If you're reading this, you might be one of the 35 million Americans who suffer from one of several different types of headaches, according to information provided by The Migraine Institute, and you are looking for answers. In fact, you have come to the right place to learn more about this condition and understand how, when, and why your head hurts, and what you can do to avoid it. (more…)
Accidents happen when we least expect them, and most people don't have the savings to face them if they occur. That's why it is important to consider life insurance, which works as a backup in case of an incident. Since these types of situations could be just around the corner, let's take a look at the top five most common accidents in the US. (more…)
When it comes to smoking and life insurance premiums, they don’t mix well. As any smoker can tell you, applying for life insurance with a smoking habit leads to two things: a denial of coverage or, more commonly, very high premiums.
While these outcomes are common for smokers in the market for life insurance, there are other options available that can get them the coverage they need easier, mainly no medical life insurance plans. But, in the long run, quitting this risky habit will be better for not only your life insurance premiums but your health overall.
Today we are taking a look at the steps you can take to kick the smoking habit. We’ll provide some easy to follow tips and guides to make quitting smoking easier so you’ll have a much smoother experience when it comes time to apply for coverage. (more…)
As the first snowflake falls, there is a top priority on everyone’s mind: staying healthy during cold weather. And this year, in the midst of a global pandemic, it seems even more important than usual.
If we are often worried about catching viruses that cause colds and the flu, this year we have COVID-19 to add to the list. Considering that, prioritizing both our physical and mental health is a must for the next months, just like staying vigilant of our family’s well being.
While the cold settles in the streets little by little, making concerns grow with it, it is normal that you find yourself meditating on some questions.
Should I take special supplements to boost my immune system?
Should I exercise more often?
How can I boost my physical and mental wellbeing during these next months?
In addition to avoiding risk factors, many preventative health practices can boost your immune system and keep you feeling wholesome. Here is our list of eight tips to stay healthy during cold weather:
We know that Winter makes comfort food feel more tempting than ever. Chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, pizza, cheeseburgers… All these sound like the perfect dish to warm up a movie night at home. However, during this season, it is essential to commit to a diet that boosts your immune system.
During the colder months, the body needs to fight off colds and flu while also getting a reasonable amount of energy to get through the low temperatures. For that purpose, root vegetables (such as carrots, radish, potatoes, and onions) are an excellent choice that allows you to make delicious soups and stews. Fruits rich in vitamin C are also a must (like oranges, guava, kiwi, and cranberries), along with iron-rich foods, such as beans, seafood, quinoa, and red meat. Finally, to boost your immune system, don’t forget to integrate a lot of broccoli, garlic, spinach, ginger, and yogurt into your diet. In short, ingredients rich in vitamins, zinc, iron, omega-3, and antioxidants should be a top priority.
Let’s be honest: shorter days and colder weather is the perfect recipe for staying at home, Netflixing & chilling. But the truth is that, in order to stay healthy in winter, it is essential to exercise regularly. And by regularly, we mean about 30 to 60 minutes per day, as the bare minimum. Besides helping your immune system keep you healthy, exercising is also a great tool to reduce stress and brighten up your mood - two things that are also quite important during the colder and darker months.
If you are not accustomed to exercising, the best way to start doing it is to find an activity you enjoy and incorporate it into your routine. From a brisk morning walk around the park to a small cycling tour after work, there are plenty of options for you to incorporate into your daily life. And if you have no desire to head outdoors for your workout, worry not: the online world is full of resources for people like you! From yoga to strength training and aerobics, you can find all sorts of videos and guides across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. There are no excuses not to get moving!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us are avoiding going to the doctor for all sorts of reasons. However, skipping routine screenings and doctor’s appointments can put you at higher risk of becoming ill.
Screenings and occasional check-ups are essential for maintaining overall health and catching problems early when they are most treatable. Moreover, if you suffer from a pre-existing condition (like heart problems, diabetes, or asthma), are pregnant, or have been dealing with symptoms for a while, this is even more important. It can be challenging to address various health care needs during a pandemic, but you should never skip necessary appointments or ignore persistent symptoms.
If you don’t feel comfortable about making an in-person visit to the doctor, you can make an online appointment as an alternative. This year, prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual health care services got more popular and reliable than ever. From specialist doctors to therapists and nutritionists, you can receive all sorts of remote healthcare services without stepping foot in a hospital or clinic. But remember: not all conditions can be treated online. If a doctor asks you to make an in-person visit or exam, you should follow the instructions.
It is hard to stay healthy during cold weather. Each Winter, millions are diagnosed with the seasonal flu, causing thousands of hospitalizations and flu-related deaths. As the flu virus mutates every year, it is considerably hard to avoid, especially for those with a compromised immune system. However, there is an effective way to deal with this issue: getting a flu shot.
According to Healthline, “the flu shot works by prompting your immune system to produce antibodies. In turn, these antibodies help the body fight off the strains of flu virus present in the vaccine”. While some people may be more prone to getting the flu and related complications than others, everyone should get the vaccine. Especially now that COVID-19 still represents a serious health threat, getting a shot before Winter can prevent many from getting ill and saturating medical services.
If you didn’t get your shot yet, you can schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine at your doctor’s office or in a local clinic. Flu shots are also available in most cities at pharmacies and grocery stores, with no appointment required. So don’t take the risk: it is better to be safe than sorry!
While we are all familiar with the importance of staying hydrated during the Summer months, most of us ignore how water is essential during Winter. In fact, against our common belief, it is even more important to stay hydrated in Winter than during the warm months. The reason is quite logical: central heating causes drier interior environments during the Winter, which leads to increased water loss simply from breathing. As a result, you can develop a wide variety of symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, muscle cramping, and nausea.
As such, to stay healthy during cold weather, it is as important to drink plenty of water as it is to exercise and follow a proper diet. According to the Federal Institute of Medicine, women should drink 2.7 liters and men 3.7 liters of water per day. That might sound like a lot, but it’s because food contributes about 20% of the daily water total. Therefore, eating more fruits and vegetables can also help you stay hydrated, just like drinking tea or coffee. Unfortunately, soda and alcoholic drinks with high sugar content don’t make the cut.
Winter puts many of us in a grumpy and tired mood. Luckily, there are many ways to get around such moods, and one of them is generally easy to practice: get a good night’s sleep. In order to stay healthy during the cold weather, getting undisturbed sleep is vital. According to a study by the National Sleep Foundation, healthy adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. However, we all know that every routine is different, just like every metabolism. If you want to know your ideal bedtime, you can use this calculator to find out.
But there is more to sleep than most people realize. To have a good rest, you also should develop a relaxing, consistent bedtime routine. For instance, it is advisable to shut off all electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Too much exposure to light at night can disrupt the timing of the sleep cycle. Aside from that, you can also upgrade your sleeping routine by taking a warm shower or bath to help you relax, drinking a tea (sleep-inducing ingredients like chamomile or ashwagandha can be great options), and creating a quiet, dark, and slightly cool environment to rest.
The shorter and colder days cause many of us to experience seasonal affective disorder as soon as Winter hits. And this year, with a global pandemic added to the equation, looking after our mental health is more vital than ever. But how can we avoid the winter blues if we can’t go out and spend time with our friends and family?
First of all, you must find ways of keeping yourself stimulated, entertained, and serene. It won’t be easy (especially considering potential lockdowns and all sorts of limitations), but it is achievable, as long as you listen to your body.
Then, you should engage in the sort of activities that help people relax and channel their negativity. As you can assume, meditation and yoga are two great options, just like journaling or painting. Even from home, you can follow YouTube videos with exercises and guided meditation.
And here is a crucial thing to keep in mind: if you sense that your negative feelings are aggravating, don’t keep it to yourself. Let friends and family know when you feel emotionally overwhelmed and, if you find it necessary, seek professional help. To that end, you can find helpful resources on this website that even connects you with a crisis counselor for free, 24/7, in case of emergency.
This tip is probably the advice you have been listening to the most this year, but it is always good to drop a little reminder! Not just because of COVID-19, but because it is one of the most efficient ways to stop the spreading of winter viruses such as influenza and norovirus.
And don’t forget: you have to wash your hands properly, not just sprinkle them with a bit of water. To do it the right way, you must apply a fair amount of soap to produce lather and vigorously rub your hands together for a minimum of 15 seconds. Don’t forget to carefully wash the areas between the fingers and under and around fingernails, where bacteria usually gathers. While soap and water is the best choice for hand washing, a hand sanitizer is a good alternative for when you are unable to use a proper sink. Just make sure your hand sanitizer contains at least 60% ethanol or isopropanol.
Staying healthy during cold weather is challenging. With all the seasonal viruses, lack of sunlight, and, this year, limitations on our social interactions, getting through Winter might be more arduous than usual. There are many small routine changes you can do by yourself to improve your wellbeing, but, at the end of the day, only professionals can truly help you on this journey.
Whether you want to lose weight, change your eating habits, increase exercise, or find someone to help you deal with a negative mindset, finding the right expert is key. For anything related to your diet, consult a nutritionist. Avoid making crazy changes or taking too many supplements without the guidance of a professional. In the same way, having a personal trainer helping you determine your exercise routine can be of great help. A therapist, a primary medical provider, and even a coach can provide you with the support, information, tools, and techniques you need to reach the best results.
All that’s happened this year made us realize that life truly is unpredictable and difficult to control. One day everything seems like “business as usual” and, suddenly, the world changes radically. Now you are worried about staying healthy during cold weather, getting through the pandemic, and keeping your loved ones as safe and positive as possible.
But how can you face life’s unpredictability and be truly prepared for what’s to come?
Life insurance might be the answer.
After all, the main goal of life insurance is to provide a financial safety net for your loved ones in case something happens to you. It is the most reliable and caring financial tool any adult with dependents can get.
If you are wondering how life insurance could benefit you and what type of plans are more indicated for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! We will be happy to show you what our products can do for you and the people you care about the most.
On the other hand, if you want to apply for our plans and find the perfect coverage for your family, complete this quick form to get a free quote. Our friendly advisors will be delighted to walk you through your options and find the perfect solution.
Written by Diane Taes
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: In this article you will find 7 tips to prevent cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) declared in 2018 that there were 17 million new cancer cases and 9.5 million cancer deaths worldwide. With the increase in autoimmune diseases and the decreasing quality of life, researchers predict a dramatic rise in health problems and cancers. However, it is possible to reduce the risk of cancer by improving your lifestyle. Research has also shown that it's possible to prevent half of the cancer cases by using our knowledge about proper diets and the body's biochemical functioning.
So how to avoid cancer? Every day you make choices that affect your health. The question is how to make smarter choices to help your body stay healthy and prevent cancer. Choices about your diet, choices about physical activity. Follow our 7 steps to lower your risk of developing cancer. Tip number 6 will surprise you. And if you know someone who has had cancer in their family, share this article with them. It might help them a lot!
Did you know that smoking is the cause of about 90% of lung cancers? Here are the other cancers that smoking provokes:
- Lung cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Breast cancer
- Throat cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Oral cancer
- Esophageal cancer
In addition to these cancers, smoking causes vision problems and bone fractures.
Quitting smoking is also protecting your loved ones since tobacco damages the health of non-smokers. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4000 chemical compounds that can also cause lung cancer and respiratory ailments in the people around us.
Smoking increases the number of nicotine receptors in your brain. When you stop smoking, these receptors still want nicotine, and when they don't get it, they start to adjust. This process of adjustment and upgrading the biochemistry of the brain causes cravings and relapses.
It takes at least three months for your brain chemistry to return to normal after you quit smoking.
Get help from a therapist if needed: Hypnotherapy is very efficient for some people. This technique will help you find the emotional or mental reason for your smoking.
And bonus: quitting cigarettes will lower your life insurance premiums!
Repeated exposure to the sun damages your skin, and can cause the most common form of cancer, skin cancer. The skin is the largest organ, and we often forget it. Still, it is fragile and sensitive to the sun's ultraviolet rays.
How to avoid skin cancer?
- Never use tanning equipment.
- Apply at least index 30 sunscreens, and if necessary, all year round.
- Avoid exposure to the sun between 11 am and 3 pm.
Beware of the sun's reflective effect: water, glass or even bitumen. Some materials, even opaque, still reflect the sun's rays!
- Wear long-sleeved clothing when the UV index in your area is above 3.
- Hydrate frequently and in the morning with water
- If you get sunburned, use aloe vera or another healing solution to help your skin. Aloe vera is said to have the superpower of inhibiting inflammatory reactions, according to a study from the Arak University of Medical Sciences published in 2013.
Food and oxygen are the raw materials that a cell needs to function. To reduce your risk of cancer, be careful about what you eat. According to multiple studies published in 2016, proper diet can help prevent cancer and even shrink tumors. Dr. Lewis Cantley Director of the Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine that published these studies declared: "As we learn more and more about cancer metabolism, we understand that individual cancers are addicted to particular things. In a lot of cancers, that's insulin—and sugar."
So, lower the sugar to starve any tumors potentially present in your body and prevent cancerous cells from forming. The cells will have no choice but to feed on fat and protein instead.
To support your body and prevent cancer risks, choose to eat fruits, fresh vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Limit processed foods like ready meals or certain transformed meats.
Here are four foods to eat right now on your weekly menu to reduce your risk of developing cancer.
Pineapple: Researchers at the Queensland Medical Research Institute in Australia discovered in 2016 an anti-cancer agent in the molecules of the fruit. This anti agent is the bromelain molecule.
Broccoli: Researchers at Harvard University of Medicine identified a compound in 2019 that could prevent certain cancers and even serve as a treatment by blocking cancer cells' growth. You will find this compound in broccoli, brussels sprouts, arugula, cabbage, kale and cauliflower.
Garlic: Allicin is an ingredient in garlic that is released when the clove is chopped or crushed. Allicin has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect and anti-tumour effect for lung cancer, colon cancer and bowel cancer. The online journal Cancer Prevention Research published an article on this subject in 2015. You should eat 5g of garlic per day to prevent cancer, like alcohol, sugar, red meats, salt, and fat.
Aloe vera: researchers of all around the world study this plant for its many benefits. Aloe vera is famous for the fantastic effect on the skin. But it also inhibits inflammatory reactions, including the toxic impact of benzopyrene. This chemical comes from cigarette smoke and pollution. Benzopyrene causes tumors in the respiratory tract but also in the digestive tract.
But if you are careful with your diet, take the time to study the package leaflets for certain medications.
Antibiotics, photosensitizing drugs can have unpleasant surprises in store for you in case of abuse. Take the time to discuss this with your doctor.
Antibiotics hurt the intestinal flora: these drugs destroy the number and diversity of bacteria and reduce resistance to infections. A study published in 2017 by Gut, a specialist medical journal dependent on the British Medical Journal (BMJ), proved that people who consume antibiotics regularly between 20 and 60 developed lesions of the intestinal wall and polyps. These symptoms are the first signs of future cancer.
So to prevent the risk of cancer of your digestive system, take care of your microbiota.
Sunscreen to protect yourself from skin cancer is good, but sometimes the sun itself isn't the problem.
Some drugs have a molecule that reacts to UV rays. The medicine circulates in your blood under your skin throughout your body. The damages to skin cells can be the same as a sunburn: burning sensation, pain, the skin turns red and hot. And just like a sunburn, it can cause skin cancer.
Photosensitizing drugs can be:
- Anti-allergic drugs
- Anti-cancer drugs
- Medicines used in cardiology
- Drugs used in neuropsychiatry
- Medicines used in dermatology
So remember to talk to your doctor and read the instructions carefully.
In 2019 an international study proved that physical exercise is associated with a lower risk of developing cancer. Physical activity helps to:
- Regulate the production of certain hormones and growth factors such as insulin, leptin and adiponectin, which plays a role in tumor growth,
- Physical activity stimulates the immune system, your best ally in helping your body eliminate cancer cells,
- It enables intestinal transit and reduces the digestive system's time by carcinogenic agents that we ingest in our food.
Inactivity induces problems with blood circulation, poor oxygenation of the body, a risk of being overweight. So to prevent cancer risks, exercise to stimulate your body's natural defences. Physical exercise is understood as a practice causing a marked increase in energy expenditure and can be:
- Walking
- Gardening
- Household chores
- Or any other sporting activity
This study recommends at least thirty minutes per day for proven effectiveness in reducing cancer risk. So grab your shopping basket, broom or sneakers now!
Some cancers reappear from generation to generation. "Ha, it's genetic" very often sounds like fate. As if there was nothing that could be changed. However, a scientific study published in 2011 showed that genes could adapt to protect the body from cancer.
Nutrition, first of all, can modify epigenetic mechanisms through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants found naturally in these foods are powerful cancer protection. If, on the contrary, you do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, your DNA suffers from a deterioration, which will increase with age.
Your mental health is the second damaging factor you can control. Stress shortens the telomeres, which are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. This length of telomeres determines the body's longevity and good health. When the telomere is too small, the cell dies and becomes pro-inflammatory, leading to cancer risk. However, stress and depression can help reduce the length of these telomeres.
Other activities can help you lower your risk of cancer. In 2017, a scientific study published in the Journal Frontiers in Immunology demonstrated that mind-body activities (Yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, Qi Gong etc.) could suppress the expression of genes and genetic pathways that promote inflammation, metabolism and aging of cells.
Ivana Buric, one of the study's authors, explains: "These activities are leaving what we call a molecular signature in our cells, which reverses the effect that stress or anxiety would have on the body by changing how our genes are expressed. Put simply, MBIs cause the brain to steer our DNA processes along a path which improves our well-being."
Meditation, in particular, because it reduces stress and increases the production of hormones of well-being, helps maintain the telomeres' length.
So, choose a healthy lifestyle each day to help keep your genetics healthy and reduce your risk of cancer.
Your immune system is one of the primary defense mechanisms against cancer because it recognizes cancer cells and destroys them. However, it happens that some cells escape and spread, creating tumor growths.
And like any superhero, there are times when he or she has weaknesses and needs help. You can help your immune system by strengthening it with certain foods:
Your microbiota is intimately linked to your brain but also your immune system. 70% of immune cells are in the intestine. So take care of your diet to heal your immune system headquarters. From time to time, you can also take a course on probiotics. Here are the foods that will help you recreate your intestinal flora and strengthen your immune cells:
So, are you rethinking how you take care of yourself now? We believe that taking care of yourself is essential to maintaining your health, but we also believe that protecting your loved ones’ futures is vital.
At Insurance Supermarket International, we have chosen to specialize in life insurance. It is genuinely the immune system of your finances because this protection plan covers all eventualities: medical expenses not covered, debts, funeral expenses etc.
We will be happy to assist you by offering protection plans tailored to your circumstances to help you achieve complete financial security. To be contacted by an advisor, we invite you to complete our short free quote form.
Ressources
US National Library of Medicine - Garlic and onions: Their cancer prevention properties
Psychology Today - Meditation Has The Power to Influence Your Genes
American Cancer Society - Exercise is medicine in oncology
US National Library of Medicine - Can Meditation Slow Rate of Cellular Aging
Medical Xpress - Increasing evidence of a strong connection between sugar and cancer
Malek Hosseini A, Ghaffarzadegan R, Alizadeh SA, Ghaffarzadegan R, Haji Agaei R, Ahmadlou M. Effect of aloe vera gel, compared to 1% silver sulfadiazine cream on second-degree burn wound healing. Universite d’Arak des Sciences médicales
US National Library of Medicine - Epigenetics and lifestyle
Written by Diane Taes
Have you ever been turned down by a life insurance company? Or you’ve probably heard of insurance denials and wondered why an insurance company would refuse to insure people? There are many reasons for the denial of life insurance coverage. Insurers will use your profile, your age and your health history to determine if you are insurable or not. So if you want to buy a life insurance plan, you should prepare from now and stack all the odds in your favor to be insured. As you read this, do you know someone who has been denied life insurance and would like to qualify for life insurance? Share this article with this person to help her!
It's easy to get life insurance at age 30, but much more challenging after 50 years old or during retirement. What to do if you are denied life insurance? You must prove that you are in good health and not at risk for any illnesses and diseases. So read these tips carefully to take care of your health and increase your chances of getting a life insurance plan. Tip number 7 will surprise you!