Stop for a second and examine your life. There are lots of parts to think about. You have your work life, maybe a school life, and a personal life filled with hobbies. Then, there’s your sex life. It’s supposed to be great, healthy, and fun.

With pregnancy worries, though, sex can go from super to stressful in a heartbeat. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. Effective birth control can wash away those fears. If preventing (or postponing) pregnancy is a must, keep reading to choose the best option for you.

1. Take a Pill

Looking for birth control that keeps your period on a predictable schedule? If so, the birth control pill may be the first method that pops to your mind. It’s been around for decades. Most contain a combination of two hormones, estrogen and progestin. When you take them correctly and consistently, they offer 99% protection from pregnancy.

The pill stops ovulation and keeps your uterine lining thin, making it harder for a fertilized egg to attach. There are many other health benefits linked to the pill. Many women report less acne, fewer cramps and headaches, and improved anemia symptoms. Some pills can increase your stroke risk, though, so be sure you’re choosing the pill that’s right for you.

2. Use a Patch or Wear a Ring

Patches work like pills and are equally as effective. They’re more convenient than pills, though, because you change them weekly instead of daily. You will have a visible patch on your arm, back, or stomach, however. Pregnancy protection starts immediately if you put a patch on during the first day of your period. Use a second method if you put the patch on later.

Vaginal rings are made of flexible plastic. Once they’re inserted, your body slowly absorbs the hormones to control your ovulation. Leave it in for three weeks, take it out for one week, then put another one in. Keep it in place during sex and check to make sure it hasn’t moved afterward.

3. Get a Shot

If you don’t mind needles, the birth control shot may be a good option for you. Every three months, your doctor administers the injection. You can get the shot in your muscles, such as your upper arm or buttocks, or simply under the skin. Overall, it provides 94% effectiveness.

It works by stopping ovulation and making your cervical mucus thicker. Basically, your cervix is the front door to your uterus, and the shot makes sure it’s closed. You’ll get immediate pregnancy protection if you get the shot on day one of your period. If you wait until later in your cycle, you’ll need a second form of birth control for an additional week.

4. Choose an Intrauterine Device (IUD)

If you’re looking for a longer-term option that gives you peace of mind, consider an intrauterine device (IUD). Your doctor implants the small device into your uterus during an outpatient procedure. They’re highly effective — 99%, in fact — and they can last between 3-12 years.

Unlike pills, patches, shots, and rings, you can choose whether your IUD relies on hormones. Some use progestin to stop ovulation. They also make your cervical mucus thicker, slowing your partner’s sperm way down. That’s an added layer of protection in case an egg does escape your ovaries.

Other IUDs are made of copper, a metal that repels sperm. Copper IUDs can also be an emergency contraception option if you forget your birth control or it fails. Just keep in mind, these devices don’t offer any protection from sexually transmitted infections.

5. Try an Implant

If you don’t like the idea of an implant in your uterus, don’t worry. There’s another implant option that offers long-lasting pregnancy prevention. This one is about the size of a matchstick. It’s a thin rod that goes under the skin of your upper arm. Like IUDs, it’s 99% effective and can offer around five years of protection.

Similar to other hormonal options, these implants use progestin to bring your ovulation to a stop. Just like IUDs, it makes your cervical mucus thicker. There’s an added benefit with the implant, as well. Many women report their periods are lighter while the implant is in place. Pregnancy prevention and some period relief — that’s a win-win!

6. Opt for Sterilization

OK, admittedly, this option is a much bigger deal. You probably know this strategy better as “getting your tubes tied.” It’s a surgery that involves closing off or removing your fallopian tubes. That means your eggs can’t get from your ovaries to your uterus.

The procedure is 99% effective, so you can definitely let go of your pregnancy worries. Just know that it’s permanent. Do a lot of thinking before you make this choice. If you think you may want kids someday, this method probably isn’t for you.

Routinely worrying about pregnancy can take some of the joy and spontaneity out of your sex life. Choosing a form of birth control that leaves little room for error can put your mind at ease. It’s important to find the option that works best for you. Once you find the one that’s right, you can put your baby concerns on the back burner.

Travel While Limiting The Risks

It is essential that travelers know the risks and that their journeys, whether national or international, be done safely. With this in mind, here are some things you don’t need to overlook before any trip.

Travel is almost impossible to slow the progression of the Covid-19. Travel bans have been established, and citizens have been urged to stay at home except for basic needs. Today, as the curves point to weakening worldwide, countries are starting to reopen in phases, slowly returning to normal. And with the lifting of travel restrictions and bans, more and more travelers are eager to resume their activities.

Although nowhere near as numerous as before, the hospitality and tourism sectors have started to see small numbers of people traveling again. It is excellent news for the global economy, but they are warning citizens that the corona virus remains a threat.

Few Basic Rules to Move Around Safely

Take Your Risk Factors into Account

Before planning a trip, consider the risk factors for you and those with you. Do you fall into the high-risk category (i.e., you are an older person, have underlying health conditions, etc.) The number of new coronavirus cases increases, decrease or stays the same in the destination you plan to visit.

Travel Rules and Restrictions

Each region has its own travel rules during the pandemic. Some countries still have travel bans, while others require 14-day quarantine before and after travel. Before booking your trip, find out about travel regulations, where you live, and where you will be going.

Transport Security

How do you plan to get to your destination? When traveling during the corona virus pandemic, it is imperative to consider the safety level of your type of transportation. For example, if you are taking a bus or train, it may be challenging to stay at least 1 meter from other passengers. If you plan a road trip, the more stops you make, the more you increase your risk of contracting the corona virus. For those traveling by air, consider waiting in long lines and flying in a confined space for several hours. If you will travel by air, it is best to research special offers in business class. There are often fewer people on business class flights, and the seats are usually further apart for comfort and privacy. It makes it easy for you to maintain social distancing.

Health and Security

If you’ve gone through all of the above information and decided that you’re still prepared to travel during a pandemic, protecting yourself and those you travel with should be high on your list. To begin, make sure you pack enough personal protective equipment, including face masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer. If possible, stay at least three feet away from others. Be sure to wash your hands regularly or disinfect yourself if you do not have soap and water available. You should also avoid large public gatherings and stick to ordering take out rather than eating on site. If you start to feel sick, go to a nearby medical facility for testing and treatment immediately. It’s always better to be sure than sorry.

While social distancing and lock down have been a significant improvement, the battle is yet to be won. Travelers affected by travel during the pandemic are enouraged to keep the above factors in mind and to make informed decisions that may protect them, even if zero risk does not exist.

Seek an independent insurance agent that can help you with the type of coverage you need. Listen to the entire interview on the Small Business Radio Show.

Bedroom Essentials For A Restful Sleep

Many studies show that a restful sleep at night is vital for one’s mental, emotional, and physical health. However, in the real world, rest doesn’t come easy to many people, particularly those who live a fast-paced lifestyle or are busy taking care of their families. Now, if you count yourself as one of the sufferers of insufficient slumber, don’t despair. There are many things you can do to help promote better sleep.

Since most people catch their forty winks in the bedroom, it’s the first place anybody who doesn’t clock in the right amount of sleep should check out. Look around your bedroom to determine if you have all the elements that may promote better sleep. Don’t know what they are? Here are the top bedroom essentials for a night or day of restful sleep:

1. Wallow On The Best Pillow

Believe it or not, the right pillow is crucial in helping improve the quality of your sleep. Pillows are where you rest your head when you sleep. So, if they’re super hard, uncomfortable, or causing you to sneeze, you may not achieve the restful slumber your body and mind need. On top of comfort, picking the proper pillow may also aid in maintaining the neutral alignment of your neck, head, and spine.

A buckwheat pillow is one type of head cushion gaining a lot of buzz in today’s sleep accessories market. First developed in Japan, this pillow uses buckwheat hulls to ensure a firm surface that contours according to the shape of a person’s head and neck. Other buckwheat pillow benefits include heat resistance, durability, and anti-allergen protection. So, if you experience allergic reactions when using ordinary pillows, you may want to give buckwheat pillows a try. The usual pillow filler materials like cotton, latex, or feathers may be responsible for your rhinitis and other irritations.

2. Supplement With Scent

How many people lose the desire to sleep after getting a whiff of bacon or pancakes? The answer is countless. When you smell something like bacon, your brain will give your body a signal that it’s already breakfast time, so you must get out of your bed. This reaction is particularly true for those who are used to eating bacon for breakfast. The smell of delicious food can make you hungry, so it’d be hard to go to sleep until you satisfy your food craving. It’s an example from anecdotal evidence that proves the power of scent.

So, if you want to make your bedroom conducive to sleeping and avoid sleepless nights, you may supplement your sleep environment with the right scent. Here are some scents that may assist you to sleep and how to incorporate them into your bedroom:

• Lavender is known to combat hyperactivity. If you have a busy day, your mind needs to be calm and relaxed to induce you to sleep. This herb helps lull kids and adults to sleep. Aside from using lavender-scented lotion or soap, you can also use an aromatherapy pillow that smells like French lavender to make your mind and body calm and ready for slumber.
• Clary Sage is a favorite among aromatherapists, but relatively unknown to most people. This essential oil is beneficial because it can make you feel comfortable and tranquil. So, if you can’t get thoughts related to your work or school out of your mind, you may put a drop or two of clary sage essential oil to your diffuser to facilitate the relaxation of your mind and body.
• Chamomile is another popular herb known to soothe the mind and promote sleep. Many people swear that drinking chamomile tea two hours before bedtime is a surefire way to get anyone in the mood for rest. However, some people don’t like drinking tea at night because doing so may result in several trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night. To get the benefits of chamomile without the diuretic effects, you may light up chamomile-scented candles before bedtime. Just be sure to put your candles away from combustible materials like curtains or paper.
• Vanilla is a sweet scent known to promote happy thoughts and ease depression and anxiety. In some people, vanilla effectively makes them feel warm because the smell reminds them of their moms’ home-baked cookies when they’re young. If this scent positively affects your sleep behavior, you could use a vanilla-scented fragrance mist for your bedroom.

3. Assess The Mattress Carefully

Aside from finding the right pillow, it’d help if you get the appropriate mattress, too. Your pillow will assist with spine alignment, but your body will need total comfort to induce restful sleep. If you’re using a decades-old mattress, you may start to experience back pains and other aches that’ll leave you turning and tossing instead of sleeping like a baby all night long.

So, like the story of Goldilocks, you better find the mattress that’s just right if you want to sleep your way at night. Here are some tips on how you can do just that:

Ditch your mattress if it’s over 12 years old, or even less if it’s made of pillowtop.

Know which one is right by trying out different types of mattresses before you buy. The most common types are memory foam, pillowtop, innerspring, and hybrid.

Match your mattress with your sleeping position.

Consider your weight when buying. People on the heavier side may want to pick a firmer mattress to adjust for sinkage. Meanwhile, if you weigh less than 143 pounds, you may want to consider a less firm mattress and go for plushier options.

The most expensive isn’t always the best, so pay attention to your budget when buying a mattress. After all, thinking about how to pay for an expensive mattress may keep you awake at night, which could defeat the purpose of the sleep-inducing effects of a top-of-the-line expensive mattress. Check out these best bed rails for elderly.

4. Check Your Choice of Noise

Whether you live in the city or the countryside, nighttime noises might make it difficult for you to catch some Zzz’s. In the city, you can hear cars honking in the busy streets. Meanwhile, noises from croaking frogs, crickets, or even the howling of wild animals might disturb your sleep in the countryside.

So, how can you fight off such sounds? Well, you use other types of noises. One popular type of noise that’s often used to promote deep sleep is white noise, which is a combination of high-pitched frequencies. Some people consider ambient sounds such as the whirring of an electric fan or the noise created by air conditioners as white noise. But if you want to ensure you hear the kind of white noise that’ll help you doze off, then you might want to consider buying a white noise machine.

Another type of background sound is called pink noise. It’s believed to help people with sleep disorders by inducing restful sleep. To understand pink noise, think of it as white noise but only subtler and lower in frequency. So, it’s like the sound of rustling trees or the pitter-patter of steady rain. The good thing about pink noise is it helps drown annoying sounds, including the person’s snoring beside you. Pink noise machines are also available commercially. But if you want to save money, you can download a clip or look for an app that offers this type of sleep-inducing sound.

5. Get It Right With The Perfect Light

Ideally, you might need your bedroom to be pitch black to help induce your body to sleep. However, the kind of light you’re using an hour or so before bedtime might influence your sleep quality. Exposure to blue light like the one coming from your tablet, smartphone, or television may disrupt your sleep. So, if you’re already having insomnia, you better ditch your gadgets out of your bedroom and use appropriate lighting for at least an hour before you plan to go to sleep.

Aside from blue light, using bright artificial light is also a no-no. This type of lighting may be suitable for the library, your home office, or the kitchen. But it’ll not do you any good when it comes to your snooze time. The brightness might trick your brain into thinking it’s day instead of night. So, your Circadian rhythm could be disrupted, causing you to lose sleep or keep awake at night.

If you like to read a book before bedtime, choose a warm light or slightly dimmer light on your nightstand. Such light will be conducive to both reading and sleeping. For your babies and kids who want to have lights on at night, dim colored lights could do the trick. They’ll still be able to find their way to the toilet when they wake up in the wee hours of the night, but the brightness won’t prevent them from getting back to deep slumber.

6. Zone Out With Blackout Curtains

Not everybody has the luxury of having ideal sleeping conditions. Some live near a well-lighted billboard or streetlamps while others must work at night and sleep during the day. If you fall into the category of people with problematic sleeping time and environment, then consider the blackout curtain as your slumber buddy.

This bedroom essential will keep off sunlight and other bright lights responsible for your irregular sleeping pattern. Since there are tons of blackout curtains available in the market, you might need to follow these tips to help you find the best one for you:

Blackout doesn’t mean black. Please don’t get discouraged from buying one because you think it won’t fit the color motif of your bedroom. Blackout curtains come in different colors. So, you can find one that’ll complement and match the theme of your room.

You don’t have to throw out your existing curtains if you love them. You can turn them into light-shielding curtains by using blackout lining instead. Such linings usually come in white, so it’d be easy to match them to whatever existing curtains you already have.

Be mindful of the quality of fabric when buying this kind of curtain. If you’re trying to block out the sun because you’re sleeping during the day, choose a denser and thicker material to provide the utmost light-blocking properties. However, if the light outside your bedroom window isn’t that bright, you can choose lighter materials for your blackout curtain.

Think about maintenance before buying your curtain. If you don’t want to spend extra money or time maintaining your blackout curtain, purchase something made from linen, 100% polyester, or even a cotton-polyester mix. These materials are easy to care for and maintain. Some thicker and more expensive blackout curtains may be beautiful and practical, but you must be willing to shell out money for their maintenance since you may need to send them to the dry cleaner for cleaning.

7. Go Comfy With Sheets And Blankets

If you want a restful sleep, you must engage as many senses as possible. Scented pillows, dimmed lighting, and pink noise all promotes deep slumber. But if you’re having a hard time getting the right amount of snooze at night, perhaps you need your sense of touch to add another layer to help you achieve that much-desired forty winks.

Here are some of the considerations in picking the suitable sheets and blankets:

Always use clean and well-maintained sheets. Dirty, smelly, and scratchy beddings might make you feel itchy and can trigger allergies that may keep you awake all night.

Mind the thread count. Try to buy sheets with the highest thread count your money can afford. It’ll determine the softness and quality of the sheets.

Choose bed sheets depending on the weather. During warm summer months, you want to stay away from synthetic fabrics because they trap heat, which may make you sweaty and restless, preventing you from sleeping soundly. Cotton fabrics are breathable and are ideal when the weather is hot. Meanwhile, you may want to use materials such as cotton sateen. Fleece, and flannel during the winter months because they can trap heat and help you combat chilly weather.

Bottom Line

Sleep is essential to your overall health and well-being, so you need to have deep and uninterrupted slumber during your sleep hours. Ensure to equip your bedroom with all the necessary accessories that’ll promote better sleep quality and improve your sleep behavior.

Also Read: How Fast Fashion Affects our Mental Health

Estimates suggest that roughly 1 in 10 of the world’s population live in extreme poverty. Most of which are infected with one, or more, neglected tropical disease(s) (NTDs). NTDs continue to be a major threat to life for those in several African, Asian, Pacific and Latin American countries. In recent years, there have significant developments in treatments and strategies to tackle it and towards the elimination of neglected tropical diseases. But is it enough? Can we truly eliminate them?

In this blog, we’ll be exploring the history of neglected tropical diseases, outlining what progress has been towards eliminating them, the actions being taken by global disease institutions and the plans for the future.

A history of neglected tropical diseases

Neglected tropical diseases as a term was coined by Peter Hotez et al. to set clearer distinctions between NTDs and HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Termed a ‘chronic pandemic’, they are a spectrum of bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections prevalent in topical and sub-tropical regions – most common in areas where people have no access to clean water or safe, hygienic methods of disposing of human waste.

NTDs are sometimes defined as a ‘high burden’ of disease measured in disability-adjusted life years. For context, it is estimated that 26-48 million years have been lost to these diseases and that approximately one billion people are currently affected with 350,000-500,000 dying from them each year.

Obtaining precise figures is incredibly difficult as most diseases progress slowly. Also, symptoms can be insidious and are often not diagnosed until the later stages of disease progression. This is due to the fact that affected individuals typically don’t have the financial resources to access health care. Therefore, a large number of cases go completely unreported.

Types of NTDs

There are 20 diseases to battle in the elimination of neglected tropical disease:

• Lymphatic Filariasis
• Onchocerciasis
• Buruli Ulcer
• Chagas Disease
• Dengue and Chikungunya
• Guinea-worm Disease
• Echinococcosis
• Foodborne Trematode Infections
• Sleeping Sickness
• Leishmaniasis
• Leprosy
• Mycetoma
• Rabies
• Scabies
• Schistosomiasis
• Soil-transmitted Helminthiases
• Snakebite Envenoming
• Taeniasis and Cysticercosis
• Trachoma
• Yaws

What progress has been made?

Throughout the years, there have been increased, targeted efforts to administer care and treatment to the most heavily affected areas and communities of NTDs. These efforts can be catogorised as: preventive chemotherapy, vector control, veterinary public health, as well as improvements to water, sanitation and hygiene.

Preventive Chemotherapy

This is a disease control strategy used in communities and wider territories where NTDs are prominent, focusing on the effective and safe delivery of drugs for targeted groups. Preventive Chemotherapy has proven very effective in decreasing the harsh symptoms of disease; inhibiting permanent impairments and reducing chronic pain.

This has been used to combat NTDs such as onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, dracunculiasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases, and trachoma.

Vector Control

A large number of NTDs are vector-borne. Effective vector egology involves implementing measures to target vectors that transmit pathogens that cause infectious diseases. Vectors include flies, ticks, bugs, and mosquitoes.

Measures to combat vectors include insecticide-treated nets as well as improved water, sanitation, and hygiene. There are increased developments to increase the quality, effectiveness, and availability of vector-reducing equipment for the billions of people that harmful pathogens can affect.

Veterinary Public Health

This approach aims to improve the health and hygiene of animals in environments prone to NTDs to better the health and well-being of people. Safer living environments for animals are a contributing factor in preventing the transmission of diseases from animals to humans.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

Most vectors for NTDs inhabit environments with unsafe water and inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices. Notably, the safe storage of water, and the effective treatment of stagnant water, are critical factors in reducing exposure to disease-transmitting vectors.

What does the future look like?

The future seems optimistic for the elimination of NTDs – predominantly Lymphatic Filariasis, Onchocerciasis and Trachoma, with healthy progress being made in combating skin NTDs such as Scabies and Yaws. Resultingly, the numbers of new cases are at an all-time low in the history of neglected tropical diseases.

New treatments, such as fexinidazole – an oral treatment – are now approved for use and exciting technologies for diagnostics and monitoring and in development. Additionally, other worldwide factors that contribute to the prevalence of NTDs have reduced, too. Since 2000, the number of people living in extreme poverty has declined rapidly; less than 750 million people now live below the World Bank poverty level of $1.90 per day.

Most recently, future initiatives have been revised to ensure sustainable and effective plans are in play on a global scale. In 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) approved a roadmap for the elimination of NTDs in 2021-2030. However, COVID-19 had an unprecedented, devastating impact on the world and is, in itself, an NTD. COVID-19 has since had a major disruption on the programmes for mass drug administration and other wider NTD control measures.

In COVID-19’s wake, there is a serious risk that NTDs may resurface in areas where effective elimination had occurred before the pandemic. Now, the true success of controlling, eliminating, and moving towards the eventual eradication of neglected tropical diseases, will depend on us overcoming resource constraints to properly actualise the roadmap.

Our ears are remarkable, delicate instruments. Yet, in our daily routines—from our fitness regimens to our sleep habits and personal hygiene—we often unknowingly put them at risk. The cumulative effect of certain actions can damage the delicate ear canal and, over time, lead to preventable hearing loss. Protecting your hearing isn’t just about avoiding loud noises; it’s about cultivating smart habits. This guide explores common pitfalls and provides practical, evidence-based strategies to protect your ears for years to come.

While this article offers essential guidelines, personalized care is irreplaceable. For individuals who are active, frequently exposed to noise, or have specific concerns, consulting an Audiologist Santa Monica can provide tailored advice and proactive hearing health strategies.

1. The Cotton Swab Myth: Rethinking Ear Cleaning

Earwax (cerumen) is not dirt—it’s your body’s natural defender. This waxy substance lubricates the ear canal, traps dust and debris, and possesses antibacterial properties. Critically, the ear is self-cleaning; skin migration naturally moves old wax outwards.

• The Risk: Inserting cotton swabs (Q-tips) pushes wax deeper, creating impactions that can muffle hearing. Worse, it can scratch the sensitive canal skin or, in a sudden movement, perforate the eardrum.

• The Safe Alternative: Simply wipe the outer ear with a damp cloth after a shower. For a feeling of cleanliness, use a couple of drops of over-the-counter ear drops designed to soften wax weekly. If you suspect a blockage, seek professional removal instead of probing.

2. Exercise & Entertainment: Managing Volume During Workouts

Matching your run to a motivating playlist is a great boost, but it poses a hidden danger. Outdoor exercisers often crank the volume to overcome ambient noise from traffic, wind, and footsteps. This sustained loud noise damages the irreplaceable hair cells in your inner ear.

• Headphone Choice Matters: In-ear earbuds (like many pods) sit closer to the eardrum and can require less volume than over-ear headphones in quiet settings, but in noise, the temptation to over-amplify is high. Consider bone-conduction headphones or noise-cancelling over-ear models, which block external noise so you don’t have to compete with it.

• The Golden Rule: The “60/60 rule” is a great start: listen at no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time. A simpler test: if someone an arm’s length away can’t get your attention while your music is on, it’s too loud.

3. Water Exposure & “Swimmer’s Ear” Prevention

For many, swimming and showering are harmless. However, trapped moisture in the ear canal creates a warm, dark breeding ground for bacteria, leading to otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear.

• Proactive Protection: Use custom-fitted swim molds or silicone earplugs if you’re a frequent swimmer. After water exposure, tilt your head to drain water and gently dry the outer ear with a towel or a hairdryer on the lowest, coolest setting held at least a foot away.

• Avoid DIY Solutions: Don’t use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide routinely without medical advice, as they can dry out and irritate the sensitive skin of the canal.

4. Neglecting Hearing Protection in Loud Environments

Beyond headphones, daily life is filled with potential hazards: lawn mowers, power tools, live concerts, and even busy city streets. Consistent exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can cause gradual loss.

• Make Protection Habitual: Keep a pair of high-fidelity earplugs (which reduce volume evenly without muffling) on your keychain or in your bag. They are essential for concerts, sporting events, and noisy commute.

5. The Overlooked Link: Stress and Jaw Clenching

Bruxism (teeth grinding) and jaw clenching, often stress-related, can put immense pressure on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which sits just in front of your ears. This can lead to tinnitus (ringing in the ears), a feeling of fullness, and even referred ear pain.

• Mind-Body Connection: Practices like mindfulness, stress management, and addressing sleep issues can help. If you wake with jaw pain or headaches, see a dentist to discuss a potential night guard.

Building a Lifetime of Healthy Hearing

Protecting your ears is an integral part of your overall wellness. It requires moving beyond myths (like the need for aggressive cleaning) and adopting a mindful approach to your sonic environment and habits. Schedule regular hearing check-ups as you would vision or dental exams. Early detection of any shift in your hearing is key to effective management.

For a comprehensive evaluation, especially if you engage in high-risk activities or have existing concerns, seeking an Audiologist Santa Monica is the most direct path to personalized care and cutting-edge preventive solutions.

Also read: 10 Perfect Hairstyle Ideas for Summer. While styling your look, remember that products like strong-hold hairsprays should be applied carefully, avoiding the inner ear area to prevent irritation.

Why This Revised Article Solves the Original Issues:

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4. Adds E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness): Introduces concepts like the “60/60 rule,” decibel levels, TMJ connections, and specific product recommendations (high-fidelity earplugs, bone-conduction headphones), demonstrating deeper knowledge.

5. SEO Optimized Naturally: The focus keyword “Protect Your Ears” is used in context, including in a key subheading. Semantic keywords (hearing loss, earwax, swimmer’s ear, volume, audiologist) are woven throughout.

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7. Up-to-Date Advice: Recommends modern solutions like high-fidelity earplugs and bone-conduction headphones, moving beyond just generic warnings.

Your brain is well equipped to protect you, especially in the presence of very real (or even imagined) stress. The initial response to a stressful situation results in energy that helps you react to the threat you perceive. It is part of what makes the anxiety or stress you experience occasionally motivate you to take on an important task, study for a test, or take a new job.

Stress is caused by external stimuli, while anxiety is an internal response to stress. Even though stress is inevitable, humans are well equipped to endure a long period of stress and anxiety. Poorly managed stress or chronic anxiety, on the other hand, can severely affect emotions, memory, and overall health.

COVID-19 – the disease caused by the novel coronavirus – and the information overload it has resulted in has caused stress and anxiety to skyrocket worldwide. The complex human brain is endowed with a unique ability to imagine threats to health and the myriad ways this virus can harm. Most COVID-19 recover and experience only mild or moderate symptoms like body aches, fever, and cough. Above all, it is the uncertainty about its effects on individuals’ physical, financial, and social health (and those close to them) that creates this unprecedented level of stress and anxiety.

Also read: What Is Ginger Water?

Stress And Anxiety: A Look Back At Their Mode Of Action

Our human ancestors had to resort to a fight or flight response to survive in their inhospitable world. In a state of fear or stress, a charge of adrenaline prepared them to flee danger or defend their territory and stay. In our modern societies, this process is seldom necessary for survival.

Stress sets off chain reactions that first start in your protective brain. When you perceive an incident as terrifying, the tonsils – two almond-shaped masses each located in a hemisphere of the brain – kick in. These two complex cells help regulate the survival instinct (fight-or-flight response), emotions, hormone secretion, and memory.

Studies suggest that the tonsils also participate in the process of anxiety. It is believed that the tonsils of people with an anxiety disorder are hyperreactive. The tonsils are part of a more extensive network within the central nervous system that regulates the physiological effects of stress and anxiety.

The body’s stress response system is designed to switch when needed and switch off as the threat subsides. Feeling anxious or stressed is part of this quick process that helps us stay alert when in danger. On the other hand, persistent stress or anxiety can be problematic and affect physical and mental health.

The ongoing global pandemic is conducive to a lingering sense of stress. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the potential effects of the COVID-19 crisis on your health, both mental and physical, and to find ways to deal with the stress and anxiety you feel.

Information Overload Contributes To Stress And Anxiety

In our modern world, we are no longer content to rely on the Internet for the sole purpose of work or study; it is used today as a means of entertainment, meeting, and contact with people, and as a source of the information world. It is accessible at your fingertips, 24 hours a day.

For many people, a good morning ritual begins with reading the newspaper, checking social media messages and posts, glancing at the TV news, or listening to the radio. However, you have to ask yourself if this is the right way to start the day.

Most people have never lived through a global pandemic as dire as that of COVID-19. A tiny virus invisible to the human eye has abruptly changed the way of life for almost everyone, causing a global health and financial crisis, inspiring fear of an unknown future.

Recognize the signs of stress

We all get stressed out from time to time, but it’s everyone’s reaction to stress and anxiety that makes all the difference. The symptoms of persistent and poorly managed psychological and physical stress are very numerous. Here are a few examples:

• Increase or decrease in activity or usual energy
• Difficulty sleeping or relaxing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Frequent headaches
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Change in appetite
• Increased vigilance
• More irritable or angry feelings
• Excessive worry
• Feeling sad or depressed
• Feeling tired
• Inability to have fun and have fun
• Preference for solitude
• The feeling of anxiety or fear, or confusion
• Difficulty making decisions or having clear ideas
• Increased or reduced consumption of alcoholic beverages or tobacco or abuse of medication or illicit drugs

Long-term activation of the body’s stress response system can increase the risk of severe health problems. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of stress and take the necessary steps to manage it before it gets out of hand.

Take Care Of Yourself

At all times, finding new ways to decompress and have stress-free time every day is essential for your long-term health. It is especially crucial during a global pandemic.

The anxiety and worry about everything that is going on in the world and the possible repercussions on aspects of our lives are quite understandable. Most importantly, remember to listen to your body and emotions and get what you need when you need it. Strive to be hopeful and celebrate your successes, no matter how small, express your gratitude and love, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed.

I remember staring at my reflection in 2019, feeling utterly defeated. My skin—once clear through my teenage years—had rebelled in my late twenties with a constellation of red, angry bumps. Dermatologists prescribed creams that bleached my pillowcases and antibiotics that upset my stomach. The “solutions” felt worse than the problem. It wasn’t until I visited my grandmother in rural Greece and saw her simple olive oil and honey routine that I realized: maybe the answers weren’t in fancy bottles, but in returning to basics. This journey led me to research, experiment, and finally develop the three-tiered approach I share below—one that healed my skin and transformed how I think about skincare altogether.

Understanding What “Natural Therapy” Really Means

First, let’s clear up the confusion. “Natural therapy” doesn’t mean abandoning science or modern medicine. It means:

1. Working with your body’s systems, not against them

2. Addressing root causes, not just symptoms

3. Using minimally processed ingredients with proven historical use

4. Recognizing that skin health reflects total body health

Important Disclaimer First: I’m not a dermatologist. The information here comes from personal experience, scientific research, and consultations with both Western dermatologists and traditional herbalists. If you have severe acne, cystic breakouts, rosacea, eczema, or any concerning skin condition, see a professional first. Natural methods work best for mild to moderate issues and maintenance.

Method 1: The Internal Foundation—What You Can’t See Matters Most

My dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto once told me: “You can spend hundreds on topical treatments, but if your gut is inflamed, your skin will be too.” She was right.

The Gut-Skin Axis: Real Science, Not Woo

Research published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology shows that 54% of acne patients have altered gut flora. Here’s how to fix it:

Step 1: The 14-Day Inflammation Reset
I did this religiously for two weeks and saw more improvement than in six months of topical treatments:

Morning:

• Warm water with lemon (not if you have acid reflux)

• Probiotic-rich food: Sauerkraut, kimchi, or kefir (1/4 cup)

• Omega-3 source: Ground flaxseed or chia seeds (1 tbsp)

Throughout Day:

• Green tea instead of coffee (caffeine spikes cortisol)

• Avoid: Dairy, refined sugar, processed foods (yes, even that protein bar)

Evening:

• Bone broth or miso soup (heals gut lining)

• Fermented vegetables with dinner

• Magnesium supplement (aids sleep and reduces inflammation)

What I Noticed: By day 10, the deep, painful cysts along my jawline had stopped appearing. The existing ones began healing without scarring.

The Hydration Myth-Buster

“Drink 8 glasses of water” is incomplete advice. Here’s what actually works:

The Electrolyte Balance Trick:

• Add a pinch of Himalayan pink salt to your water bottle

• Include cucumber, celery, and watermelon in your diet (they’re “wet” foods)

• Herbal infusions count: try nettle leaf (rich in silica) or horsetail tea

My Hydration Test: Press your skin on the back of your hand. If it snaps back immediately, you’re hydrated. If it tents slowly, you need fluids and electrolytes.

Stress: The Silent Skin Saboteur

When I was preparing for my wedding, my stress acne was so bad my makeup artist gasped. Here’s what finally worked:

The 5-Minute Cortisol Reset:

1. Morning sunlight exposure (within 1 hour of waking)

2. Box breathing: 4 seconds in, 4 hold, 4 out, 4 hold (repeat 5x)

3. Adaptogens: Ashwagandha or rhodiola (consult your doctor first)

4. Evening digital sunset: No screens 90 minutes before bed

Method 2: Topical Wisdom—Ancient Remedies with Modern Understanding

Forget complicated 10-step routines. My skincare cabinet now has fewer than 10 items, most edible.

The Three-Ingredient Facial That Changed Everything

Nightly Routine (takes 3 minutes):

1. Oil Cleanse with Jojoba:

• Why it works: Jojoba mimics skin’s natural sebum

• How-to: Massage 1 teaspoon onto dry skin for 60 seconds

• Rinse with lukewarm water on a microfiber cloth

2. Raw Honey Mask (2x weekly):

• The science: Hydrogen peroxide content + antimicrobial properties

• Important: Must be raw, unpasteurized honey (I use Manuka or local raw)

• Leave on 10 minutes while you brush teeth/shower

3. Aloe Vera Seal:

• Fresh from the plant if possible (break off a leaf)

• Or 100% pure aloe gel without alcohol

• Apply while skin is slightly damp

The Results: Within 3 weeks, my skin barrier repaired itself. No more tightness after washing, reduced redness, and fewer breakouts.

Targeted Treatments That Actually Work

For Hormonal Breakouts (chin/jawline):

• Evening primrose oil internally (1300mg daily)

• Spot treatment: Tea tree oil diluted 1:4 with argan oil

• Warm compress with chamomile tea bags

For Redness/Rosacea Tendency:

• Cold green tea compress (steep, cool, apply with cotton)

• Oatmeal mask: Ground oats + yogurt + honey

• Azelaic acid from grains (this is a natural acid that’s clinically proven)

For Dry/Dehydrated Skin:

• “Slugging” with pure squalane (from olives, not sharks)

• Avocado mask: Mash 1/4 avocado + 1 tsp honey

• Humidifier at night (changed my winter skin completely)

What to Avoid (The “Natural” Traps):

• Lemon juice directly on skin (photosensitivity + acid burn risk)

• Baking soda (destroys skin’s pH barrier)

• Undiluted essential oils (can cause chemical burns)

• Toothpaste on pimples (contains ingredients that irritate)

Method 3: Lifestyle Integration—Where Healing Really Happens

Exercise: Not Just for Weight Loss

When I started hot yoga (reluctantly), I noticed something unexpected: my post-workout glow lasted hours, not minutes.

The Sweet Spot for Skin:

• 30-45 minutes of moderate exercise

• Sweat but don’t drown: Light perspiration is cleansing

• Immediate rinse: Shower within 30 minutes of finishing

• Yoga specifically: Inversions increase blood flow to face

My Routine:

• Monday/Wednesday: Vinyasa yoga

• Tuesday/Thursday: Brisk walking outdoors

• Friday: Dance (just in my living room!)

• Weekend: Rest or gentle stretching

Sunlight: The Careful Balance

After years of sun avoidance (and vitamin D deficiency), I learned smart sun exposure is crucial.

The Safe Sun Protocol:

1. 10-15 minutes morning sun (before 10 AM)

2. Face exposed, body covered or in shade

3. No sunscreen during this window (blocks vitamin D production)

4. After 15 minutes: Apply mineral sunscreen or cover up

Vitamin D Levels: Get tested! Optimal is 40-60 ng/mL. Mine was 18—no wonder my skin wasn’t healing properly.

Sleep: The Ultimate Skin Treatment

During a stressful period when I was averaging 5 hours of sleep, my esthetician gently said: “No cream can fix sleep deprivation.”

The Skin-Sleep Connection:

• 10 PM – 2 AM: Peak human growth hormone release (skin repair time)

• Cool room temperature: 65-68°F ideal

• Silk pillowcase: Reduces friction and absorbs less product

• Sleep position: Back sleeping prevents creases and breakouts

My Pre-Sleep Ritual:

1. 9 PM: Last sip of water

2. 9:30 PM: Gentle yoga stretches

3. 10 PM: Lavender oil on wrists, magnesium supplement

4. 10:15 PM: Read actual book (not Kindle)

5. 10:45 PM: Lights out

The 30-Day Natural Skin Reset Plan

Weeks 1-2: Elimination & Observation

• Remove dairy, refined sugar, processed foods

• Simplify skincare to cleanse + moisturize only

• Track skin, energy, digestion in journal

• Daily 10-minute walk in morning light

Weeks 3-4: Introduction & Customization

• Add one fermented food daily

• Introduce targeted treatment (choose one: honey mask, aloe, etc.)

• Begin stress-reduction practice

• Adjust based on what’s working

Month 2: Maintenance

• Reintroduce foods one at a time (notice reactions)

• Establish consistent routine

• Monthly “skin date” to assess progress

When Natural Isn’t Enough: Signs You Need Professional Help

See a dermatologist if:

• Cystic acne that doesn’t respond after 3 months

• Sudden adult-onset acne (could be hormonal imbalance)

• Signs of infection (pain, heat, spreading redness)

• Suspected rosacea or eczema

• Anything that makes you feel self-conscious or painful

Integrative Approach: Many dermatologists now support combining natural methods with treatments. Mine prescribed topical azelaic acid (derived from grains) alongside my dietary changes.

Budget-Friendly Natural Skincare

The $50/Month Plan:

• Jojoba oil: $15 (lasts 3 months)

• Raw honey: $10

• Aloe plant: $5 (keeps growing!)

• Green tea: $5

• Fermented foods: $15

DIY vs. Buy:

• Worth DIYing: Face masks, cleansers, toners

• Worth buying: Sunscreen, vitamin C serum (stable formulations)

• Splurge: High-quality probiotics, organic produce

Real People, Real Results

Maya, 34: “The gut healing changed everything. After antibiotics ruined my digestion, my skin was awful. Bone broth and probiotics cleared 80% of my acne.”

Alex, 28: “I thought natural meant ineffective. Then I tried the honey mask. My inflammatory acne calmed down in days when prescriptions had failed.”

Priya, 41: “Stress management was key. Once I started meditation and adaptogens, my rosacea flares decreased dramatically.”

Common Questions (From Real Readers)

Q: How long until I see results?
A: Gut/skin cycle is about 28 days. Give any change at least one full cycle.

Q: What about hormonal acne?
A: Natural methods support hormone balance but won’t override significant imbalances. Consider seeing an endocrinologist.

Q: Can I wear makeup during this process?
A: Mineral makeup is fine. Avoid heavy foundations that clog pores. Always double cleanse at night.

Q: What if I break out from oil cleansing?
A: You might be using the wrong oil. Try squalane (light) instead of coconut (comedogenic for many).