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Category: Health

Welcome Westchester Smoothie

My Blog Sponsor Kate just started Westchester Smoothie. She believes that life can get busy and that it’s too easy to eat junk to get through your day. Thankfully for us, Kate has hand-crafted nutrient-dense smoothie blends, ready in just 60 seconds, hassle-free, and here to help you feel your best, all day long.

Kate is here to help. Gone are the days of having to carve out time to go to the grocery store, wander every aisle, and wait in long lines, just to remember you forgot your wallet in the car. Let alone the many trials it takes for you to find the perfect combination of ingredients that don’t make you question what you just put in the blend for something to taste so bad.

Kate handles all the shopping and prep for you, all that’s left for you to do is blend it up when you are ready, and BOOM, right then and there you have a healthy option for a snack, breakfast, or meal replacement.

Both of Kate’s smoothies are crafted with gut health in mind, which is the foundation of everything and keeps you feeling your best all day long. Fuel your body with superfoods and protein, not high fructose corn syrup and saturated fats. It is the easiest way to support your digestive health.

With two exciting flavors to pick from, there is sure to be a recipe with your name on it. Each smoothie blend is packed with 21 grams of protein, leaving you full while also satisfying your tastebuds. Choose between Chocolate Dream and Berry Blast.

Delivered right to your door, all that is left for you to do is toss the contents in a blender and just like that, you have a protein-packed, gut health-focused, nutritious smoothie.  Place your order today and see for yourself the power of superfoods fueling your day!

I sat down with Kate and asked her some of the most frequently asked questions about smoothies. To contact Kate or learn more about the program, EMAIL HER HERE.

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What are the benefits of having a smoothie?

Having a smoothie is an easy way to get your fruits, veggies, and protein-packed into a sippable drink during a busy day. They can be delicious too when you mix in the right ingredients and get creative with your flavor combinations!

Are smoothies a good way to get nutrition?

Yes, absolutely, with the right ingredients. The recipes I promote focus on gut health and digestive support and are packed with protein, antioxidants, healthy fats, and superfoods.
What’s the difference between juicing and smoothies?

Juicing extracts the water and nutrients from produce while smoothies blend the whole food substance. There are pros and cons to both, it just depends on what health benefits you’re looking for. I personally enjoy both!

Can you get the same health benefits with smoothies as you get from juices?

It really comes down to what you’re looking for to support your health. I recommend consulting with a holistic doctor or nutritionist to see what nutritional plan is best for your dietary needs. Personally, I lean on leafy greens, and citrus-forward juices early in my day to help me hydrate, and usually do a smoothie as lunch or a late snack later in the day depending on my hunger level. 

What’s the big deal about organic?

Organic for the most part means the food comes from a cleaner source without pesticides or fertilizers. It can be pricier than standard products but can be seen as an investment in your health. Study up though, not all fruits and vegetables need to be organic so if you want to keep an eye on your wallet, dig in and do your research! For example, if you can, you want to buy organic blueberries because you consume the skins. Bananas and avocados, however, could be a place where you make exceptions because the skins of these types of products aren’t consumed. 


Aren’t smoothies filled with calories?

Personally, I count the steps I take and the hugs I get in a day, I haven’t counted calories in years! I focus on fueling my body with nutritious foods, caloric value aside. Remember when we thought low-fat Snackwells were healthy?! Nutrition has come a long way in recent years. Calories aren’t our enemies, we need them to keep our bodies moving. We want good calories though, not empty calories that will leave us hungry (or hungry even!). Again, always review your nutrition plan with your doctor but there are higher-fat foods that are great nutrient sources like avocado, grass-fed butter, MCT oil, nuts + seeds, and omega-3-rich fish. Where you can try to avoid saturated fats, sodium, and foods with added sugars. 

5 Reasons To Consult A Lawyer For Health Reasons

 Most of us think that we will only ever need the services of a lawyer for closing a real estate transaction or administration of a parent or grandparent’s will. However, there are many other situations in life where consulting a lawyer can prove to be advantageous. One such unfortunate instance is if you’re suffering from a health-related issue that you have reason to believe has been caused by the negligence of a third party.

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There are many lawyers who specialize in health-related issues. The most popular health lawyers are medical malpractice attorneys. These are legal experts who help patients, and their relatives hold healthcare professionals accountable for their negligence-caused injury, illness, or death. 

Another specialization is healthcare lawyers, who can represent patients or healthcare providers in matters about claims. While representing patients, healthcare lawyers fight to provide access to healthcare to their clients. Similarly, there is another branch of lawyers who specialize in compensatory litigation. These attorneys represent patients who suffer from an ailment generally caused due to their working conditions.

If you’re suffering from a health-related issue and are unsure of the specific type of lawyer you should consult, you can take advice from a legal advisory portal such as Lawfirm.com, which has a network of health lawyers and can help you find the right fit for you.

What Health Problems Should I Consult a Lawyer For?

There are many health-related issues for which you should consider consulting a lawyer. As discussed above, specialized lawyers can help you in several ways, from helping you get access to treatment to holding healthcare providers accountable for their negligent actions. Common health-related problems for which you should consult a lawyer include:

1. Childbirth Issues

2. Prescription Errors

3. Medical Negligence

4. Personal Injury

5. Nursing Home Abuse

6. Asbestos-Exposure Illness

Reasons to Consult a Lawyer for Health-Related Issues

There are many reasons why the services of a legal professional can be beneficial and help you in dealing with a health-related issue. This is especially the case if you intend to file a claim. Let us look at some of these reasons in detail to understand the importance of a legal consult. 

1. Handling the Paperwork

It’s no secret that legal and health-related paperwork is a documentary labyrinth that a regular person can have significant trouble navigating. If you have a claim against an organization, its legal team will more than likely to ready to use any shortcomings in your documentation against you. A simple slip in the documents can all but have your entire case thrown out. With a legal expert taking the reins, you can put your mind at ease and let them handle all the paperwork. Since these lawyers regularly deal with these documents, the chances of them making a mistake is slim. 

2. Understanding your Claim

You may be aware that you are entitled to compensation for negligence on the part of your healthcare provider, but do you know what exactly your cause of action is? What is the extent of your claim? To whom does the liability fall? These are all questions that your attorney can help you answer and are essential for understanding your claim. Without understanding your claim, you will always be at a disadvantage. The hospital where the incident occurred may offer you a small compensation that amounts to a fraction of your entitled claim, and in exchange, they may push you to sign a non-disclosure agreement. This way, not only will you be settling for much less than you deserve, but you will also close the door to any future claim you may have. 

3. Carrying out Negotiations

If you are suffering a health problem that is attributable to your healthcare provider or your employer, chances are that they will attempt to settle the matter with you. You may be offered financial compensation, apologies, comped treatment, and other benefits in exchange for your discretion. However, regardless of how heartfelt their efforts may be, you must remember that they are, at the end of the day, looking out for themselves. Without proper legal representation, you will always be at a disadvantage, and the other party will likely try to reach a settlement that favors their side. However, with an expert lawyer on your side of the table, you can ensure that your interests will also be looked after, and a fair settlement will result from the negotiation.

4. Handling Insurance Matters

Insurance providers are tricky to deal with. With the complex terms and conditions surrounding insurance policies and stretched-out claim processes, it often takes months, if not years, for insurance payouts to come through. However, a healthcare attorney can help speed up the process by completing all necessary requirements in the first instance. This will cut down the weeks of back-and-forth communication between you are the insurance company regarding requirements. Additionally, a healthcare lawyer will also be well-versed in health insurance laws; hence will be able to ensure that the insurance company acts within the timelines set under the law. 

5. Access to Resources

Another very important reason why you may want to consult a lawyer for health-related issues is the wide range of resources they have access to. Health lawyers are professionals specializing in their field and have strong networks within the healthcare industry. They can help find people who can augment your claim and even assist you in obtaining expert testimony in your favor. Additionally, with their expert legal knowledge of laws and precedents, they can better frame your claim in a way that the court understands. With such essential information at their fingertips, healthcare attorneys can make your case undeniable for the judge and jury and help you win the compensation and benefits you deserve.

Final Words

Suffering from ill health is an unfortunate state. However, if your health has been compromised due to the malpractice or negligence of a doctor or employer, it is only right for them to offer you compensation. This includes treatment costs, assisted living costs, loss of income, and other compensations your attorney can guide you regarding. By consulting a lawyer for your health-related issue, you can make a stronger case for yourself that can result in the best settlement. 

 From Herbs to Yoga: Natural Solutions for Chronic Pain Management

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Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact the quality of life. While prescription painkillers may provide temporary relief, they often come with a host of side effects and risks of dependency.

Natural remedies, such as herbs and yoga, can provide a safer and more sustainable alternative for managing chronic pain.

Herbs

Herbs have been used for centuries for their healing properties, and many have powerful pain-relieving effects. Here are some herbs that can help manage chronic pain:

  • Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have also found that turmeric may be effective in reducing pain and stiffness in people with arthritis.

  • Ginger

Ginger is another herb with potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and swelling. It can be consumed fresh, in tea, or as a supplement.

  • CBD

CBD is an herb derived from the hemp plant and is widely known for reducing pain and inflammation. Majority of users prefer smoking or vaping CBD through devices like bubblers since smoking triggers instant relief. Many people also prefer CBD edibles like gummies and hard candies to manage chronic back pain.  

  • Devil’s Claw

Devil’s claw is a plant native to southern Africa that has been traditionally used to treat pain and inflammation. Studies have found that devil’s claw may be effective in reducing pain in people with osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

Yoga

Yoga is an ancient practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to promote physical and mental well-being. It can be a powerful tool for managing chronic pain by improving flexibility, strength, and relaxation. Here are some yoga poses that can help alleviate pain:

  • Child’s Pose

Child’s Pose is a gentle and restorative pose that can help release tension in the back part and neck area. To perform this pose, kneel on the floor with your big toes touching and your knees apart. Fold forward and rest your forehead on the floor, extending your arms in front of you.

  • Cat-Cow Pose

Cat-Cow Pose is a gentle, flowing movement that can help relieve tension in the spine. Start with your hands and knees with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.  Now inhale, arch your back, and lift your head and tailbone towards the ceiling. And as you exhale, round your spine and tuck your chin towards your chest.

  • Downward-Facing Dog

Downward-Facing Dog is a classic yoga pose that can help stretch and strengthen the entire body. Start on your hands and knees with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Lift your hips up and back, straightening your arms and legs to form an inverted V-shape.

To Wrap It All Up 

Chronic pain can be a debilitating condition that significantly impacts the quality of life. While prescription painkillers may provide temporary relief, natural remedies such as herbs and yoga can provide a safer and more sustainable alternative for managing chronic pain. 

Incorporating these natural solutions into your daily routine can help reduce pain and improve overall well-being.

Your Guide To Sleeping Well

Getting a good night’s sleep can have a huge impact on the way that you feel, both mentally and physically. Waking up feeling refreshed and raring to go is far better than being exhausted and dazed, but what steps can you follow to make sure you sleep well?

Thankfully, this handy guide contains some of the best tips and tricks that you can make the most of to get the best night’s sleep possible. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to discover more!

Image Source – Pexels 

Change Your Diet 

You may be surprised to realize this, but your diet can have a dramatic impact on the way that you sleep. There are a few key rules that you should aim to follow with regard to food if you want to sleep well, starting off with your timing. Eating within 2-3 hours of your intended bedtime can play havoc with your digestion, as your metabolism slows down during the night while you relax which makes digestion a much more strenuous task. So, it’s best for you to steer clear of heavy meals and big snacks before bed if you want to enjoy a good night’s rest. Another issue that can disturb your sleep is spicy and oily food. It’s best to keep spicy and oily food to a minimum, at least for a few hours before you intend to go to sleep, as it’s much harder for your body to process these types of foods. As a result, you’ll likely fall victim to gastrointestinal distress when you lay down to sleep, causing you to toss and turn in discomfort. So, stick with light meals that are easy to digest for your dinner, keeping spicy and oily food for lunchtime only! 

Reduce Your Screen Time 

A further step that you should consider following if you would like to improve your chances of getting a good night’s sleep is to reduce your screen time. In today’s modern world, it’s extremely rare to find someone who doesn’t use a smartphone or a computer at least once every single day, as most people tend to get at least 5 hours of screen time from morning to evening. In many cases, young adults and teenagers actually spend a staggering amount of time using smartphones or computers, with some kids reaching 12-14 hours each and every day. The artificial blue light that is emitted from these screens can play havoc with your body’s natural circadian rhythm, as it tricks you into believing it’s still daytime, therefore keeping you awake for much longer. Minimizing your screen time, or at best avoiding your smartphone for a few hours before bed, will certainly be of benefit for your quest to sleep well. The less you use your smartphone or computer, especially in the evening, the better your chances of getting a great nights rest!

Try Plant-Based Solutions 

Last but by no means least, why not try out a few plant-based solutions to help you get the best night’s sleep ever? Plants have long been praised for their countless health benefits, yet in today’s world it’s more likely to find a chemical-filled sleep aid rather than a natural, plant-based alternative. It’s a good idea to steer clear of chemical sleep aids, especially those that you can get over the counter for a few dollars – they’re unlikely to work and may trigger uncomfortable or unpleasant side effects, too. Plant-based solutions tend to have very few potential side effects due to their natural ingredients, and in many cases, they work extremely well when used properly! For example, brewing yourself a hot mug of chamomile tea is a brilliant way to drift off into a deep sleep. Chamomile is a flowering plant, and to get tea you simply have to dry out the leaves and petals – this means you can likely find a pure, organic version. To add to this, lots of people now realize the potential benefits of hemp and cannabis. Products like THC-O might be able to improve your sleep long term, but what is THC-O? Always make sure that you do a little research into any plant-based solutions before you decide to experiment with them, as knowing the risks and rewards will help you to achieve your sleep goal in a safe, efficient way. 

Final Thoughts 

Figuring out how to improve your sleep has never been such a simple task when you can take the opportunity to utilize some of these brilliantly effective techniques and ideas.

Keeping A Clear Head: How To Achieve Mental Clarity

Have you ever found yourself almost spinning due to the many different thoughts, feelings, and emotions whizzing around your mind? Then you’re not alone, as many people find it difficult to achieve mental clarity in today’s modern world. 

There are so many distractions battling to take your attention away, and countless different stresses and difficulties that can keep you up at night, thinking rather than sleeping.

Fortunately, learning how you can keep a clear head and subsequently achieve mental clarity doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might initially expect. In fact, this handy guide contains some of the best steps that you can follow to ensure you can clear the fog in no time at all. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to discover more now!

Image Source – Pexels 

Avoid Alcohol & Other Harmful Substances 

The first and potentially most obvious step that you must follow if you want to achieve and maintain mental clarity is to avoid alcohol and other harmful substances that will cause you to fall victim to confusing and dangerous side effects. When you drink alcohol or take any other kind of narcotic, then you’ll no doubt be dealing with a level of intoxication that makes it as difficult as ever to perform the most basic tasks. You’ll be forgetful, confused, and potentially even aggressive and unruly, which certainly isn’t something that you want. 

If you have a dependence or addiction to alcohol or narcotics, then this is something that you should no doubt attempt to work on if you want to stand any chance of achieving mental clarity. It’s going to be tough, but you have to remember that it is definitely achievable. To improve your chances of breaking free from such a damaging and dangerous situation, it’s always a good idea to try and find some expert help. For example, if you can locate a local support center by searching ‘suboxone near me’ online, then you’ll be able to access the support and guidance required to become a healthy, sober individual. You’ll be flabbergasted at the mental difference after clearing harmful substances out of your system, so it’s certainly worth the trials and tribulations. 

Limit Your Social Media & Smartphone Use 

Although social media and smartphones have provided the general population with lots of benefits and advantages, they have also introduced many risks and problems too. In fact, spending too much time browsing the web, playing games or posting pictures online can cause your mind to become overwhelmed and overworked, as there are far too many stimulants that lurk on the World Wide Web. The average smartphone is filled with bright colors, loud noises, and enticing text that can draw you in and keep you hooked for hours. But this distraction is totally worthless and will simply fill your mind with useless junk that serves no real purpose at all. 

Cutting down on the amount of time that you spend on your smartphone will certainly help you to achieve mental clarity. You’ll be able to focus on your own ideas rather than learning about what everyone else is doing – this is absolutely vital for mental peace and tranquility, as you’ll no longer feel the need to compare yourself to others as you’ll focus on your own goals and interests. The less time you spend on social media the better you’re likely to feel, and you may even benefit from a better attention span too. Social media is riddled with 3-6 second videos that encourage you to simply scroll, scroll and scroll some more with an overload of content along the way. Simply removing this from your day-to-day life will give you space to breathe and think independently, so log out and put your phone away before the web takes over your brain! 

Final Thoughts 

Learning how to achieve mental clarity has never been such a simple task when you can utilize some of the brilliant tips and ideas detailed in this informative guide. Keeping a clear head will allow you to approach every situation with a fresh perspective, and you’ll find it far easy to decide the most appropriate solutions when you don’t have countless distractions taking your attention away. 

Start by avoiding alcohol and other harmful substances that can leave your mind feeling murky and muddy, getting expert help if you need it. Then, try your best to limit your social media and smartphone use, as this will help you to create your own thoughts and opinions rather than absorbing everyone elses.

How To Eat Well Despite A Busy Schedule!

Sticking to a busy schedule can be a nightmare for your diet, as it often seems impossible to find the time to eat well when you have so many tasks to complete! This can lead to fatigue, lethargy, and even more serious health concerns in the long term, so it’s vital that you can make a few changes for the better. 

Thankfully, this guide contains some of the best steps that you can follow to eat healthy, hearty meals despite having little time to spare. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to discover more!

Image Source – Pexels 

Find A Few 10 Minute Meals 

One of the best hacks that you can make the most of to eat well despite your busy schedule is to find a few 10-minute meals that you can whip up in record time. You don’t need to spend hours over a hot stove to eat a delicious dish that provides you with lots of vitamins and minerals, as there are thousands upon thousands of recipes that you can utilize when you haven’t got much time to spare. You can find 10-minute meal cookbooks, or even locate recipes online that you’ll be able to knock up before you can say bon appetit! 

Invest In Handy Cooking Devices 

Another handy tip that you can make the most of to eat well while busy is to invest in a few useful cooking devices. In today’s modern world, technology has been progressing at a remarkable rate – and the kitchen is certainly no exception! There are so many tools and machines that you can buy that will help you to prepare and cook amazing meals when you have a super busy schedule, with a slow cooker being one of the most popular options available today. Countless dishes can be made in a slow cooker, bubbling away throughout the day while you go about your daily tasks. Just throw in your ingredients in the morning, and leave it to cook on low throughout the day! From slow cooker chicken legs to warming soups and stews, you’ll be glad you made such a smart investment! 

Batch Cooking Is King! 

Batch cooking can be a real savior when you have a hectic lifestyle, as you can utilize a few spare hours on a Sunday afternoon to whip up a large amount of your favorite dish which can then be portioned out for future use! For example, you could use one large pot to slowly stew a big batch of chili with pork mince and lots of different beans and pulses, or perhaps create a tray full of lasagna that you can cut up and freeze to eat whenever you need a quick meal. You can refrigerate most meals for 2-3 days, while freezing can be done for much longer periods (usually 1 month or more). So, if you know you’re going to have a few busy weeks ahead of you, always take some time to prepare a little batch cooking beforehand! 

Find Healthy Take Out 

This may be surprising, but takeout doesn’t have to be junk food. Although burgers, pizza and fried chicken are likely some of the most popular takeout options around, there are still a few hidden gems that you can invest in when all else fails. Sushi is a brilliant example, as you can chow down on some fresh fish, raw vegetables and rice for a complete and healthy meal with no cooking involved! You will also likely be able to locate a wholefoods takeout option in your local area, especially if you’re in a big city. Salad spots and smoothie bars are popping up left, right, and center, so choose to frequent these spots rather than oily, sugary, and salty alternatives! Your health will certainly thank you for steering clear of junk food jamborees. 

Final Thoughts 

Having a busy schedule doesn’t have to mean you need to eat poorly, especially when you can take the opportunity to utilize some of the brilliant tips and ideas that have been carefully detailed above. Find a few 10-minute meals that you can whip up quickly, invest in some handy cooking devices, make the most of batch cooking and be sure to locate some healthy takeout for those last-minute meals when you need to grab something fast! Food is so important for overall health and well-being, so it’s certainly something that you need to prioritize if you want to feel your best.