Home

Category: How To

  • Eczema: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

    Eczema: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

    The worst of eczema’s symptoms result in serious itching, redness and scale-like skin. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with eczema, you’re likely wondering about the symptoms, the causes and the treatments available for the condition. Today, we’re going to delve into exactly that.

    Eczema: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

    Symptoms

    Eczema is a skin condition, and is autoimmune. Its symptoms include scale-like, reddish plaques that are quite itchy and uncomfortable. There are actually several different types of eczema. They include atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis.

    Commonly, the red patches of skin appear to “boil over” during flare-ups. In fact, the word eczema comes from the Greek word, meaning “to boil over”. These uncomfortable patches aren’t contagious, and are a result of over-active skin cells producing too many copies of themselves in isolated locations.

    Causes

    While it’s not entirely known what causes eczema to occur in people, flare-ups can be predicted. For instance, it’s easy to tell that when skin is irritated, kept wrapped up or rubbed constantly, such as the skin on the foot inside a shoe, it can cause a flare-up. While such conditions won’t cause someone to suddenly develop eczema, it could result in a flare-up for those already diagnosed.

    Treatments

    There is, sadly, no cure for eczema. While it occurs commonly in young children and babies, eczema isn’t solely a children’s issue. Some people never grow out of the condition, while some others do so easily. It depends, entirely, on the individual and their genetics.

    There are a few things you can do to mitigate the symptoms of eczema, however. Namely, using over-the-counter drugs that help to mitigate inflammation can be a good course of action. Likewise, daily bathing and moisturizing is highly advised, especially around the site of the most common flare-ups.

    Wearing loose, breathable clothing is also a good call. Tight-fitting, poorly breathable clothes are not ideal for people with eczema, as they can lead to increased flare-ups. If your job requires you to wear certain clothes or shoes, see if you can get an exemption for medical reasons.

    Final Thoughts

    Eczema isn’t life-threatening, but it is uncomfortable. Learning the triggers that set off your eczema can be a really important way to keep yourself from experiencing an uncomfortable flare-up. Taking anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medication, wearing breathable clothes and regularly moisrturizing problem regions are all highly advised, as well.

    Eczema: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

  • Best Applicant Tracking Systems for 2019

    Best Applicant Tracking Systems for 2019

    Finding the best applicants for your business can certainly be difficult. Narrowing it down to the most qualified candidate is equal parts art and science. Applicant tracking systems, or ATS, are a great way to make sure you narrow it down to the right candidate. Here are our picks for the top ATS for 2019.

    We’ve selected our top picks based on a variety of factors. ATS with straightforward, easy-to-use interfaces are ideal, and have been prioritized most highly. Likewise, those systems that are used by high-profile companies are more likely to get the nod, as they are trusted to work by major corporations. Here are some of our top picks!

    Best ATS for 2019

    Greenhouse Software

    Airbnb, Pinterest, and Vimeo: these are some of the companies that rely on Greenhouse Software. These huge companies put their faith in Greenhouse because it just works. Greenhouse does a great job of helping to both track and organize applicants with a simple, easy-to-use system.

    Activities, such as applicant testing and even post-hire events, are all collated and streamlined through Greenhouse. The back-end content management of the site gives way to a well-honed, easy-to-read front page. Both applicants and employers love the layout and design of this excellent ATS.

    JobVite

    Another great choice for ATS is JobVite, a system that is trusted by JCPenny and LinkedIn for their own hiring. JobVite’s unique layout allows employers to make their own branded job site that can act as a landing page for all applicants.

    JobVite is able to offer analytics, as well, helping recruiters see what areas to focus on. Video screening, social recruiting and even onboarding materials can all be handled through JobVite as well, making it an all-in-one ATS. This is a great pick for companies that want to brand and curate their own onboarding process and keep everything under one roof for new applicants.

    Oracle Taleo Cloud Service

    The Oracle Taleo Cloud Service is one of the best Applicant Tracking Systems available today. If you’re looking for the best candidates for management positions or skill-intensive roles, OTC is a fantastic choice. That’s because Oracle Taleo Cloud Service uses networking and social media to power their applicant tracking.

    By narrowing candidates down via their Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn postings and connection, OTC allows for fast sorting of the best candidates. This is a service that does wonders for fields that are based on strong networking and team-building.

  • Best Headache Remedies: Fast Relief from Headaches

    Best Headache Remedies: Fast Relief from Headaches

    Nothing can ruin a good day faster than a killer headache. You’re having a good time, getting through your day, and then you get struck with a splitting headache. When you need fast relief from a headache, you’ll need to know some of these great headache remedies.

    Here are some of the best quick remedies for a headache that you should know.

    Best Headache Remedies

    Get More Sleep

    It’s important to get the right amount of sleep. Adults should get around seven to nine hours of sleep per night. While sleep deprivation is quite bad for you and can result in headaches, the same goes for oversleeping. If you’re constantly getting too much, or too little, sleep, then you should try to stick to the rule of thumb when it comes to sleep.

    Getting enough sleep is quite important for a number of other health reasons. Driving while sleep deprived is quite dangerous, and sleep deprivation can lead to increased risk for heart disease. Oversleeping can lead to dehydration, which brings us to our next point.

    Water

    A lot of times, a serious headache could simply be the result of dehydration. Pour yourself a glass of water and drink it at a reasonable pace. Dehydration is a serious issue, as it can cause you to be irritated and make it hard to concentrate, which further exacerbates your headache symptoms. Sometimes the best solutions are the most straightforward.

    Cut Back on Alcohol

    Nothing dehydrates quite like alcohol. If you have a drink every now and then, it’s unlikely to cause a headache. However, if you’re pounding beers with your friends or killing sugary mixed drinks, you might find yourself with a killer headache during and after your drinking session.

    In these cases, the answer is simple: drink less alcohol and more water. If you’re constantly drinking large amounts of alcohol, you could develop more serious health issues than just headaches, too. In general, drinking less alcohol and more water is ideal for the average person.

    Cold Compress

    If you need fast relief and don’t want to take some kind of NSAID or headache powder, consider a cold compress. Take a washcloth and soak it in cold water. Press the cloth to the part of your head that’s hurting, and apply light pressure.

    This cold compress will cause blood flow to slow and reduces inflammation. These things can result in a lessened amount of pain when it comes to headaches.

  • Most Effective New Antidepressant Medications

    Most Effective New Antidepressant Medications

    Trying to make it through the day when you’re struggling with depression can feel impossible. Some people need antidepressant medicine to keep their depression symptoms in check.

    Many adults struggling with depression have tried some antidepressants, and maybe some people have found they don’t work well.

    Today we’re breaking down some of the most effective new antidepressants. Talk to your doctor about some of these medications to see what would be right for you.

    Most Effective New Antidepressants

    SSRIs

    Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are commonly prescribed to start. These are medications with relatively few noted side effects and are largely considered unlikely to have complications. SSRIs, notably, tend to be prescribed at higher doses by doctors due to their lower side effect risks.

    The most common types of SSRIs are fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, citalopram and paroxetine. Brand names of this variety include Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa and Paxil. Note that these medications do, in fact, have side effects, they just don’t have as many as other antidepressants.

    SNRIs

    Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, like Cymbalta, Fetzima, Effexor XR and Pristiq are similar to SSRIs. These medications are notable for their lower amounts of potential side effects, though doctors don’t often begin by prescribing these medications. Typically, those who want these medications ask about them directly from their doctor.

    Tricyclic Antidepressants

    Medicines like nortriptyline, doxepin, imipramine and desipramine often have more reported side effects. These antidepressants can lead to side effects such as an increase in suicidal thoughts, nausea, insomnia or blurred vision. Usually these are only prescribed if other antidepressants are having no effect on the patient.

    MAOIs

    Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are notable because their side effects can be extreme. These are normally prescribed as a last resort if every other type of antidepressant on this list simply isn’t cutting it.

    These medicines, like Nardil and Parnate, can be dangerous in combinations with certain foods. Certain cheeses, wines and even birth control can have lethal side effects in some people, so they require close consideration by the patient and doctor.

    Atypical Antidepressants

    Medicines like Remeron, Trintellix, Aplenzin and Wellbutrin are uncommon antidepressants. They are not prescribed in very high numbers, so they’re unlikely to be in the conversation with your doctor. Typically these are prescribed if other medicines haven’t worked and your doctor would rather you not start a regiment of MAOIs.

  • Best Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

    Best Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

    Waiting for that big tax refund to come your way? Certainly, you’re excited to figure out what you want to do with that windfall of cash.

    Well, today we’re looking at some of the best ways to spend your tax refund. From fun splurges to sensible investments, there are a number of options.

    Best Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

    Savings Account

    Do you have a savings account with $1,000 in it? If not, getting started towards that goal is a good thing to do with your tax money. It’s good to have that kind of emergency fund squirreled away in case of an unexpected expense.

    It can be difficult to answer sudden expenses like car repairs or broken appliances, so having a rainy day fund is important.

    Bills

    It can also be helpful, from a financial wisdom standpoint, to pay ahead some bills. If you own your home, paying ahead on your mortgage is a good idea.  Putting yourself a month ahead on your car payment, electrical bill, car insurance or even your subscription services can all be a good move.

    This not only gives you some space on your finances, but it also feels like you’re not “blowing” your refund.  That said, by paying your bills ahead, you have a bit more spending money for things you want to buy.

    Tattoo

    Many people consider refund season to be tattoo season. Tattoos are exactly the right cost for the average tax refund. Between $300-$700 for the average tattoo means that it’s a great price range for getting new ink. There are a lot of reasons to consider spending your refund on a tattoo if you’re looking to splurge a bit.

    Firstly, tattoos last for your lifetime. That means it’s money well-spent to get a tattoo that means a lot to you on your body. Secondly, it’s easy to overthink what you’re going to spend your refund on.

    Why not get that tattoo you’ve been eyeing for years?

    High-Interest Debts

    High-interest debts are a huge pain. If you’ve got credit card bills or student loans that are compounding interest in the wrong direction, consider paying them down with your tax refund.

    This way, you’re not only lightening your bills, but you’re also buying your future financial security.  There are countless other fun or responsible things you can do with your refund, of course.  However, no matter what you do, just make sure you spend your money in a way you won’t regret. It’s yours, after all!

  • Fast Relief for Heartburn

    Fast Relief for Heartburn

    Heartburn is a major pain for people who deal with it regularly. It’s very difficult to find relief for your heartburn symptoms, so today we’re going over the best ways to find fast relief.

    You never know when heartburn might strike, so it’s important to know how to get relief quickly. Here are some of our top picks for heartburn relief.

    Fast Relief for Heartburn

    Posture

    Upright posture is really important for getting relief from heartburn. Heartburn tends to occur when the contents of the stomach rise up into the esophagus. As such, standing up straight can help with heartburn. If you’re lying or sitting, try standing up as straight as you can.

    Gravity should do its work to help keep your stomach acid down.

    Baking Soda

    Take a spoonful of baking soda and dissolve it into a glass of water. Then, stir the water slightly and drink it slowly. In general, make sure you drink everything slowly when you’re struggling with heartburn.

    Baking soda, in particular, can help to settle the stomach and calm down stomach acid.

    Sip Apple Cider Vinegar

    Apple cider vinegar has been noted to have some properties that can help to settle the stomach. Slowly sipping on a bit of apple cider vinegar has been stated by some people to calm heartburn.

    The ideal way to do this is to slightly dilute the apple cider vinegar with water and then drink it slowly after a meal. Try this if certain meals tend to give you heartburn.

    Gum

    Chewing gum after a big meal could also be helpful for getting heartburn relief. Chewing gum stimulates saliva, as well as swallowing.

    As such, it could help to dilute and neutralize stomach acid, making it less likely for you to experience heartburn symptoms.

    Antacids

    If you need fast relief, it’s helpful to have antacids on hand. TUMs and Pepto are two preferred antacid brands, and they work by directly neutralizing stomach acid.

    Additionally, antacids can be helpful with a variety of gastrointestinal issues, including nausea and diarrhea. As such, they make ideal medications to keep on hand.

    Don’t Smoke

    Smoking, of course, is bad for you health. However, cigarette smoke can also lead to heartburn. As such, if you’re suffering from heartburn, don’t smoke while you’re trying to get relief.

    Likewise, stay away from people who are smoking, as even secondhand smoke can cause heartburn to flare up. Generally, just stay away from cigarettes.

  • Top Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

    Top Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

    Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a disease that affects the joints and bones of those afflicted. Swelling and warmth are normal symptoms, and aches in the joints are the most common problem experienced by those with RA.

    If you’re looking for the top treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, we’ve rounded up some of the most common treatments here. Remember, however, that there is no cure for RA, though there are ways to soften the symptoms.

    Top Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

    Steroids

    If your RA symptoms are severe, your doctor could prescribe you steroids.  Corticosteroid medicines like prednisone have been shown to reduce inflammation and slow the rate at which joints become damaged by arthritis.

    Doctors don’t prescribe steroids in all cases. There are side effects that could occur, like weight gain and the thinning of bones, that are of notable concern. Generally, steroids are prescribed for short-term use, tapering off as the most severe symptoms abate.

    NSAIDs

    Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a common treatment for arthritis. These drugs are usually available for inexpensive prices and can be picked up in any drugstore. Over-the-counter NSAIDs, like Tylenol and Ibuprofen, can be taken daily for normal aches and pains. They’re generally not dangerous as long as you take them only as directed.

    While NSAIDs can have negative effects on the liver over long periods of time, they’re generally considered pretty safe. Speak with your doctor about taking over-the-counter NSAIDs if you’re worried about their potential long-term effects on your health.

    DMARDs

    Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are a form of medicine that can slow the progress of RA. These medicines tend to prevent joint damage by slowing the progress of the disease considerably. DMARDs are not available over the counter and have to be prescribed.

    Common DMARDs, like leflunomide, methotrexate and sulfasalazine are prescribed in some cases. Doctors have to keep the side effects of these medicines in mind when they prescribe them. Their side effects can include bone marrow suppression, severe lung infections and liver damage. These potential side effects must be weighed against the severity of RA that the patient is dealing with,

    A newer form of DMARDs, called biologic agents, have become more prevalent in recent years. These drugs work by targeting the parts of the immune system that cause the inflammation of joints. Biologic agents also have side effects that include increasing the risk of infection, since they target the body’s own immune system.

  • The Best Prescription Discount Cards: Stop Overpaying for Medicine

    The Best Prescription Discount Cards: Stop Overpaying for Medicine

    Medicine can be really expensive. This goes double for people who have a large number of prescriptions. For many Americans, the high costs of medications can be prohibitive. If you find that, even in spite of your health insurance, you’re spending far too much money on prescriptions, maybe you need a prescription discount card.

    If you’re a bit intimidated by the sheer number of discount cards out there, don’t worry. Today we’re taking a look at some of the top prescription discount cards that are available. Stop spending all your money on overpriced medicine and start saving with one of these great discount cards today.

    The Best Prescription Discount Cards

    Discount Drug Network

    Our first entry is the Discount Drug network. This prescription card has a massive network, which includes over 66,000 pharmacies. This one gets a nod due to its huge network as well as its helpful and handy app which allows you to search nearby pharmacies. The app helps you make sure you’re getting the best prices on discounted prescriptions!

    Script Relief

    Another excellent discount card is Script Relief. These guys offer discounts on a ton of prescriptions and have many partnerships with other discount cards. The coolest thing about this card is how well-connected it is, as it has contracts with over 50,000 pharmacies.

    Like the Discount Drug Network card, Script Relief also offers a mobile search app, called SearchRX, that helps you find pharmacies in the network.

    US Pharmacy Card

    This well-regarded and entirely card-based pharmacy discount program is one of the best out there. You don’t have to print off coupons or provide any additional info with the US Pharmacy Card: simply present it at a participating pharmacy.

    This easy-to-use and convenient card is a favorite of people with a large number of prescriptions, as it’s so hassle-free. Privacy buffs love how the cardholder info with the US Pharmacy Card isn’t shared with anyone. This is a great pick for people who want a simple, no-frills discount card.

    Good RX

    Good RX is another fantastic discount card. The numerous coupons offered by the card can be applied to a number of different discounts. Good RX offers a large number of pharmacies from which you can redeem your savings, and there are always savings to be had.

    You can sign up for the $6 per month version of the card for even bigger savings, too!

  • Best Weight Loss Programs: Get Started Losing Weight Today

    Best Weight Loss Programs: Get Started Losing Weight Today

    Losing weight can be hard. Whether you’ve got a desk job that keeps you on your butt all day or you just find it hard to shed the pounds, maybe you’re looking into a weight loss program. Which ones are right for you, though? There are so many options!

    Today we’re looking at some of the top-rated weight loss programs. Remember, nutrition is as much art as science, and everybody is different. What works for other people might not work for you.

    Best Weight Loss Programs

    Weight Watchers

    Community is a huge part of Weight Watchers, which holds that it’s easier to make healthy dietary choices when you’re held accountable. Much like working out with a buddy, Weight Watchers offers you the support of a community of like-minded dieters so you can feel like you’re not alone.

    The program offers an app that you can access for a fee, which gives you access to various meal plans and “points” values. You can also add weekly meetings, which allow you to feel like you’re a part of a community. The main appeal to Weight Watchers is the straightforward and easy-to-follow dietary guidelines that make nutrition simple.

    MyFitnessPal

    A smartphone app that helps you stay on track and in shape, MyFitnessPal is highly recommended. For a  monthly fee, you get access to day-to-day workout and nutrition tips. If you don’t need the community-minded approach of Weight Watchers, MyFitnessPal is a good pick.

    You get daily tracking of your fitness and nutritional advice to keep you on track. Those with good discipline but no direction are recommended to try this app out. It’s relatively affordable when compared to options like Noom or Weight Watchers.

    Noom

    Noom is a great virtual weight loss app, though it’s on the pricey side. You get access to a lot of resources, such as educational info and nutritional help, that rival the in-person experience of Weight Watchers. Noom is considered a “high-end” weight loss app, and is priced as such.

    While you don’t get the in-person meetings of Weight Watchers, phone-only fitness can be a great fit for busy people. As long as the price tag doesn’t scare you off, Noom can be a good fit for a busy lifestyle.

    Final Thoughts

    Importantly, remember that skinny doesn’t inherently mean healthy, nor does fat inherently mean unhealthy. The only reason you should want to lose weight is if you feel you’ll be happier at a lower weight. Don’t let societal beauty norms make you engage in behaviors that you find unhealthy or unsustainable.

  • Natural Arthritis Pain Relief

    Natural Arthritis Pain Relief

    Natural pain relief is a great alternative to potentially harmful painkillers or NSAIDs. While you should always take medicine as directed by your doctor, there are non-medicinal ways to combat aches and pains.

    This goes double for arthritis pain, which can be a big deal for older people. Here are some of our top picks for arthritis pain relief.

    Natural Arthritis Pain Relief

    Fitness

    It might sound weird, but staying active is a huge part of curbing arthritis pains. If you’re in good shape and getting regular exercise, it’s much less likely that you’ll have serious aches and pains. Not to mention, it’s just good for you to exercise often and get good nutrition!

    Regular exercise means that your joints stay flexible. It also means that you’ll weigh less, meaning there is less strain on your joints in daily activities. Now, running and weight lifting aren’t the best picks for exercise if you’re already experiencing arthritis pain. However, swimming, yoga and tai chi are all low-impact exercises that are great for you.

    Meditation

    Meditating to relax and focus your mind elsewhere can be a huge help with chronic pain. While many people are quick to write meditation off as pseudo-scientific or ineffective, it’s been proven to help those who put effort into learning the practice.

    Remember: meditation isn’t inherently religious or even philosophical. It’s a way of putting mind over matter and refocusing your energy. It’s helpful for getting your mind off of chronic pain and on to more ephemeral and pain-relieving thoughts, like eternity, mindfulness and wellness.

    Nutrition

    Getting the right things in your diet is another important way to address arthritis pain. Omega-3 fatty acids are a huge help in this regard. Certain fish oils and other supplements are one way to make sure you’re getting enough omega-3, which helps keep your joints loose and limber.

    Another fatty acid recommended for those with joint pain is gamma-linolenic acid. Ask your doctor if evening primrose, borage, hemp, or black currants or supplements made from them would be safe in your diet, as these carry gamma-linolenic acid.

    If your symptoms are quite severe and impacting your daily life, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. However, addressing them in a natural and holistic way can be a great way to avoid doctor’s fees and having to take traditional medicine. Everyone is different, however, so make sure you do what is right for your unique situation.