3 Ways to Connect With Nature and Quiet Your Mind

Published on: 03 May 2018 Last Updated on: 11 December 2021

Living near nature can help women live longer, with women in the greenest areas living as much as 12 percent longer than women who live in more built-up areas. You need to connect with nature to stay fit and healthy.

Although male mortality rates do not show as much of a clear link, making time to connect with nature has many positive health benefits for both men and women.

In fact, a range of studies have shown that regular contact with nature can improve everything from pain control to eyesight, as well as reduced stress levels and less anxiety.

But, that’s not to say that we all have to move to the countryside to take advantage of these health benefits.

Simply making time to connect with whatever natural surroundings you live close to is enough to refresh your mind and improve your health and well-being.

Here are three ways to connect with nature and quieten your mind.

1. Create Time Alone in Nature :

It’s great to experience the beauty of nature in the company of friends or family.

But, when we’re with other people, we tend to talk. This may be because we worry about what the people we’re with think of us. Or we might just feel the need to fill the silence with chatter.

However, the best way to connect with nature is by experiencing it alone.

Being alone in nature allows us to focus on what we can hear, see and feel in these natural surroundings. Whether it’s blades of grass between our fingers or the rush of water from a nearby river, you’ll become much more aware of what’s around you.

So, if you go for a hike with friends, ask for an hour by yourself. Or head to the park or even out into your garden and emerge yourself in the sensory experience that nature offers.

Other than hiking, traveling different beautiful locations is always a great way to behold the true beauty of nature and fall in love with it all over again and again. If you have the love for travel, you should consider traveling as much as you can and plan to visit some of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world. Some naturally beautiful places include the fjords of Norway, the Greek Islands, Islands of Maldives, Switzerland, Kashmir in India, Nepal and so on.

2. Find Your Special Spot :

You’ll find that as you spend more time in nature, especially alone, you’ll start finding special places that you’re drawn to.

It could be a tree you like to lean against when you visit your local park, or the rocks you often sit on to watch the ocean waves crashing on the shore.

Wherever you feel most connected to nature, take the time to really get to know it. Go there in the heat of summer and the midst of winter, know it by day and by night.

Noticing the small changes in nature as well as the contrasts between seasons helps you put things in perspective as you become more aware of how you are a part of something bigger than yourself.

3. Sleep Outdoors :

Since Americans spend around 93 percent of their time indoors, it’s important to actively seek out ways to experience longer periods immersed in nature.

There’s no better way to get in touch with nature than by waking up to a stunning sunrise, the sounds of birdsong and the smell of fresh morning dew. It certainly beats your alarm clock!

Make Time to Connect with Nature :

Whether you live in an urban area or in the middle of the countryside, it’s important for your mental and physical health to take time out to connect with nature.

Do you feel that you spend enough time in nature? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below, or contact us for more information.

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Common Misconceptions About Medication Assisted Treatment Programs

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, you may have heard about medication assisted treatment programs as a potential tool for recovery. However, many misconceptions and myths surrounding these programs can prevent people from seeking the help they need. Moreover, this blog post will address some of the most common misconceptions about medication-assisted treatment programs and provide evidence-based information to help set the record straight. What Are Medication Assisted Treatment Programs? First, let's define what we mean by "medication-assisted treatment program." Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a holistic addiction treatment. It uses medications, counseling, and behavioral therapies to help people with substance use disorders (SUDs) achieve and maintain recovery. The medications used in MAT are approved by the FDA. These medications are safe and effective for treating substance use disorders. Some medications commonly used in MAT include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. MAT is a proven, effective medication assisted treatment for addiction. However, many people don't have access to quality care. Confidant Health is changing that. Confidant provides expert help for medication assisted treatment through our confidential and discreet app. Now, let's address some of the common misconceptions about MAT programs. Before searching for medication assisted treatment near me, it will be better to see which are the best nearby locations from your place. Misconception 1: Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs Are Just Substituting One Addiction For Another One of the most persistent misconceptions about medication-assisted treatment programs is that they substitute one addiction. The idea is that medications like methadone and buprenorphine replace one drug with another, and people who use them are not "sober." FACT: This is a misunderstanding of how medication-assisted treatment programs work. The medications used in medication assisted treatment are carefully prescribed and monitored by trained healthcare professionals. They help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, which can be powerful triggers for relapse. Additionally, the medications used in MAT are designed to be long-acting. This means they do not produce the same "high" that people experience when using drugs like heroin or prescription opioids. This makes it less likely that people will misuse the medications or become addicted to them. Research has consistently shown that medication-assisted treatment programs effectively reduce drug use and improve outcomes for people in recovery. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes that MAT "can help sustain recovery." Misconception 2: Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs Are Not Effective Another common misconception about medication-assisted treatment programs is that they are not effective. Some people believe that medications are just a "band-aid" solution that does not address the underlying issues contributing to addiction. FACT: Studies have shown that medication-assisted treatment programs can significantly improve outcomes for people with opioid use disorders. For example, a 2018 study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine found that people who received medication assisted treatments were more likely to remain on the treatment and achieve abstinence from opioids than those who did not receive any treatment and medication. Moreover, opioid use disorder medication is often used with counseling and behavioral therapies, which can help people address the underlying issues that contribute to addiction. Medication-assisted treatment programs can help people achieve and maintain recovery by providing a more holistic approach to treatment. Misconception 3: Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs Are Just A Way For Drug Companies To Make Money Another common misconception about medication-assisted treatment programs is that they are just a way for drug companies to make money. Some people believe that the medications used in medication assisted treatment are overpriced and that the programs are being promoted by pharmaceutical companies solely for profit. FACT: This is not an accurate portrayal of medication-assisted treatment programs like the 15-minute4me test. While it is true that pharmaceutical companies manufacture the medications used in MAT, they are not exclusively used for addiction treatment. Many medications used in MAT also have other medical uses. Furthermore, the cost of medication-assisted treatment programs can be offset because they are often less expensive than other types of addiction treatment. For example, inpatient rehab programs can be costly, whereas medication-assisted treatment can be provided on an outpatient basis, which can be more affordable. Misconception 4: Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs Are Just A Way To Get High Legally Some people believe that medication assisted treatment programs are just a way to get high legally. They may think that the medications used in MAT produce a similar euphoric effect as illegal drugs and that people are just using them to continue their addiction in a more socially acceptable way. FACT: As we mentioned earlier, the medications used in MAT are designed to be long-acting and do not produce the same "high" as drugs like heroin or prescription opioids. While it's true that some people may misuse their medications or use them in ways that are not prescribed, this is not the norm. Additionally, healthcare professionals will closely monitor people participating in medication-assisted treatment programs. They can detect any misuse or diversion of medications. If someone misuses their medications, they may be tapered off or removed from the program. Dispelling Misconceptions About Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs: Why They Are a Valuable Tool for Substance Abuse Recovery Medication assisted treatment programs are a valuable option for addressing substance abuse. It can help people achieve and maintain recovery from this debilitating condition. Unfortunately, there are misconceptions and stigmas surrounding these programs. These misbeliefs can prevent individuals from seeking the appropriate help they need. However, we can help break down these barriers by understanding the facts about MAT programs. We’ll be able to ensure that everyone who needs help for substance abuse can access the right care. Remember, medication-assisted treatment programs are an evidence-based approach to addiction treatment. It is a science-backed treatment option that can help improve outcomes and save many lives. Medication-assisted treatment programs are valuable for addressing substance abuse. And helping people achieve and maintain recovery. Unfortunately, many misconceptions and myths surrounding these programs can prevent people from seeking the help they need. Bottomline By understanding the facts about medication assisted treatment programs, we can help break down these barriers and ensure that everyone who needs help for substance abuse can access the care they need. Remember, medication-assisted treatment programs are an evidence-based approach to addiction treatment that can help improve outcomes and save lives. 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Health Insurance Policy For Family – Here’s A List Of 5 Plans You Can Consider

In our current time which is characterised by dynamic lifestyles and unforeseen health challenges, the significance of family health insurance plans cannot be overstated. These comprehensive policies not only provide financial security but also grant families access to high-quality healthcare, ensuring the well-being of their loved ones. In this article, we will explore the profound importance of family health insurance plans and delve into the five best family health insurance plans, empowering you to make informed decisions that safeguard the health and happiness of your family. The Power Of Comprehensive Protection Family health insurance plans hold immense significance as they serve as a robust shield of protection against the uncertainties of health-related challenges that can affect any member of your family. These plans offer comprehensive coverage that extends beyond mere financial security, encapsulating the emotional well-being and health of your loved ones. By pooling the collective health needs of your family under a single policy, family health insurance plans grant you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family members are safeguarded against unexpected medical expenses. The significance of family health insurance plans lies in their ability to provide access to high-quality healthcare services. These plans often come with extensive networks of healthcare providers, ensuring that your family members can receive timely and appropriate medical attention. In a world where medical advancements are rapid and treatments are varied, these plans open doors to specialists, hospitals and clinics that offer specialised care, accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. Moreover, family health insurance plans underscore the importance of preventive care and early intervention. By covering a spectrum of preventive services, such as vaccinations, screenings and annual health check-ups, these plans promote a proactive approach to health management. This focus on prevention is not just a cost-saving measure but also a commitment to ensuring your family members' overall well-being by detecting potential health issues before they become major concerns. Access To Quality Healthcare One of the foremost advantages of family health insurance plans is the access they provide to high-quality healthcare services. These plans encompass a broad network of healthcare providers, including doctors, specialists, hospitals and clinics. This extensive network ensures that family members can receive timely medical attention from qualified professionals, which is essential for accurate diagnoses, effective treatments and proactive preventive care. Preventive Care And Early Intervention Family health insurance plans often emphasise the importance of preventive care and early intervention. Many policies cover a range of preventive services, such as diagnosis of diseases, routine check-ups, screenings and wellness programs. These services play a pivotal role in identifying potential health issues before they escalate into more severe conditions. By focusing on prevention, these plans not only promote better health outcomes but also contribute to reducing healthcare costs by addressing problems in their early stages, when they are more manageable and less expensive to treat. Financial Peace Of Mind The emotional well-being of your family members is intrinsically linked to their physical health. Family health insurance plans provide invaluable peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones are covered in times of medical emergencies or unexpected health concerns. This sense of security allows families to concentrate on the moments that matter most – fostering relationships, pursuing aspirations and embracing daily life – without the constant worry of potential financial strains due to unexpected healthcare costs. What Are The Crucial Needs Of A Family That Needs To Be Covered By Family Health Insurance? These plans are designed to offer a wide range of benefits, ensuring that your family's health and well-being are safeguarded against unexpected medical expenses. The benefits of this plan are as follows: Comprehensive Coverage One of the primary reasons these family health insurance plans are considered some of the best is the comprehensive coverage they offer. The plans cover a wide range of medical expenses, including hospitalisation, surgeries, doctor consultations, diagnostic tests and treatments. They also extend coverage to pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses, ensuring that your family is protected against various health-related contingencies. Family Floater Basis The plans operate on a family floater basis, allowing you to cover your entire family under a single roof. This feature is especially advantageous for families with multiple members, as the sum insured can be utilised by any family member as per their individual medical needs. This not only simplifies the management of insurance but also ensures that every family member has access to necessary medical care. Restoration Benefits Many of the family health insurance plans offer a unique restoration benefit, setting it apart from other insurance plans. If the sum insured is exhausted during the policy year due to claims, the plans automatically restore the entire sum insured amount for future hospitalisations. This invaluable feature ensures that your family's health coverage remains intact even in the face of successive medical events. Delivery And Maternity Expenses The policies provide coverage for maternity-related expenses, making them an excellent choice for families planning to expand. They cover pre-natal and post-natal expenses, childbirth-related expenses and medical care for the newborn. This feature addresses the significant medical costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Annual Health Check-ups Recognizing the importance of preventive care, the family health insurance plans offer annual health check-up benefits for family members covered under the policy. This encourages regular health screenings, early detection of potential health issues and proactive health management. No Claim Bonus For each claim-free year, many family health insurance policies offer a No-Claim Bonus (NCB) that increases the sum insured by a certain percentage, up to a specified limit. This rewards your family for maintaining good health prioritizing preventive care and not making any claim during a policy year. Day Care Procedures A good family health insurance policy is one that provides a sense of flexibility in its coverage. In addition to hospitalisations, many family health insurance plans cover daycare procedures as well, allowing your family members to receive necessary medical treatments without requiring extended hospitalisation. This feature ensures that your family has access to swift and effective treatments for various medical conditions. Emergency Ambulance Cover In case of medical emergencies, the family health insurance policies provide coverage for emergency ambulance services. This ensures timely transportation to the hospital when needed, eliminating any concerns about transportation costs during emergencies. Five Family Health Insurance Plans You Can Consider Based on the aforementioned benefits, to simplify your quest in picking the best family health insurance plan to safeguard your family, the following is the list of five plans offered by Star Health Insurance that you can consider: 1. Family Health Optima Insurance Plan The Family Health Optima Insurance Plan offered by Star Health Insurance is a comprehensive health insurance solution designed to secure the well-being of your entire family. This plan operates on a family floater basis, covering all family members under a single policy. It provides extensive coverage for hospitalisation, surgeries, doctor consultations and treatments. 2. Star Comprehensive Insurance Policy The Star Comprehensive Insurance Policy from Star Health Insurance is a robust health coverage solution tailored for families. This policy stands out with features like restoration of the sum insured, maternity and newborn cover, annual health check-ups, etc. This is the best-suited policy for a family of self, spouse and dependent children. 3. Star Women Care Insurance Policy This is a uniquely designed policy to cater to the needs of women in the family. This policy has a plethora of benefits including newborn cover, delivery expenses cover, mid-term inclusion, assisted reproduction treatment cover, etc. 4. Star Health Assure Insurance Policy This is the perfectly suited policy for a wide family that includes self, spouse, dependent children, parents and parents-in-law. With its enormous benefits and tailor-made features, this policy stands out in the crowd. Some of the unique coverage includes homecare treatment coverage, mid-term inclusion, automatic restoration of sum insured, newborn and delivery expenses coverage, etc. 5. Young Star Insurance Policy This is a unique policy for young families who have just started their family life. This policy is perfect for young couples. They can also add their dependent children in this policy as it offers coverage also in a floater basis. Conclusion Family health insurance plans represent more than just financial protection – they ensure a commitment to your family's health, well-being and security. By offering access to quality healthcare, promoting preventive care, providing financial peace of mind, offering flexibility and nurturing a culture of wellness, these plans play an integral role in shaping the present and future of your family's health journey. As you explore family health insurance options, you're not just investing in coverage; you're investing in the health and happiness of those who matter most. Read Also: Everything You Need To Know About Calcium In Water: By Experts What Is A Good Alternative To Wearing Dentures? 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Hemp Oil Can Save Lives

Marijuana Moods and Mexico Do you know why marijuana and hemp derived products are illegal in the United States of America? The only reason for this is the combination of race, drugs, and drug policy that has propelled all of the drug scheduling in the United States of America that is done in a disproportionate, and problematic way. Unfortunately, everything wrong with America can be linked back to the racist history of this country and there is quite literally always a racist reason for whatever ails this ridiculous place, consistently. The only reason that marijuana is illegal in the United States is due to Mexican immigrants in the 1930s. The United States of America instituted a policy of strict segregation that placed whites atop society in the 1880s, after ten years of allowing African-Americans to be members of the legislative bodies that controlled this country. Sadly, white Americans have consistently found ways to exclude others and have created drug laws to match up with the prejudices they want to exist in society. The drug scheduling program was created to help states and citizens assess the relative danger of a drug. Sadly, marijuana is scheduled as a Class 1 drug, which means that until very recently, marijuana was argued by the United States government to be just as dangerous as heroin. Does that make any sort of sense to you whatsoever? It probably should not, because it is absolutely untrue that a synthesized drug created by the Bayer company is the same level of danger as marijuana. Sadly, in order to try to curb Mexican immigration due to white people being threatened by the high quality of work that Mexicans were doing, marijuana was made illegal to try to target the Mexican community and was buttressed by propagandist films full of racist garbage and lies like Reefer Madness. Cannabis Classifications Does this sound familiar to you? It should be because this is the exact same system that was used to exclude Asian-Americans as a result of the Chinese Exclusion Act, which was by that point the first racist immigration law that the United States enacted. The decision to make hemp and marijuana illegal was a direct response to that legislation that kept Mexican immigration to America legal on paper but targeted Mexicans with surgical precision, the same way that Asian-American immigrants were targeted despite the fact that Asian Americans almost singlehandedly built California. They were pigeonholed and lied about in the news media as people who were bringing and exploiting locals with opium, and thus, racism reared its ugly head again. The exact same technique was used to target Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. Therefore nowadays when you purchase hemp products online, you are walking in a tradition of reclaiming the unfairness that has been doled out to numerous communities in America: simply put, if you are not white and you are out-working white people, they will find a way to call you lazy via the drugs and alcohol you use and will find a way to focus on an essentialist notion of who you are in order to lessen your social and economic threats to white people. Just like they used Asian-Americans and Asian immigrants to build their railroads and the Western states, only to discard these people when it was no longer convenient, Mexicans were treated the same way. Marijuana was thus used as a pawn in the battle to keep the United States of America as white as possible. Do you see the connections between how these people were treated in the past and how non-white people are treated in America today? People are quick to say horrible things about Mexicans to this day, and in 2015 when our 44th President declared his intention to run for the presidency, he used racist imagery and commentary about Mexicans in order to bolster his road to the nomination, knowing that it would likely be incredibly successful. One of the few ways you can influence American voters is to invoke some sort of racist notion, and it will help white voters to coalesce around that specific idea in order to create a problematic and scary voting bloc. Iconic Indica Indications Hemp oil is actually good for you and can be a great alternative to more addictive items that can be used as painkillers. Just as we rely on many hard drugs to get us through more painful episodes in life, hemp-derived products like hemp oils and hemp creams are now being used to help people through pain. There are even hemp creams and lotions that can be used by women to combat menstrual cramps, and many women who have been diagnosed with endometriosis have found that hemp and marijuana-related products have been instrumental in helping them combat the pain of their condition while also getting and keeping their pregnancies. In this way, hemp can truly change your life if you allow it to, and it is really important that you do so while knowing that our ancestors were discriminated against for no good reason other than typical American racism. Instead, nowadays we learn more about different cultures and the importance of hemp products to give us a new lease on life. There are probably other substances and items that could be really helpful to us that have been made illegal by Americans whose hubris and racism superseded their ability to recognize the importance of working together to make the world a better place. 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