College Stress Management Tips You Want To Try Out

Stress naturally appears when tension levels are higher than energy levels. As a result, you end up feeling overloaded. College students know the feeling more than most. Student life is always exciting but there are also so many things that have to be done that it is quite impossible to not be stressed out.

Fortunately, there are always ways in which you can deal with stress. Before you applied to college you read American Musical And Dramatic Academy Reviews or similar articles. During college, there are many things that can be done, like the following.

Make Sure You Get As Much Sleep As You Need

Student life is always so busy. There are many things that you can do so you may often find yourself awake at 4 AM in the morning, only to then have class at around 8 AM. When you first go through this schedule, it will not be a problem. However, as time passes, it gets more and more difficult to deal with all the stress you will feel.

You want to be sure that you get as much sleep as the body needs. A failure to do this will lead to numerous health problems, like obesity, depression and diabetes. Generally speaking, you do need at least 8 hours of sleep every single night. Follow this tip and your body will be much more equipped to deal with stress.

Make Sure You Eat Well

When you just eat fast food, you can be sure your health deteriorates and you end up stressed out of your mind. The body’s energy levels go down when your diet is not a good one. Be sure that your diet is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. At the same time, do all that you can that you get all the macronutrients the body needs.

Start Exercising

Stress management is not as easy as you might initially think. Whenever you are stressed, the best thing you can do is to work out, even if you really do not feel like it. The great news is that you just need around 20 minutes per day in order to drastically reduce your stress levels. According to specialists, all exercise types work, as long as you enjoy it and you get the body moving. Options like yoga and swimming are very popular among college students but you can also go full out on MMA training or power lifting. Just do what you enjoy.

Do Not Use Fake Energy Boosters

You surely heard about countless students that rely on artificial stimulants like prescription medication, caffeine pills or energy drinks in order to stay awake when study sessions are long. The problem is that when you put the body through a diet that includes these fake energy boosters, you end up depriving it of sleep. This brings us to the problem already mentioned above.

Emotional Support Helps

It is sometimes really tough to adapt and adjust to college life. A way to do this is to have friends so that you can vent all your frustrations. Choose family members or friends that will not judge you or try to give advice. You can so easily reduce stress when you just vent a little.

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Do You have Money-Anxiety Disorder? Ask Yourself These 7 Questions

Ever think twice about reaching for your wallet in an overpriced cafe? Feel a momentary rush when you go to check out of a retail store? Experience decision paralysis when shopping for everyday purchases?

None of these are all that uncommon in our society. However, they all indicate some level of anxiety associated with money. What’s worse, “money-anxiety disorder” doesn’t merely concern our financial lives. It can also affect our relationships, living conditions, personal character, and of course, mental health.

Many people struggling with money-anxiety disorder don’t even know they’re suffering from it. Here are seven questions to gauge whether your money is giving you anxiety.

Do You Engage in Retail Therapy to Calm Yourself?

According to a Credit Karma survey, 52 percent of U.S. consumers admitted to impulsively shopping to relieve feelings of stress, anxiety or depression at least once. This doesn’t have to mean going to a high-scale department store and purchasing shoes in every color. Retail therapy could be as innocuous as going to the thrift store and buying things you don’t need. Pay attention to how you feel as you’re shopping, especially as you approach the checkout line to pay. A spark of excitement, a feeling of joy, an adrenaline rush—any mood-boosting emotions could mean shopping gives you an unhealthy relief.

Do the Holidays Heighten Thoughts About Money?

Per the above Credit Karma survey, 82 percent of people get stressed about holiday spending, with another 31 percent listing it as “very” or “extremely” stressful. The holidays force us to spend money traveling, cook large meals, and buy gifts, often in a much shorter time frame. This leads to a lot of stress and subsequent spending as evidenced by reviews of Freedom Debt Relief.

Do You Struggle to Make Decisions Involving Money?

We don’t know what the future will hold or what our financial standing will be down the road, and that can cause worry when we need to decide on how to spend our money.

Of course, it’s good to be frugal — to think about how our purchases provide purpose and value to our lives, to exercise moderation in our consumerism. However, it’s not a good thing to “let money run the show” or overthink our every purchase. But that’s what happens when frugality is taken to the extreme. People forego life’s small joys and larger experiences because the thought of spending the money is too uncomfortable to bear.

Do You Have Credit Accounts in Poor Standing?

It’s no secret Americans have a lot of debt. In fact, U.S. household debt increased for the 16th consecutive quarter in 2018 Q2 to reach $13.29 trillion. Not all that debt (and the interest rates) are created equal, though—particularly when it comes to credit card balances.

May 2018 Federal Reserve data shows a staggering $1.04 trillion in revolving credit card balances. A staggering 71 percent of credit card balances revolve each month. Payment lapses and collections calls certainly qualify as poor standing, but treading water paying the minimum and 15–25 percent in interest should be equally discouraging signs.

Do You Think You’re Earning Enough?

After money, work is Americans’ second-biggest source of stress, according to the 2018 Stress in America survey. This is no surprise given how intertwined the two are. And contrary to what some may think, any level of income can lead to money anxiety. The feeling is only exacerbated if we happen to also feel slighted in our pay. Considering we spend the majority of our waking hours either at work or involved in some money-related matter, it’s easy to fall into a vicious cycle of unwanted thoughts.

Do You Have Trouble Letting Go of Possessions?

One of the more subtly frustrating things in life is when you randomly need something that you recently threw away. After all, we never know when we might need one of our belongings. It’s this mindset, paired with a general worry about personal finances, that contributes to hoarding behavior. But it can also stem from the opposite: people make habits out of shopping to relieve anxiety but can’t get rid of the stuff later on, leading to an emotional, and literal, wall.

Has Money Affected Any Personal Relationships?

Have you lied about money to a friend or family member? Do you use money manipulatively in a relationship? Relationships are the third most-common source of people’s stress, and the ways that stress is managed affects the best of relationships. Whether the result is financial infidelity, enablement or controlling behavior, it’s worth reflecting on the role money plays in your personal relationships.

Answering yes to a question doesn’t necessarily mean you have money-anxiety disorder, but if many of the above things resonate, it’s worth working on getting to the root of your emotions about money. After all, if you’re going to work for it, you may as well enjoy having it.

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The Best Way to Avoid Sports Injuries

Since the beginning of civilization mankind has engaged in sporting activities where we pit ourselves against each other to see who was stronger, faster, or smarter. Sports has been an important part of society and continues to be because of our inner drive to win.

Sporting competition, by its nature means that participants will exert themselves physically. They will test their strength, and other attributes, and in many cases push themselves past the point of endurance. Because of this intrinsic quality found in sports, we can expect that there will be many injuries on the sports field. Whether it’s a professional game or a group of weekend warriors, injuries will most likely occur.

If you are someone who plays sports, you need to be concerned about injuries because some injuries can be physically devastating. Others might be not as bad but can still cause pain, make you lose time at work, and take away your quality of life for an extended period of time. Those who participate in sports need to have a strategy for staying injury free. Their first line of defense is to visit a reputable physical therapist. These medical professionals can minimize the potential for injury and even help you heal when you are injured.

Here are some more ways for those who are active in sports to avoid injury.

Make Sure That You Warm Up Well

Many professional athletes will argue that warming up exercises are so important that they should be considered part of the game. These exercises are specifically chosen to help athletes become more limber and strong on the field. Athletes utilize exercises from many fitness routines but many are often from Pilates routines.

Pilates is chosen so often because it strengthens the body’s core, provides a full body exercise, and provides great flexibility routines for any athlete. Pilates classes provide an athlete with warm up exercises that can be done before any game and without any additional equipment. Once an athlete has gone through the Pilates routine, they will be warmed up, and ready for the game.

Avoid any Unnecessary Contact

Some sports are full-contact while others, even non-contact, generally involve varying degrees of contact during play. In terms of injuries, contact is a typical & prevalent cause. When adrenaline is pumping and bodies are moving at top speed, contact can occur that results in someone being injured. Although contact cannot be avoided in all cases, if you play sports you should do all you can to avoid unnecessary contact. If there is an opportunity for you to move out of the way and it does not negatively impact the game, you should take that opportunity.

Quite often when people are injured because of contact it is unintentional. Although unintentional, these incidents contribute greatly to the large number of people who are injured while playing sports. The key is to always pay attention and be aware of where other players are. Staying alert might save you a trip to the hospital.

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How to Live Your Life to the fullest

Take Care of Your Health

One of the most important factors that will enable you to live your life to the fullest is your health. Being healthy allows you to do just about anything you want, whenever you want.

Taking care of your health means eating right, avoiding stress and exercising on a regular basis. It also means maintaining your body so that little aches and pains get taken care of immediately and do not turn into bigger problems down the track.

Get Regular Massages

People that want to live full & happy lives are proactive about their health. They look for good quality food, stay away from drugs and alcohol and stick to a fitness regimen that keeps them in great physical condition. Included in this regimen should be massage therapy. Getting massages on a regular basis can help keep you in good physical condition and help to keep your muscles loose, limber and injury free.

If you have any physical challenges like a bad back, massage therapy, like remedial massage, can do wonders to help eliminate pain and relieve any ongoing issues. Creating a good relationship with a skilled massage therapist can be a smart decision and will help you maintain your health throughout your life.

Have Fun Regularly

One of the keys to living your life to the fullest is making sure ‘fun’ is a part of your schedule. Too often we feel committed to work and our routines and don’t include time for us to simply have a fun. We think that having a good time is a privilege rather than a right.

The reality is, however, that having a good time is as important as work or taking care of your family. Studies have shown that those who include an element of fun in their lives, live longer and happier lives. So make sure that on a regular basis you do something fun.

These tips can be very good things to remember and to do throughout your life. If you choose to take them on, you will find yourself happier and living life to the fullest.

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Finding Wheelchair Accessible Hotels While on the Road

Today, wheelchair accessible hotels are very common, and so they should be. However, the rooms in hotels aren’t all created equally. Hence, you should do a little bit of research if you need some adapted accessibility. Thankfully, it shouldn’t take you too long to find something. Let’s take a look at some things you should investigate.

What to Look for in Wheelchair Accessible Hotels

  • Do not ask for a room that is ADA compliant or accessible, but ask for very specific features. For instance, if you require a roll-in shower, you need to ask for one, because you can be ADA compliant without one.
  • Do not ask yes or no questions. Rather, ask for descriptions of what things look like and what the rooms offer so you know exactly what you will be getting.
  • Find out whether there are elevators available if you cannot climb stairs. This is particularly important if you are on the road. You would be surprised at the number of motels that have accessible bedrooms on an upper floor, but no elevators. Ask about this before you get your key, therefore.
  • Remember that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not cover bed height. Hence, ask how high the bed is so that you can check whether or not you can safely get in and out. Standard mattresses are now often replaced by luxury models with high tops, which might make them too high for you. You might be able to get a lower roll-away bed instead.
  • Find out whether you can stay near the lobby or near the elevator, so that you do not have to walk or roll long distances.
  • Find out whether there are accessible restaurants either on site or near the hotel. If you are on the road, the last thing you want to do is drive for another hour just to get something to eat.
  • Find out whether there are any Microtel properties that you could consider. These have been built to be accessible and they can be found along the interstate highways. They are slightly more expensive, but only marginally so.
  • If you need to have some laundry done, find out whether that is possible and whether the laundry room is accessible to you if you have to do it yourself. If not, perhaps there is a local laundromat that is accessible?
  • Find out what the parking charges are if it is not included in the hotel. In city centers, you can spend as much as $20 for one day of parking.
  • If you cannot use the shower, you might want to stop at the next Pilot – Flying J truck stop. They are dotted all over the country and a have roll in showers, toilets with grab bars, and roll-under sinks for weary travelers with disability issues. Best of all, their restrooms are completely free to use.

Hopefully, these tips will help you to make sure you are comfortable while resting on a journey, whether you have access issues or not.

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5 Sites With Deals On Vitamins That Aren’t Amazon + They Offer Coupon Codes

In today’s world, people are diagnosed with lifestyle diseases day in day out. For this reason, vitamins have been recommended to ensure no one suffers from a deficiency that would eventually cause them to fall sick. You do not have to go to the drugstore to get these Vitamins; you can just purchase them from the comfort of your home. Below are five reputable vitamin sellers and their current coupon codes. If these codes aren’t working check out https://couponcause.com for the latest coupons.

1. VitaminShoppe.com

Vitamin Shoppe is a direct retailer that deals with nutritional products. This direct retailer sells more than 400 brands of supplements. These supplements include a blend of vitamins and herbs that nourish and provide support for the immune system, the digestive system, bone and joint health, cardiovascular health, management of stress and anxiety, weight management, eye health and the general body health.

Current Discounts:

Get free shipping on $25+ orders.

Get 15% off discount on Sitewide products with coupon code GIFT2017.

2. VitaminWorld.com

Vitamin World offers a vast selection of vitamins, supplements, superfoods and herbs for women, men, children, the elderly that are 50 +, pre-natal care and those who like organic products. The ingredients used to manufacture these vitamins are uniquely sourced throughout the world. Vitamin world, allows you to shop depending on your goal (Cardio-vascular support, Brain focus, Healthy Aging, Stress and relaxation, bone and joint health). You can also buy depending on the brand you wish to use (Vitamin world, V therapy, Optimum Nutrition, Precision Engineered, Garden of Life or Cellucor).

Current Discounts:

Get a $5 off with Email Sign Up.

Get 25% off your $75 online purchase.

3. TNVitamins.com

TNVitamins provides quality products that are manufactured in a high-grade environment and provide quality nutritional supplements at the best affordable prices. TNVitamins distribute their supplements directly to consumers. These suppliers have extensively researched on their line of products and relied on customer satisfaction to continually refine their product to fit the market. TNVitamins are also equipped with a state of the art warehouse that enables them to provide instant deliveries and recurrent customer service. If you are seeking to purchase nutritional supplements for weight management, multivitamins, vitamin D, and essential oils.

Current Discounts:

Get 10% off on all vitamin orders of $75+ use Coupon code – AF8273

Get free shipping on all vitamin orders of $35+. Coupon code – AF7364

4. Luckyvitamin.com

LuckyVitamin is a wellness company that carefully reviews each product they sell to their customers. The mission is to provide products that help everyone stay healthy. LuckyVitamin support brands that transparently disclose their ingredients and work with third parties to verify them. They also offer foods that are organic and free of any preservatives, colors, flavors or sweeteners. LuckyVitamin sells brands ranging from nutritional supplements, sports nutrition, herbs, and many more products.

Current Discounts:

Get $10 off $50+ MegaFood order use Coupon code – MEGA1217

Free Shipping on $49+ order

5. Evitamins.com

Evitamins offers a vast number of brand items including vitamins, supplements, herbs, whole foods, baby care and more. Evitamins has shipped millions of beauty and health products worldwide at a wallet-friendly cost; by offering up to 70% off standard retail pricing. Evitamins are regularly working with vendors to lower the prices further.

Current Discounts:

15% off Universal Nutrition products use coupon code – UNIVERSAL15

15% off Metagenics use coupon – 150FFMG

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Tips for Reaching and Staying at Your Target Weight

More and more around the world people are struggling with weight issues. This regrettable fact is one that has nations gripped in fear because it is causing many of its citizens to suffer. The incidences of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure has risen to epic heights and is now nearly an epidemic even in children.

There are many culprits: a sedentary lifestyle, too much fast food which contains lots of preservatives and sodium, not enough fiber in our diets, and simply consuming too much food. Individually each of these would create problems, collectively they paint an alarming picture of society today.

The primary issue seems to be bad eating habits. The reaction by governments has been to spend billions to educate the public on good eating habits and to regulate out the worst type of food offenders. In New York, the mayor even tried to outlaw the sale of super large sized sodas because he believed that their consumption was directly contributing to New Yorkers excessive weight gain. Although the measure was struck down in court, it shows desperate times are in many places to get people to do better managing their weight.

Because of the many unhealthy food choices available today it is really difficult to get fit, however there are some things that one can do to reach and maintain a healthy weight. Here are some tips.

Set up a Healthy Diet Plan

A healthy diet plan allows you to aim toward eating the right food and staying on track throughout your day. Reaching your ideal weight and staying there is a day to day activity, so creating a plan is essential to your goal. Your plan should have the following:

Eating Smaller Meals More Often – People in Asia and certain parts of Europe have been able to maintain healthy weights by altering their eating habits. Whereas the traditional style of western eating has been three large meals during the day, they eat as much as six smaller meals approximately 3 hours apart. Each meal contains a fat, carbohydrate and protein and is prepared low fat. This eating plan will take the pounds off.

Use a Weight Management System – A weight management system consists of a complete group of products and strategies that will help you lose weight. A great example is the ZEN Project 8™ by Jeunesse. Over the course of 8 weeks, you’ll be guided through 3 easy-to-follow phases with premium ZEN products, expert coaching, and ongoing support from an active community of like-minded participants. It’s never been easier to stay on plan as you clean, sculpt and reprogram your body. This strategy allows you to jumpstart your weight loss activities and have the support of others who are invested in your success.

Never Order Fried Food

Fried food is food that has been cooked in some type of oil at high heat. It does not matter the type of oil used because all oils when heated to frying temperature become very unhealthy and turn into substances that are very unhealthy for the body. In fact there is no more unhealthy food than fried food. So you should avoid it at every meal. A much better option is sautéed, steamed or baked provided you do not stack up the oils and butter during this process. This should include deserts such as donuts other pastries that are also fried.

Set a healthy diet plan and stay away from foods that undermine your goals and you will be the healthiest you have been in your life.

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Improving your smile on a budget

A beautiful smile can seem like an unattainable asset. Cosmetic dental procedures can be very expensive and not everyone can afford it, nor do they have the time!The good news? You do not have to book an appointment with the cosmetic dentist in order to get that sparkly row of teeth you want. There are so many things you can do to improve your smile for little to no cost.

Excuse-free maintenance

You know this one already: brush and floss, twice a day, every day. Keeping up a regular routine of thorough cleaning and flossing will help you to avoid issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and discoloration. Flossing between your teeth helps to remove plaque, which is the pesky substance that contributes to the formation of cavities. A couple of extra minutes a day is worth it when you consider the havoc unkempt teeth can wreak on your bank account, and on the appearance of your smile. Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to brushing and flossing is…it can help to prevent heart disease and strokes! This might sound far-fetched, but it’s true: built-up bacteria in your mouth can move into the rest of your body through your blood, and can cause serious health complications. So, get back to the basics and implement a strict, no-nonsense routine of brushing and flossing. You will see and feel a marked improvement in no time!

Brighten and whiten…affordably

Having a bright, white, celebrity smile is not as inconceivable and high-cost as it once was. You can easily and safely whiten your teeth at home with safety approved at-home kits. Improving the pearly white sparkle-factor of your teeth is one of the best ways of drasticallyimproving your smile. It’s kind of like a mini-makeover for your face which will lift your spirits and make your smile even more amazing than it already is.

Avoid the candy aisle!

Your diet contributes to the health and appearance of your teeth. The old saying which was drummed into you as a child is still true now; “sugar rots your teeth”. The sugar itself doesn’t necessarily do the damage directly, but it is the main accomplice. The bacteria in your mouth uses sugar to produce acids which eat away at your teeth, causing holes and discoloration.

Spend a little to save a lot

Going to the dentist for regular check-ups might cost more than you would like at the time, but undergoing serious corrective treatments to fix neglected teeth will cost you a whole lot more in the long run. The fresh, clean, healthy look of your teeth is so much more likely to be preserved if you bite the bullet and see the dentist every year. Your dental professional can maintain the vigilant maintenance you have kept up, and keep an eye on any developing issues.

Embrace your imperfections

This one is totally free: accept your smile, and wear it proudly! It’s easier to say than do, but just know that teeth “imperfections” are actually gorgeous and they make you unique. There are so many supermodels out there these days who have gaps in their teeth, chipped teeth, large teeth…and they are admired and coveted all over the world for their unique beauty.

Quick smile-enhancing tips:

  • An electric toothbrush is a great way of getting an extra-deep clean for the recommended 2 minutes. If you make the effort (and the investment) to purchase an electric toothbrush, then you will probably be more motivated to actually use it properly! Some models have 2-minute timers to stop you from skimping on brush-time, and pressure-sensitive mechanisms to keep you from pressing too hard and damaging your gums, which can be easily-done with a manual toothbrush
  • Set a “floss reminder” for 2 weeks to get into the habit. This is for those of you who have abandoned your flossing routine all together. By reminding yourself to do it, the habit will soon form, and it will be second nature. Your teeth will remain visibly cleaner and healthier for longer, between dentist appointments
  • Treat yourself to an at-home whitening kit and use your new-found sparkling smile as motivation to keep up your teeth-maintenance habits long term

Final thoughts

The key to a beautiful, healthy smile is regular cleaning, flossing and cutting down on the sugar. These are free and easy ways of keeping your teeth glistening and fresh. Remember to see the dentist every year to avoid colossal dental bills and painful treatments down the line. To top off all of your responsible teeth-maintenance efforts, get yourself a teeth-whitening kit so you can really show off your dazzling smile like you deserve!

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The Basics in Selecting a Laboratory Freezer

Laboratory freezers are very high quality appliances. They have to be, because often what is placed inside them must have their temperature maintained precisely. For this reason companies who provide laboratory freezers must be prepared for their products to meet stringent standards in safety and performance required for the lab.

With this being said, not all laboratory freezers are created equal and not all freezers serve the exact same purpose. This article will discuss the function each different laboratory freezer serves and how to determine which one suits your needs.

What is a laboratory freezer?

Laboratory freezers are designed to adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety. Unlike their consumer cousins, they are designed to work problem free under the most difficult conditions and to perform at a high level of quality for extended periods of time. Their parts are more heavy duty and medical grade and in some cases they are custom built for a specific purpose or space. They also have special features including alarms to alert if the temperature changes within the unit outside of allowed tolerances, digital temperature displays, and a door lock. Consequently, they cost considerably more than consumer freezers.

Laboratory freezers excel at delivering high levels of performance including:

  1. Being durable and reliable so that there is assurance that no contents placed in the freezer will be damaged. They must be able to store: vaccines and other medications that must be stored according to CDC guidelines, chemicals that require specific consistent storage temperatures, lab samples such as blood and bone marrow, and biological research samples that include tissue, fluids and cells.
  2. Being able to meet ultra-low temperature requirements.
  3. Being able to maintain temperatures consistently and within the stated tolerances.
  4. Having controls that are easy to utilize.
  5. Having a complete range of features.

Types of Laboratory Freezers

While they are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, there are four main types of medical freezers that you will come across during your search for the perfect unit. Upon examining the various options, your facility should have no problem finding a freezer that meets the unique needs.

Upright Laboratory Freezer

These are the most common laboratory freezers and they are also the most accessible to anyone working in the lab. They stand upright like consumer refrigerators and come in a variety of sizes and shapes from ones that fit on a counter top to ones that are very large and need their own dedicated corner of the laboratory. They will all have shelving to focus on allowing scientists easy sight and access to contents placed inside them. They are commonly used in nearly every research facility and hospital.

Under-counter Laboratory Freezer

When floor space is an issue, many labs opt to purchase an under counter lab freezer. These freezers are typically built into a cabinet and fit exactly into a specified space. In terms of its function, it can provide the same functionality as an upright freezer, but its size will be limited. Also these freezers will generally have an installation cost.

Laboratory Chest Freeze

These freezers look like the chest freezers that are common in restaurants and some homes where they are used to store larger, or bulkier items for longer periods. They typically open on the top via a hinge in the back. They usually have minimal shelving.

Ultra-Low Temperature Laboratory Freezers

In the lab setting there will be the need to store some materials at temperatures as low as -85° Ultra Low Temperature Laboratory Freezers are designed to reach and consistently maintain these temperatures. To provide its functions these freezers use a lot more power than the other types of lab freezers, so expect higher electricity bills. Ultra low temperature freezers come in a variety of sizes.

 

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How Risky Is The Contraceptive Pill?

Millions of women around the use the contraceptive pill, quite probably because it is the most effective method of preventing pregnancy. Indeed, with a 99.9% effectiveness rate when taken correctly, pills can be classed as extremely reliable contraception. As with most medicines, however, some women do find that they have side-effects, or that there are drawbacks to taking the pill, so just what are the benefits and disadvantages of taking the pill?

In regards to the advantages, contraceptive pills, such as Gedarel are very reliable and will prevent unplanned pregnancies if taken as per the manufacturer’s directions. Pills are more convenient than many other forms of contraception, and they allow women to be in control of their fertility with no interference during sexual activity. Taking the pill can also help women who suffer from heavy bleeding during their period, as taking it usually makes periods shorter, lighter and more regular. Pills can also give women an element of control over their periods as it is possible to skip periods safely by continuing to take tablets during pill free weeks when taking the combined pill and often women taking the progesterone only pill don’t have periods at all.

Taking the pill can also help protect against certain types of cancer, such as ovarian or uterine cancer, although it is worth bearing in mind that sometimes pill usage is linked to an increased risk of other types of cancer. Acne sufferers can also often benefit from clearer skin through taking the pill, and users also report an easing of symptoms related to the menstrual cycle, so it’s often goodbye to headaches, bloating and stomach cramps.

The pill is perfectly safe to take, but there are some side-effects associated with its usage. These symptoms can include mood swings, breast tenderness, migraines, nausea or even changes in body weight. Often, these symptoms ease over time as users become accustomed to taking the pill, but if not changing the brand of pill can eliminate side-effects.

Taking the pill does put women at a slightly higher risk of developing certain conditions. The oestrogen hormone contained within combined contraceptive pills, for instance, can increase the risk of thrombosis. It is often recommended, therefore, that women who are considered to be at high risk of stroke or thrombosis do not take the pill and that smokers over 35 or overweight women take the progesterone-only pill.

It is also worth remembering that, although the pill is extremely effective at preventing pregnancy, it can only work so long as the user remembers to take it every day. If you have a busy life and think there is the potential that you could struggle to remember to take a tablet every day it might not be the contraceptive for you. Forgetting to take just one pill could lead to the onset of ovulation which could result in an unplanned pregnancy following unprotected sex. There are reminder apps that can be used, or alarms can be set up on phones, but women need to consider if they will be able to think about taking a pill every day before they decide to rely solely on this method of contraception.

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