Yoga: The Ups and Downwards Facing Dogs

The Forms Yoga Takes & How to Start

A solid yoga practice can benefit anyone. Whether you get a yoga teacher at a studio, or just unroll your mat between your bed and the wall, it fits any lifestyle. If you feel unsafe just thinking about this, here is a great resource on perfectly stable moves.

Yoga has been passed down from generation to generation, the practices changing with each new teacher. So, of course, when you search “yoga” online, you’ll come up with tons of sites with every different flavor. The best part is most of them can be tailored to fit you. With all the resources out there, the results can feel like you’ve arrived late to the game.

figure doing yoga near sunset and ocean — *Yoga has been transforming people for thousands of years.*

Here below, we have a list of the basics to get your journey started. Once you decide on which pathway is best for you, remember a few simple lessons in case you’re taking your very first steps.

Yoga Forms

- Hatha – This is the general category of yoga. You’ll find the usage of “asanas” and “pranayama” teaching here, meaning postures and breathing techniques respectively. Hatha Yoga would be great for beginners to the practice. The original boost for body and mind.

- Vinyasa– This type is more specific as it focuses on moving in a “flow.” With Vinyasa, you synchronize your breathing with your movements, bringing harmony. This practice is good for those that want more exercise via cardio.

- Iyengar– This yoga practice was developed in the 1950s, focusing on improving strength and flexibility. It will require you to hold a pose for about a minute. Its uniqueness is the use of props, harkening back to the yogi using a tree for stability. This practice is good for recovering from injury and to build strength.
  Asanas in a yoga practice will really change your perspective.

- Ashtanga– For a more structured practice, you should look into Ashtanga yoga. Those taught here go in a little deeper than just exercise. It’s a pathway to life. This would be good for those seeking more than just proper alignment.

- Bikram– This is a hot yoga class, so be prepared to sweat! Like Ashtanga, this practice will be more formal, so you’ll get a certified instructor. You should choose this class if you’re wanting a detox/exercise pairing.

- Kundalini– Think of Kundalini yoga like hatha yoga plus focused meditation. This type of yoga is a step above Ashtanga on the spiritual path. Your mind will be trained along with your body. You should choose this practice if you’re looking at building a more spiritual relationship.

- Yin Yoga– This regular yoga practice is taught at a slower pace. You’ll be expected to hold your poses for minutes at a time. If you’re looking to improve circulation and flexibility, this is style fits your needs perfectly.

- Restorative– A subset of Iyengar yoga, the restorative practice is focused on supported postures held for a period of time. It’s the perfect replacement for nap-time. Are you stressed and have a hard time relaxing? Take some time to learn these poses.

- Anusara– Similar to Ashtanga and Kundalini, this Hatha class sharpens spiritual development. The instructions mirror your alignment in the body with alignment towards a higher purpose. Choose this style if you’re wanting meditative exercise, but paired closer to the body.

- Jivamukti– This type isn’t just about the yoga pose either. It melds the practice of loving yourself and everything with the asanas. Unlike the earlier spiritual practices mentioned, this one doesn’t denote specific teaching except for universal love. Choose this one if you’re looking for more peace.

Starting Tips

Now that the different types of yoga are clear you can pick the one that is best for you. There is something for everyone here. But now that you know the type of yoga, where do you start? How do you jump into something that people have been practicing for years? Here are some tips I wish someone told me when I started:

1. Compare Only to Yourself – Meaning don’t look at someone else’s advanced pose and beat yourself up over it. Beginner yoga may be your step, and that’s a major leap from no yoga at all.
2. Breathe– This may seem like a given, but if we get stressed, sometimes we forget to breathe. This is especially true during exercise. You’re going to want to pay attention to your breath as you move. It’s your primary tool.
3. Know Where You Start– Defining what you want out of the practice will give you your path. Write down what you want, refer to the list, and set that intention. If you start with a solid anchor, you’ll reach your goals faster.
4. Know the Pain– We all have different bodies. There are some asanas I just can’t do, and they hurt me. It doesn’t mean I’m a poor practitioner. I know where my pain is, and that empowers me to seek asanas that support lessening that pain.
5. Consistency- Like any practice, you have to be consistent to see results. Whether you’re running, weight-lifting or meditating, yoga is no different. Show up, and half the battle is done.

girls sitting in a yoga class — *Are you ready to join a yoga class?*

Group Insurance: Plan for Your Company’s Health

When and Why to Get a Group Insurance Plan

So, you’ve got a company, and you’re thriving. As a small employer that’s excellent news! But one thing that’s important for your employees (and thus, important to you) is insurance. Next to an employee’s income, health insurance is the second most important employee benefit. This includes health plans, medical insurance, etc, for both full and part-time workers.

business notebook with planning underlined — *The planning stage comes first before you look into getting insurance.*

One of the biggest factors in the job market out there is insurance, which is paramount to keeping your employees happy. Overall high morale reduces employee turnover, and a stable workforce is one of the greatest predictors of continued success. Guaranteed issue insurance can land your company in a “Best Places to Work” chart. Secure employees equal low turnover.

If you haven’t already, you need to look into a group insurance plan.

But what is it exactly?

What is Group Insurance?

This is a coverage type for a defined group of individuals. Usually, companies will offer health insurance as the primary offering and can supplement to include dental, vision, life or disability insurance.

Group insurance is a leg-up for both the companies and the beneficiaries. Because the companies get a large number of people to cover all at once, they can reduce their rates for said individuals, and the process will go smoothly as they want your business. Wholesale isn’t just for paper towels and bread.

So, in essence, it’s a bigger version of individual health insurance (a single policy) where the company is the individual, and all the employees are separate parts.

When to Acquire?

Technically, if you’re self-employed, you could apply for small group health insurance in some states. For the majority of business owners, you’ll probably be thinking bigger. You can look into this whenever you decide the time is right for your company. Many small businesses realize the benefits of having a group insurance plan, both for the business and for the employees, and opt to look into it sooner than later. .

doctor working with a business person — *The peace of mind that comes from group health insurance is an attractive benefit.*

Remember, the choice is yours to make this step for your business. One differentiation to note is employee number as it puts you in a separate category under the Affordable Care Act. However, this shouldn’t guide your decision.

There really aren’t “milestones” separating you from the uninsured line. When you’re ready to make the investment and are looking for the first time, there is no enrollment period you have to wait for. However, make sure that you start shopping at least 90 days prior to the date you want your insurance plan to be active.

If you feel like you’re wanting to purchase group insurance with a smaller business, one marker would be income. The average annual cost for an employee premium is around $5,000.

So, if you can budget $5,000 per employee per year into your books, it may be well worth looking into.

Why Acquire?

There are many benefits to getting a group health insurance plan:

Your employees will likely be healthier given that they have access to healthcare.

These types of expenses for your business are tax deductible which means putting more money in your pocket.

The aforementioned lower turnover. Happy employees=a stable workplace

As you can see, the benefits will outweigh the costs. You’re going to want to keep your employees happy, and you’ll find support from the government and insurance agencies to smooth the process.

business man giving the thumbs up — *You can do this! You have all the help and support you need.*

Acquiring new insurance and seeking a personalized plan can be difficult and time-consuming. An agent will do the smooth the process, allowing you more time to focus on your business.

EZ.Insure offers you this solution. Your agent will answer any questions you have, compare the plans for you, and even sign you up, free of charge. To get started simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or you can speak to an agent by emailing [email protected] or calling 888-998-2027. EZ.Insure makes the entire process easy, and quick.

Pregnant After 30? You May Be Raising Your Risk Of Autism

It is common knowledge that the older a woman gets, the riskier it is to have a baby. This goes for both the mother and the baby. The older parents are when they have a child, the more likely they are to have a child with autism. This falls especially on the mother’s age. New research and data from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) show that there is a link between a mother’s age when giving birth and a child’s chances of developing autism.

*Autism is a developmental disorder that affects 1 in 59 children in the U.S.*

What Is Autism?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder with a broad range of conditions from challenges with social skills, repetitive behavior, motor skills, speech, and nonverbal communication. According to the CDC, it affects 1 in 59 children in the U.S. It is believed that autism begins in the womb with abnormal brain development of the fetus. Every case is different, which is why it is a spectrum disorder. The way in which a person with autism learns, thinks, and problem-solves can range from highly skilled to extremely challenged. Some people need more help with daily living, while others can live completely independently.

The Research

In a study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, researchers reported that both the father’s and mother’s age had an impact on their child’s risk of autism. However, the risk was greater for older mothers compared to older fathers. When they compared the parents’ ages, autism risk grew steadily with the father’s increasing age but accelerated with the mother’s age after 30. If a woman who is younger than 25 has a baby with a man who is older than 40, they are two times more likely to birth a baby with autism than a father who was between 25-29. While the father’s age does take a role, it is the advanced mother’s age that is linked to significant elevated risk, regardless of the father’s age.

Research compared women of all ages that had children to women aged 25-29 who had children. It showed that mothers who had a baby at ages 30-34 were 12% more likely to have a child with autism than women aged 25-29. Women aged 35-39 were 31% more likely to have an autistic child, and women over the age of 40 are 50-70% more likely to have an autistic child.

*Research shows the older a woman is when she has a baby, the higher the risk of autism in the baby.*

Although there is no concrete reason, there are some theories for the increased risk of an autistic child in older women. Some range from environmental factors to genetic factors. One theory is that the older parents are, the more likely genetic mutations occur in the sperm or cell develop.

Many women nowadays are career driven and choose to wait until at least 30 to start a family. Some women just want to live before they can commit to having a baby. Whatever their decision is, it appears that the longer they wait, the higher the risk of their child developing autism. But experts stress that although the parental age is a risk factor, it is not the cause, and should not affect the decision to have children at any age. Maureen Durkin, an epidemiologist and professor of population health sciences and pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison states that “If a couple is faced with the decision of whether to delay childbearing until they finish school and are in a relatively stable position to provide parenting or rush to have children when they are young to avoid autism, I would say the weight of the evidence favors the former approach.”

No matter when you choose to have a baby, if they do have autism, it is okay. Autism does not make a baby, or child any less “normal”. Autistic people are different, not less. Instead of linking thoughts and discussions of autism to fear, pity, and tragedy, we should celebrate it. We should view autism with support, acceptance, and empowerment.

Winter’s Finally Over! Sun’s Out, Sunscreens Out!

This year, the CDC estimates over 7,000 deaths will occur because of melanoma, a form of skin cancer. A lot of people only apply sunscreen when going to the beach or pool. That is one of the biggest mistakes a person can make. Sure you think to yourself you’re going to be exposed to the sun the most in those places. Unfortunately, you get just as much damage from UV rays anytime. UV rays pass through window glass, and reflect off the water, and even off the snow. The more exposure to sun you get, then the more damage you are causing your skin. Needless to say, the rays are strong. It is important to protect your skin every day. But now that the winter is coming to an end, and the sun will be its hottest, be sure to take extra measures to protect your skin. The more exposure it gets without protection, the more likely to burn your skin, causing a higher risk for skin cancer.

It is important to protect your skin everyday with sunscreen. It is especially important when in the sun. — *It is important to protect your skin everyday with sunscreen. It is especially important when in the sun to avoid skin cancer.*

What Kind Of Sunscreen To Use?

There are various sunscreens flooding the market claiming to protect your skin. A lot of these sunscreens only block UVB rays and not UVA rays. Look for sunscreens that have avobenzone or oxybenzone as an ingredient. Those two ingredients will protect your skin from UVA rays. Choose SPF 15 or higher, but know that the lower the SPF, then the more frequent you must re-apply. Try to stick to SPF 30 or 45. If you are swimming or sweating a lot, then it is best to reapply sunscreen every hour.

Remember Sunscreen, Even If It’s Cloudy!

As stated before, the sun’s rays reflect off water and snow, and get you! Clouds do not stand a chance against the rays either. UV rays can be just as harmful when the clouds provide shade. Also, don’t forget to protect your lips! Use a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen of at least SPF 30. They need protection too.

Eat Your Way To Better Skin

Foods aid in better skin health. Lycopene found in tomatoes absorb UVA and UVB rays. — *Foods aid in better skin health. Lycopene found in tomatoes absorb UVA and UVB rays, while carrots help protect the skin with vitamin A.*

There are many foods to eat that help protect your skin. Blueberries and cauliflower are abundant in antioxidants that protect your skin against damage from sun exposure. Lycopene, which is found in watermelon and tomatoes, absorbs UVA and UVB radiation. Carrots, spinach, and kale all contain beta carotene, which provides us with the vitamin A our skin needs for natural skin protection. While just eating these foods will protect your skin, keep in mind it’s not enough and that you need to also apply sunscreen. Consider these foods an additive to protecting you alongside your sunscreen. Like a sidekick!

The older you become, the more aware you become of skin care. Thinking back to all the times we would put baby oil on just to tan, talk about regret! While having a sun-kissed look during the summer is nice, remember you are causing more harm than good to your skin. Protect your skin as much as you can. Not only will you avoid cancer, but you will help your skin look more beautiful and youthful over the years. Less sun exposure/burn means fewer wrinkles!

Trump claims to defeat HIV/AIDS by 2030, Is It Possible?

Over the past couple of months, President Trump has made a few promises to the public regarding healthcare. Just this past December, he promised to protect pre-existing conditions, and now during his State of the Union Address, he pledges to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. His plan is to reduce new HIV infection by 75% in the next five years, and almost by 90% in ten years. Is it possible? And just how does he plan to do it?

HIV Numbers At A Standstill

*In order to defeat HIV, there must be a way to get treatment and prevention methods to those who need it.*

According to data collected by the CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 2010 and 2016, the overall number of HIV infections was dropping. The report indicated that HIV was higher among people aged between 25 -34, but lower among people aged 13-24 and 45-54. The number of women getting infected decreased but remained stable among men. In 2016, over half of those infected with HIV were males.

Although the numbers were declining for several years, it seems that the decline in annual HIV infections has stopped. After five years, it began to level off in 2013 at about 39,000 infections per year. The reason for the stall in numbers is simple, funding. People who could benefit most from HIV prevention and treatment are not able to retrieve it.

Trump’s Plan

Trump’s proposed budget for 2020 includes almost $300 million towards his campaign to end HIV. “In recent years, we have made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Scientific breakthroughs have brought a once-distant dream within reach,” Trump said in the address.”My budget will ask Democrats and Republicans to make the needed commitment to eliminate the HIV epidemic in the United States within 10 years. Together, we will defeat AIDS in America.”

Funding is very important in order to get rid of the HIV epidemic. — *Funding is very important in order to get rid of the HIV epidemic within the next 10 years, as promised by Trump.*

In 2001, President Bush made the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. In 2003, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was created. Because of these two programs, there have been half as many deaths. Trump plans to fund programs in geographic places where HIV infections are high. With the data collected, they will expand HIV prevention and treatment. With the upcoming programs alongside the Global Fund, and PEPFAR, many are hoping to see a significant decrease in HIV infections.

Heather Bradley, an assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Georgia State University’s School of Public Health, conducted research on HIV observation. She estimates that although Trump claims a 90% decrease by 2030, it will more realistically be a 67% reduction. She did say that 90% can be achieved, but it will take a lot of government resources to make it happen.

Is Activated Charcoal The Answer To Better Health?

Black cones, black ice cream, black smoothies, black everything! It seems the dark side has taken over for the benefit of your health. But is it really beneficial? Activated charcoal has become one of the latest trends. It is being used for everything, ranging from external applications for your face, body, and wounds, to internal uses such as toothpaste, and supplements. Now it is even in foods. Some people even take shots of activated charcoal for a boost of energy, or as a detox cleanse. But is it actually good to ingest it?

*Activated charcoal binds to whatever it comes into contact with. This is why a lot of people are using it to remove bacteria and oil from their faces and bodies.*

What Is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal is created by burning organic matter such as coconut shells, wood, and bamboo. Once the matter has turned into ash, it is “activated” by being exposed to gases at high temperatures, removing all oxygen, water, and impurities. Because it is activated, it becomes highly binding to anything it comes in contact with, such as oil, and bacteria. Think of activated charcoal as a sponge with tiny pores ready to absorb unwanted items.

How It Works

When activated charcoal comes in contact with anything, it clings to it and removes it from the body. This is why people use activated charcoal masks to remove oil and dirt from their face, body washes for acne, and toothpaste to whiten their teeth (and yes this will get very messy). Many people use the powder as a detox to remove toxins such as poisons, drugs, and bacteria from the digestive system. People turn to ingesting activated charcoal pills, smoothies, or shots with the intentions of losing weight, lowering cholesterol, and relieving gas or bloating. Others use it for the purpose of removing toxins from their body if they feel a cold or the flu coming on. Some people even ingest it for the purpose of reducing a hangover!

Concerns Regarding Ingestion

Consuming activated charcoal may seem harmless, and even like a good idea, but there are some major concerns from medical professionals. Because activated charcoal binds with all kinds of things, it will also bind to the good stuff. It does not know what is considered bad or good. It will bind to vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from your food. This means that you may risk losing your positive food benefits. The end result can be extreme malnutrition. While activated charcoal removes the bad bacteria and gunk from your intestines, it will also remove the good bacteria. Lastly, because of its binding effects, activated charcoal will absorb medications, making them less effective.

Too Much Of Anything Is A Bad Thing

*Activated charcoal removes not only the bad bacteria from your intestines, but also the good bacteria. It removes nutrients from food and can cause malnutrition.*

Before it became mainstream to have foods dyed black, activated charcoal was used for medicinal purposes such as a detox for food poisoning, and even recommended by doctors. Doctors would prescribe it, but make sure to follow up with a laxative so your body gets rid of the charcoal once it has done its job. If not, the charcoal will linger and continue to cling to things. Also, if you consume too much activated charcoal, then it can result in constipation. While it is good to use for certain issues here and there, it is not a good idea to eat or drink it every day.

Dr. Angie Sadeghi, a board certified Gastroenterologist and Internist, says consuming activated charcoal when healthy is pointless. “In my opinion, it seems counterproductive to even eat activated charcoal with food. Activated charcoal is used for detox purposes because it will bind to medications and toxins in the body – but it will also bind to nutrients in food. It is recommended when using activated charcoal for an overdose or detox to take it on an empty stomach, therefore putting it in food makes no sense other than to be a fun coloring or health gimmick.”

The state of New York has banned the use of activated charcoal in foods because they stated the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) prohibited adding it as a food coloring agent. Although the FDA has not given approval for it, they haven’t necessarily banned it either. Before consuming activated charcoal, make sure you are educated about the effects of it. It can be great for lowering cholesterol, relieving gas and bloating, or removing toxins and chemicals from your body, but it should be done with caution and moderation. Too much of anything is a bad thing.

Tag: health