Insomnia: How Lack of Sleep Can Damage Your Health

What is Insomnia?

The average person spends approximately 1/3 of his or her life sleeping. Although we do not yet fully understand either the purpose or the mechanics of sleep, we do know that an insufficient amount can have far-reaching consequences: our work performance, our personal relationships, and our physical and mental health all depend on getting an appropriate amount of rest.

The inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep throughout the night is a condition known as insomnia, and it is among the most common of all medical complaints; approximately 1/3 of all people experience a period of insomnia at least once during their lifetime. Individuals with insomnia typically experience at least one of the following symptoms:

– Difficulties falling asleep;
– Inability to stay asleep, or waking up too early;
– Sleepiness during the day;
– Fatigue or lack of energy;
– Irritability;
– Headache;
– Decreased ability to concentrate;
– Increased errors or accidents;
– Depression and/or anxiety;
– Continual worry about sleep.

Health Risks of Insomnia

If you are not getting the sleep that you need, your insomnia may eventually lead to serious consequences for your health. In the short term, your alertness and focus are impaired, which can have a negative effect on your school or work performance. Relationship problems may result from irritability due to lack of sleep, while fatigue may prevent you from participating in your normal activities.

In the long-term, the complications of insomnia can be even more severe. Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and mood disorders are all associated with chronic insomnia; these

The 6 Invisible Forces Driving Your Health, Wealth and Happiness

INTRODUCTION

Most of us go through life feeling that we are driven and affected by forces which are completely outside of our control: some call this fate, some believe in god, some believe in universal forces. Many simply believe that they are not masters of their own thoughts, feelings and destiny but are essentially ‘adrift’ and at the mercy of the external world.

When it comes to our health, wealth and happiness, most of us don’t realise that we can choose how we experience each of these. Our beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviours influence and impact how we experience life every second of every day.

Each of us has internal filters which we have developed over time, and what we are focused on in life is a direct reflection of our upbringing, environment and significant emotional experiences which are stored and coded in our neurology and then represented as “Reality” – not always a reality that is in our best interest or supports us to move forward in life.

The fantastic news is – it is within all of us to own our neurology and to fine tune it to bring the focus and therefore the results that we desire in life.

1. The map is not the territory

This is a key foundation concept of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and what it means is that every single one of us experiences the world in our own individual way.

Every second of our lives, millions of bits of information are streaming through our five senses into our minds, but only 7 plus or minus 2 bits gets consciously registered. What information is allowed in, and what is filtered out, is determined by an intricate system of beliefs, values and ideas which we have accumulated throughout our

Frequently asked questions about home health care

Q: What is home health care?
A: Home health care is a service that permits patients to receive personalized health care, maintaining their quality of life in the privacy and comfort of their homes.

Q: Why home health care?
A: Home health care is a cost-effective option for receiving health care services. Returning to one’s home and family can quicken recovery and improve the quality of life for both patient and family or caregiver.

Q: Who pays for home health care?
A: Most health insurance companies, HMOs, PPOs and Workers Compensation cover home health care. In addition, Medicare and Medicaid pay for home care services. Some insurance providers do not cover all home health services. Our staff will verify health coverage for the patient.

Q: What criteria are required for Medicare to approve services?
A: The following criteria are used to meet Medicare requirements:
• The patient is a Medicare recipient.
• The patient must be homebound. This is defined by Medicare as “normal inability to leave the home and that leaving the home requires considerable and taxing effort.”
• The skilled care must be medically necessary as determined by the physician.

Q: What if I have a problem at night or on the weekend?
A: We have registered nurses on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q: Do I need a physician’s order for home health care?
A: Yes, all health care provided in the home occurs under direct order and supervision of the patient’s physician.

Q: What types of services can be provided at home?
A: Many medical

The Art Of Health Science

Health science also known as biomedical science is the science applied when dealing with health. Health is defined as the “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” as defined by WHO in 1948. Health science can be approached in two ways study and research of the food that we eat and the study and research of health- related issues to understand the way humans and other animals function. Moreover the application of the already acquired knowledge to improve health, cure and prevent diseases. 

Health science, is comprised of natural sciences i.e. biology, chemistry and physics. Other primary research fields that greatly contribute to it are biochemistry, genetics, epidemiology and pharmacology. The reason humans have lived for a long time is due to medical research. This has lead to discoveries of vaccines prevent diseases for young children like polio, measles, small pox and others. Diseases like diabetes can now be easily managed and one lives for very long time.HIV/Aids is still a hard nut to crack for researchers looking for cure but the introduction of Anti-retroviral drugs has seen victims’ life prolonged, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where the disease has been rising.

Health science is incorporates the field of health care. This is the prevention of mental and physical well being through the services of medicine and nursing. Healthy care includes prevention of human diseases and disorders. It includes proper nutrition especially for those with diabetes, HIV/Aids others are breastfeeding mothers and children suffering from malnutrition.The field of veterinary medicine is part of health science dedicated exclusively to the care of animals. Animals just like humans

Health Insurance Info

Five Tips to Trim Your Medical Expenses

With the rising cost of healthcare, medications, and insurance, it isn’t surprising that people are trying to figure out ways to avoid getting sick and choosing a better lifestyle to lower insurance costs. There is actually quite a bit one can do to help save same cash. It is just a matter of tweaking ones lifestyle choices and preventing health issues from arising or keeping the immune system up so you just don’t get as sick as much. For those people who are seriously sick of high medical premiums and paying out the nose year round for doctor’s visits and medications, this should be a great thing. Small things make a world of difference when it comes to your health.

1) Stop smoking is the biggest one.

Not only do you get sicker than the average person, it is worse. Many smokers are treated for several bouts of bronchitis and pneumonia each year. Smoking also makes you susceptible to colds and other infection. You will also pay a higher premium on your insurance and in some cases won’t get covered in full for cigarette related illnesses or diseases. Plus the money you save from quitting can go to bigger and better things than your medical issues.

2) Avoid excessive alcohol use

Avoid excessive alcohol use, it lowers the immune system. People who consume more than 3-4 alcoholic beverages in a week are at far greatest risk of catching a viral or bacterial infection. Even if you do most of your drinking at home where you are safe from others germs, you still are very susceptible. Once the immune system has lowered its defenses you are risk anywhere you have to go and even in your home if you live with others who leave the house. Drinking excess alcohol can

Know Something About Health

Health in general is the condition of person in all aspects; that’s his level of body functions including his metabolic efficiency. When World Health Organization [WHO] was established in 1948 it defined health as: “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” In 1986, the WHO stated in the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotions that health is: “a resource of everyday life, not the objective of living. Health is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities.”

Health can be determined in four areas i.e. human biology, healthcare service, environment, and lifestyle. One can only improve and maintain his/her heath through health if all the above aspects are favorable. Levels of obesity and heart attacks are high in developed countries due to lack of recreational space and time to relax. Under developed countries have problems with clean water and diseases like malaria due to congestion as slums continue to materialize everywhere. Some issues should be taken into place like ensuring natural spaces are left intact, well utilization of land to make space for everybody and provision of clean water for sanitation.

Health can be achieved if one is focused on issues like cleanliness, maintaining strong social relationships with people and developing a positive attitude towards life. Socialization and positive attitude raise chemical levels in the brain that bring about ones personality and intelligence traits. Hygiene which is the art of keeping the body clean includes: bathing, washing hands before eating and brushing teeth to prevent infections and illness. Healthy life is reducing ones stress levels or stress management which have

Can a history of substance abuse raise your life insurance rates?

By M.K. Guetersloh

Life Quotes, Inc.

The hard partying years after college may have been replaced by the calm of married life. But those past behaviors may haunt you like an unwanted call from a former sweetheart—especially when you try to buy life insurance.

In order to receive standard rates, most insurance experts agree that drug and alcohol abuse problems need to be behind you for a minimum of five years.

Excessive use of drugs and alcohol can cause a number of serious health conditions. Researchers from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, estimates that alcohol and drug abuse can decrease your lifespan by nearly 10 years. Among the health risks, drug and alcohol abuse can cause high blood pressure, cancer (breast, esophageal, mouth, larynx and pharynx), liver disease, and heart or respiratory failure. The American Cancer Society reports that 2 to 4 percent of all cancers are directly related to alcohol abuse. The mixing of drugs and alcohol can be immediately fatal leading to seizures, coma, heart attack and respiratory failure.

“That kind of behavior can affect your rates catastrophically,” says Ryan Pinney, a high-risk insurance specialist for Roseville, Calif.-based Pinney Insurance Center, Inc. “It’s a health hazard and a moral hazard.”

In addition to affecting your rates for life insurance, Pinney says, drug and alcohol abuse can also affect your health and auto insurance rates. In some instances, if you have a DUI, you might find your auto insurance policy cancelled altogether.

While drug and alcohol dependency is a fairly common obstacle for those seeking life insurance, Dr. Robert Pokorski, Chief Medical Strategist for The Hartford, says that

Can your genetic makeup stop you from buying life insurance?

By Michelle Matlock, Life Quotes, Inc.

If your grandfather was an alcoholic does that mean that you’re destined to be one as well? What about your mother and aunt who have both been diagnosed with breast cancer?

Your genetics determine more than the color of your eyes and skin, they present a detailed map that illustrates familial traits, ticks, and in some cases, the odds of being stricken by a serious illness.

Following several key court cases beginning in early 2000, genetic testing was used to make unfounded assessments of genetic risks for those seeking employment or insurance.

“We are incredibly vulnerable when it comes to our DNA,” says Dr. Deborah Peel, a practicing physician, boarded psychologist and founder and chair of the non-profit consumer health privacy advocacy organization, patientprivacyrights.org. “I don’t think we realize that when we walk around a room we shed DNA everywhere. This information can be lifted from a glass of water or a soda can. If you can lift off enough microscopic material you can find out a great deal about that person’s genetics.”

Some fear that as genetic testing becomes a routine practice in medical treatment, insurers will find ways to use the information to deny, limit or cancel insurance.

Others fear that the possibility of discriminatory practices concerning genetic tests will bring advancements in human genetics to a grinding halt.

Nowadays, consumers and advocacy groups alike are looking for stronger protections when it comes to who can access their medical records.

In May 2008, former President Bush signed the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007-2008 (GINA) to protect Americans from being discriminated against by heath insurers and

Life Isn’t the Sweetest Candy

Life isnâ??t the sweetest candy. Sometimes, when I feel like the world is just too heavy, I look around and find people who continued to live fascinating and wonderful lives. And then thoughts come popping into my mind like bubbles from nowhere â?? â??How did their life become so adorably sweet? How come they still can manage to laugh and play around despite a busy stressful life?â? Then I pause and observed for awhileâ?¦ I figured out that maybe, they start to work on a place called â??selfâ??.

So, how does one become genuinely happy? Step 1 is to love yourself.

My theology professor once said that â??loving means accepting.â? To love oneself means to accept that you are not a perfect being, but behind the imperfections must lie a great ounce of courage to be able to discover ways on how to improve your repertoire to recover from our mistakes.

Genuine happiness also pertains to contentment. When you are contented with the job you have, the way you look, with your family, your friends, the place you live in, your car, and all the things you now have â?? truly, you know the answer to the question â??how to be genuinely happy.â?

When we discover a small start somewhere from within, that small start will eventually lead to something else, and to something else. But if you keep questioning life lit it has never done you any good, you will never be able to find genuine happiness.

I believe that life is about finding out about right and wrong, trying and failing, wining and losing. These are things that happen as often as you inhale and exhale. Failure, in a personâ??s life has become as abundant and necessary as air. But

Why Top Producers Achieve Stellar Results With Life Coaching

When you meet those top producing brokers and realtors who seem to have it all – you know what I am talking about – those people who have a great life, great vacations, loving family relationships, sweet investments and luck on top of all that, you might look further and see that person in a life coaching program. Top producers who are committed to having a fulfilling experience in life may have gotten some of the wind beneath their wings in a life coach program.

Now, many of the top salespeople I have worked with don’t care about having a fulfilling experience. They care about winning. They care about awards. They care about the juice, the next sale, the win. But then what happens to their lives?

After coaching 8,273 salespeople, with many top producing realtors among them, I began to see the “the win at all costs” mentality. And I began to notice others who win and experience fulfillment in other areas of their lives as well. What a difference.

Top sales people who focus only on the wins, the next deal, the bigger deal, often find themselves out of touch with the very aspect of their lives that they told themselves they were winning for.

Top sales people often find they win the deals at the expense of their family. They are winning but are they really losing touch with their children or their family? Or have they forgotten about health? Or maybe they are winning but their emotional life is a wreck.

Now, a top producer can take comfort in the glory of the win. Except when winning costs the experiences of family, of joy, of travel, of spiritual growth – then it can be a bittersweet victory.

I would like to bring to you another entirely amazing side of humanity. Top