Category: Health and Wellness

A Guide To Starting Your Own Successful Crossfit Gym

Three focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Health/Wellness. A lucrative business to start is a Crossfit gym. There individuals who are hypervigilant about their health and want to challenge their bodies like never before. The following contributed post is entitled, A Guide To Starting Your Own Successful Crossfit Gym.

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Have you always wanted to start your own business? Are you interested in fitness? If so, you might have considered combining the two. If you’ve ever been to a crossfit gym and loved the atmosphere, maybe you’ve even thought about what it would be like to open your own crossfit gym (or box, as they call it). This guide will tell you what you need to know about starting your own successful crossfit gym so you can decide whether it’s for you. Opening one of these gyms requires specific licensing and training, but that’s not all. You’ll also need to take into account the following things:

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Choosing Your Name And Business Entity
You’re going to need to make it clear that you’re opening a crossfit gym, so consider this when coming up with a name. This might be descriptive of the location as well as the fact that you are focusing on Crossfit, for example. Just ensure that the name is available in your state and that you will be able to get the correct social handles and domain names to go with it.

A business entity will also be required. Usually, you’ll want something that provides you with protection from liability.

Create A Business Plan
A business plan is the most important part of any business, so this is something you really want to take your time with. Using a ready made business plan template will ensure you have covered all of your bases and that you’ve not missed anything out.

This will usually take a lot of work, but you’ll be glad you did it when it comes time to find investors or apply for loans. They will want to look at your business plan to ensure you have everything planned out and be assured that they will get their money back. This also means doing plenty of research beforehand – who are your competitors in the area? Are there any crossfit gyms nearby? You need to be sure that there’s a market for your services!

Get Certified
Before you begin, you’ll need to get some certifications. Being a level one trainer is key to opening your own box. You’ll need to learn how to safely perform and teach workout techniques. Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to be prepared to pay yearly licensing fees to Crossfit. If you want your gym to be an official affiliate, then you will need to budget for these fees annually.

Register Your Business
Now it’s time to register your business and get your employer identification number. This is going to make paying your taxes possible and obtaining business loans far easier.

Get Funding
You may not have enough money to start this venture all on your own. You not only have the cost of opening the gym to think about, but the certification fee, licensing fee, rent, equipment costs, taxes, employees, and more. You’ll want to have more money than you think you need for the startup costs.

Find Your Gym Space, Purchase Equipment, And Everything Else
Once you have funding in place, you can find your gym space and get permits. Make sure you are happy to pay the specified rent before you sign on the dotted line. Don’t forget about business insurance, as this will protect you from many risks that come with opening a business like this.

You can then purchase all of your equipment, install gym turf, and hire employees (if you need to).

The community aspect of Crossfit makes it attractive to most people. Make sure you build this sense of community in your own gym so that people want to join. This is how crossfit becomes a lifestyle for many people!

Coronavirus Lockdown Doesn’t Make You Powerless. It’s Your Opportunity To Take Control

Two of the focuses of my blog are Current Events and Health/Wellness. The Coronavirus/Covid-19 Pandemic/Crisis has created unprecedented and complex circumstances for everyone. While the situation sorts itself out, you don’t have to let it be the end of your world as there are potential opportunities to better your life in the meantime. The following contributed post is entitled, Coronavirus Lockdown Doesn’t Make You Powerless. It’s Your Opportunity To Take Control.

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How are you, dear reader? It’s okay if you need a moment to answer that question. Like the rest of us, you’re likely dealing with a completely different paradigm in every aspect of your life and work. Your day to day is likely far removed from what it was even at the start of this year. You may be grappling with unforeseen expenses potentially combined with a loss of income. You may have either or a lot less free time on your hands. You may have assumed the role of teacher as you homeschool your kids using resources provided by their school. You may be sleeping a lot less easily, even if you’re lucky enough not to have been directly impacted by the virus itself or lost anyone to it.

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You may feel as though life has spiralled out of your control right now. But fear not, dear reader. This may feel like the end. But it’s actually just the beginning…

Lockdown liberation

While in lockdown you may feel isolated. You may be cut off from the people, places and and activities that bring you meaning. But look at this not as an incarceration but a liberation! No longer do you need to define yourself by the places where you shop or the products you own. You’re no longer the clothes you wear or the car you drive. This can be a very liberating opportunity for you to redefine and reinvent yourself. Whether it’s by giving your business a new marketing push or re-engaging with new hobbies or interests. Now’s the time to pare down the distractions and focus on what really matters.

Cut unnecessary costs and take control of your budget

Now’s the time to start thinking about all those wasted costs that quickly added up in your pre-lockdown life. From the monday morning latte to the beers with the team after work on Friday. Necessity is the mother of invention. Now’s the time to make budgeting your new best friend. See how much you could save on auto insurance with a pay-per-mile company like Metromile. Invest in preparing, cooking, freezing and reheating more homemade meals. See if you can save money by switching your energy, phone or broadband providers. You might just learn that you have more control of your household budget than you thought.

Rethink your diet

Speaking of home cooked meals, the long lines and bare shelves at the grocery store might just be the shot in the arm that you needed. Now that access tro sugary, salty and fatty processed foods is restricted, it’s time to take control of your diet and start making good on those health and fitness promises you made yourself at the start of the year.

Rediscover your creativity

To paraphrase a fictional character… You’re not the car you drive, the clothes you wear or how much money you have in the bank. You are the sum total of all the things that bring your life joy and meaning. If you’re able to get that in your work, fantastic! But if you’re not, it’s time to re-engage with your old interests and rediscover your creativity. Pick up a paintbrush, dust off that manuscript you were working on or get together with some friends over video chat to make a podcast.

Whatever brings you happiness or meaning, the COVID-19 lockdown isn’t going to remove your control over your life… it might just be what hands it back.

4 Signs That Alcohol Is Taking Over Your Life

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. Though it’s not normally thought of as one, alcohol can be a drug of abuse which can ravage the life of the abuser and their family. Some people don’t know once alcohol has taken hold of their lives. The following contributed post is entitled, 4 Signs That Alcohol Is Taking Over Your Life.

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Alcohol dependency, addiction – call it what you want, it’s a serious health issue to worry about. People with an alcohol problem are usually one step away from falling down a deep and dark path that leads to a host of health and social issues. The biggest problem with alcoholism is that it gradually bleeds its way into your life. Many people are living with alcohol problems and they don’t even realize it.

Consequently, here are some telltale signs to be wary of that show alcohol is taking over your life:

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You’re spending way too much money on booze

Take a look at your bank statements or have a look in your fridge at home. Do you see loads of transactions in bars or loads of money spent on alcohol in grocery stores? Is your fridge full of alcohol, and your bins packed full of empty bottles? This shows you’re buying way too much alcohol all the time. It’s an early warning sign that you’re becoming dependent on the substance. You need it in your life, and you feel compelled to have some around you to drink every single day.

You’ve been given charges for drink driving

In terms of clear warning signs, they don’t get much clearer than this. Driving while intoxicated is a terrible thing to do. If you get caught doing this, then it impacts everything from your car insurance to your livelihood. Some companies may fire you if you’re caught with a charge for a DUI, particularly if you’re caught while you’re working or if you’re still wearing your work uniform. To get to a state where you think it’s okay to drink and drive, you must have some sort of dependency on alcohol.

You wake up with a hangover every day

Do you wake up with a pounding head, dry feeling in your throat, and a feeling of slight nausea? If so, then you’re exhibiting the signs of a hangover. This happens when you drink a lot of alcohol, and it’s normal to experience this after a night out with friends once a week. But, if you have a hangover every day, then it shows you’re drinking far too much alcohol every night. Also, the signs of a hangover can also be something entirely different. It may be withdrawal symptoms from not drinking. If you start drinking and feel better, then that’s another bad sign.

You’re becoming a recluse

Are you spending less time with friends and family? Have you got into arguments with the people you care about? If so, then you may have an alcohol problem. Alcohol abuse can be damaging to your mental health, as it changes your mood. In turn, you shut yourself off from others and decide to stay inside or be by yourself. You can get annoyed easily, pushing away those you care about. If this sounds too familiar to you, then you have a problem on your hands.

Be mindful of these signs as they show that you have a genuine drinking issue. It’s important to seek out solutions right away as this can have a negative effect on your mind, body, and personal life.

5 Ideas To Help you Get Around Easier

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. A key to our personal health is our mobility and ability to get around our locality, from city to city and even around the world. In some instances this may involve physically being well enough to move around, and in other instances it involves finding and using the right mode of transportation. The following contributed post is entitled, 5 Ideas To Help you Get Around Easier.

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Getting around and from A to B is something that we all need to do. Although, right now, you may find that you may not be going to as many places as you were before, it’s safe to say that you still need to be able to get about. And so do many others. Yet, when this isn’t usually that easy for you or you are currently without your usual mode of transport, you may need to consider new ideas. Maybe you have mobility issues and you’d like to be able to change that? Let’s take a look at some of the ideas that might inspire you.

1. Stretch Out

So, to start with, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re trying to work on your mobility more. If you know that you tend to get a bit achy after walking too much or you struggle with mobility, stretching can help. Just five or ten minutes a day can make such a difference.

2. Use Support

Now, as a step on from that, if you know that you are struggling to get around at the moment, then maybe you need to be thinking about support? This could mean looking at different canes or even an electric scooter to help you get around quickly. If your mobility is compromised, it’s definitely best to support your movement than let it get worse.

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3. Invest In The Right Car

From here, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re able to invest in the right vehicle for your needs. And this isn’t just picking out the one that is the prettiest or the one that you think sounds coolest. When it comes to being able to get around easiest, you’ll want to find a car that’s efficient on fuel or cheap for you to run. Sure, if you have the budget available, then definitely think about investing – but make sure your money counts.

4. Work Out Public Transport

Next, it could be that you just want to be able to get out and about in the most efficient way possible? When that’s the case, public transportation could be best for you. Sure, at the moment, we’re advised not to use it unless absolutely necessary and some services aren’t running. But in general, public transport could be the most efficient way for you to get to work or out and about – especially if you live in a big city.

5. Consider An Alternative

Finally, you may find that you like the idea of using a bicycle or a motorcycle instead? Sometimes, you don’t want to walk everywhere – but at the same time, you don’t want to use a car. There are many reasons why a car wouldn’t be suitable. But maybe getting a bicycle to help you get from A to B could be perfect. So think about what you can do to find the perfect movement solution that is cost effective and most suitable for your lifestyle.

Bucket List Holidays That are Within Reach

A key focus of my blog is Health and Wellness. A key part of our personal health is taking vacations. Vacations not only renew our personal health but in many instances the destinations are lifelong dreams. The following contributed post is entitled, Bucket List Holidays That are Within Reach.

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Image credit – Pixabay

We all have a list, either written down or somewhere in our minds – what we would do if we won the lottery, if that big investment comes through, if we are suddenly gifted with a huge inheritance from a long-lost relative. It will be different for everyone, but top of many people’s lists is a fabulous holiday. Well, it might be time to seize the day. Below, we’ve listed some top, bucket list destinations that might be within reach even before you make it big. Read on to find out how you can enjoy a luxury vacation without breaking the bank.

1. Yachting

If you’re dreaming about turquoise waters, hopping between islands that look like paradise, being brought champagne on ice whilst enjoying the sunset over the ocean, then a corporate yacht charter is the dream holiday for you. If sunbathing on deck whilst sipping on a cocktail and enjoying the open water is your idea of heaven, then look into a yachting holiday for your next escape. There are some excellent value-for-money packages – which doesn’t mean scrimping on quality one bit. You can enjoy the Rockstar lifestyle, cruising between tropical islands. The ultimate celebration of a lifetime.

2. Safari

There are plenty of reasons a safari is top of so many people’s list of dream holiday destinations. Experiencing an entirely different way of life and seeing animals that you’ve only encountered before in zoos or onscreen. If you love travel and wildlife, then an African safari is the perfect getaway for you. You will be embarking on the adventure of a lifetime, and doing so surrounded by spectacular landscapes and animals in their natural habitats. Even if you just want to relax in nature, you can do so, and there are plenty of safari options to suit every budget.

3. The Pyramids

If you are looking for an experience on vacation that will take your breath away and is truly stunning, then look no further than a trip to explore the Egyptian pyramids. There’s a reason these huge stone monuments are listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – seeing the feat of human building and engineering in a time before machinery is truly awe-inspiring. There is so much history in the stones and it’ll be an educational trip for kids as well. Do your research and find out whether an Egyptian adventure is the perfect vacation for you (with or without the kids)!

4. Blue Lagoon

Swimming in the bluest lagoons you’ll ever see in Iceland is an unforgettable experience. The water is heated so, although you’ll be surrounded by snow and ice, you can relax and unwind in the warm water, looking out over the unspoilt, snowy landscape. Not only that, but while you’re in Iceland, you can catch another natural phenomenon that makes it onto many people’s bucket lists – and that’s the chance to experience the Northern Lights. Many people dream for years about standing beneath the curtains of light in the sky so, if that appeals, take the opportunity and book this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

How To Grow Your Home Care Agency

Three of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Health/Wellness. As significant percentages of the population age, home care agencies are going to take on a greater importance. If you’re in this type of business/sector, there are keys to growing your business. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Grow Your Home Care Agency.

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As the population ages, there are more and more people in need of care, whether in retirement homes or with in-home care. This means the time is ideal for those with a home care agency to grow their business and find plenty of new clients. Here’s how to grow your business so yours is the agency that stands out.

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Offer Longer Visits
Many people worry about their elderly relatives not getting a good quality of care, due to rushed workers not having enough time to spend with each person they see. To make your agency stand out, try to strike a balance between the numbers of staff you have and how many clients they visit each day so each client gets a suitable length of visit to make sure they’re getting good quality care.

Embrace Technology
Technology has become a big part of many areas of healthcare, including home care for the elderly. Use tools like SwyftOps to schedule care tasks, and allow the family to track what tasks have been done when, offering greater efficiency for you and peace of mind for your client and their loved ones.

Be Flexible and Responsive
One of the main reasons that people resist help from a carer is that they feel they have lost control over their own lives. By offering a service that is responsive and flexible, you can better adapt to the individual client, so they feel respected and listened to. For example, don’t have a set schedule that you apply to all clients. Try to adapt to their own preferences around things like meals and sleep.

Think Personal
It can be easy for a rushed careworker to concentrate on just ticking over their tasks as fast as they can so they can meet their targets. Allow them time to treat each client like a person, not a task to be ticked off. This means they’ll be able to talk to them and get to know them, offering a much more personal level of service that clients will like.

Offer Support For Relatives
When your workers aren’t there, care falls to your client’s relatives. Their relatives may not always be sure how best to support them, especially in the case of conditions like dementia. As well as caring for your client, try to offer support for their relatives too while you’re there. Answer their questions, listen to their concerns and worries, and try to offer useful advice for caring for the loved one when you’re not there.

Ask For Feedback
You can’t improve your service if you can’t identify the problems. Regularly ask for feedback from your clients and their relatives. This will help you to find any common issues that are concerning people, allowing you to correct them and keep your clients happy.

You should also make sure to offer your staff frequent training to make sure their skills and knowledge are up to date. Use the feedback to find the gaps in their knowledge that would benefit from further training.

3 Personal Signs That You Should Move To A New House

Two key focuses of my blog is Financial Literacy/Money and Health/Wellness. Major parts of one’s health and wellness are environment and living space. Sometimes after living in a given house for a period of time, the time comes to move to a new house for reasons like more space, or a different location. The following guest post is entitled, 3 Personal Signs That You Should Move To A New House.

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Home is where the heart is, and it should stay this way. Sometimes, people lose the feeling of home is the places they live in. When this happens, it’s usually a sign that they should move to a new house.

Because there are economic factors to think about when making this decision, people tend to overlook personal reasons. This shouldn’t be the case because a person’s home is where they can happily let their guard down at the end of the day. It should feel like their only place of solace-their sanctuary. The following are personal factors that can cause people to move into a new house:

A fresh start sounds like a huge sigh of relief

Sometimes, the memories attached to a place becomes a cloud of gray looming above the head. Perhaps, the walls echo certain screams, or the stain on the carpet reminds you of someone who left.

Moving to a new place will give you a clean slate-a new place to paint and create new memories. Maybe the picture frames on the walls need to be updated. Maybe your feet would love hardwood floors this time. Who knows? You’ll never know until you try to start anew.

Changes in lifestyle

In a constant battle of self-discovery, you might have uncovered a part of you who doesn’t like the city, wants the beach life, or simply needs a few other rooms in their house for leisure. When your current home cannot accommodate changes in your lifestyle, it may feel more of like a cage than a comfortable place to rest.

By moving to a different place, you can select a house that can check all the boxes for what you want in life. Do you want a beach house? Do you want a mini-bar? Do you want an entire gaming room? Make sure to lay it all out before making a decision.

Your life-long dream is in a different city

It’s hard to get things done if places are far from each other. It’s more cost-efficient and convenient to move to a place where it’s nearer your dream job or your true calling. Transportation could take hours, and this is time wasted when you’re trying to achieve your goals. If your house is nearby, you can go home to eat or sneak in some sleep. You’ll also save money by traveling less and eating meals at home.

You can have doubts

It’s a drastic change that requires a lot of energy, decision-making, and resources, but it’s a necessary change. If you don’t want to let go of your current place yet, you can purchase a pre-selling house and lot in Cavite. This way, the new site is not yet built, so you can still stay in your current home.

Pre-selling houses have lower prices, too, because the actual structure doesn’t exist yet. To purchase something that’s only a plan requires an enormous amount of trust, so this trust is paid back by an objectively smaller price tag.

You don’t have to rush yourself into making this decision. Think about what it entails to transfer to another place-peace of mind, better quality of living, and dreams becoming more tangible.

3 Great Resources To Help Improve Your Mental Health

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. Maintaining your mental health is critical, arguably more so than maintaining your physical health. Most people don’t think about it though or know how to do it. The following contributed post is entitled, 3 Great Resources To Help Improve Your Mental Health.

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Maintaining good mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. We are all likely to experience some form of mental health issues at some point in our lives, but as long as you know how to deal with it effectively, you can come out of the other side much stronger.

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There are plenty of lifestyle changes that you can make, but it is also important that you make use of the resources that are available to you. There are so many great resources that can teach you more about mental health so you understand the root cause of your issues, and some resources that can give you good advice on improving your mental health. These are some of the best resources that can help you manage your mental health.

The Internet

The internet is a huge source of information and there is so much about mental health on there. There are sites like Prosperity Alaska that have loads of great articles about mental health and wellness, with so many great tips on improving your mental health. Reading these kinds of sites will help you to find new ways to change your habits and lifestyle for better long term mental health.

You can also find a lot of information about the causes and symptoms of mental health issues, which helps you to identify when you may have a problem. However, there is a lot of bad information on the internet, so it is important that you find official medical bodies so you know that you are getting good advice.

Books

There are a lot of great books out there that can help you to improve your mental health. In a lot of cases, it helps to know that other people have experienced the same problems as you and found ways to deal with them. You can learn from their experience and try some of the methods that they found useful, which is why books about mental health are such an effective resource. There are books that cover a lot of different things, like managing stress, dealing with anxiety, reaching your full potential, and dealing with traumatic life events. Not everything that you find in these books will be applicable to you, but if you are having a hard time, you should try reading some books about mental health.

Your Doctor

The best place to go for advice about mental health is always your doctor. Even though it is good to make lifestyle changes and find your own advice, you should always see a medical professional if things are getting on top of you. They will be able to prescribe medications that can be very useful, and they will also help you to find other treatments, like talking therapies, which are so effective when trying to deal with mental health problems.

If you make good use of these resources, you will find it a lot easier to manage your mental health and avoid any serious issues in the future.

6 Ways Has Technology Has Improved Healthcare

Two focuses of my blog are Health and Wellness and Technology. Technology has significantly changed healthcare from what it used to be. For patients, healthcare practitioners and even investors, it’s important to understand these. The following contributed post is entitled, 6 Ways Has Technology Has Improved Healthcare.

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Technology continues to improve every day, so much so, it can be hard to keep up with it. Many of these technological advancements are within healthcare. Without access to this new technology, our lives would be completely different. It is making it easier for doctors to give patients diagnoses, reducing the length of procedures, and helping people to live longer. Below are several ways that technology has helped, and continues to help, improve healthcare:

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Access to information
The information that ordinary people can get access to has increased due to the internet. Instead of visiting your doctor for every issue, you may be able to find treatments and advice about minor illnesses and injuries online. It is not something that should replace going to the doctor altogether, but it allows patients to take control of their health. You may be able to follow the advice that you find online, and then if your symptoms do not get any better, visit the doctor. The internet is also a useful tool for doctors and other medical professionals. If there is something they aren’t sure about, or they want to know more about, they can take the time to research it online.

3D Printing
3D printing is becoming more and more useful in healthcare. It can be used for many things, including implants, prosthetics and even synthetic skin.
Using 3D printing for prosthetics is great because it provides a low-cost prosthetic option for those who need it. Traditionally, making prosthetics is something that can be very expensive because they have to be made specifically for an individual. With 3D printing, it can be personalised to the individual for a fraction of the cost, in a fraction of the time.
3D printing is something that is going to continue to develop and revolutionise many different aspects of healthcare.

Less invasive procedures
As technology has advanced, there have been significant developments made to surgery and other medical procedures which have made them less invasive. In the past, having surgery would have come with high risks and long recovery times, but now in many cases, the opposite is true. There are now procedures that can be completed with keyhole surgery or laser treatments. They are much lower risk, and the recovery times can be reduced significantly.

More accountability and efficiency
The advent of electronic databases means that your medical history and records can be easily accessed by a medical professional that needs to treat you. They will be able to see the results of any tests you have had in the past, illnesses or injuries you have been diagnosed with, and any medication you have been on. It is much more efficient than receptionists having to search through tons of files to get your notes. This electronic database also allows for greater accountability on behalf of the medical professional. Everything must be adequately documented and ailments properly dealt with so that there are no cases of malpractice. If someone needs to investigate any malpractice accusations, it is easy to do with electronic medical record audit trails.

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Improved detection methods
All the tests that are used in healthcare provide so much information that it is now easier than ever to diagnose exactly what the issue is and find the best solution to fix it. Medical professionals have access to x-rays, ultrasounds, MRI’s and other imaging devices that can help them to see what is going on inside the body. Many can help to detect problems earlier than other methods, so treatments can be given to prevent issues from getting worse, or with more success and less risk.

Access to wearable technology
If patients visit a doctor with a condition that needs to be monitored, many can now be monitored from home. If a patient has a suspected heart condition, and they need more information that an EKG can give them, they may be asked to wear a small device that will monitor their heart’s activity over a certain period of time. During this time, the wearer can go about their normal, everyday routine while still having their heart rate and rhythm monitored.
There are even watches that people can buy to monitor their health and fitness and encourage them to be more proactive about their health. Many will record the number of steps that you do everyday and detect how active you are by monitoring your heart rate. Some can even monitor your sleep. Knowing this information can help people to make positive decisions for their health.

Practical Tips For Supporting Vulnerable People Who Are Self-Isolating

Two key focuses of my blog are Current Events and Health/Wellness. As our world is dealing with the Coronavirus/Covid-19 Pandemic, people are being asked to practice “Social Distancing” and self-isolation. These new Coronavirus strategies aren’t necessarily healthy for people who are self-isolating even though they are necessary. The following contributed post is entitled, Practical Tips For Supporting Vulnerable People Who Are Self-Isolating.

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We live in scary and uncertain times. The coronavirus will have far-reaching effects not just for our healthcare system but for the global economy and business to say nothing of the potential long-term sociological effects. Yet, for those of us who make a living from caring for society’s most vulnerable, or those of us who care for elderly or infirm loved ones, our thoughts turn not to ourselves, but to those who rely on us. If you care for someone who is self-isolated, elderly or sick with a compromised immune system, whether you’re a medical professional or just a loving relative, here are some practical tips for protecting our most vulnerable and isolated in this difficult time.

Image by Matthias Zomer via Pexels

Encourage healthy eating

Those who are isolated tend to be less inclined to cook for themselves. Moreover, those who are in a state of stress or anxiety may experience a dramatic decline in appetite. At best, vulnerable people may sustain themselves with a variety of highly processed sugary, fatty or salty convenience foods. At worst they may eat nothing at all.

It’s essential to encourage, or even facilitate, healthy eating. Ensure that they eat a diet that is balanced with a good nutrient to calorie ratio. Make sure they have access to as much fresh fruit and veggies as possible. Not only is fresh produce packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein, it also contains phytonutrients which are believed to support immune function.

Plus, let’s not forget, food is a source of enjoyment as well as fuel for our bodies. Sharing delicious home cooked meals can make a huge difference to someone’s day.

Encourage them to wash their hands properly

We all know how important hand washing is in the current climate. As much as people seem to think that stockpiling alcoholic hand sanitizer will insulate them from the risk of coronavirus, there’s really no substitute for good old fashioned soap and water. In fact, the very act of washing your hands literally tears viruses apart. Viruses come packaged in a wall of fats and proteins. Soaps dissolve the bonds that hold viral cells together so when you wash your hands, you’re not just washing them down the drain, you’re wiping them out.

However, our charges who experience diminished cognitive functions or neurological impediments such as dementia may not be willing or able to wash their hands regularly. Where possible, it’s vital to ensure that they understand and use the proper hand washing technique. Medical professionals will already be well aware of this but family carers can check it out here. Where it’s not possible to educate your charge on proper hand washing technique, it’s up to you to ensure that their hands are clean especially before eating.

Ensure that they are continuously monitored

As hard and as diligently as you work to protect the person or people you care for, it’s okay to admit that you’re only human. Fortunately, technology can lend a helping hand to monitor charges even when you’re not on the premises. Continuous EEG monitoring equipment is appropriate both for home and hospital use. It offers real time monitoring of brain activity 24/7 to give carers peace of mind and inform ongoing therapy options. It can track seizure activity, provide a steady stream of data for review by your charge’s doctor or specialist physician and help medical professionals to make fast and effective decisions pertaining to therapies or drug treatments.

Help them feel cared for and supported

We’ve yet to encounter the true sociological cost of self-isolation. As friends and family members become separated from one another and married couples experience potential cabin fever that can put a strain on their relationship, we can expect to see some serious social fallout as a result of the coronavirus. However, for the people in your care, it may compound their existing feelings of isolation and vulnerability. The elderly and infirm are among the most isolated in our society and the most prone to anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts.

As such, perhaps one of the most important things medical professionals and family members can do is be there for our charges socially. Keep them chatting, let them know you’re available. Ask how they’re feeling and encourage them to share their thoughts and experiences with you.

Your emotional support, compassion and availability may be just as lifesaving as your health and hygiene precautions or the medication you administer.

This current pandemic can exacerbate the sense of isolation felt by the isolated and make them even more vulnerable. In this climate, the support you lend them is more important than ever!