Have a Safe Date
We are all looking to meet that one perfect person that will change our lives completely, change the way we see ourselves, the way we look at situations, our perspectives, and almost every important aspect of our lives. The peculiarity lies in the possibility of that person being either the love of our lives or our worst nightmare. It all depends on how well we respond to red flags and listen to our gut feelings. We want you to find your soulmate without having to incur any damages and live happily ever after with “the one”. For that to be possible, you should have the highest regard for your personal safety, yes even higher than pleasure. And we will help you with a guide to safe date! Read on!
Don’ts First!
We are very sorry to keep the good things on hold and put the restrictions first, but really, don’ts come first. Because safety comes before pleasure, we are listing some important things it would be best for you to keep in mind for a healthy dating experience.
Know where to stop
The way to connect is to know each others’ likes and dislikes, but in all cases, avoid oversharing. They definitely do not need to know where you were born, where you work, and obviously not where you live. Save your phone number for later too. Financial information like bank details should be off-limits until you establish trust.
Meeting for the first time? Be wise
Planning to go offline after chatting for a while? Never agree to be picked up from your place for the first date. After online dating sites gained popularity, reports of physical, emotional, and mental abuse went up. We certainly do not want any of that to happen.
Do not let them use your belongings
You must keep an eye on all of your belongings when you meet up. Do not let them use your phone unless it is a genuine emergency. You never know how tech-savvy your partner is and what hell can break loose if they get hold of information from your devices.
No “your place or mine” after the first date, please
It is a given, but still necessary to be said. Do not get in their personal vehicles and definitely not inside their house. Do not bring them home either. Is it not a bit too early for that? Get to know each other better before you take your relationship to the next level.
Time for Do’s, finally!
Okay, enough with the restrictions let us get you to the good part real quick. Excited? Us too!
- Search them up before you meet
This is the digital age we are living in. It sounds better to know them more than they have told you about themselves before meeting in person.
- Keep your device charged
You never know what is coming, better be prepared. Mobile phones are the quickest way to send for help.
- Share your whereabouts
Always let someone you trust know where you will be with, who you will be with and what time to expect you back.
- Listen to your gut
You know this already, but sometimes we are so looking forward to something interesting in life, that we forget the most basic of rules. Common sense is what you should use before dating apps. It is never wise to ignore red flags. Trust your gut feelings rather than be sorry later.
- Learn to say “No”
It is just the start. You do not need to be concerned about hurting their feelings if you are uncomfortable. Practice some ‘leaving early’ excuses before you go to meet them.
- Sexual Safety
Here comes the most important safety precaution. You must know well about their sexual history before going intimate. Communication is the key here. Talk about all the details and what safety measures you both would prefer to use. Use contraception you find comfortable. Testing is just as important too. The stigma around sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) will need time to be lifted, but you need to avoid unwanted pregnancies and infections while enjoying yourself.
We meet new people every day, make new friendships and connections while putting our best out there. However, while we are at it, we are so focused on making the most out of every connection; we forget that personal safety should be our foremost priority. Especially when it comes to a romantic relationship, an extra layer of sexual safety gets added. For ensuring your sound sexual health and your partner’s, visit the 24/7 Labs website, loaded with helpful information and for availing testing kits as well. Dating is vulnerable, handle with care!
- Published in STDs
All you need to know about menstrual cups
A menstrual cup falls in the category of feminine hygiene products. They are made of medical-grade silicone, rubber, or plastic and are generally reusable. People simply vacate the cup, wash it with a cleanser and water, and insert it again. Cups can hold more blood than other ways, leading numerous women to use them as an eco-friendly preference for tampons. And depending on your outflow, you can wear a cup for over to 12 hours. Menstrual cups have swiftly become a popular option for tampons and pads. But should you frame the switch just because everyone seems to be doing so right now? Let’s get into it.
How does it work?
A menstrual cup is aimed for use inside the vagina during your period. The cup does not absorb your menstrual outflows like tampons or pads. Maximum menstrual cups are made of silicone or rubber. However, you will want to buy silicone cups to avoid any issues, If you are sensitive to latex. You can use a cup through your cycle, but you might need to change it more frequently on heavy outflow days to guard against leaking. To do this, just remove and wash your cup after 12 hours, or when leaking occurs.
All the pros
- It is eco and wallet-friendly: A reusable cup that costs$ 30 to$ 40 can last up to 10 years. That means lesser waste in dumps and lesser money over time.
- You can leave it in for long hours: Tampons need to be changed every 4 to 8 hours, depending on your outflow. But cups can stay around longer, so they are good for nighttime protection. And once you get the hang of working in it, there is no need to wear a backup pad or liner.
- It holds further: A menstrual cup can hold 1 ounce of liquid, roughly twice the quantity of super-absorbent tampon or pad. The difference can be a comfort on your heavy outflow days.
- There’s less odor: Menstrual blood can smell when exposed to air. But your cup forms a tight seal.
- You can have mess-free coitus: Most silicone and rubber menstrual cups must be removed before coitus. But the soft, disposable ones are designed with coitus in mind. They look like a diaphragm, so they are shaped like a block. Your spouse can not feel them, and there is no blood to worry about.
A few cons
- Discarding can get messy– or awkward: Even if you find it easy to fit the cup, removing it can be tricky. In a sit or squat, you need to use your pelvic floor muscles to push the cup down, further reach up and capture the stem.
- It can be difficult to find the right size: Cups come in different sizes depending on your age, outflow, and whether you have had a child. Still, finding the perfect fit can be a challenge, more so if you have an angled uterus or low cervix. It can take some trial and error to find the right cup for you.
- It could intrude with an IUD: Some manufacturers do not recommend using a menstrual cup if you have an intrauterine device (IUD) worked in, as there is a chance the cup could pull on the string or dislodge it.
Safety regarding menstrual cups
In most cases, menstrual cups are not unsafe, as long as people follow the manufacturers’ instructions. There is also no proof to suggest that menstrual cups are any more dangerous than other internal period products, similar to tampons. The good news is that, unlike tampons, menstrual cups do not soak up any of your vaginal natural fluids, so they can safely be used overnight. As with tampons, a menstrual cup can take some getting used to, and you may find it tricky to work in and remove it at first. Once you understand how to do it, it should be smooth and safe to use.
Benefits of menstrual cup
A cup can last for longer hours. Nevertheless, doctors recommend replacing your cup every year to reduce the hazard of irritation or infection from its material. Buying a menstrual cup will bring you lesser than the total quantity spent on tampons and sanitary napkins every year. Menstrual cups hold five times the quantity of blood tampons and sanitary napkins can hold. When fitted rightly, a menstrual cup will reduce your chances of leakage significantly. Sanitary napkins can create rashes and itching in your intimate area. With menstrual cups, this possibility is excluded.
Complications
Although numerous people use menstrual cups without enduring any complications, there are some possible troubles with using them. Numerous of these troubles are comparable to those of using other internal menstrual products. Researchers have identified the following troubles :
Leakage
Pain or minor injuries
Allergic responses
Urinary problems
Dislodging an intrauterine device (IUD)
Infection
Toxic shock syndrome(TSS)
Now we know,
Menstrual cups provide great protection and are safe to use. However, a person has to follow the necessary guidelines. There is no proof that they are any more dangerous than tampons. Unlike tampons and sanitary napkins, you do not have to worry about leakages or constantly change your menstrual cup during the night. Always read the manual on the packaging and become familiar with the cup before trying it for the first time. It may take several attempts to figure out how to use a cup, so tolerance and perseverance are crucial. seldom, menstrual cups can induce pain, urinary problems, or infection. However, it is important to stop using the product and speak to a doctor or gynecologist, If this occurs.
- Published in Basic Wellness
Abortions and Miscarriages in Teens
The world around us changes overnight in our teens. It is important for us to play safely. Know it well before taking your first step forward. Teen pregnancy increases when girls are denied the right to make decisions about their health and their sexual and reproductive health. Girls need to be able to make decisions about their bodies and the future and to be able to access appropriate health and education services. Because young people in other developed lands are getting rich sex education and more access to contraception and family planning services, they have more low rates of pregnancy and abortion. For example, in the Netherlands, where teen sex is almost identical as in the U.S., pregnancy rates are only nine times higher than those in the United States.
Choice
It is important that you have enough information about all the options before making a decision. Unfortunately, many young people delay seeking advice during pregnancy, perhaps hoping that it will not be true. For those who choose to continue their pregnancy this delay could mean missing out on important maternity care. But it is important that you get a right treatment. Adolescents have higher rates of complications in pregnancy and childbirth, and are at greater risk for postpartum depression. It is also important to eat well and stop drinking and smoking during your pregnancy. Talk to a doctor who can discuss your pregnancy with great confidence.
If you choose to terminate (abortion), a delay in confirming the pregnancy may affect the type of termination available. For example, medical termination, or taking a contraceptive pill, is only done with a pregnancy less than 9 weeks).
Physical Risks of Adolescent Abortion
- Young abortion patients are twice as likely to experience cervical dislocation during abortion compared to older women because adolescents have smaller cervical organs
- Bleeding and panic
- Adolescents are also at greater risk of post-abortion infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and endometritis (inflammation of the uterus)
- Adolescents are more susceptible to infections because they do not produce infections found in the cervix of older women which protects them from infection.
- They are at high risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) and other serious problems such as premature birth, stillbirth and frequent abortions.
Psychological and emotional consequences
- Deterioration of autonomy.
- Sleep, lust and sexual dysfunction.
- Decreased motivation.
- Disruption in human relationships.
- Guilt and over-anxiety.
- Depression and suicidal tendencies.
- Drug abuse.
How do you keep yourself safe and protect teen pregnancy and abortion?
Abstinence is the most effective way to prevent a miscarriage. Only you, as the parent can decide for yourself what is right and what is wrong. There are many ways to feel close to someone without sex and there is no need to rush. You get to set your boundaries – physically and emotionally. If you are thinking about having sex, start with information. Learn how to protect yourself from STDs and unplanned pregnancies. Information can help you gain confidence.
Healthy relationships have a few things in common: communication, respect and trust. In healthy relationships, people spend time together, but they make their own decisions and have their own lives as well. If your relationship is healthy, you can talk about any problem whether it is bad or difficult. Talk about your limitations when it comes to sex, whether you are ready or not, discuss birth control methods and STD tests. It is all about listening to the other person and respecting their opinion.
The teen should consult a trusted professional
No matter what abortion procedure you take, your first step is to confirm your pregnancy. If you have not yet received an ultrasound, it will be necessary before proceeding with the procedure, to show how far you are and what abortion procedure you will need. It is also important to diagnose and treat STDs (STIs) before there is an invasive procedure; STDs can be transmitted through your cervix (which opens with any abortion) into your uterus.
Free and confidential pregnancy tests, ultrasound and STD tests and treatments, contact Step One, a trusted pregnancy medical center. In the United States, children have the right to have an abortion without the consent of their parents unless otherwise provided by law. Medical abortion is not successful, it requires a surgical procedure to complete the abortion.
- Published in Basic Wellness, Pregnancy Testing
Habits that are taking you closer to cardiac arrest
In these uncertain times when the world is battling with the covid-19 pandemic, it is quite natural that our lifestyle and habits took a turn for the worse. Therefore our overall health practices are no longer a consistent part of our lifestyle. We no longer take part in physical movement and our eating habits are just as bad enough. But among all this chaos the most overlooked part of our health is our heart. According to WHO an estimated 17 million people died from Cardiovascular Diseases in 2019 and 85% of those deaths were due to cardiac arrest and stroke. Moreover, most of the deaths related to cardiac arrest can be prevented by addressing behavioral risk factors. Also, these habits take you closer to cardiac arrests among many other related complications.
So what is cardiac arrest?
According to heart.org, cardiac arrest is defined as the abrupt loss of heart function in a person who may or may not have any prior heart condition. While a heart attack is the stoppage of blood flow in the arteries of the heart resulting in the death of heart muscle tissue, on the other hand, cardiac arrest is due to the malfunction of the heart-pumping mechanism resulting in the arrested heartbeats and eventually death. Common signs include loss of consciousness along with irregular or absent breathing. Before entering cardiac arrest, individuals may also experience chest pain or nausea.
Habits that are taking you closer to cardiac arrest
1. You are an active smoker
If you want to reduce your risk of cardiac arrest to a great extent, it is essential to avoid smoke in any way, shape, or form. Smoking tobacco damages the heart and blood vessels and can raise your blood pressure that consequently leads to the malfunction of the heart muscle. That said it is tough to quit smoking or change your lifestyle to avoid second-hand smoke, so do not be afraid to ask for support and try a variety of approaches until you find the right fit.
2. You indulge in heavy alcohol consumption.
The risk of heart attack is increased due to the heavy consumption of alcohol because it leads to an increase in blood pressure. That said, you do not have to quit alcohol completely to keep your heart healthy, but it is smart to cut back to the recommended maximum of two drinks a day for men and one drink per day for women.
3. You do not have a proper diet.
You might not like to spend much time looking at your plate. But overlooking your nutritional needs and food consumption habits will have a great consequence. Food does not need to be boring to provide you with all the nutrition. A balanced diet that has delicious foods like olive oil, fish, lean protein, nuts, fruit, and whole grains can satisfy those taste buds and also can keep your bad cholesterol in check which will lead to a healthy heart. These types of food also help in keeping your heart healthy, thanks to the good fats, fiber, and nutrients. Plus, all these types of food are readily available across all stores.
4. You do not exercise much.
Physical activity is one of the greatest things that can help you cut down your weight, tone out those muscles, and most importantly prevent you from having chronic heart conditions. If you spend all your time sitting around, chances are that you have already damaged your health in certain ways. Any type of physical activity is better than none. You do not need fancy equipment and fitness instructors to start your health journey. Start by taking long walks, stretching, or doing some jumping jacks, which does not need any technique and anyone would be able to accomplish.
5. You skip the annual health check-ups.
Healthcare specialists always suggest undergoing a complete medical checkup every year. Skipping health checkups might keep you in the dark about your health stats on cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar, which can eventually lead to sudden bouts of cardiac arrest.
Be consistent with your choice
Everything being said, Rome was not built in a day, in other words, lifestyle changes are not something that can be implemented in our life suddenly. Practice makes perfect and therefore you need to be mindful about your practices to add these changes slowly but regularly. Whether your goal is to quit alcohol or to start a healthy diet, try to implement a single habit at a time. Trying everything at once will lead to confusion and demotivation. Moreover, becoming more curious on the health front will make you accountable for your unhealthy habits. It ensures that you are well prepared for any emergencies that might need medical attention. Also, try to encourage others to keep a tab on their health. This will motivate you to continue yours and leads to the overall betterment of the community.
In short, try to keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to live a happy and healthy life. This is possible by keeping aside the bad habits and being responsible about our daily choices.
- Published in Basic Wellness
The Role Of Dairy In PCOS/PCOD
PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common hormonal disorder from which almost 1 out of 10 women tend to suffer. In research, it has been stated that more than 10 lakh cases per year come to light. PCOS can last for several years. This condition is common among females and it is manageable by proper treatment.
There is no known cure for PCOS but women suffering from this are often suggested to avoid some products. One such debatable product includes dairy products. We will see what is the role of dairy in PCOS and how badly it can affect health.
Is Dairy Bad For PCOS?
Consuming dairy products boosts all the PCOS syndromes. It can trigger a woman’s body by making external changes in hormones, acne, and insulin resistance. Below mentioned points will help us in knowing why dairy is bad for women with PCOS.
Dairy products affecting hormones
It has been claimed that milk contains hormones like estrogen and Bovine growth hormone(BGH) and antibiotics which are harmful to the human body. These hormones can affect the ovary, breasts, and uterus and can be responsible for causing cancer.
To treat the bacterial infections in milk, farmers treat it with antibiotics. Hence, the IGF(a growth hormone) and BGH are present in the milk which stimulates the growth of cancer cells.
Dairy products affecting your acne
One of the symptoms of PCOS is hormonal acne. Androgen is present in the milk which can affect the hormonal level.
Dairy products trigger acne too and can cause skin breakout. Cows are injected with antibiotics and hormones which increases IGF in the milk. This leads to the secretion of oil which is the primary reason for causing an acne breakout.
Inflammation
Milk contains a slow-digesting protein, casein which is responsible for making 80% of the protein present in milk. There are two types of casein and they are A1 and A2. Casein A1 is responsible for increasing inflammation in the digestive system. Inflammation can make the condition worse for women with PCOS. They can be diagnosed with some diseases like diabetes, leaky guts, and even cancer due to inflammation.
Impact on Fertility
The high intake of low-fat dairy products can increase the chances of anovulatory infertility. Because of this, ovulation does not take place as ovaries do not release the egg. The lack of ovulation is the reason behind infertility. However, intake of high-fat dairy products may lower the chances of infertility.
Should PCOS Women Avoid Dairy?
Totally avoiding dairy products does not seem to be a great idea. Dairy products are a good source of calcium which causes the strengthening of bones. It also contains vitamin D and vitamin A which can reduce inflammation, and vitamin K which can help in improving insulin resistance.
There is no study or research that strongly suggests avoiding dairy products. There is contradictory information available on the internet which does not give a clear idea. Hence, there is no straightforward answer to this question.
Conclusion
When it comes to dairy products, it is pretty hard to resist them. Cutting out dairy products completely is not the solution. It is better to do research on PCOS, dairy, and its effect on health and then jump to the conclusion.
If you do not want to rely much on dairy products, then have a balanced diet. Include leafy green vegetables, nuts, grams, and beans so that you can get proper nutrients.
- Published in Basic Wellness
All You Need To Know about Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is a common condition that happens to one out of ten people. There is nothing serious about it unless you control it. Normal blood pressure is absolutely necessary for life. Today in this blog we will discuss blood pressure, its type, and the way to control it.
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure of the circulation of blood against walls of blood vessels. This force enables the movement of the blood in the whole body. The blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury that is mmHg. The main force which is provided by the blood pressure helps in supplying oxygen and other essential nutrients for the nourishment of tissues and organs. It picks up toxic waste material from metabolism, delivers white blood cells, hormones, and antibodies.
Ranges Of Blood Pressure
Blood pressure has three types: normal, low bp, and high bp. It is important to have normal blood pressure to lead a healthy lifestyle. If the blood pressure happens to be low or high then it is a problem.
Normal
If your blood pressure ranges from 90/60mmHg to 120/80 mmHg then it is normal. You are at no risk and are safe.
Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, occurs when blood pressure is less than 90/60mmHg. The one with no symptoms does not have serious issues. This usually happens when the flow of blood is inadequate and organs are not getting enough supplements. Light dizziness is a common symptom of hypotension.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension happens when blood pressure is higher than 120/80 mmHg. If the pressure is high for a longer period then it results in hypertension. If the person is stressed, tensed, and hypes up easily then the chances of hypertension increase. It is a serious condition and can even lead to a heart attack. Consulting a doctor and taking proper medication is necessary in this case.
Symptoms
Let us look at the symptoms of high and low blood pressure:
Low BP (Hypotension)
Blurred vision
Fainting
Lightheadedness
Lack of concentration
laziness
High BP (Hypertension)
Shortness of breath
Severe headache
Bleeding of nose
Anxiety
Chest pain
Blood Pressure And Diseases
Heart disease
Hypertension can lead to heart diseases. High blood pressure can make your heart work hard. It puts strain on coronary arteries. This can result in enlargement of the heart. Some of the heart risks are heart failure, cardiac arrest, and heart attack.
Brain Damage
A healthy supply of blood and oxygen is important for the proper working of the brain. Not having normal blood pressure can lead to the blockage of blood causing brain hemorrhage. It can also affect memory and the ability to work.
How To Control Your Blood Pressure?
You can control the blood pressure and keep it normal by following a healthy lifestyle. Adapt these following habits in your daily routine:
Exercise Regularly
Eat healthily
Say no to rich-in-salt foods
No smoking
Limit alcohol intake
Manage stress
Conclusion
High/Low blood pressure is no issue until it is under control. This is not any serious disease or chronic illness which requires treatment. But it can become one if not taken care of properly. With the medications, you can also use home remediation to control your bp. When it comes to health, it is important to have your blood pressure under control. Adopting a healthy lifestyle helps you in keeping your blood pressure normal.
- Published in Basic Wellness
DNA Testing – Why Should You Get One Done
Genetic testing looks for mutations, sometimes called variation, in your DNA. It is helpful in many areas of medicine and can change the medical care you or your family member receives. Moreover, genetic testing may provide a diagnosis of genetic defects such as Fragile X or details of your risk of cancer.
There are many different types of genetic testing. Genetic tests are performed using a blood sample or sputum and you receive the results usually within a few weeks. Home DNA testing has become an inexpensive way for people who want to learn about their health problems and their ancestors over generations. You can buy DNA test kits from home online.
Why should you do a DNA test?
DNA contains the genetic instructions for the growth, function, and reproduction of living things. Genetic diversity may increase your risk for certain health conditions. A DNA test can inform you of your genetic risk for a variety of health conditions. Therefore, this will help you make informed decisions about the changes you would like to make to your lifestyle to achieve your health and well-being goals. Your DNA tells you the complete story of your health, healthy diet, and fitness. Basically, it maps out your health patterns.
Benefits of DNA testing:
Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay
- Eliminating Doubts – Parental testing is the most accurate way to know today to confirm or eliminate doubts about the blood relationship between father and son. This process involves collecting and testing the DNA of a small sample of body fluids or tissues from a child and a potential father. People do DNA tests for a variety of reasons. This could include legal or medical reasons.
- Disease mapping – Many diseases involve complex interactions of the genes involved, in addition to environmental factors. A person who is born healthy may be at greater risk of developing a life-threatening illness. Subsequently, advances in genetic research and testing have helped our understanding and helped to map the disease.
- You can take action: A clear risk situation can direct medical attention. Certain genes are associated with more serious illnesses. Some genes are more sensitive to certain drugs and therapies. Thus, depending on the situation, could lead to further testing or awareness, a change in a healthy lifestyle, or testing for family members.
DNA Test at Home
People use home DNA tests for many reasons. Some find it interesting to know what their heritage is. While some are excited about their ancestors and their origin. Parenting results, when tested in high-quality laboratories, can be among the most accurate with clear results. However, in paternity tests, the results clearly showed that a person needed to follow healthy habits, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, exercising, quitting smoking, not drinking alcohol.
Home DNA testing can be fun and give exciting results. They can help to start, and for further research into your genetic makeup, genealogy, health care, and paternity. The DNA Test Kit may be a simple saliva-based test. It analyzes your DNA to know your genetic makeup. When you send your mouth swab, companies release DNA from your cells. And, they analyze it on a chip that separates the nearly 600,000 positions where human DNA code often varies.
Genetic testing helps to customize the annual health test. Pregnant women may be tested for abnormal DNA of their baby. Because this allows for the early detection of conditions such as Down Syndrome. Prenatal testing happens by looking for signs of blood or amniocentesis.
Conclusion
Genetic testing can trace family history or learn more about racial origins. Moreover, genetic testing can save patients’ lives. Also, it gives medical providers the ability to focus better on their treatment efforts. Now, many people are finding that their DNA has been analyzed for health reasons, comfortably in their homes. Thus, doing a DNA test can help you improve your health and leads you towards a lifestyle.
- Published in DNA Testing
