People pick up unhealthy habits due to a variety of reasons; it can either be peer pressure or some personal issue that forces them into developing this habit. One such addiction that claims 480,000 lives every year is smoking. Smoking is a highly-addictive habit that poses a great threat to the individual who smokes and those in the vicinity of smokers. In fact, passive smoking or secondhand smoking has resulted in about 41,000 deaths every year.

So, if a loved one is trying to kick the butt, they’ll need all they can get. Here are some handy tips that will help people quit smoking effectively.

Gear up before going “cold turkey”
One cannot quit smoking simply by throwing away the cigarettes out. Smoking is an addiction and it affects the brain as well. The brain becomes addicted to the nicotine, and without it, the individual will experience withdrawal symptoms. Which is why it is imperative to make arrangements in advance as the individual will need support to get through this phase. So, it is sensible to ask the doctor for ways to cope with the withdrawal symptoms, or join some quit-smoking classes, establish a solid support system, counseling, or opting for hypnosis or medication.

Opt for nicotine replacement therapy
When someone decides to quit smoking, the nicotine withdrawal can give them headaches, fatigue, and mood swings. The craving will hit them hard, and the urge for “one last drag” will make all the efforts futile. If this is the case, opting for nicotine replacement therapy can help ease the withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine replacement therapy includes nicotine gum, nicotine patches, and lozenges, and these will improve one’s chances of quitting smoking successfully.

Avoid alcohol and other triggers
Alcohol is known to weaken one’s resolve as people under the influence of alcohol aren’t capable of making sound decisions. It is harder to stick to the goal of quitting smoking if one consumes alcohol. So, it is imperative to try and limit the alcohol intake in the beginning, and stop it completely as the journey to quit smoking progresses. Instead of drinking alcohol, one can switch to tea for a few weeks and the urge to drink will subside eventually.

Adhering to these tips to quit smoking will require a lot of conviction and willpower, and even if the individual fails the first time, the resolve to kick the butt should make them try harder the next time.

Dental care has improved by leaps and bounds over the past several years; however, billions of people continue to suffer tooth loss. The loss of teeth can be attributed to factors like aging, decay, injury, or oral disease. Damage or loss of a tooth can not only affect oral functions but can also affect the health of the surrounding teeth. For the longest time, the only treatment option available to people with missing teeth included dentures and bridges. However, the advancement in technology has made the dental implant treatment widely accessible to people.

Replacement tooth roots and dental implants are designed to be a strong foundation that supports permanent or removable teeth. These artificial teeth match the look and the functionality of natural teeth. There are numerous advantages associated with getting dental implants and here are the most notable ones.

Easier chewing
Tooth replacements like dentures can make chewing a little difficult. On the other hand, dental implants function just as well as your own teeth. One can munch and chew even tough foods comfortably and without experiencing any kind of pain.

Better oral health
Tooth-supported bridges and other forms of tooth replacement treatments may require reduction or filing of other teeth. However, with dental implants, the size or the placement of the nearby teeth does not have to be altered. Thus, this leaves more of the natural teeth intact and your oral health is better protected. Dental implants also help one to achieve better oral cleaning and improved hygiene because of the easy access between teeth.

Natural appearance
Dental implants render the most natural feel and look. They appear and begin to become a part of your own tooth set. Moreover, they fuse with the bone over a period and become permanent. You regain your beautiful smile, making you feel more confident.

Added convenience
The popularly used dentures are removable and must be maintained well through several cleaning steps. Dental implants let an individual do away with the added chore of removing and cleaning the dentures. No more does one have to be hassled with the inconvenience of dealing with messy adhesives.

Durable
Dental implants are one of the most durable tooth replacement methods. When cared for well, the implants can last for several years. Typically, dental implants are recorded to last a lifetime.

Dental implants are metal frames or posts that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gums. They allow the dentists to mount artificial replacement teeth onto that frame, providing support to the artificial teeth. There are various types of dental implants as every patient has a different type of jaw and teeth to gum ratio. A dentist will also recommend a dental implant based on the patient’s oral and general health history.

The following are the four main types of dental implants recommended by dentists:

Subperiosteal dental implants
These types of dental implants are placed in the jaw bone using metal posts to hold restoration. Subperiosteal dental implants are used in a single-stage treatment.

Single-stage dental implants
These are longer implants placed on the jaw and the gum. The top of the implant is exposed, allowing the dentists to access the area of bone after several months of healing. As a result, they can place the abutment and restore the implant without surgically exposing the dental implant again.

Endosteal/endosseous dental implant
These types of dental implants are placed on to the jaw and are usually used in place of a bridge or a denture.

Two-stage dental implants
The patient requires surgery for placing this type of dental implant into the jawbone. After a few months of healing, the dentist will perform a second-stage minor surgery, exposing the dental implant and attaching the dental implant with a temporary crown and abutment for restoration.

Mini implants
They are also referred to as small diameter or narrow diameter implants requiring a less-invasive procedure. Measuring less than three millimeters in diameter, mini implants are recommended for patients who do not have a healthy bone tissue for traditional dental surgery.

Same day implants
These implants are also known as immediate load dental implants. The same day implants allow the dentist to place temporary crowns over the dental implants in a single treatment session. These dental implants fuse with the natural bone over a period of three to six months. The temporary crown is then replaced with a permanent custom crown.

The patient needs to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support dental implants. It also requires commitment toward oral hygiene and regular dental visits for the long-term success of the dental implants.

Living with a chronic condition like diabetes can be extremely difficult. Moreover, the restrain diabetics have to show when it comes to food is something others cannot fathom. The food that people with diabetes are asked to switch to is healthy, but at the same time, it doesn’t stand a chance against bacon and fried eggs, which people usually love having for breakfast. However, to ensure that they do not experience hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, it is imperative for diabetics to consume healthy food even though it tastes bland.

Diabetics can now rejoice as the days when oatmeal or kale were the only options for breakfast are long gone. The internet is rife with amazing breakfast recipes for diabetics, and these are extremely healthy. So, read on to learn about some amazing breakfast recipes that do not require much effort.

Breakfast shake
Though diabetics need to refrain from consuming ready-to-make shakes without consulting their doctor, they can enjoy a nice homemade breakfast shake. For this easy breakfast shake, you’ll need one cup of fat-free milk or plain nonfat yogurt and half a cup of fruit, such as blueberries, bananas, or strawberries. You will have to blend these ingredients with one teaspoon of wheat germ, a teaspoon of nuts, and ice. Once you blend it, you’ll be looking at a tasty, filling, and healthy breakfast.

Muffin parfait
Muffins are a big no for people with diabetes, but healthy muffins, a completely new concept, will not trigger fluctuations of the blood sugar level. So, get a whole grain or high-fiber muffin and cut it into half. Once you complete halving it, cover it with berries and top it with a dollop of low or non-fat yogurt. This muffin parfait recipe ensures that you can relish the muffin without feeling guilty at all.

Breakfast burrito
Burritos are not exactly known for being healthy, but you can definitely make healthy breakfast burritos. You will need a nonstick skillet and cooking spray, and once you are armed with these, scramble eggs with onions and green peppers or spinach. Once the filling is ready, place it in a warm, whole-wheat tortilla and sprinkle some non-fat cheddar cheese and salsa over it. Voila! Your breakfast burrito is ready. Also, using whole eggs for this recipe won’t cause problems for diabetics as whole eggs have more nutritional value than egg whites.

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Almost everyone on a keto plan will agree that preparing everyday meals can be exhausting. Also, the most difficult part is saying goodbye to the unhealthy but rather delightful carbs! However, your keto recipes don’t have to be bland and limited. To revive your taste buds, here are 3 healthy but appetizing keto recipes that you should try.

Broccoli cheese soup
A perfect last-minute pick for demanding weeknights, broccoli cheese soup merely takes 20 to 25 minutes to prepare. To whip up this recipe, you will just require five ingredients, i.e., broccoli, chicken broth (you can also use bone or vegetable broth), heavy cream, garlic, and cheddar cheese. All you need to do is saute minced garlic on medium heat for a minute or so. Then, add the broth, cream, and chopped broccoli and let it boil until the broccoli turns soft. While stirring the mixture, keep adding shredded cheese on a low heat. Once the cheese melts and the soup reaches a thick consistency, turn off the heat and serve it in a bowl with some cheddar cheese shavings on top.

Chicken Alfredo with zucchini noodles
One of the things that makes keto extremely frustrating is giving up the beloved, comforting pasta. The good thing is that pasta can be replaced with something healthier. In this recipe, zucchini comes to the rescue. For throwing this recipe together, cut 3 to 4 small zucchinis in long strands with a vegetable peeler. Put the zucchini strands in the colander and place the colander over a bowl. Season zucchini with salt and let it rest for at least half an hour.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan and season the diced chicken with salt and pepper (you can customize the seasoning by adding some herbs and spices). Then, add the diced chicken pieces to the pan and cook them for at least 10 to 12 minutes. Lower the heat, add butter to the pan, and let it simmer until brown. Then, pour heavy cream and whisk it continuously until it comes to a boil. Then, add garlic and parmesan and cook it until the cheese melts. Finally, add the zucchini strands, chicken, and some parsley and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes.

Keto pancakes
If you are a “pancake for breakfast” kind of a person, this recipe is a must-try to salvage your early morning cravings. A mere 20-minute recipe, to make keto pancakes, you need blanched almond flour, coconut flour, your choice of natural sweetener, unsweetened almond milk, vanilla extract, avocado oil, and sea salt. Mix all these ingredients in a bowl until the batter turns smooth. Then, in a preheated oiled pan, add the batter and flatten it into small circles. Cook both the sides on medium heat for 2 minutes each or until they turn golden brown. Then, serve it with maple syrup or coconut sugar on top.

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Contact lenses can be a perfect pick for those who need vision correction and don’t want to opt for a LASIK surgery or wear spectacles. As there are numerous options when it comes to contact lenses, you can make the right choice by knowing what to look for while buying one. From choosing the right brand to buying contact lenses, it is important to know whether you’re making the right purchase.

Here are 3 handpicked tips on buying the right contact lenses online.

Choose from an array of contacts
The first step is to know the kind of lenses you want to shop for online, which would help you shortlist from the vast array of contact lenses available online and this would make your task simpler. An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in vision care and once you get your eye checkup done, the eye doctor would help you with the prescription mentioning the material and brand of the contact lenses. You can also decide whether you want to go for disposable contacts if you’re using them for the first time. Moreover, you may also select from various colors and opaque contact lenses, suiting your personal preferences.

Keep your budget in mind
Once you select the type of contacts you would want to go with, it is time to set your budget. One must not go overboard with the budget as you might change the contact lenses within a few months. Therefore, while shopping online for your contact, personalize the price filter by setting the price range. This will help you choose the contact lenses of your preferred price. Also, be careful of the shopping sites that charge excessive shipping charges.

Buy from the right brand
Choosing the right brand is important and online reviews can help you zero down the popular contact lenses brands. It is always advisable to read the product reviews online to know about the popular brands. Moreover, it is best to go for popular brands as you can get a product warranty and if there is any need for an exchange, the same can be done without any hassles. You can choose from popular brands like ACUVUE, Biofinity, DAILIES, SofLens, to name a few.

So, keep these handy tips in mind while shopping for your next pair of contact lenses online.

The key to living a healthy lifestyle is by getting the right nourishment through a well-balanced diet. The immune system is one of the driving factors that keep the health of the body well-regulated and thus, it requires nutrition that comprises the right vitamin balance. However, today most people live a fast-paced lifestyle, and this leads to most people not getting enough vitamins through their meals. This is where vitamin supplements come in as a great alternative that can make up for the lack of vitamins being acquired by the body.  The best vitamin supplements are also employed for individuals who suffer from health complications or lack of an appetite. Moreover, there are people who do not consume all food groups and supplements serve as the best alternative. Vitamin supplements are available in the form of capsules, powders, liquids and even chewable. Moreover, unlike medication, most vitamin supplements can be consumed at any time of the day.

Vitamin supplements can be a great way to support the immune system and here are some of the types that one can consume through their daily routine. Here is a collated list of the best vitamin supplements to get.

TwinLab Daily One Caps with Iron
The TwinLab Daily One Caps with Iron is a multivitamin and mineral supplement. The product comes with a good load iron too that is beneficial for people who not get their share of iron. It encompasses a total of nineteen vitamins that are essential for the healthy growth of the body and be taken once every day. The tablets also pack a great amount of folic acid and aid in achieving better health of the eyes and the heart. The supplement is also available in a formula that does not contain iron.

CBH Super Multivitamin for Men and Women
The CBH Super Multivitamin for men and women comprises of a total of 23 vital vitamins and minerals. The supplement contains a major portion of antioxidant Vitamin C that is a great essential to boost the immune system of the body. What makes this one of the best supplements is its admirable combination of minerals and vitamins that aid in the good health of the bones and arteries. It also maintains and regulates the function of the heart. The multivitamin for men and women is commonly prescribed to people with irregular blood pressure conditions.

Life Extension Two-Per-Day Multivitamin
The Life Extension Two-Per-Day Multivitamin capsules are packed with the right number of vitamins, mineral, and nutrition that the body requires. The formula comprises ingredients that regulate high blood sugar levels, support bone health and maintain youthful metabolism. Most importantly, the addition of Vitamin C supports the health of the immune system, while protecting one against the oxidative stress. A great bargain on dietary supplements, the capsules must be taken twice every day.

Life Extension Two-Per-Day Multivitamin capsules consist of a number of vitamins and minerals and nutrients such as marigold extract, lycopene, and alpha lipoic acid. It is recommended to take two capsules every day. It is also one of the most affordable dietary supplements,

Garden of Life Vitamin Code® Perfect Weight Multivitamin
Vitamin Code® Perfect Weight Multivitamin is a product from Garden of Life and is formulated to aid in maintaining the right body weight. The supplements boost the metabolism and regulate the immune system. It also contains herbal ingredients that aid in relieving and managing stress. The probiotics and enzymes in the supplement further work towards strengthening the gut and immune system.

It is important to note that even the best vitamin supplements come with a set of side effects. In some cases, the body may not react too well with the given supplements. Also, the product is monitored as a subcategory of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that they are not regulated before they hit the shelves. Thus, it is always recommended to read the labels carefully and consult a physician before consuming any type of vitamin supplement. The doctor will be able to administer the right set of vitamins that the body needs while tracking any reactions to the same.