8 ways dental implants benefit seniors

Showering may seem like a simple act, but there are some common showering mistakes that one could make that may harm skin health. This easy 10-minute ritual is important for maintaining daily hygiene and ensuring that one does it correctly. This practice is crucial for good skin and hair health. Here are some things one needs to be careful of and other tips that may help avoid the repercussions of these common mistakes.

Using excessive soap
Yes, it is a cleaning agent, but it can also quickly dry out the skin when used in excess. Many soaps are available in the market, but try looking for a soap with a moisturizing ingredient or something called stearic acid. This is an ingredient that is used to harden the soap, and it helps in creating a thick lather that feels velvety to the skin. Thanks to its occlusive properties, using this ingredient in soap will keep the skin hydrated and prevent moisture loss from the surface.

Frequent showers
Taking too many unnecessary showers in a day may cause the skin’s natural oils to dry, leaving it dry and flaky. It is important to stay clean and hygienic to avoid any infections. However, bathing more than three times a day is a waste of natural skin oils and can lead to infection too. If your skin gets too dry and cracked, bad bacteria can easily enter the surface and cause skin-related issues. You do not have to constantly stay in a sterile environment as it will only lower your immunity unless you are sick and are advised to stay in a specifically clinically sterile environment.

Not washing the towels for many days
Yes, towels are used to clean your clean body after a shower, but what often goes unnoticed is that the towels are not left to dry properly enough. They need sunlight and a dry environment to avoid the infestation of bacteria that could develop in the damp environment. A dirty, damp towel can cause skin issues like warts, athlete’s foot, jock itch, and even toenail fungus. It is advised to change your towel once a week at least and dry it properly after every use. If you stay in a humid region, wash the towels more often and keep dry spare towels.

Not cleaning the loofah regularly
These all seem like self-cleaning products as they get scrubbed with soap every time you shower, so it may seem like they do not need a wash or cleaning. But this is a common myth that needs to be addressed. A loofah should be cleaned every week in a bleach solution to avoid any development of bacteria in the damp loofah. You can use a diluted bleach solution and let the loofah soak in it for five minutes before rinsing it with water. Drying it out under the sun is advised so that the bacteria does not dwell on its moist body. Also, you should ideally replace a loofah every month, whether it is a cloth material or other natural material. A plastic loofah can be replaced every two months to avoid possible infections.

Excessive hot water showers
They are the most comforting, for sure, especially during winter. But what is most often missed during this hot shower ritual is that this water temperature does more harm than good for the skin. It can remove the natural oil from the skin’s surface and leave it dry and itchy. This is especially true for anyone already dealing with skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema. Therefore, to prevent any other skin-related problems, the temperature of the water needs to be controlled. It is recommended to take a shower with lukewarm water for not more than 10 minutes. This can prevent unnecessary damage to the skin.

Washing hair too often
If you are washing your hair daily, this is especially for you. Consider skipping this step from your daily shower routine. Unless you have an extremely oily scalp and are advised by the dermatologist to wash daily, you are only stripping the scalp of its natural oils, which can lead to multiple hair issues. If you are going to the gym, it is advised that you keep a proper hair wash routine so that you don’t feel inclined to wash your hair daily. Wash them only on the days that you are doing an intensive workout, which will make you sweat a lot. Also, be mindful of the products you are using. Ensure that the ingredients are safe to use and do not do more harm than good when cleaning the scalp.

Not having a grab bar installed
This may not seem like an important addition when you are young, but it should be added to all the bathrooms. Shower safety is important, so make sure that you install a grab bar in the shower and also anti-slip mats to avoid any falls. This is especially important for anyone who is staying alone and does not have access to help easily. If you have seniors living with you, this is an essential addition to the bathroom.

Not moisturizing the skin right after a shower
An important self-care step post-showering is applying moisturizer on your skin to help hydrate it. A lot of people wait till they are completely dry to put on the moisturizer, and this is a mistake you can avoid. Get your moisturizer in the bathroom and put it on damp skin. This helps the product get absorbed better and leaves a hydrating effect for long hours. This is especially advised for those dealing with skin issues like eczema and psoriasis and who need help with keeping skin itch-free. Make sure you consult the dermatologist for effective skin products for the best results.

Revamping your home entails joy as well as responsibility. Home renovations are a major expense, with kitchen remodels costing an average of $22,000, and smaller projects, such as bathrooms, costing around $10,000. These projects also require a fair amount of your time and attention, as you manage the workforce, look into budgeting, and work around technicalities. Steering clear of these common home renovation mistakes can help you save money and time.

Setting an unrealistic budget
Even the most strategically planned renovation projects can end up costing you more than your original budget. To avoid any unforeseen circumstances, account for 20% extra when creating a budget. This will help you incorporate any additional expenses you may encounter.

Forgetting to consider daily activities
When you’re looking to renovate the home you are living in, it is important to consider how your daily life will be affected during the renovation. Be sure to have a plan to work around managing your day-to-day activities before you start.

Not complementing the existing style
Your renovation plans are meant to modify your living space, so you do not need to plan everything based on the existing structure. However, complementing the current style can help make your home look put together and also improve its resale value in the future.

Being too trendy
Trends come and go, so don’t be too eager to redesign your home based on one. Your home renovation style could impact your home’s market value in the long run. So, look for sleek, classic designs, or consult an architect for the best results.

Buying furniture and home décor pieces in advance
Don’t be in a rush to buy appliances, furniture, and other products for your renovated home. Wait until the plans are finalized and you have a clear idea of measurements such as carpet area, counter space, and more. If you’re planning this well in advance, consider scheduling your carpeting or flooring in November and December, since you can snag several product sales and negotiate better prices with contractors.

Trying to rush the job
If you’re inspired by the timelines on television renovation shows, you may want to alter your expectations. Do not try to rush your renovation plan within a week or less, as this will not give you adequate time to prepare and work according to plan, or address any unforeseen mishaps. It may also compromise the quality of work. Major renovation projects may take anywhere between 3 to 6 months to complete.

Not checking references
When hiring companies or contractors to carry out your home renovation project, be sure to do a background check. Speaking to their former clients can also help you gauge what to expect from them.

Opting for the lowest bid
There are several ways of finding a contractor for your project. One common way people hire contractors is by setting up a bidding system. While choosing the cheapest bid may feel enticing, it is important to consider the quality of their craftsmanship before making your final decision.

Miscommunicating
It is important to keep all lines of communication open with all the parties involved in the project. Establish the best way to communicate with your contractor, whether it is via text, call, or in person. This will help ensure a hassle-free experience.

Thinking you know it best
Everyone has an inspiration they wish to work towards. While that is perfectly fine, it is also important to be cognizant of the realistic limitations certain designs may pose. To work around these, hire an interior designer or an architect to help you ensure a good-quality design that is made from elements that work well together.

Neglecting the plan
Before starting your renovation project, you should have a comprehensive written plan that includes every single detail, including the products to be used and your choice of finish. Do not work with any contractor who does not share a plan with you. While you may still encounter unexpected problems that require some adjustments, a large part of your project should proceed based on your originally documented plans.

Focusing solely on appearances
Esthetics are often the primary focus during a renovation project. But it is also important to address structural and safety issues when revamping your home. This includes ensuring a strong foundation and sub-flooring and upgrading the electrical system. Taking these into account during large renovation projects can reduce the risk of having to damage parts of your home to fix any problems later.

Ignoring lighting
Lighting is instrumental in determining the overall feel of your home. Speak to a lighting specialist to create a lighting plan. This plan will guide the kind of lights you invest in (such as general, accent lighting, or smart lighting), and where they will be placed for optimally brightening your home.

Buying cheap materials
Don’t try to economize on building materials because it will only make you spend more money on upkeep. Instead, invest in durable and high-quality materials for your home as these will last long.

Making the doorways and halls too small
When finalizing your plans, it is also important to check whether the doorways and halls are wide enough to allow the seamless movement of your furniture and appliances.

Ignoring window quality
Another aspect of your home to invest in are the windows. Good-quality windows with the right thermal protection can make your home perfect for any weather and keep your utility bills low in the future.

Forgetting about landscaping
The first thing people see when they visit your home is the yard. Whether you are expecting guests or potential buyers, a neat, tidy, and landscaped yard can go a long way in making a positive impression. So, make sure to accord a small portion of your budget to clearing up and beautifying your yard as well.

Keep these mistakes in mind before embarking on your next project for a fun, relaxed, and hassle-free home renovation experience.

Some people love cleaning while others loathe it. But the fact remains that everyone has to clean their homes now and then. A few prefer to hire people to clean and search for trustworthy cleaning services. However, those who do it themselves quickly learn what mistakes to avoid and which products to use for their home. Here is an all-you-need-to-know guide to getting a clean house and the top mistakes to avoid.

Top 5 cleaning mistakes to avoid
There are several mistakes that you can make even if you clean the house yourself on a regular basis. Some of these are possibly carelessness, while others might be due to disorganization. So whether you clean yourself or outsource your cleaning, there are some mistakes you should avoid.

Using dirty tools
Imagine rubbing a clean surface with a dirty cloth. That is often what happens when you go into cleaning unprepared. It is ideal to wash your cleaning tools – cleaning cloths, scrubs, mop heads, and brushes and disinfect them before use. Always change the filter and empty the vacuum when it becomes full. This ensures optimal performance and also sees to it your cleaning is not ineffective.

Using too many cleaning products
Using excess cleaning products can lead to the furniture or spot being cleaned become greasy. It is the same as dirtying the place you set out to clean. The excess product in the microfibers of your cleaning tools will make you spend more time and energy cleaning the overspray on windows, doors, and countertops. Remember that adding a cleaning solution is more manageable than cleaning up the excess.

Dry cleaning
Most people try to avoid cleaning solution residue on furniture by using a dry cloth. However, the opposite mistake is also detrimental to the cleaning process. Dusting with a dry rag only moves dirt around from one place to another. However, it is best to pick off dirt using a damp microfiber cloth. Such cleaning tools can pick up even fine particles, and if you use the correct cleaning solution, you can make your home look brand new.

Cleaning down-up
If you start from the ground floor and clean your way up the house, all the crumbs, dust, and dirt from your top floors will likely drop down, and you might have to clean your ground floor again. Imagine vacuuming and mopping your house twice! To avoid this mistake, start from the higher levels and work your way down the way Newton and gravity would have it.

Not having a cleaning routine
Maintaining a scrubbing and clean-up outline is sure to help reduce the mistakes in your cleaning. If you only clean on an afternoon before an important meeting or when your kids are running around the house looking for things for their project, you will likely mess up your cleaning. Cleaning on the weekend is another problem since chores often pile up. All of these will obviously make you put off your cleaning and then pile up one day only to overwhelm you. The best way to avoid this cleaning mistake is by breaking down your cleaning into several small tasks and overcoming them bit by bit in your daily schedule.

4 best cleaning services
Finding the best cleaning service for your home and needs can be challenging. If you have no time to clean on your own, then a cleaning service is what you need. The following are three of the best cleaning services available. Remember to consider them the next time you plan to deep-clean your home.

Tidy
Tidy allows you to create a to-do checklist for your cleaners or choose a pre-made one. Their most popular plan has two cleaners working for four hours. If you fill out their online form and choose the date and time, the website automatically estimates how long the job will take. The best part is Tidy is available in almost all major cities throughout the country.

The Maids
With services offered in 41 states, The Maids offers same-day, one-time deep, and recurrent cleaning. Your first deep clean might cost extra, but other than that, they are pretty affordable. You can also get moving out/in cleaning and cleaning done for small businesses. You can get the most efficient cleaning done with the help of an experienced team and a team leader who knows your home and its needs.

The Cleaning Authority
The Cleaning Authority offers house and apartment cleaning, move-in/out cleaning, and one-time cleanings in 45 states across the country. They are known for giving attention to often overlooked areas and using cleaning products that are eco-friendly. Their user-friendly app makes the entire booking and cleaning process easy to monitor.

Servpro
While not exactly a cleaning service, Servpro is the solution to all your restoration needs. Whether it is a foundation expert you need or just an upholstery cleaning, you can get a service that is advertised as “Faster to Any Sized Disaster.” You can avail of emergency services in the event of flood damage or just have your house turned into a home by these industry experts. They bring the most skilled technicians in the field with the most advanced technology to your home to make your space the cleanest version of itself. Call one of their 1900 franchises today!

3 best all-surface cleaners
If you do your home cleaning yourself, some products you need to know about include all-surface cleaners and sanitizers. The following are three of the best cleaning products in the market.

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner
With this product, you can get a cleaner that is pleasant on the nose and can be used on both hard and soft surfaces indoors and outdoors. It is perfect for cleaning tools, tiles, grills, concrete, and even patio furniture.

Mr. Clean Multi-Purpose Cleaner
With a plethora of scent options and great values on their gallon-size bottles, Mr. Clean is perfect if you clean often and clean multiple places with different tools (microfibers, sponges, mops, and the like)

Clorox Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner
This is a Pine-sol disinfectant that allows you to sanitize all surfaces without leaving any residue. Once you’re done, use Clorox’s ForceflexPlus Glad dustbin bags to rid your home of dirt and all sorts of debris without dealing with leaks or bad odors.

The immune system makes inflammation a natural response for healing during an infection or injury. The affected area becomes swollen, and blood flow to that area automatically increases. However, the immune system may mistakenly cause inflammation without infection or injury. When such inflammation affects the joints, they become unstable and painful. This condition is called rheumatoid arthritis. This autoimmune disease can be managed with timely diagnosis and treatment options.

Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, impacts each person differently. While in some, it may advance slowly over time, it may progress quickly in others. The symptoms of pain and stiffness may be persistent or flare up occasionally and be dormant for some time. RA causes pain and stiffness in the affected joints, particularly in the morning or after staying in the same position for long durations. It can also cause a lack of appetite, low BMI levels, and fatigue. In some cases, RA can cause inflammation in the chest, causing severe chest pain.

Complications of rheumatoid arthritis
If left untreated for a long time, the disorder can lead to immobility and other serious health issues like:

• Carpel tunnel syndrome
• Inflammation in the heart’s pericardium
• Sjogren’s syndrome – inflammation of the eye
• Inflammation in the lungs causing COPD or pulmonary fibrosis
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Inflammation of the blood vessels
• Cervical myelopathy
• Joint damage
• Rheumatoid nodules

Common mistakes to avoid if you have rheumatoid arthritis

Getting treatment from a general physician
A general physical may be able to diagnose RA, but they may not have the expertise in treating the condition. Rheumatologists are specialists doctors with adequate qualifications, training, and experience in treating RA. They will be updated with the latest development in treatments that can benefit your overall health.

Not learning about RA
Right after diagnosis, one of the first steps for patients and caregivers is understanding the facts about RA. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common disease, and there could be a lot of myths and misinformation doing the rounds. Talk to your rheumatologist or healthcare providers to understand its impact, the treatment, and the prognosis. There will be clarity about the steps you must take and lifestyle changes you can make to slow the progression of RA. You can learn about the new findings and inventions in the treatment of RA and volunteer to participate in clinical trials.

Resting for long periods
Rest is an important part of RA treatment, as you can feel a lot of pain and fatigue. However, too much rest and minimal exercise can increase joint stiffness and BMI levels. Therefore, it is important to start with about 30 minutes of light exercise like walking, Tai Chi, yoga, or stretching and gradually increase the duration and intensity. You can take a break when you have a flare-up.

Not taking treatment as advised
Since RA is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease, your symptoms may sometimes worsen. Visit your doctor for periodic review and follow-up. They may use blood and urine examinations and X-rays to monitor your condition and adjust dosage and treatment accordingly. Missing treatment can lead to the worsening of RA and its complications.

Not giving up on pro-inflammatory foods
Food triggers can cause a RA flare-up, and avoiding such foods is essential. If you have been diagnosed with RA, avoid the following foods:

• Grilled, fried, and broiled meat
• Food with trans and unsaturated fat
• Sugary foods like candies, cookies, and cakes 
• Food-rich in carbs
• Gluten-rich foods like wheat, kamut, and spelt.
• Flavor enhancers and synthetic additives

Not focusing on emotional wellbeing
RA causes pain and immobility; if the condition is severe, you may need support from friends, family, or caregivers to help you with your daily activities. It is important to share thoughts with family and friends and communicate with your healthcare providers to prevent depression and anxiety from others.

Foods to manage arthritis
Healthy eating is an integral part of RA treatment. Six foods that help to manage RA include:

Fatty fish
Fatty fish generally have darker flesh and are rich in omega-3 and polyunsaturated fats. They help in fighting inflammation and can reduce joint pain and stiffness. Include the following fatty fish in your regular meal plans:

• Sardines
• Mackerel
• Salmon
• Snapper

Fruits and vegetables
Mix RA-friendly fruits and vegetables and create a healthy menu for your everyday meals. Choose the following foods that are rich in antioxidants and help in fighting inflammation:

• Dark green leafy vegetables
• Sweet Potatoes
• Carrots
• Peppers
• Squash
• Onions
• Garlic
• Leeks
• Eggplants
• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Berries
• Apples
• Banana
• Oranges

Whole grains
Replace refined grains with whole grains as they are rich sources of fiber and antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Whole grains suited for RA include;

• Oats
• Bulgur
• Barley
• Quinoa
• Amaranth
• Brown rice
• Millets

Probiotics
New studies reveal that there is a link between changes in gut bacteria and RA progression. Increase the intake of probiotics and prebiotics, which can improve gut health. Examples of gut-friendly food include:

• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Miso
• Fermented tofu
• Pickled beets and garlic
• Greek yogurt
• Buttermilk
• Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables

Calcium-rich foods
Calcium-rich foods can keep the joint tissue and nearby bones healthy and help reduce pain and joint stiffness. Some calcium-rich food includes:

• Low-fat milk
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Green leafy vegetables
• Soya based beverages
• Fortified food
• Almonds
• Sardines
• Pilchards

Iron-rich foods
Iron-rich foods can help fight fatigue, a common outcome of RA. A flare-up can cause anemia and further worsen fatigue. Iron-rich food that can help fight fatigue include:

• Lean meat
• Green leafy vegetables
• Peas
• Beans
• Lentils
• Fortified cereals

Top five smoothies for joint relief
Smoothies are easy to make. Choose from a range of RA-friendly fruits and vegetables and whip up a tasty and healthy smoothie to relieve joint pain.

• Blend a quarter pineapple, ½ mango, one peeled orange, and one carrot with ½ teaspoon of turmeric, ½ teaspoon of ginger, and water.
• Blend two kiwis with 100 grams of kale, one mango, one peeled orange, and water.
• Blend one apple, two celery stalks, ½ pineapple, and a handful of spinach with ½ teaspoon of ginger, one teaspoon of ground turmeric, and one teaspoon of coconut oil.
• Blend ¾ cup blueberries, one cup kale, one banana, 1-2 seedless dates, and ½ spoon nut butter with low-fat almond milk.
• Blend one banana, ½ teaspoon of honey, two teaspoons of matcha green tea powder, one scoop of vanilla protein powder, and one cup of low-fat milk.

Inflammatory bowel disorders refer to conditions that cause inflammation and trigger complications in the digestive tract. This tract comprises various organs, from the esophagus to the rectum, which helps break down foods for energy consumption. IBDs like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease majorly affect organs in the digestive tract and remain undetected till those advanced stages when the symptoms flare up. Here is a brief overview of the diseases and the best foods for managing flare-ups.

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease – An overview
Ulcerative colitis is classified as an inflammatory bowel disorder that develops ulcers in the organs of the digestive tract. These sores can affect the intestine’s inner lining, predominantly affecting the colon and rectum at the end of the digestive tract. In most cases, the symptoms and discomforts do not show up until the progressive changes of the disorder. Ulcerative colitis causes rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, increased incontinence, constipation, fatigue, and fever. The symptoms can flare up unexpectedly without any prior warning.
Crohn’s disease is another inflammatory bowel disorder affecting older adults, triggering inflammation in the digestive tract. While the disease can spread and affect any part of the digestive tract, in most cases, the small and large intestines are severely affected. Common discomforts and symptoms develop similar to that what one experiences with Ulcerative colitis. Outside of the intestinal tract, inflammation of the skin, vital joints, liver, bile ducts, and even the eyes are some unusual signs of developing colitis. Flareups can also trigger complications like kidney stones, iron deficiency, and delayed growth among young children.

Diagnosis and treatment options
Blood tests and stool studies help determine the type of inflammatory bowel disease. Further, endoscopic procedures like colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy are done to determine the condition’s severity and progression. Doctors also recommend imaging tests like X-Ray, CT scans, and MR enterography to locate the size and extent of inflammation in the small and large intestines. For Crohn’s disease, further Magnetic Image Resource testing is done to confirm the progression of the digestive disorder. Post-diagnosis treatments generally include a combination of prescriptions and surgery depending on the stage and severity of the condition. Apart from this, gastroenterologists will suggest healthy daily nutrition and lifestyle changes. These changes help improve the outlook of living with symptoms in the long run.

Superfoods to manage ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
The following foods can help prevent and manage flare-ups during ongoing treatment.

Nutritious fruits
Fiber is one of the best nutrients to be consumed regularly to manage flare-ups associated with digestive disorders, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Low-fiber fruits are easy to digest and don’t pressure the organs excessively. Peaches, bananas, watermelon melon, honeydew melon, and cantaloupe are good sources of fiber, energy, and carbohydrates. These fresh fruits replace starchy foods and heavy proteins to ensure the body digests proper energy supplements. Small servings of assorted berries, including strawberries and blueberries, can boost antioxidant intake to counter inflammation and prevent healthy cell damage. Oranges can also boost immunity as the fruit contains vitamin C necessary for overall health.

Dense vegetables
Skinless mashed potatoes can help supplement the body’s daily potassium requirements without being too heavy on the digestive system. The vegetable pulp is low in fiber and provides a healthy source of carbohydrates to be broken down to supplement energy needs. Avocados are an excellent source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids that actively counter inflammation. Flareups of known chronic digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are generally triggered due to inflammation. Avocados are also rich in healthy B vitamins, Vitamin E and are a nutrient-dense source of soluble fibers that are digested quickly. Additionally, cooked carrots and spinach can supplement the body with essential vitamins A and K, both excellent fat-soluble vitamins that help manage discomfort linked to flare-ups.

Healthy probiotics
Gut bacteria in the digestive tract are critical in maintaining overall health. Any imbalance can cause chronic diseases to trigger flare-ups and, as a result, disrupt vital body functions. Introducing healthy dairy and supplement-based probiotics helps prevent several discomforts linked to ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease from flaring up. Yogurt is an excellent naturally derived probiotic-rich with live bacteria and helps restore gut microbiome balance. Also, calcium deficiency is one of the complications linked to Crohn’s disease. Yogurt can also substitute calcium loss by naturally introducing the nutrient with each serving. Fortified milk and cheese are also excellent sources of calcium to be consumed in addition to yogurt. In addition, plant-based soy milk can supplement the daily requirements if one suffers from lactose intolerance.

Lean proteins
Protein is one of the most crucial nutrients the body should digest for bone and muscle health. It helps overall growth and prevents bone loss and muscle deterioration caused due to chronic disorders. However, it is important to include only lean sources of meats and poultry to ensure these foods are digested easily. Chicken meat, turkey meat, and whole eggs are the best sources of heavy fat-free proteins that are digested easily. These meats also don’t release any triggering compounds when cooked on high heat, for example, grilling, making them a healthy alternative over red cuts of beef, pork, and lamb. Whole eggs are also rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which counters inflammation and helps effectively absorb proteins and calcium.

Fatty fish
Healthy fats help manage flare-ups associated with known digestive disorders like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. And fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, sardines, and trout are excellent sources of natural omega-3s that actively counter the inflammatory responses. Grilling the fish makes it easier to digest than cooking on high heat with shallow or deep frying. Fish can also be baked to prevent the loss of nutrients and vitamins and retain its fatty goodness. It is, however, best to add sauces and condiments in moderation since these store-bought products contain preservatives and additives that upset digestion.