5 Common Serious Eye Problems That Deserve More Attention

Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK. Aaron loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels.


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What Are Adaptogens?

If you need help coping with things like stress, and normalizing your body processes, adaptogens may be just the supplement you need. Adaptogens, also called adaptogenic substances, are a type of herbal medicine, used to stabilize your body, and promote homeostasis.

This unique category of supplements can have several beneficial effects – from reducing stress to promoting healthier sleep, and much more. Read on, and learn more about what adaptogens do, how they work, and some of the most common adaptogen supplements.

What Do Adaptogens Do?

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The Health Benefits of Cuddling

Whilst hugs are obviously great for feeling closer to a loved one, did you know that cuddling actually has a range of surprising positive effects that span both physical and mental health? So a little Valentine’s romance could actually help more than just your relationship.

Mattress Online scoured the web for the most common cuddling positions for couples and compiled a top 10 list for our survey respondents to choose from. We found that Brits love getting cosy on the sofa, with the ‘seated snuggle’ being voted as the UK’s favourite cuddle. While men agree with the overall winner, women prefer ‘the chest rest’ – an intimate bed-based hug. Less intimate hugs like ‘The Pretzel’ and ‘Back-to-Back’ ranked lower, showing that UK couples prefer closer contact both on the sofa and in bed.

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7 Ways to Reduce Stress at Home

After a long day of work, it can be hard to come home and get rid of the stress that’s been building throughout the day. Thoughts about unfinished work or your neverending to-do list can cause anxiety and stress to creep up when you’re least expecting it. Here are seven ways you can forget about these worries and reduce stress at home.


1. Prioritize your sleep

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You Don’t Have to be Doctor to Save Lives

One in four people will need a blood transfusion sometime in their lifetime. Read this infographic to find out why and how you should donate blood today.


Did you know that 3,000 blood donors are needed each week in Ireland, yet only 3% of the eligible Irish population give blood? In fact, between the years 2010 to 2015 there was a 21% decrease in the number of new blood donors.


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New survey data has revealed that 54% of people feel worried or anxious on a daily basis

Just over half of the 2000 members of the public, who responded to a survey, admitted to feeling worried or anxious every day.

Dr Felix, a registered online doctor and pharmacy service, conducted a comprehensive survey, which asked how people spend their time each day and the different moods they experience. The company used the results to determine how frequently people feel different emotions and how they spend their time. The survey also asked what activities the respondents would prioritise if they only had one week left to live.

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7 Daily Tips to Improve Your Smile

A bright, healthy-looking smile can make a great first impression. A beautiful smile also improves your self-confidence and overall mood.

Teeth can become stained through smoking, poor oral hygiene, and consuming certain foods and drinks like tea, coffee, or red wine, so many people seek out cosmetic treatments for improving their smile, such as teeth whitening and dental veneers.

However, there are several natural ways you can enhance the appearance of your smile every day through simple hygiene practices and small lifestyle changes.

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5 Reasons Why You Should Draw on Your Yoga Mat

You know when you’re in this wobbly, difficult pose in your yoga class, feeling you’re going to lose balance in a few seconds? But then you focus your vision on one tiny point in front of you to calm your mind and – switch! - you’ve entered a whole new mental state of stillness and mindfulness that channels your focus inwards. It is in this state of mind that it is possible for your body to achieve more than it did when you had all the thoughts roaming in your head. Think about it – all this new-found concentration came from focusing on that little still point in front of you.

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28 Days of Mindfulness to Beat the Winter Blues

There is a growing awareness around mental health and at this time of year, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can become a real problem, as can the less serious winter blues. Seasonal Affective Disorder is depression occurring at specific times of the year, usually Autumn and Winter although some can be affected during Spring and Summer. Luckily there are lots of things that can be done to help with the winter blues and lift a low mood.

Psychologist Andrew Bridgewater spoke to us about his experience of patients with SAD and said that 20% of the patients he sees suffer with SAD each year. He said that; ‘Anyone can experience SAD, especially if they find themselves under sustained stress or experience a very challenging life event at that time of year.’

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The Strangest UK Sleepwalking Stories Uncovered

While the majority of people will know someone that suffers from a sleep disorder, sleepwalking is the one that fascinates people the most due to it being a lot more dramatic than, say, chronic snoring.

Mattress Online asked the public to share their weirdest sleepwalking tales with us and also contacted a sleep expert to help further understand the triggers and answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Here are some standout sleepwalking stats:

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Why You Should Start and Keep on Swimming

Physical activity is one of the most important columns of health, and if we’re being frank – most of us aren’t getting enough of it. We don’t like to get sweaty, we don’t have time and we would rather spend our free time catching up on our favorite TV show. Well, if you’ve been struggling at the gym, then perhaps there’s a more fluid solution for you – swimming! Here’s why you should opt for it and keep yourself motivated to stick with it even when summer ends.

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7 Calisthenics Diet Tips to Get You the Body You Want

If you’re starting a calisthenics workout routine, it is recommended that you also support it with a healthy diet in order to achieve your fitness goals. Even if you perform your workout routines religiously, if you are not fueling your body the right way, then you are just wasting your efforts.

The great thing about bodyweight training is that you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to the exercises that you can incorporate in your workout routine. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced athlete, there are suitable exercises that will challenge you and excite you at the same time.

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Watching Cute Animal Videos Is Key To Relieve Stress

We’ve all been there. We’ve all innocently just scrolled through our social media feeds feeling a bit bored with everyone’s posts about how awesome their lives are. Then we come across a video of a cute duckling falling asleep in class. Or a cute puppy getting so excited about the food he’s eating, his cute little fluffy butt is all up in the air as he chows down on kibble. And before you know it, you’re on YouTube watching cute animal videos one after the other. There is just something about watching those cute animals that somehow makes us happy. Something about their faces, their exuberance, and their clumsiness that makes every worry you have just migrate to the back of your mind for a little while.

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5 Health Checkups You Should Do Regularly When You Reach Your 50s

Menopause can bring many changes to your body, which is why your 50s are a good time to consult your doctor about your overall health. About 70 percent of people between the age of 50 and 65 have been diagnosed with at least one chronic condition, and many of them even have two or three conditions. Only about one in four adults this age are up to date on their screenings and checkups. But catching potential problems early on, when they are likely to be the most treatable, can thankfully help to extend or save lives. In that manner, here is a list of some of the most important health checkups you should consider doing regularly in your 50s.

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9 Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Cancer

You can't prevent cancer, but you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In fact, 20% of cancer diagnoses are linked to diet and inactivity, according to the American Cancer Society.

Nutrient-rich foods can provide long-term benefits to your body. A plant-based diet and regular exercise can improve how you feel and how your body functions.

The better your body functions, the fewer chances there are that you'll have abnormal cell divisions. These abnormal cells are what cause tumors and develop cancer.

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How Videos Aid For Better Learning For Healthcare Providers

With a growing interest in technology sneaking into every area of our lives, it was only a matter of time before tech started showing up in our educational systems too. Today, schools everywhere are using technology to greatly enhance the learning experience and quality of their students and staff, and few fields might benefit from this practice more than the medical and healthcare providers segment.

As with any new concept, there is controversy surrounding the idea of bringing videos into the healthcare profession learning modules. On the one hand, many people see the inherent benefits of using videos to deliver more information faster and more clearly. On the other hand, videos come with their own issues including copyright infringement and technological obstacles and glitches.

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Winter Travel Guide: Stay Safe and Stress-Free

The holiday season is the perfect period to take a little road trip. Gathering your friends or family around and driving off to a warm cabin where you can spend time bonding and relaxing from everyday stress is a magical experience, but you have to be ready for it. Ice, snow, and the general muck of winter weather can make car handling a true nightmare, and if you don’t have everything you need, you risk damaging your car and ruining your vacation. Fortunately, you can easily prepare even for harsh conditions and we’re here to tell you how. If you want to stay safe and truly enjoy your trip, here’s a handy guide that can help.

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Simple Tricks to Reduce The Risk Of Allergies

Allergies are one of the most common health issues that befall both adults and children. Most often, allergic reactions are caused by allergens in the air or food and the symptoms can range from mild unpleasantness to debilitating problems. Luckily, there are now numerous practical solutions for combating these difficulties. In order to help you prevent these symptoms from occurring, we have singled out simple tips and tricks that will help you reduce the risk of allergies.

Control the humidity in your home

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Living a Normal Life after Surviving a Stroke

A stroke is considered by many as a form of "brain attack". It starts with sudden dizziness, headaches, and numbness in the face, arm, and legs on one side of the body. A stroke is mostly caused by a blocked artery or a burst of a blood vessel that causes a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, thus brain cells are deprived of oxygen and eventually die. But stroke doesn't cause sudden damage. It can just happen to anybody at any time.

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