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Tag: Cognitive function

  • Understanding Different Types of Birth Control

    What is Birth Control

    Birth control is a method or device used to prevent pregnancy. There are many types of birth control, and each type has different mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and side effects. Many people choose the best method of birth control according to various factors such as health, lifestyle, and personal preference. Consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended to select the method that best fits individual needs. The following are the types of birth control discussed as follows:

    Types of Birth Control

    • Hormonal methods are one of the types of birth control that explain how hormonal methods of contraception are highly effective in preventing pregnancy by utilizing hormones to stop or regulate ovulation, alter the cervical mucus, and modify the uterine lining. These methods include the birth control patch, a small stick-on patch worn on the skin that releases hormones similar to the pill. It is replaced once a week for three weeks, with a week off.
    • Birth control pills and injections are two common methods of contraception. Birth control pills are taken daily and contain a combination of estrogen and progestin or just progestin. They are highly effective when taken correctly. Another method is birth control injections, which are progestin injections given every three months. The injection is effective, but a healthcare provider must administer it. Lastly, there is the implant, a small rod inserted under the skin of the arm that releases progestin. It can prevent pregnancy and can last for 3 to 7 years, depending on the type.
    • Permicidal methods are chemical substances that kill sperm, or you can say they are contraceptive substances that work by preventing sperm from reaching an egg. They contain chemicals that primarily block the cervix. Spermicides can be used alone or in combination with other barrier methods like condoms or diaphragms to enhance their effectiveness. Creams, gels, foams, and films can be inserted into the vagina before intercourse. They are less effective on their own but work better when used with other methods. This is another option among the types of birth control, and many people choose this method of controlling birth according to various factors in their community.
    • Barrier methods physically block sperm from reaching the egg. These are non-hormonal and are often used in combination with other methods for increased effectiveness. Condoms, a thin covering worn on the penis (male condoms) or inserted into the vagina (female condoms), also provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The diaphragm is a dome-shaped device that is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. It is used with spermicides to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Another method is the cervical cap, which is similar to the diaphragm; it fits over the cervix to block sperm and is often used with spermicides.
    • Emergency contraception methods refer to the methods that can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. There are several options available, each with varying effectiveness and mechanisms of action. One type of emergency contraception method is the morning-after pill, which is available over the counter in some places. It contains hormones that can delay or prevent ovulation. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The second option is the copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD), which is the most effective form of emergency contraception. It can be inserted by a healthcare provider within 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected intercourse. The copper intrauterine device works primarily by preventing fertilization through the release of copper ions.
    • Permanent methods of birth control are intended for individuals who do not wish to have children in the future. This means that a person cannot have children for the rest of their life because these methods can permanently disrupt the reproductive system. Sterilization, such as tubal ligation for women, involves cutting, tying, or blocking the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus; it is considered a permanent method. The vasectomy method is a surgical procedure for men where the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm) are cut or blocked, preventing sperm from being ejaculated. This is also another type of birth control.

    Apart from discussing those methods that seem more artificial, it is important to note that they should be recommended by a healthcare provider, as they may involve serious health problems if taken without direction from a physician.

    Natural Birth Control

    Natural methods (fertility awareness methods); these methods rely on tracking the menstrual cycle to determine the most fertile days and avoid unprotected sex during that time.

    • Calendar method: This method involves tracking safe and dangerous days before sexual intercourse. Women should mark the length of each menstruation they experience in order to know their most fertile days, so that they can use protective tools like condoms or abstain from sex. This method is effective for women who have regular menstruation, unlike those who have irregular menstruation. Additionally, cervical mucus may be detected or observed for changes to predict ovulation and avoid sex during fertile days or times.
    • Withdrawal methods involve a male partner withdrawing his penis from the vagina before ejaculation. This method, also known as coitus interruptus, is less effective because pre-ejaculated fluid may contain sperm, and it is hard to control consistently. Many people use this method to prevent unwanted pregnancies, and when used correctly, it can be effective for birth control. Withdrawal methods are important because they have fewer negative impacts on those who practice them.
    • Lastly, abstaining from sexual intercourse is the best method above all, since it is 100% effective. It helps individuals avoid controversial health issues like sexually transmitted infections. Even religious people encourage young boys and girls who are not ready to have children to adhere to this method. However, it is difficult due to the biological makeup of individuals, but it can still be practiced to prevent unwanted pregnancies and diseases.

    Therefore, apart from the types of birth control, there are many important aspects and negative impacts of birth control in daily life. Birth control is very important to our lives because it can cause the following benefits: prevention of unwanted pregnancy, family planning, economic and career benefits, improved maternal health, improved quality of life, reduced abortion rates, women’s health and autonomy, and it can reduce over-dependence on the nation level because, through birth control, the number of people related to the needs of the nation can be managed. However, birth control also has many negative impacts on people in the community, such as side effects like spotting and bleeding, nausea and vomiting, breast tenderness, headaches and migraines, mood changes, increased risks of certain cancers, blood clot risks, and changes in menstrual cycles. Therefore, everyone who practices birth control should do so carefully in order to avoid risks to individuals and our community.

  • 6 Reasons for the Rising Cancer Rate Among Adults

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    Understand the sources of the rising incidence of cancer in young people and what can be done to prevent it.

    What is Cancer?

    Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer can also be defined as the disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. These abnormal cells can form tumors that surround tissues and spread to other parts of the body. We should know the different types of cancer before explaining the reasons for the cancer rate among adults as a main concept. There are different types of cancer, such as lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and leukemia, which occurs in the blood. There are many reasons that attempt to explain the rise of cancer in adults; the following are some of them.

    1. Lifestyle factors: Many adults can get cancer due to their lifestyle, which includes a poor diet, smoking, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption. These factors can lead to the development of cancer in adults because when you consume alcohol excessively, it can affect the body and lead to cancer diseases, which can also result in death. Smoking and tobacco use can lead to cancer in adults, accounting for approximately 23-30% of all cancer deaths. Physical inactivity can also increase cancer risk, and alcohol consumption raises the risk of cancers such as mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, breast, and colorectal cancers. For more information see 2 Most Impactful Lifestyles That Affect Our Health
    2. Environmental issue (Environmental exposures): In the issue of the environment, we look at air pollution, industrial chemicals, and pesticides that can facilitate the rising cancer rates in adults. Industrial chemicals can lead to the destruction of the ozone layer. Once the ozone is destroyed, it can increase the high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which can pass directly to the Earth without any obstacles, affecting adults and leading many to develop skin cancer. Environmental exposures are categorized into various types, such as chemical exposure, which includes harmful chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, and asbestos. For example, asbestos exposure is linked to lung cancer in adults, and biological agents, such as certain viruses and bacteria, are also considered environmental carcinogens.
    3. Genetic factors: the same adults inherit genetic mutations that increase their susceptibility to certain cancers. When a parent is affected by cancer, there is a possibility that their children will also get cancer due to these genetic mutations. As a result, the number of adults affected by cancer can increase, which can lead to greater dependence on the nation. Genetic mutations and cancer development involve changes in the DNA sequence that can disrupt normal cellular functions.
    4. Obesity refers to the medical condition characterized by excessive storage of fat in the body. This can also contribute to the rising incidence of cancer in adults because obesity leads to hormonal imbalance and inflammation, which can contribute to cancer development. This is one of the reasons for the increasing rate of cancer among adults. Obesity causes chronic inflammation, which is one of the primary mechanisms through which obesity increases cancer risk. Excess body fat, particularly visceral fat that surrounds internal organs, produces inflammatory substances. There are hormonal changes in the body, such as estrogen; adipose tissue produces estrogen, therefore individuals with a higher amount of body fat often have elevated estrogen levels. Insulin is also another hormonal change; in the case of insulin, obesity leads to insulin resistance—a condition where cells do not respond effectively to insulin, resulting in elevated insulin levels.
    5. A high number of infections can also contribute to the rise of cancer in adults because infections such as hepatitis B and C, as well as the human papillomavirus, can increase the risk of cancer. These infections are dangerous to people because they can cause death at the same time. The mechanisms of infection-induced cancer include chronic inflammation, direct oncogenic effects, immune suppression, co-infection synergy, and bacterial infections. See 3 Secrets to Anti-Aging Health Behaviors You Should Know for understanding common infections that contributes to health problems and ways to avoid it.
    6. Increased awareness and screening: Due to the high level of medical technology, screening can lead to better detection of cancer rates, which can increase the rate of cancer among adults. Cancer screening involves tests that detect cancer before signs or symptoms appear. The primary goal is to identify cancer at an early stage when it is more treatable; for example, mammograms for breast cancer and others. Additionally Aging population, people live longer, and the risk of increasing cancer is spreading because cancer is more prevalent in older adults. With improved life expectancy and healthcare, the number of cancer disease cases rises. This is one of the reasons for the rising rate of cancer among adults. See Ant-Aging behavior for more information.

    How to Minimize the Risk of Getting Cancer

    Therefore, the issue of cancer is very dangerous because it can cause death, over-dependence, lack of manpower, and so on. However, there are some ways that can be used to decrease or combat the rise of cancer among adults. Some of these include;

    • Try to change your lifestyle. Our main enemy is how we live from morning to evening. Make a habit of exercising regularly while taking care of your daily meals by considering healthy foods or a well-balanced diet.
    • Providing vaccinations is essential. The respective government should introduce preventive vaccines to reduce the risk of getting cancer and also provide therapeutic treatment for the victims. Additionally, it should offer psychological support to the victims.
    • There should be control of environmental pollution where people live, especially in areas where there are many industries that contribute to the increase in air pollution, which affects our health. Every individual should take responsibility for protecting their environment. Additionally Industrialists should introduce processing methods that are friendly to the environment to avoid environmental exposures.
    • Additionally, it is encouraged that the government improve the policies regarding dangerous diseases affecting marginalized people, so that they can access free or affordable vaccination and treatment for these diseases.

    Hence, precautions are better than cure. It is hard to change lifestyles, but we can try to adjust our preferences. Precautions should not only be taken for cancer but for all diseases because health is our main asset.

  • 6 Ways to Fall Asleep Fast

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    Learn Easy Techniques to Improve Sleep Quality.

    It happens several times when you are in bed, and you may experience difficulty falling asleep. This can be due to a restless mind, anxiety, and stress, which make it hard to sleep. If you have these problems and are looking for a way to improve your sleep, you have come to the right place, where you can find solutions to your issues. This page explains six well-researched ideas and techniques that are proven by scientists on how to fall asleep easily and quickly.

    Why Sleeping Is Important for Our Health

    Sleeping is essential for our health since it regulates body functioning properly. It allows the mind to rest, the body to repair, and aids in recovery. It is mandatory for everyone to get enough sleep for good health. Having enough sleep is beneficial, while not having enough sleep may lead to mental problems. The following are the mentioned advantages of sleeping in order to maintain good health:

    • Sleeping helps to boost general physical health; this is because while the body is relaxed, it allows for the repair of body tissue, muscles, and cells, while also strengthening the immune system.
    • Sleeping facilitates good memories and brain clarity. During sleep, the brain processes all information and consolidates issues that you have encountered every day, such as learning, while also retaining memories through its cognitive function. But also it regulate mood and overall mental health.
    • It improves the immune system and heart health. During sleep, the body produces antigens, which are essential for fighting disease. Additionally, sleep helps to regulate blood pressure and also reduces inflammation, which is good for the health of the heart

    Sleeping is very important in our lives and should be prioritized, as ignoring it can lead to serious mental and physical illnesses. Here are some techniques or ways for you to achieve fast and quality sleep every day.

    1. Firstly, you have to make your surroundings conducive to rest.

    Your bed place should be supportive in terms of environmental conditions; it should be cool and cozy. Make sure your mattress and bed sheets are clean so that your body can relax comfortably. Physicians advise that for better sleep, the room should be dark and cool, with a temperature between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Without these conditions, it may sometimes be difficult to sleep, even if you have clean bed sheets, a clean bed, and pillows. Apart from that, noise should be avoided in your bedroom since it interferes with your body’s ability to sleep. However, you can use low-volume music if you prefer it, as it can help you enjoy music while you sleep. Also, control other noises when you sleep.

    2. For better sleep and wake-up time, you should create a bedtime routine.

    You should create a routine for what time you prepare to go to bed and sleep, especially at night. Make it a habit to have a specific time to sleep; this will help you fall asleep faster because our brains are designed to adapt to any consistent behaviors performed by the body. When you have a specific time for bed, your brain will develop the habit of sending sleep signals to your body, leading to sleep. Additionally, establish a routine for waking up every day, which your brain and body will also adopt. If it is hard to start, you may set an alarm for both bedtime and wake-up time; this will help you control your routine. Apart from that, make sure you are doing everything on time so that you do not interfere with your sleeping routine. This is why it is encouraged to have dinner early before going to bed.

    3. Avoid and limit screen hours before going to bed.

    It is true that the high use of sensitive light affects our eyes and brain; this implies that you need to avoid using high-sensitive light when you need to sleep, especially when using smartphones and watching television. According to physicians, the high use of light from smartphone screens can disturb melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. To have a good sleep, you need to limit your time on your phone, using it for no more than 30 minutes before bed, and make sure you turn on the adaptive light on your phone.

    4. You should be very careful about what you eat and drink before bed.

    Be selective about what you eat during the day, especially before bed. Do not consume too much food before bed; it is recommended to eat soft foods that facilitate easy digestion in the evening since your body does not need much food to generate energy, as it uses a low level of energy at night. Also, avoid drinking too much water before bed, because you will need to urinate frequently. In addition, there are many types of drinks, such as those containing caffeine and nicotine, as well as energy drinks. These types of drinks stimulate your brain to stop producing hormones that help you sleep, but drinks like herbal teas are fine and do not interfere with your sleep. It is recommended to eat at least 6 hours before bedtime.

    5. Try to have the habit of exercising regularly throughout the day.

    Being active during the day helps you relax before bed. Make a daily exercise routine, especially in the morning, for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to fall asleep at night. Exercises like yoga, walking, cycling, and swimming improve heart health and relax your muscles. These exercises are simple and can be done by anyone. However, you should know that the exercises should be done less than 3 hours before bedtime. Additionally, avoid vigorous exercise during the daytime.

    6.You may consider safe sleeping supplements.
    Supplements like magnesium help relax muscles, which aids in sleep. Melatonin also helps people who suffer from insomnia sleep better. Before taking any supplements, contact your doctor or pharmacist, who can guide you on which supplements to take.

    Once sleeping is important for every age group, it should be taken seriously for well-being. It is encouraged to have 8 hours of sleep a day so that you can allow your body to rest and prepare for the next day. However, if you have a chronic problem with sleep, make sure you visit your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

  • Meaning of Stress, Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention.

    What causes stress and how can we prevent it to stay stress-free for good health?

    What do you know about stress?
    No one can escape from stress; it is a matter of managing it. Stress is everywhere in our society because of the uncertainty that arises every day at our workplaces, at home, and on our streets where we live. Stress can be due to the loss of jobs, family disputes, discrimination in society, breakups in relationships, financial hardship, disability due to injury, chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as internal sources like feeling unloved, feeling disconnected, lack of self-esteem, and having responsibilities that you cannot control.

    Biologically, stress is a normal reaction to a person’s health, but it becomes harmful when it is mistreated and leads to alterations in chemical reactions that stimulate blood pressure to rise, tighten the muscles, and quicken breathing. This can cause the body to fail to perform its duties well, resulting in abnormalities such as low energy, pain in the chest area, loss of appetite, loss of sexual desire, lack of sleep or sleeping too much, anger, mood swings, trauma, headaches, and sometimes an upset stomach, which can eventually lead to a stroke and death. For example, a person who faces a car accident and becomes lame in the legs is likely to experience stress due to their situation.

    Types of Stress

    Stress appears in different ways and varies from one person to another. Everyone has their own stress, although sometimes it can be the same due to the situations they are experiencing. Situations like pandemics, when they arise, tend to affect a large number of people and bring stress to the entire community.

    1. Acute stress, It occurs and lasts for a short period. For example, a new employee may struggle to understand the duties, which helps him or her adapt to the new environment. This type of stress helps you achieve what you want and meet deadlines.
    2. Chronic stress, This kind of stress is termed “chronic” because it lasts for a long period and is harmful to your health. For example, a person who has a serious illness for an extended period may be a victim of this kind of stress.

    What are the differences between trauma, stressors, and anxiety?

    Many people are confused about trauma, stressors, and anxiety in the context of stress. The following are their views and differences:

    What is Trauma?

    Trauma is a disturbing experience or event that a person encounters in their lifetime and that affects their entire life. These events can include accidents that lead to the loss of loved ones, disappointment, severe business loss, divorce, relationship breakups, chronic diseases, and family disputes, to name a few. Most people who suffer from trauma are those affected by negative events that occurred in the past, and they have no resilience to cope with them. Military officers are victims of trauma due to the nature of their jobs on the battlefield, but many other people also face these traumatic situations.

    Example of Trauma

    Let us see the story of Jesca. It was midnight when her mother and father fell asleep in their room. At that time, Jesca was studying and making preparations for an exam. Suddenly, she heard the sound of a door breaking and a crying voice coming from her parents’ room. Without hesitation or fear, Jesca rushed to her parents’ room, where she found her father’s head severed by a giant man with a thick beard. The man was attempting to assault her mother. Jesca was shocked and ran away from the scene. This event became a traumatic experience for her. From that time on, Jesca harbored anger and hatred toward people with beards.

    What is Stressors?

    A stressor is a causative factor for stress to occur. It could be a psychological or physical situation that leads to stress. A negative mindset is a good example of a stressor. Sometimes, unexpected circumstances that an individual faces in daily life can cause stress to occur. There are different types of stressors categorized into time-based stressors, traumatic event stressors, socialization stressors, ensemble stressors, and behavioral stressors. A brief discussion of the types of stressors is provided below.

    • Time-based stressors involve time limitations. Individuals may have many things to accomplish within a specific timeframe, which can lead to stress.
    • Traumatic event stressors occur when individuals face uncertain situations that are hard to forget and affect psychological, physical, and behavioral well-being.
    • Socialization or Ensemble Stressors: Relationships and daily social interactions may cause stress to rise. Individuals may struggle to manage peer pressure, family issues, or workplace problems, leading them to experience discomfort, anxiety, and depression.
    • Behavioral Stressors: Individual actions or habits that are not controlled may lead to anxiety and depression. Poor time management, sleeping late at night, and delaying the completion of tasks may cause depression, anxiety, headaches, and a lack of focus. Additionally, the behavior of masturbation may cause guilt and, hence, mental illnesses.

    After understanding the above terminologies, I hope you discover their differences and how they affect our lifestyles. Mental health is very important for well-being; however, some risk factors can arise and cause prolonged stress. Let us see what the main causes of stress are.

    Understand the 3 main categories of causes of stress.

    In this article, we have tried to explain the causes of stress in three categories: events, health issues, and external factors.

    1. Events related to stress. As human beings, we undergo different stages and positions in life, and we also face various changes, which can make us more stressed. This is why we see suicides occurring in schools, the army, families, and workplaces due to prolonged trauma. Examples of this type of stress include divorce, retirement, starting college, starting a business, unemployment, financial hardship, pregnancy, and being dismissed from a job, to mention a few. All of these life events may cause stress.
    2. Health issues related to stress can lead to serious health problems, especially chronic diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, which are likely to affect mental health. Additionally, injuries can lead to prolonged stress. Most victims of this kind of stress feel loneliness, disconnectedness, depression, isolation, and emotional drain. Sometimes, they may even go so far as to harm themselves.
    3. Interpersonal and external factors related to stress include low self-esteem, under- or overconfidence, a negative mindset, internal conflict due to a lack of life fulfillment, stressful traits, and a lack of self-care and respect. All of these may disturb mental health and contribute to a stressful lifestyle. Additionally, social interactions with negative people may influence you to feel as they do.

    What are the symptoms of stress?

    Most people don’t know if they have stress; this is why it becomes more chronic and difficult to manage. Below are the signs of stress, and if you notice any of the following, you should take the initiative. These signs can be noticed physically and emotionally.

    • Physically, once your body feels uncertainty or discomfort, it leads to changes in bodily reactions; hence, you may experience poor sleep, pain in the chest area, digestive problems, loss of sexual desire, several headaches, hypertension due to increased heart rate, and fatigue.
    • Emotionally, the body also undergoes changes such as sadness, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, regret, and a lack of self-confidence.

    Those symptoms are not fixed; they can vary between individuals and are not limited. Be honest with your body if you notice any changes before the situation becomes worse.

    What are the preventive measures for stress?

    However, stress is unpredictable. Stress occurs due to various factors, including events, health issues, and interpersonal and external factors. These may contribute to the occurrence of stress, and individuals may not have control over their progression, which can lead to serious mental health issues. The following are preventive strategies to reduce the risk of chronic stress.

    • Firstly, you should prioritize your health over anything else by taking a well-balanced diet, exercising, and focusing on your goals.
    • Set clear goals that are achievable, and avoid goals that are difficult for you to achieve.
    • Stay connected with your family in any harmful circumstances you face, and find someone with whom you can share everything, even if it hurts you.
    • Prioritize your sleep schedule and make time to rest each day in order to allow for relaxation, body repair, and growth. Additionally, you can practice meditation or yoga exercises for more relaxation.
    • Try to be stronger in difficult times by telling yourself you are a hero and that you can make it while others cannot.
    • Do things that make you happy and ignore things that do not benefit you; thus, you have to learn to say NO if things are against you.
    • The difference between things that must be done and optional ones is important so that you can prioritize essential tasks within a given time.

    Conclusively, mental health is very crucial for overall well-being. Do not allow stress to ruin your life by prioritizing what you believe in and focusing on your personal development. Because once mental health is disrupted, the whole body becomes weak and fails to perform daily activities. It is true that there is no direct treatment for stress, so try to avoid unnecessary things that may risk your mental health.