For new mothers, the postpartum period can be a difficult time. Dealing with physical and emotional changes can be challenging, along with deciding which maternity bras are most comfortable, what formula will keep your baby healthy, and how to maintain a social life. Many women turn to substances to cope. However, this can lead to a relapse of a substance use disorder. In this article, we will discuss the factors that contribute to postpartum relapse and how to prevent it. Keep reading to learn more.

Social Isolation

It’s been well documented that postpartum social isolation can trigger a substance use disorder relapse. In fact, a recent study published found that new mothers who were socially isolated were more likely to engage in drug or alcohol abuse. The study looked at 180 women who had recently given birth and were enrolled in a substance abuse treatment program. The researchers found that women who reported feeling socially isolated were more than twice as likely to engage in drug or alcohol abuse than women who did not feel isolated. What’s more, the study found that social isolation was a stronger predictor of relapse than other factors, such as depression and stress. This suggests that social isolation is a key risk factor for substance abuse.

Why is social isolation such a risk factor? One possible explanation is that social isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. These feelings can in turn lead to a craving for drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate. Another possible explanation is that social isolation can lead to a lack of support. New mothers can often feel overwhelmed and alone, and having a supportive network can be critical for preventing substance abuse. Regardless, if you find yourself slipping, searching for the best rehab centers in Arizona or your state should be the next step.

Colic in Infants

Colic is a condition that is typically seen in infants and is marked by episodes of intense and persistent crying. For some parents, dealing with colic can be incredibly challenging and can even trigger substance abuse. There is no definitive cause of colic, but it is believed that the pain and discomfort that it causes can lead to emotional stress in both parents and infants. This stress can then lead to the development of substance abuse in parents who have previously battled an addiction. There are a number of ways that parents can deal with colic and help to prevent substance abuse. First and foremost, it is important to seek support from friends, family, and professionals. Parents should also take care of themselves both physically and emotionally, and make sure to get plenty of rest. Finally, parents should create a schedule and stick to it as much as possible, which can help to reduce stress.

Postpartum Depression

Nearly one in five women experience postpartum depression (PPD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Left untreated, PPD can trigger substance abuse and addiction. Women with PPD are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs, including tobacco and illegal substances. Additionally, they are at an increased risk of developing an addiction. Symptoms of PPD include the following:

• Feeling overwhelmed or inadequate
• Crying frequently
• Having trouble sleeping
• Eating too little or too much
• Not feeling bonded with your baby
• Feeling like a bad mother
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

PPD is treated with a combination of medication and therapy. Therapy may include cognitive-behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Overall, postpartum can trigger a substance use disorder relapse. This means that it is important for those with a history of addiction to be especially vigilant during and after pregnancy. Substance use disorder relapses can have serious consequences for both the mother and child.

Launching a small business is a great accomplishment, but it takes a lot of work to build a successful company. Many business owners make the mistake of thinking their enterprise will run itself and that all they have to do is get the ball rolling. Well, there’s nothing further from the truth.

The United States has the world’s best economy because it’s the most competitive, meaning the cream usually rises to the top. To build a successful brand, you have to constantly work to enhance your products and best practices to elevate your company. In this brief article, we’ll discuss some services and business operations that are essential to growing your enterprise.

Digital Marketing and SEO

One of the advantages large corporations have over small businesses is that they have a much larger marketing budget. However, the growth of digital marketing has leveled the playing field for businesses of all sizes, as it’s inexpensive and wildly effective. Indeed, you can create digital marketing campaigns for little to nothing, but creating engaging digital content that can rank high on search engine results pages is a skill that takes years to develop.

As we mentioned, you can market online for free, but without search engine optimization (SEO), your reach probably won’t extend far beyond your social media circle. SEO is a set of best practices and software tools that increase the online presence of companies. It involves optimizing their digital content to make it more appealing to search engines and increase their domain authority.

With the right SEO best practices, you can outshine large corporations in your local market. Birmingham is a city that supports its small businesses, and with local SEO, your business can rank higher in your region than large businesses that provide the same products and services.

Flagstone Search Marketing is an SEO company Birmingham should be proud of. Their content has been featured in some of the top publications in the world, and they’ve helped plenty of small enterprises like yours maximize their digital marketing efforts.

Presentation Design

One of the greatest needs for growing companies is capital. Attracting investors is vastly different from attracting new customers. Investors expect a thorough presentation to show them why they should infuse your enterprise with their money. You need to create engaging content that will show them why they should be excited to invest in your business, and regular old diagrams and pie charts won’t do it.

The best option when you need a presentation for potential investors is to outsource to project management or presentation design company. They can help you create templates for content using your brand colors and employ an online graph maker to create interactive infographics.

Data Science

Big data is one of the most powerful forces in the business world, so if you’re not using it, your business isn’t operating at its full potential. The right data science services can help your company turn raw data into insights that shape the way you do everything, from consuming energy to monitoring employee productivity.

Taking your company to the next level isn’t a one-shot deal—it’s a never-ending process. As a business owner, you should always be looking for ways to enhance your company’s best practices. Furthermore, you can’t build a great company alone, so using the right services is critical to your success.

Search engine optimization, presentation design, accounting, and data science are vital business operations. They require skills that take years to develop and hundreds of thousands of dollars to acquire. However, outsourcing means you only pay for the services you use, saving money and increasing your ROI. You can’t elevate your company overnight, but by outsourcing these services, you’ll be well on your way.

While it’s a major goal for most people to feel happy and healthy, that, unfortunately, isn’t always possible every minute of every day. It’s natural to have times where you feel down and may be struggling with a bit of depression. If you’re feeling sad, lethargic, or depressed, you are probably looking for any advice to get out of that negative headspace.

Depression can be a tricky feeling to combat or fight against. This is especially true for individuals who have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder who have trouble simply getting out of bed in the mornings. While there’s no substitute for professional help, there are some creative activities and methods you can try to ease any depressive feelings you may be experiencing. Think outside the box and don’t be afraid to try some unconventional things to find your happiness and joy yet again. Here are a few suggestions of ways you can relieve feelings of depression.

Consult a therapist or psychologist if you have clinical depression.

To start, it’s important that you understand when you may need professional assistance. If you are struggling with diagnosed or clinical depression, you should consult a therapist or psychologist to help you get the care you need. Mental health care is just as important as physical health care, so don’t be afraid to seek help when needed. Different forms of personalized therapy can help you monitor your progress, reframe negative thoughts, and find a clearer pathway to happiness. Speak with your own therapist to navigate some of your depressive thoughts and try different treatment options. There may be inhibitors in your life that are causing you grief and depression that you can work to eliminate. Remember, there is no substitute for professional care from a licensed therapist, so if you are struggling greatly with depression, you may want to seek this outlet.

Splurge on a new and exciting ride.

So many people turn to retail therapy to give themselves a little pick-me-up. Perhaps one of the unconventional ways to relieve your depression is splurging on a new ride. Check out Ghana used cars for sale to find a vehicle that you’ve always wanted. These online car auctions offer great used cars for incredibly affordable prices. Have fun picking out a new ride and going for a spin with the wind in your hair. Sometimes something as simple as that can make a huge difference in your mood.

Get moving and try to fit in some exercise.

You’ve probably heard it before, but regular exercise can have a big impact on your mood and help ease depression. By releasing endorphins, there are chemical reactions in your body that help boost mood and productivity. Even getting out for a 15-minute walk every day can make a difference for your mental health.

Go pet some puppies … no, really.

Animals are wholesome, loving creatures who have no other agendas or ulterior motives when they’re giving affection. For this reason, it can actually improve your mood and help ease depression to cuddle up with a dog or cat. Feel free to use this as an excuse to get a new pet or visit the shelter just to pet some puppies for a little while.

Try your hand at a new form of art.

Participating in some form of art can be incredibly therapeutic. Have fun tapping into your creative side as an unconventional way to relieve depression. By using your hands and allowing yourself space to try something new, you are taking risks and creating something beautiful. This can be the perfect way to see value and love in other areas of your life and let loose for a little while.

While cleaning your home regularly has always been important, the public health emergency caused by COVID-19 has made taking additional precautions a necessity. We now know more about the ways that the coronavirus spreads and what we can do to reduce the presence of virus particles and other pathogens in the air, which can help homeowners make the right choices in the fight against COVID-19. One way to help clean and sterilize your environment is through the use of a disinfection service. Read on if you want to learn more about hiring someone to handle bacterial and viral disinfection for your home.

Should you invest in bacterial and viral disinfection?

Given the ongoing public health crisis caused by COVID-19, many homeowners are wondering whether they should consider hiring for bacterial and viral disinfection. The reality is that with so much risk out there, there are few areas where it isn’t worthwhile to take extra precautions. Families that have members who are working with the public on a general basis, especially in a health care setting, should be particularly proactive about disinfection and cleaning.

While all of us want to believe we’re taking every precaution we can, a professional cleaning service will have access to tools and products that we don’t. Many companies also offer 24/7 availability with fast response, meaning they can take care of the disinfection process within a few hours of your phone call in some cases.

When hiring a company to disinfect your home, look for a business with years of experience with this type of cleanup. You should also make sure they are following all the latest CDC protocols regarding health and safety, including a commitment to having their technicians wear proper PPE while cleaning your home.

What else can you do to keep your home safe?

After you’ve had your home professionally cleaned and disinfected, you’ll want to make sure you and everyone else in your family stay safe and protected. Ventilation is another area where the CDC suggests homeowners focus. Improving airflow is an effective way to prevent virus particles from accumulating or concentrating within your home. You might be wondering what you can do at home to improve ventilation, but luckily, the CDC also provides several easy tips to follow.

If you live in an area where the outdoor air is safe, open your doors and windows as much as you can. This will allow fresh air to circulate in your home. Filtering the air in your home is also a good idea. Typically, this is handled by your HVAC system, though you’ll need to be sure it’s well maintained. The filter in your HVAC should be changed every 30 days, and the unit itself should be inspected at least once annually.

Anyone who is still concerned about the quality of their air after these steps should consider investing in a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaner. These filters can trap particles in the air that are exhaled while singing, talking, coughing, and sneezing. Just make sure you select a cleaner that is the right size for the room you intend to place it in.

There are many steps we’ve all taken in our day-to-day lives to help protect against the spread of harmful viruses and infectious diseases, from social distancing to wearing masks when indoors or in close proximity to others. Some homeowners may also want to consider whether or not they could benefit from the services of a disinfection company. There are few things more worth investing in than creating a healthy environment at home, especially with the additional dangers posed by the spread of COVID-19.

A spinal cord injury is one of the hardest injuries to recover from. Because your spine is so intertwined with the rest of your body, there’s a lot that goes into healing that trauma. Severe spinal cord injuries can even result in paralysis or issues moving other parts of your body. You may be left with permanent back pain or neck pain. Depending on the spinal deformity or issues with your vertebra, you may be dealing with an issue for a lot of time. The severity of your spinal injury will determine the future of your overall health.

Healing from any injury is hard on your body and your mind. With spinal trauma, this can be an even harder recovery journey because your whole body is affected. You may have a completely different life based on the severity of your injuries and trauma. In these cases, it can be incredibly helpful to receive patient care for your mind as well as your body. In addition to seeing a physical therapist, you may want to find a mental health therapist as well. Let’s take a look at a few of the ways counseling can help you recover from spine trauma.

Talking about your trauma or experience helps you heal.

Mental health counseling is a tremendous outlet for you to talk about and work through difficult experiences you’ve had. Talking about it helps you heal and move on with a sense of peace. Chances are, there’s a great therapist in your area that can help with whatever you’re going through. If you live in NC, check out therapistsincharlotte.com to find the right fit for you. With data-driven treatments and personal connections, you can feel secure and safe while working through any residual issues from your spinal trauma. Just like you get expert care for your serious injury, you need therapists to help you care for any trauma in your mind. Look for psychologists and counselors who understand what you’re going through and can help you recover.

Get used to your new normal.

Depending on the severity of your traumatic injury, the course of your life may be altered forever. This means understanding and getting used to a new sense of normal. While neurologists, spine trauma experts, and physical therapists work on treatment options for your body’s new normal, you may need time to catch up with your mind. For example, if your spinal trauma landed you in a wheelchair, this is going to be a big change for your life. While the quality of life doesn’t have to diminish, you still may need to discuss that change with a therapist. Find someone with reliability who can help you process the change in your new normal.

Help understand what happened.

Oftentimes, traumatic accidents happen quickly. It can be scary when you don’t totally know what happened to you. Your brain may also be repressing bad memories of an accident or injury. Seeking mental health counseling can help you understand what happened to you and start to heal from that painful memory. Finding peace and conquering any returning fears will help you move on with your life in a more positive way. Therapists can help you unpack these emotions and memories in a healthy, safe environment.

Learn more about your health holistically.

Health is an incredibly holistic thing. Your body and mind are connected in more ways than you may realize. When you’re healing from a trauma, it can be incredibly helpful to seek mental health help as well. This means you’ll be finding positive coping skills that will help you find a helpful outlook for your healing process. This treatment plan can only help you get better faster.

Braces effectively correct crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and bad dental work. More so, if you have a misaligned bite, braces can help straighten and align your teeth. Before now, braces were predominantly worn by teenagers to correct long-standing dental issues.

These days, they have become a popular fashion trend among adults. Before you book a session with your orthodontist, you must have all the information to ensure you’re making the right decision. On that note, we’ve listed some vital things to know before getting braces.

1. Some braces can be aesthetically pleasing.

Modern brace designs feature a mix of aesthetics and practicality. Ceramic braces are more aesthetically pleasing than traditional metal braces. Moreover, their compact shape makes them more comfortable. Brace designs are somewhat similar to gel nail art designs since you can personalize them. For instance, Invisalign is a custom-made plastic aligner. The custom clear aligners are removable and should be replaced every two weeks.

2. You have many options.

If you want dental braces, you should know all kinds of options available. The best option for you might not be the best for someone else. That’s why it’s vital to see a dentist or orthodontist who can lay out all your options. An orthodontist will give you a professional assessment of which treatment option might be best.

Of all the types of options available, the dilemma many people face borders around Invisalign vs braces. Though expensive, Invisalign allows you to eat and drink whatever you want. That said, the most affordable and common kind of treatment option is metal braces. Some other options include ceramic braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign.

3. Age doesn’t count.

You don’t have to be of a specific age group to wear a brace. Besides, an orthodontist can administer an orthodontic treatment to a child with primary teeth. Most orthodontics advocate that the ideal time for getting dental braces is when the teeth are more amenable to straightening.

Ideally, children between 10 and 14 years of age can wear braces. The bottom line is that orthodontic patients can benefit from a treatment plan at nearly any age, depending on what’s been recommended. There was a time when braces were popular among teenagers. In recent years, we’ve seen many adults go in to get their braces done for cosmetic reasons or to correct minor dental issues.

4. Braces can be uncomfortable.

If you’re only using braces to make a fashion statement, know that it will cause you great discomfort. This is especially true when you first wear them and after every adjustment. Fortunately, you won’t feel pain when an orthodontist applies it to your teeth. It’s possible you will only feel a mild soreness after the orthodontic wire is engaged into the metal bracket.

Regardless of how uncomfortable braces are, be patient and follow the treatment plan your orthodontist prescribed to you. Before you say jack, you’ll have a perfect set of teeth and a beautiful smile. Besides, the point of wearing braces is to create a healthy bite and improve your overall oral health.

5. Your dietary plan will change.

This is one of the things you’ll appreciate knowing before getting braces. If you’re a food enthusiast (and an unapologetic one at that), you might need to rethink your decision to get a brace. The thought of having to make some dietary changes is one of the most challenging parts of wearing braces. There’s a long list of things you shouldn’t eat when wearing braces.

The good news is that braces are temporary, and in no time, you would be back to enjoying your favorite recipes. More importantly, try to clean your teeth thoroughly to prevent the growth of bacteria between the tight places and along gum lines.

Most adults are aware they may need life, auto, and homeowner’s insurance. Business owners and employees may need additional forms of insurance to protect their income and business.

Doctors, dentists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and audiologists are medical professionals who may have a medical practice. If you’re a healthcare provider with practice, you may need additional insurance, including tail insurance.

What is tail insurance?

Insurance that covers medical professionals after they’ve left a job is called tail insurance. Healthcare providers need medical malpractice insurance to protect themselves from medical malpractice lawsuits. Malpractice insurance covers the costs of legal fees and settlements in the event of a malpractice lawsuit.

Once you leave your job, however, your medical malpractice insurance for that place of employment ends. This means you aren’t covered for any future claims related to your last place of employment.

You can protect yourself from future claims when you leave a job by securing tail insurance from an insurance company. The only living medical professionals who do not need to pay for tail insurance are those who become disabled or retire.

Tail insurance is expensive. Instead of paying additional premiums, policyholders must pay a one-time lump sum for tail insurance. Following a career change, insurers offer policyholders 30 days to obtain tail coverage.

Why do medical professionals need tail insurance?

Medical professionals may be sued for several reasons. Medical malpractice doesn’t just encompass active wrongdoing on the part of healthcare providers. Malpractice suits can be filed for negligence if the patient feels you haven’t provided the minimum standard of care required.

The needs of each client can complicate allegations of negligence. For example, when communicating with seniors, medical professionals must consider the unique needs of older adults. If you’re treating an older adult with Alzheimer’s, you may also need to communicate with caregivers or family members. This can present legal issues if the patient hasn’t assigned medical power of attorney to a caregiver or family member, because the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) prevents medical professionals from disclosing patient information without legal authorization.

Healthcare professionals may also face communication challenges if they’re treating patients whose first language isn’t English. Miscommunication can complicate healthcare delivery and lead to potential legal issues. Ultimately, securing tail insurance is a good idea because it ensures you can change your place of employment with peace of mind. If legal issues do arise, your insurance company has an active policy that will protect you from bearing the costs of legal fees and settlements.

How do healthcare providers obtain tail coverage?

Start by contacting your current insurance company to get a quote for tail insurance coverage. Once you’ve received the quote, contact other insurance providers to determine the best rate they offer and find the best tail policy option. For example, MEDPLI employs tail insurance specialists who strive to provide the amount of coverage required for the best rate possible. Comparison shopping is the best way to ensure you get the amount of coverage you need at the best price.

You can prepare for your career change by setting aside extra money to cover tail coverage costs. It’s normal for tail insurance to cost over $10,000.

What other forms of insurance do medical professionals need?

As a healthcare worker, you need multiple forms of insurance. You need medical malpractice insurance to protect yourself if you’re sued. Malpractice insurance pays for your legal expenses. It also covers the costs of a judgment or settlement.

You also need income protection insurance, particularly if you have a practice. Income protection insurance protects you if you’re unable to work. If you’re injured in an accident or become ill, your income protection insurance provides compensation while you’re off work. Since medical professionals are regularly exposed to viruses through their work, income protection insurance is the best way to protect your income.

You should also obtain a term life insurance policy. You can review policy options from life insurers by accessing life insurance quotes online. Follow the prompts to receive a free quote to determine how much coverage you can receive and your coverage premiums.

Medical professionals may face unique challenges that make it challenging to communicate effectively with patients. Since medical professionals can be sued for negligence, it’s crucial healthcare providers who change jobs obtain tail insurance. Tail insurance extends their malpractice insurance to protect them from lawsuits filed after they change their place of employment. Healthcare providers also need other forms of insurance, including income protection insurance and life insurance.

Exoskeletons tend to be the stuff of dreams, especially for fans of science fiction. There are many examples of how this device is used in fantastic settings, in some of our favorite pieces of sci-fi entertainment. In Aliens, the heroine fights a gigantic, acid-spewing Alien queen with the use of a power loader exoskeleton. In all of the Iron Man movies, Tony Stark uses a variety of exoskeleton suits to save the day. In the billion-dollar grossing Avatar movie, an amplified mobility suit/ exoskeleton is used by the bad guy mercenaries to take on the Na’vi, and of course who could forget the robotic exoskeleton that is Robocop?

Such futuristic outfits are fantastical in their idea of what exoskeletons would eventually look like, and what they might be used for. But these robots are not actually fantasy. In the current day, exoskeletons do exist and provide an important service to their users. Exoskeletons are wearable devices that work hand-in-hand with their operators. They are usually used to augment, reinforce, or restore performance for a human wearer. This is done by being placed on the body, essentially acting as an amplifier to their movements.

Where do exoskeletons come from?

These devices are often made out of metal or carbon fibers (rigid materials) or are composed of soft and elastic parts. Exoskeletons were first invented in the 1960s by General Electric, with the creation of a device called the Hardiman. The first exoskeleton was a large full-body device that was designed to augment the wearer’s strength and enable the lifting of heavy objects, whilst reducing fatigue. At the end of that same decade, gait-assistance exoskeletons were created at the Mihajlo Pupin Institute in Serbia. By the time the 1970s came around, another gait-assistance exoskeleton was created at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Since then exoskeleton innovation has hit a variety of technological heights. Towards the end of the 2010s, a variety of lightweight military exoskeleton prototypes had been developed. The goal for these was to augment a user’s strength and endurance. Post-2010, there were several gait-assistance and restoration exoskeletons that were introduced to the public. An example of this is Ekso Bionics’ various robotic exoskeleton, produced by this industry leader, based in the United States.

How does the exoskeleton work?

To answer the question of how such devices work, we must first begin by discussing the frame of an exoskeleton. Depending on what materials went into making them, they are often lightweight and allow quite a degree of freedom when it comes to movement. The frame goes around the user’s body, or part of their body, depending on the type being used. In some cases, the exoskeletons can contain sensors that are used to monitor and then respond to a person’s movements.

What do they run on?

Exoskeletons require different types of power sources to help them operate. They can be either motorized or mechanical, while others run on electricity. Some exoskeletons don’t require any electricity and offer more freedom for a user. One useful example of seeing how these work is in the EksoUE suit. The EksoUE is an exoskeleton that assists patients who have limited mobility or limb injury in the upper body. The exoskeleton technology works with a patient’s affected shoulder and arm during his or her rehabilitation. This device is a wearable upper-extremity type of medical exoskeleton.

This device has interchangeable springs, which allows for different powered active-assisted function movement. The device’s operation is based on the patient’s strength, endurance, and the weight of their limb or extremity. This is often how most other exoskeletons work, as they are based around the user who is operating them. In the case of the EksoUE, how the exoskeleton operates is based on how the patient utilizes the device. These devices are often used for occupational or physical therapy sessions. This helps to allow for longer and more high-intensity therapy sessions and is a huge assist in increasing muscle activity, and motor functions.