Category: Lifestyle

Iatrophobia is more commonly known as a fear of doctors and it’s actually a very common condition among many adults and children alike. You may find it hard to believe but a lot of people don’t really like going to the doctor… but why is that? Is it the long waits in the cold waiting rooms, the possibility of receiving bad news, or the chances that you’ll endure a painful procedure during your visit? The answer to that question is different for different people.

One thing that’s pretty safe to say with fears of doctors and the visits associated with them is the fear of the unknown. There have been plenty of instances where a person will go to the doctor for a regular checkup and get alarming news that they weren’t expecting to receive. It’s instances like that, that can make anyone be afraid to go back to the doctor out of fear of getting even more bad news, which leads to iatrophobia.

The fear of dentists seems to be more severe than the fear of going to the doctor. Fear of the dentist is called dentophobia. However, with the right tips, it is possible to get over it. Not to mention that if you head over to ALKI Dental clinic, they will be extremely understanding and cater to your needs.

You Have Dentophobia and Anxiety… What’s the Difference Between the Two?

It’s pretty normal for people to have anxiety before going to the dentist so how can you tell when a typical fear of the dentist has turned into a full-blown phobia? It’s actually somewhat difficult to tell the difference. Dentophobia occurs right along with iatrophobia and has the same types of triggers as iatrophobia.

With anxiety, you are afraid and nervous about going to the dentist but you will still go. With dentophobia, you will put off going to the dentist for years. Colgate.com highlights a survey done by the British Dental Health Foundation. It found that 36% of Americans that didn’t go see the dentist regularly stated that it was because of fear. That fear has ultimately led people to deal with unsightly teeth, pain, and gum disease.

What Causes Dentophobia?

For most people, the causes of dentophobia occur due to prior traumatic dental visits, which can range from procedural complications to painful procedures. Dentists will typically numb the gums before starting a procedure by way of using a needle… a lot of patients are afraid of the pain that needle will bring even though it’s used to reduce the pain of the actual procedure.

Now, fear of the dentist isn’t only caused by direct experiences. Some people have a fear of the dentist based on indirect experiences. A person could be at the dentist waiting to get called back and see a patient leaving with a mouth full of gauze… that image can trigger immense fear. A person could also simply hear about someone else’s traumatic dentist experience and it triggers their own fear.

How to Treat Dentophobia

For those who have dentophobia, this condition could be deeply rooted from an experience as a child that continued into adulthood. Now that you’re an adult with a child of your own, you don’t want to set that type of example for your child. can So can you manage your child’s anxiety for the dentist when you have your own fear of the dentist that you’re dealing with?

Well, for starters, you want to find dentists with gentle and personalized care. These types of dentists ease the fears of patients by explaining the procedures in calming ways to ease a patient’s fear of the unknown. This will instill a patient’s trust in that dentist and make it a little bit easier for them to go to the dentist.

Treatment Options

There are also relaxation techniques that patients can do among themselves to reduce fear and anxiety such as deep breathing techniques. Some dentists also give patients the option of “happy gas” and will even prescribe medications such as Xanax or Valium prior to a dental procedure. This allows the patient to feel at ease and still be responsive and alert to communicate with the dentist regardless of if they have dentophobia.

Now, some patients prefer sedation dentistry. If patients have the option to be sleep during the procedure, they would much rather do that. It’s easier to deal with the pain that comes afterward than have to actually be awake and see the tools and not know what the dentist is going to do with those tools.

Self-Help Options

We all, of course, know that going to the dentist is important to our overall health but with conditions like dentophobia can make it quite difficult to do. So, in combination with the above treatment options, there are some things you can bring to appointments to help you get through your appointment.

• Bring a stress ball to squeeze during moments of pain.
• Bring a friend or family member to hold your hand (if your dental office approves).
• Listen to your favorite type of music.

If you have dentophobia, you’re not alone. Just know that there are treatment options out there for you as well as things you can do on your own to help you get through… it starts with you wanting help.

Ladies should note that leggings are not pants so make sure you do not wear leggings with tops that expose and make your bottom prominent. Leggings are in vogue, and celebrities sport them with long tops. They are comfortable and look cool. When it comes to buying the perfect leggings for your needs, keep the following tips in mind-

Determine your budget

When you are looking for leggings, keep your budget in mind. Though leggings are a good start to creating a colorful wardrobe. There are leggings in every price range and so when you step out of your home to buy them, make sure you have a sensible budget in mind as you do not want to go overboard and waste money on leggings that are way too high from your budget.

Choose the right length

Leggings come in a variety of lengths. You should determine the length you are looking for. They are available in a knee length, calf length, full length, and stirrup lengths. Keep the short length leggings for the summer months. In the winter, it makes sense to buy full-length leggings. Before you buy leggings determine your body type and size. When you buy leggings, they should accentuate the length. If you are wearing high heels, stirrup or ankle length are ideal for women of every body type. When it comes to knee and Capri length leggings, women with slimmer legs should buy them. Short women again should stay away from calf-length leggings. These leggings have the tendency to cut your height into the half, and you land up looking shorter than you actually are. The appeal and the look of your leggings do not only depend upon your height, but your body type also influences the leggings you wear. If you are a woman with a pear- shaped body, you should consider wearing leggings of darker color as they make your legs look slimmer.

Know about the different types of leggings available

When you are looking for the right leggings, you should be aware of the different colors available in the market. You can easily find basic colors like tan, gray, brown and black. There are bright colors available like yellow, pink, red, light green, etc. Leggings are available in different materials and styles. Some of the notable ones in the market are glossy, zipped, cropped and split ankle leggings for women of all ages to wear.

One size does not fit all

There is a common misconception that one size fits all. In case a brand claims the above, it is smart not to buy leggings from it. Check the women’s leggings size chart to find the appropriate leggings for your needs. Remember, every woman has a unique body type, and she needs the right fit and looks. This is why you should always check what your body size is and consult professionals at the store to help you find the right kind of leggings for your needs.

How can you get the right measurements for leggings?

When you are searching for the right leggings, ask the sales staff to assist you with the measurements as per your height and body type. When you search the market for leggings, you will find they are not sold as per a number system. They are generally available in extra small, small, medium, large and extra- large.  This is why several brands can sell leggings of different sizes to all women irrespective of their body type and height. When you are searching for the ideal leggings, always check the size chart. There are leggings available for plus sized women as well. When you determine the right size for your height and body type, take the leggings to the trial room and put it on. Walk around the room to get a feel and see whether the material you wear is comfortable or not. Determine whether you are able to walk properly with them and sit on a chair to check whether they are comfortable for you or not. When you sit on the chair, make sure the leggings do not stretch too much. In case, the material stretches out of range this means the current size is not right for you.  Get another size and go to the fitting room to check again. Repeat the process until you do not find the correct size for your needs.

What should you pair your leggings with?

Now, when you have purchased your leggings, make sure you pair them up with tunics, dresses and cute looking shoes. When it comes to the material of the leggings you buy, you will find they are mostly available in lycra and spandex blended with wool, cotton and synthetic materials. If you are looking for leggings for a specific reason like for wearing at the gym, or for daily wear, ask the sales staff to assist you to find the right pair. If you are looking for leggings for the gym, choose the synthetic ones for working out. The material will keep your legs dry, and you get warmth for the leg muscles as well. There are some leggings manufactured using sweat-proof material. These leggings stretch as you work out and they allow your legs to breathe. They are generally costlier than the regular leggings you get in the market. They take the shape of your form and accentuate your legs too.

Last but not least, always remember that leggings should be comfortable and not rub against your body. In case, you are worried about the material of the leggings, choose those that do not have heavy stitches. These leggings will rub against your body and make them itch. Opt for leggings that have a lining. They make your legs feel warm and comfortable. If you wish to buy leggings as pants, make sure that you choose a material that is thick. The material should not be a see-through one. If you are heavy inbuilt, it is prudent to choose colors like black and brown that will make you look slimmer!

There are very few things worse than walking around your whole life in uncomfortable shoes. Unlike other clothing situations where you can snip off an itchy label, take off a layer or replace a missing button, uncomfortable shoes will remain uncomfortable until you take them off (and maybe longer). Sure, there are ways you can alleviate the pain by putting on gel pads, band-aids insoles and three layers of socks, but in reality, the best solution is to just find and wear comfortable shoes.

Sneakers

Possibly the most comfortable footwear in the world, sneakers can feel like they’ve encased your foot in a fluffy could. They provide both comfort and stability, and if you go for something like running sneakers, they’ll probably be made with your spine in mind, giving you a bit of a lift. It’s important to remember that not all sneakers are the same, and if you go for the ones that have a thin, rubber sole, they still might be a bit uncomfortable, as you’ll feel every little pebble under your feet from the lack of isolation. You can fix this by putting in a fluffy pad to give you some comfort. And if you think that sneakers are just for casual wear – think again. They might not be red carpet-appropriate, but you can easily find sneakers that are elegant, cool and perfect for a day in the office.

Sandals

Sandals can be a hit or miss, depending on the specific model. For starters, avoid sandals with heels, as they don’t provide a lot of stability and will probably end up hurting your feet; if you want some lift, go for a full block platform. Sandals can have a similar problem to sneakers, where the sole isn’t always the thickest and most supportive. However, if you go for a brand like Arizona Birkenstock, you’ll get a thick sole that allows you to embed your own footprint into the shoe and fit perfectly. You should also look for something with adjustable straps, as it’s important to get a good, tight fit around your foot, especially if the sandals aren’t completely flat.

Heels

Yes, it’s not only possible to find comfortable heels, but they are often better for you than completely flat shoes. First things first – let’s talk heels. You want to find a heel that will evenly distribute the weight of your body along the soles of your feet, and not just place it on one spot on the heel and your toes. This means that thin, pinpoint heels are out of the picture, and you should look for something chunky, that will at least go the whole width of the shoe. Next, you don’t want it to be too high. The height will depend on the size of your feet: the longer the foot, the higher you can go, but the good rule of thumb is just to stand on your toes for a minute, and see what height feels natural to you. Of course, you should still follow all the rules of a tight fit around the foot and a good ergonomic sole.

The days of having to sacrifice comfort for style are way behind us and it’s time to move forward and make shoemakers realize that if their shoes aren’t good for our feet – we ain’t wearing them. Take your time to find the best footwear for you and support the brands that make beautiful and comfortable shoes.

Few would disagree that the January sales aren’t quite the thing they were a few years ago; murmurs in the retail world have suggested that Black Friday is the big event nowadays.

Nevertheless, it’s still a prime shopping period and one that shops brace themselves for. This also means that the majority are more than happy to plaster their marketing with January sales deals – all in the bid of getting us to spend a little more money.

London is arguably the capital for January sales. Bearing this in mind, how exactly do you prepare for this period of intense shopping? Let’s review some tips to help you along.

Go with a shopping list

It sounds utterly boring, but January is also the month where most of us are looking to save money as well. Ultimately, you don’t want to be purchasing anything that catches your eye on the high street, there needs to be a genuine requirement for it.

This is where the shopping list comes into play. Yes, it’s structured, but if you happen to be heading over to Covent Garden firstly research if the shops with sales on are there. In truth, it’s not really a conundrum with this area of London due to the sheer number of retailers there, but the advice is universal.

Keep both eyes open with new or unusual brands

We all love a bargain, and when it comes to sales season it can be tempting to pledge your money with a new brand that seems to be offering something completely out of the ordinary. Electronics brands usually fall into this category, as it’s so easy to catch consumer’s eye with tech buzzwords.

For example, a 4K TV from an unknown brand might sound the real deal from the packaging, but delving deeper into the spec may give you the real reason it’s priced so much lower than Sony.

Always ignore the ‘saving’

Nowadays, shops tend to advertise huge ‘savings’ wherever you turn. Across January especially, it can be tempting to think that all of these savings mean that you will pay significantly less than the original price.

As such, simply look at the cost and compare to other shops. Even if there appears to have been a 50% drop in the price, there’s no guarantee that this original price is in line with the market anyway. This is another reason why it is so important to make sure that you have researched what you are buying beforehand. It doesn’t just mean that you don’t buy “wasteful items”, but it can help manage your price expectations correctly as well.

The returns policies can vary

There are a lot of misconceptions about returns policies. By law, shops don’t actually have to have them. Of course, the vast majority do, but this is worth investigating if you think there is a risk of your returning items.

At the same time, over Christmas returns periods tend to be extended. Find out whether these extended returns policies extend through to the new year or not.

Everybody knows the basics of what not to do before bed. Thinks like drinking lots of coffee and gorging yourself on food can inhibit the full sleeping experience. However, there are some things you can miss if you haven’t done your research. Lots of things can affect your sleeping pattern and it’s good to stay informed if you want to feel well-rested every morning.

1. Color can affect a lot of things

Color is one of the most important things when it comes to room decorations. Understandably, some people might prefer vibrant colors and interesting patterns on their wall. However, not all colors are created equal. Some can affect the quality of your sleep. Bright and bold isn’t the way to go if you want some good shut-eye when you hit the sack. Chaotic patterns act much like clutter because they excite the mind and encourage activity.

If your brain is buzzing and registering these patterns as something worth staying awake, it will prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. It’s best to keep your walls a calming color with as a few patterns as possible. Earthy tones and hues are the way to go.

2. Blue lights are bad lights

With the amount of technology that surrounds us increasing constantly, you will find more things that shine brightly in the dark than ever before. Some of these lights come from screens on standby or phones being charged. Either way, they aren’t very good for sleep. Research has shown that the blue lights emitted by electronics can disrupt your sleep patterns and even wake you up if you aren’t a very heavy sleeper.

Light triggers the body’s natural mechanism for waking up. Even having your phone light up from a message can suddenly reduce the amount of melatonin your body is producing. This will affect light sleepers the most, so they should focus on diverting those light sources from their bed,

3. The mattress does the heavy lifting

They can be quite expensive purchases nowadays, but quality mattresses are essential nonetheless. Sleeping on an old and worn out mattress can harmful for both your back and sleeping patterns. With an inadequate one, you might find yourself sleepy and groggy even with a full nights’ sleep.

Getting a good mattress is a solid investment either way you look at it. For starters, you get to enjoy the comfort it provides, but you also get to appreciate some quality sleep. Memory foam is considered a top choice when it comes to healthy sleeping. The material gently contours around your body and helps you get into healthy positions while you sleep.

4. Windows are a weak point

Once the sun goes down, lights go up. Street lights and cars illuminate the night and they can enter through your window and disrupt your shut-eye. Getting your window covered properly is crucial if you want an uninterrupted snooze. A good way to cover a window and prevent that pesky light from entering is getting yourself some Venetian blinds or window awnings. If you don’t know where to look, well-known companies like Oztech can give you some good examples.

Light isn’t the only thing creeping into your bedroom, there are also lots of noises to look out for. Nightlife is dynamic and loud, but there’s no reason for it to keep you up if you just want to hit the sack. Soundproof your windows and aim for thicker walls for your bedroom to keep out unwanted noises.

5. The temperature will make or break sleep

Whether it’s keeping warm in the winter or keeping cool in the summer, the temperature is a hot topic when it comes to sleep. It’s understandable that going too high or too low won’t be comfortable when you’re in bed. When it’s too hot out, AC units and fans are often used, but they can be noisy and inefficient. This doesn’t mean you should stop using them, however.

Getting good thermal insulation should be your goal. If possible, upgrade your walls and windows so that heat isn’t constantly entering your home and it has time to cool down during the night. There are blankets that you can use in both winter and summer, due to being made from good insulators that will keep both the heat and the cold.

Conclusion

Sleep is more complicated than we give it credit for. Just about everything can affect your sleep pattern and you have to be prepared to make some changes.  Changing the color of your walls and covering your windows might not seem like much of a change, but doing these things will ensure you have a proper night’s sleep.

Americans spend $700 per individual on average, nationally, every Christmas. Australians spend $1,300+ in the same area every Christmas. That’s a lot of money! If you’re in a two-parent household, you’ll likely spend $2,600+ this year. That’s enough to buy your teenager their first used car! That’s community college tuition for a semester or five months’ rent!

January is a month that is cold in the United States and hot in Oz. Everybody’s uncomfortable for one reason or another, and also a little lighter in the wallet. How you bounce back in January can set your course for the entire year. This is one reason each year in your life seems to go faster and faster: you hit the ground running in January and never get a break until the end of the year.

Such is life, though; if you don’t hit the ground running, the best you’ll be able to do at the end of the year is tread water. If you do start the year off right, at the very least you can rest with your family for a few weeks.

With this in mind, following are some tips to help you overcome holiday losses. Don’t panic, there are always options out there. Here’s a site of professional solutions to help you fill out your financial New Year’s resolutions; and following are some considerable tactics worth looking into.

Examine Finances And Draft A Budget

What have you been spending money on over the last three to six months? You should include Christmas spending, but qualify that by examining yearly spending outside the holidays. Eliminate unnecessary expenditures. Determine what is more discretionary than necessary, and draft a plan going forward to free up resources.

Refinance Loans

If you’ve got debt from multiple areas, you can combine it together and refinance. Say you’ve got $3k in credit card debt and $10k in student debt that you’re paying a certain amount on every month. Now say every year you pay about $1,000 in additional interest.

You could refinance these debts into a single monthly payment with reduced interest, perhaps dropping $500 from what you spend annually. It’s not it’s something. What you can save will depend on how much you owe, and the kind of interest on your loans. Still, there is always room to save resources.

Live Beneath Your Means And Cut Out Creature Comforts

Here’s the big reason people go into debt: they’re trying to keep up with the Jones’ and end up living beyond their means. Ignore the Joneses, don’t worry about them. Worry about saving money and increasing that which you own beyond government or corporate interdiction. Live beneath your means.

Are you eating out every week? Would you say you spend $100 a week on either fast food or fine dining? That’s $400 a month, or $4,800 a year. If you can just replace that with home-cooked meals for a year, you’ll save almost enough for two Christmases in a two-person household.

What about coffee? If you’re spending an average of $3 a day on coffee from a little cafe near your house, that’s $1,095 a year. Instead spend $95 on coffee filters, machines, and grounds, and don’t buy those $3 beverages. Combined with dine-in savings, you’ve just saved $5,800.

How much do you spend at the bar on average? $100 a week? How about on smoking? $20 a week? If altogether you’re spending $500 on your vices every month, cutting them out could save you another $6k a year!

Bouncing Back

The holidays are hectic and expensive for everybody, but you don’t have to go broke buying people presents. If you think about things conscientiously from the beginning, look into secondary means of expanding existing assets like remodeling, live beneath your means, and refinance existing debt, you can free up thousands of dollars every year.