Monthly Archives: September 2022

Going Healthy, Going Strong, Health, Life, Parenting

How to Stay on Top of Your Health as a Busy Dad

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It can be tough to stay on top of your health as a busy dad. Between work, family time, and all of the other obligations you have, it seems like there’s never enough time to take care of yourself. But it’s vital that you make time for your health, even if it means scheduling some time for yourself each day. This blog post will discuss some tips for staying on top of your health as a busy dad!

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Don’t take your work home with you

One of the most important things you can do for your health is to make sure that you’re not taking your work home with you. It’s easy to get wrapped up in work and bring home all of the stress with you, but this can have a negative impact on your health. Instead, make sure that you’re taking some time each day to relax and unwind, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This will help you de-stress and stay healthy both physically and mentally.

If you find that you are bringing work home with you, try to set some boundaries for yourself. For example, designate a specific area in your house where you’ll work, and when you’re done working for the day, close the door or put away your work materials. This will help you to separate your work life from your home life and avoid bringing unnecessary stress into your home.

Set boundaries with your family

It’s also important to set boundaries with your family when it comes to your health. Just because you’re a busy dad doesn’t mean that you have to put your family first all the time. It’s okay to say no to obligations that will take away from your time, and it’s perfectly fine to put yourself first sometimes. In fact, it’s important!

If you find that you’re always saying yes to everything, try setting some limits for yourself. For example, you might want to only commit to one activity per week outside of work or spend two nights a week at home instead of three. This will help you have more time for yourself so that you can focus on taking care of your health.

Go for regular health screenings

One of the best things you can do for your health is to go for regular health screenings. This way, you can catch any potential problems early on and get treatment if necessary. You can also ask questions during this time, such as mesothelioma survival rates and anything else you may be wondering about. Make sure to schedule appointments for a physical exam, blood work, and any other screenings that are recommended for your age group.

It’s also important to stay up-to-date on your vaccinations. This will help you avoid getting sick and will also protect those around you from getting sick. Be sure to talk to your doctor about which vaccinations are right for you, and make sure to get them on time.

Eat healthy and exercise

Of course, eating healthy and exercising are also important for staying on top of your health. Eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise will help you stay healthy both physically and mentally. If you’re not sure how to eat healthy or where to start with exercise, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can help you create a plan that’s right for you.

It can be tough to make time for healthy eating and exercise when you’re a busy dad, but it’s important to try. Even if you can only fit in a few minutes of exercise each day or cook one healthy meal per week, it’s worth it! Every little bit counts when it comes to taking care of your health.

Look after your mental health

Finally, don’t forget to look after your mental health. This is just as important as taking care of your physical health. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or down, reach out for help. Talk to your doctor about how you’re feeling and they can refer you to a mental health professional if necessary. There are also many helplines and online resources available if you need someone to talk to. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times, but it’s important to seek help if you’re struggling. Taking care of your mental health is an important part of staying healthy as a busy dad.

In conclusion, it’s important to make time for your health as a busy dad. By following these tips, you can make sure that you’re staying on top of your health and keeping yourself healthy both physically and mentally. Though it might take some effort to put into practice, your family will thank you in the long run!

Going Healthy, Health, Life

How to Measure the Personal Impact of Mental Health Stigma

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Around 20 percent of Americans will experience a mental health condition every year. In addition, about half will be diagnosed with a mental health condition at some point in their lives. However, more seriously, about 1 in 25 Americans have a severe mental illness such as major depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.

While many seek treatment, the stigma attached to mental illness prevents many more from asking for help. Stigma occurs when people judge you harshly because of anything that makes you different or a trait that makes you stand out. In the context of mental illness, it happens when an individual is stereotyped, labeled, or discredited due to his mental health.

Sadly, many individuals hold false assumptions and attitudes about those who have mental illness. The mental health stigma is a public health emergency, not just a social one. Discrimination and social stigma can exacerbate mental health issues and prevent people from seeking treatment. However, self-stigma is a problem for a sizable portion of the population. Self-stigma is the negative feelings a person with a mental illness may have about themselves.

Stigma has a severe impact not just on those living with mental illness but also on their families and friends. So it is crucial to measure the individual effect of mental health stigma to minimize its prevalence and impact. The following are significant indicators of the personal effect of stigma related to mental health.

  1. Feeling of Hopelessness

An absence of optimism and apathy marks the feeling of hopelessness. When you feel hopeless, you may stop caring about things that matter greatly to you, such as hobbies, relationships, or even yourself. When someone loses hope, they may lose their sense of security.

Various behavioral and mental health conditions include hopelessness as a symptom, such as depression, PTSD, eating disorders, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and others. To prevent a more serious outcome, it is critical to get help right away. Research shows that many people who are feeling hopeless can recover their optimism and mental health through therapy.

For example, individuals suffering from hopelessness may find relief through cognitive behavioral therapy. The patient’s negative beliefs and preconceptions in CBT are challenged and changed. The focus is on empowering patients to become their own best therapists.

  1. Self-Doubt

Self-doubt is characterized by skepticism about one’s worth and talents. It’s an attitude that prevents you from reaching your full potential and being confident in your abilities. One of the numerous things that might make a person doubt oneself is the stigma attached to mental health issues. Your inability to take praise from others and your unwillingness to give yourself credit are signs of self-doubt.

You can take steps to reduce self-doubt, such as starting each day by looking at the mirror and saying three affirmations to yourself. Avoid comparing yourself to others, as doing so might lead to feelings of inadequacy. You’re special because you’re unique and have your gifts. If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, surround yourself with positive individuals who can support and encourage you.

  1. Avoiding Help

Mental health stigma impacts not only you directly but also the people who care about you and stand by your side. People with mental health problems often face significant social stigma, which can make it difficult for them to seek help.

People who struggle with mental health stigma strongly often do not want to be labeled as weak. If other people discover that they are getting help, they feel ashamed. As a result, they choose to remain incognito until it is too late. This is consistent with a survey finding that 58 percent of students were hesitant to seek treatment for mental health issues at school.

Do not be put off by the labels that have been assigned to you; instead, use them as motivation to get the help you require. For instance, dealing with the social stigma surrounding drug use may be challenging. However, getting assistance from experts at a drug rehab in Riviera Beach County is essential to resolving the issue.

  1. Having Fewer Opportunities

People who struggle with the mental health stigma are rarely in the limelight. As a result, you may lose out on a promotion or other professional opportunity. Isolation negatively affects relationships, maturation, and, ultimately, professional advancement. Do your best to come out of your shell and prove your worth to your coworkers and employer.

Self Help is Essential

Recovery relies heavily on your efforts at self-help. Finding help requires first looking inward. To get started, you must first practice self-awareness and self-control. To better understand the causes of your mental disease, it helps to gain insight into your mind. Think about the things that could set you off, such as your environment, stress, the actions of others, or even global events. Then, recognize the signs and learn to seek assistance when you need it.

Going Healthy, Health, Life

Saturated Fat and Other Things Potentially Bad for Us

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It is widely known that a diet high in saturated fat is bad for us yet we continue to eat foods that contain it in great quantities. This might be because we have developed a taste for the wrong kind of foods or because we do not understand which foods they are. Two questions that we should always be asking ourselves are: Why reduce saturated fat in your diet and what types of foods should be avoided to stay healthy? Then we can look to balance our diet more healthily.

Here are the top five food types to avoid if you want to maintain a healthy diet.

Saturated fat

This type of fat is found in animal products such as butter, cheese, and red meat. It can also be found in vegetable oils such as coconut oil and palm oil. Saturated fat raises LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increases the risk of heart disease.

It’s important to avoid foods that are high in saturated fat, such as processed meats, cheese, butter, and creamy sauces. Instead, we should focus on eating healthy foods that are low in saturated fat, such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.

Always know the foods to avoid and the alternative foods that will prevent you from eating the unhealthy ones. This is the key to getting our diet right. Combined with exercise, diet, will be the key to maintaining health in the short and long term.

Trans fat

This type of fat is found in processed foods such as margarine, crackers, and cookies. Like saturated fats, trans fat increases LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and also makes it more likely that we might suffer from heart disease in the future.

Trans fats are created when vegetable oils are hydrogenated, which makes them solid at room temperature. Trans fats raise bad cholesterol levels and lower good cholesterol levels, which increases your risk for heart disease. They’re also linked to diabetes and obesity.

It is important to avoid the wrong kinds of fat and to understand their impact on the body.

Sodium

This mineral is found in table salt, processed foods, and fast food. Too much sodium can raise blood pressure and again increase the risk of heart disease.

To keep your salt intake under control, try to avoid processed foods, which are often high in sodium, and cook from scratch using fresh ingredients whenever possible.

Sugar

This sweetener is found in candy, cookies, cakes, and soft drinks. Too much sugar can cause weight gain and cavities.

Sugar is one of the worst things for us diet-wise. It’s packed with empty calories and can lead to weight gain and other health problems. We should avoid sugary foods as much as possible. That means steering clear of candy, sugary drinks, and baked goods.

Alcohol

This beverage is found in beer, wine, and liquor. Too much alcohol can damage the liver and increase the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

While diet is an important consideration for living a healthy life, it’s not the only factor. Alcohol consumption is also something that should be limited for optimal health.

Alcohol is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain.

For these reasons, it’s best to avoid or limit alcohol consumption as much as possible. If you do choose to drink, do so in moderation and try to stick to low-calorie drinks like wine or light beer.

So, now you know. These are the five food and beverage types to avoid if you want to maintain a healthy diet. Remember, moderation is key. Enjoy everything in moderation and your health will thank you for it!