Potential Complications

    If you suffer from mild, seasonal dry eyes then you don’t have anything to worry about if you don’t seek treatment. Over the counter eye drops are more than enough to combat minor eye irritation. However, if you’re experiencing a more serious condition that is causing your eyes to stay far too dry, you need to speak to your doctor.

    Leaving some conditions untreated could lead to blurry vision, damage to the eye and sunlight sensitivity. There’s no reason to risk your eye health over some chronic eye dryness. Don’t be afraid to speak to a medical professional!

  • Tiny CPAP Machines that You Can Travel With

    Tiny CPAP Machines that You Can Travel With

    Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in which an individual’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Symptoms include daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, and restless sleep.The involuntary pause in breathing can result either from a blocked airway or a signaling problem in the brain.

    There is a lot of overlap between problems with sleep and problems with mood. Depression, in particular, has a strong association with sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea may have some surprising signs and symptoms of the condition. Sleep apnea can have profound effects on your ability to think clearly during the day. This is sometimes called “brain fog.” The repeated episodes of disrupted breathing that occur at night fragment sleep. Even diabetes and impotence can be caused or exacerbated by sleep apnea.

    After being diagnosed with sleep apnea, there’s a chance that your doctor may give you a CPAP machine as a form of treatment. It’s a little more unusual than, say, popping a pill, so understanding how it works may answer any questions that you might have and/or ease any concerns. CPAP stands for “continuous positive airway pressure”.

    The machines help people with sleep apnea breathe more easily and regularly every night while they are sleeping. A CPAP machine increases the air pressure in your throat to prevent your airway from collapsing when you inhale. However, being hooked up to a large breathing machine can cause problems for those that like to travel. Lets talk about some of the best tiny CPAP machines you can travel with.

    AirMini

    ResMed has recently released their own travel tiny CPAP called the AirMini, and it certainly lives up to its name. The AirMini is perfect for the frequent traveler. It’s very light and compact, and provides the same therapy options as a regular CPAP. It weighs 0.66lbs (300 grams), 30 decibels,  and only 5.4 x 3.3 x 2.0 inches. Highly portable. It has all 3 therapy modes built in – CPAP, AUTO, AUTO For Her (4-20CMH20 range of pressures). Air Mini has all the comfort features you are used to in a CPAP – EPR, RAMP, Response. Works specifically with a P10, N20 and F20 because of the new ActiveAir vent and built in HME. AirMini has built in Bluetooth and works with the AirMini APP (available on the APP store and Google Play).

    One secret to the AirMini’s compact design is its minimalist user interface on the machine, which is effectively only two buttons. One of these inputs is the Power button, while the other is the Bluetooth button, which connects the AirMini to your mobile device via the AirMini app. This innovative app turns a Bluetooth-equipped phone or tablet into the CPAP machine’s control panel, allowing users to select settings and customize their therapy experience. The AirMini app also allows patients to track their therapy, including both short and long-term results.

    The AirMini Travel tiny CPAP comes ready for the road with several travel-friendly accessories available. The standard issue travel pouch and exterior AC power supply are supplemented by the OPTIONAL accessory AirMini Travel Bag, AirMini Hard Case and an AirMini Mount System. ResMed is also continuing to develop accessories for the AirMini, including a DC converter and external battery pack.

    Philips DreamStation Go

    The DreamStation Go tiny CPAP from Philips Respironics gives travelers a real-world solution to portable CPAP therapy. Weighing in at a mere 1.86 pounds, the DreamStation Go Travel CPAP delivers the therapeutic benefits of a full-sized CPAP machine but in a compact, easy-to-transport package. And the discreet DreamStation Go can power cordless CPAP therapy thanks to its rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

    So whether you’re the jet-setting business type who’s constantly on the road, or an outdoor enthusiast looking for a reliable sleep therapy option while roaming off the grid, the DreamStation Go tiny CPAP is the ideal choice for sleep apnea patients on the go.

    The DreamStation Go also retains many of the advanced features found on its larger, full-sized siblings, including adjustable ramp mode and exhalation pressure relief. Ramp mode lowers pressure at the start of therapy before gradually increasing to the prescribed pressure setting. This gentler beginning pressure helps patients ease their way into sleep, with the ramp time adjustable in five-minute increments between 0 and 45 minutes.

    Tech-savvy features include standard Bluetooth, with the DreamStation Go, is fully compatible with Philips Respironics’ DreamMapper app. Billed as a “patient self-management tool,” the DreamMapper app makes it easy to track therapy, allowing users to sync data from multiple devices on a unified dashboard visible on your phone or tablet.

    So no need to worry about tracking compliance while out on the road, because the DreamMapper can combine therapy data from both the DreamStation Go and your full-sized DreamStation or System One CPAP machine at home.

    Z1 Auto

    The Z1 Auto, HDM’s latest travel CPAP design. Measuring just 6.5 inches long and weighing less than a pound, it’s the least obtrusive and most travel friendly device on the market. Boasting comfort features like Z-Breathe exhalation, automatic altitude adjustment, leak compensation, and an overhauled ramp design, the Z1 offers you effective therapy in an ergonomic package.

    The Z1 Auto Travel CPAP Machine also comes with an optional integrated battery and a built-in Bluetooth data management system that allows you to monitor your therapy statistics and information on your iPhone or iPad. The Z1 Auto Travel tiny CPAP Machine is one of the few automatic travel devices available to sleep apnea therapy patients, and is the ideal travel companion for anybody who prefers an automatic CPAP device.

    At just 26 dBA, the Z1 Auto is one of the quietest travel Ttny CPAP machines available. Travel machines are often noisier than traditional devices — they’re smaller and block noise less effectively — but the Z1 Auto’s unique structure helps to block noise. The machine is quieter than a typical ceiling fan and won’t be loud enough to disturb you or your bed partner.

    HDM’s Z1 Auto is built for the traveler. It weighs just ten ounces, and at 6.48 inches long x 3 inches wide x 2.02 inches high, it’s small enough to fit in almost any backpack or suitcase. Comparable in size to an iPod, the Z1 won’t take up much room on your nightstand or in a tent.

  • Make Room for New Toys by Decluttering Before Christmas

    Make Room for New Toys by Decluttering Before Christmas

    Toys. So, so, so many toys. If you feel like your child’s room is absolutely cluttered full of toys, this article is for you. It can be so difficult trying to get your children on board with decluttering before Christmas. After all, no one wants to give up their toys! Here are some of the best tips for helping you declutter and make room for the new toys.

    Remember: at the end of the day, it’s just stuff. Developing strong attachments to material things isn’t healthy for young people, so helping them to understand that happiness doesn’t come from things is important.

    Decluttering Before Christmas

    Emphasize Quality over Quantity

    If your little one has a huge chest full of tons and tons of toys from over the years, help them to emphasize quality over quantity. Pull out their toys, place them on the floor and go over each one and ask which ones they really, really love. Then, have them organize them into piles based on which ones they really want to keep.

    Make sure they understand that you’re not having them declutter out of not wanting them to have nice things, but instead to make room for newer and better things. Make sure they know that their old toys are going to go to little kids like them who can’t afford new toys, so they don’t feel like their toys are just going into the garbage.

    If you stress the importance of having a few nice things over having a ton of old things, it’ll help them to understand where you’re coming from. Put yourself in their shoes: it’s hard to understand why their parents wants them to get rid of things they love. Make sure they understand that there’s only so much room in the house for toys, and that you need that space for the new Christmas toys.

    Elf on the Shelf

    If your family does Elf on the Shelf, consider shifting the conversation to be more external. Tell the little one that the Elf on the Shelf is helping Santa to recycle old toys. This brings in an earlier tactic, of showing the kid that their toys are going to help other kids their age.

    The little ones are likely already sympathetic to the Elf on the Shelf, as he’s a sweet little Santa helper. He wouldn’t ask them to do anything that wasn’t for good, right? You can tie in how Santa wants them to be nice, and not naughty, and that donating their old toys to a good cause is a surefire way to get on the nice list.

    It helps to pick a number of toys that you want the little ones to recycle out. Then, make sure they get that number of toys for Christmas. This helps the kid to better understand that it’s a one-for-one exchange: the old things go away so that new things can come in. It’s an important lesson for them to learn early, too.

    Set Expiration Times

    This one helps a lot in some houses. Let the kids know that they need to play with their favorite toys to keep them. If they don’t use a toy for, say, a month, then tell them it’s time to donate it to charity. If they don’t want to use their toys, it only stands to reason that another kid would love to.

    Now, that’s not to say you ambush them with this. Make sure they know what time table they’re on when it comes to not having toys anymore. If they understand that this is the rule, and that it is enforced evenly, they won’t feel as though you’re unfairly taking things away from them.

    In most cases, they may even not notice the toy missing once it’s donated. If they haven’t played with it in a month, why would they? However, make sure you make exceptions for seasonal toys. If a toy is only really usable in the summertime, make sure your child knows that it’s not on the chopping block.

    Final Thoughts

    Don’t be mean about it, and make sure your kids understand why old toys have to go. Keep them involved with the decluttering, make sure they know why you do it and why they should care. If you keep them involved, and make it fun, the kids will be more motivated to help.

    If you make it something to dread, or something ominous, they’ll nervously hoard their toys and even hide them. Make sure you keep things lighthearted and fun!

  • Best Places to Get Ugly Christmas Sweaters

    Best Places to Get Ugly Christmas Sweaters

    Ugly Christmas sweaters are almost as time-honored a tradition as Christmas trees and jingle bells. That said, it’s a bit difficult to find good ones. Well, good is subjective when it comes to ugly sweaters, but you know it when you see it. Some sweaters are just plain ugly, without being Ugly Christmas Sweater candidates.

    In order to help you look your best (er, worst) on Christmas this year, we’re running down the best places to get ugly Christmas sweaters. Trust us, there is a science to this. We plumbed the depths of the internet so you don’t have to. Well, you can if you want to. Now, on to the best of the worst!

    Ugly Christmas Sweaters

    Amazon

    First things first, check Amazon. The huge online retailer has a little of everything so you usually want to check them first for anything you need. Thanks to that massive stock, you can often find pretty inexpensive Christmas sweaters of sufficient ugliness.

    If you’re looking for a specific type of ugly-chic, Amazon is a good place to start. The number of ridiculous sweaters tucked away in warehouses somewhere means you can find that right balance of fashionable and hideous to make your Christmas pictures downright awesome.

    Make One Yourself

    Pinterest is a good place to go to find inspiration for butt-ugly sweaters. The best thing about making them yourself is that you don’t have to pay for something so downright heinous-looking. You also get to have the fun of making a downright unsightly piece of clothing.

    The other upshot to this is that you can make sure it’s everything you want it to be. It can be as ugly and specific as you want. Do you have a dumb inside joke with your family that you want to reference? Or maybe a specific joke has occurred to you and you want to execute it? In short, you can’t go wrong making it yourself.

    Walmart

    When you think about Walmart, you think about saving money. Well, that and tackiness. At least, we do. So if you want to get the most bang for your ugly, ugly buck then you should head to Walmart. If you want the authentic ugly sweater shopping experience, go to your local 24-hour Walmart around midnight and make sure you’re wearing pajama pants and slippers.

    Then, make sure you’re ready to see some horrendous-looking sweaters. Walmart is nothing if not consistent, and you can be sure that their corporate identity of unsightly fashion will bleed over into their Christmas sweaters. This is one of those odd cases where poor taste is good taste, so you can actually find some great sweaters for Christmas here.

    The Sweater Store

    TheSweaterStore.com is a great site to go to when you want to look like you just threw something on. There is true irony to be found in the lengths people go to in order to look like they’re not trying, and the ugly sweater phenomenon is a great example of this.

    In any event, the Sweater Store is a great site to go through in order to find some of the best ugly sweaters. It’s not that their sweaters are normally ugly, they just have a great selection of seasonal, hideous sweaters. Glitter? Check. Fuzzballs? Check. Christmas lights with LEDs in them embedded into the actual sweater? Disgusting, and check.

    Thrift Shopping

    The most authentic ugly Christmas sweater experience comes from the thrift shop. If you’re looking to really make the most of the season and the ugly tradition, you need to hit up the thrift shop. Firstly, you’re going to spend nearly as little as you would at a store like Walmart. Secondly, you’ll be helping your local community by buying from the thrift shop.

    Most importantly, though, you can get truly authentic ugly sweaters. The thrift shop has ugly sweaters made with no pretense and no intention of looking ugly. These downright unsightly sweaters were made with love by grandmas or aunties and made to truly put smiles on the faces of the recipients. If you’re looking for the most authentic ugly sweater, look no further.

    So, there you have it. There are a few other options out there, like department stores and big box stores, but they often have either overpriced or inauthentic sweaters that aren’t worth it. You can typically find pretty great deals at various online stores, too, and you get all the upsides of shopping from the comfort of your home. There’s no wrong way to ugly sweater shop: just find the ugliest sweater and wear it proudly.