Easy bruising is common as we age. There are a few reasons for elderly bruising. As we grow old, our skin gets thinner as it loses a layer of fat that helps protect capillaries. Capillaries are small blood vessels that are located at the edge of our body tissues. The walls of these capillaries become weak and delicate with time. As a result, when we bump into things or fall, these tiny blood vessels break and leak blood under the skin, which results in a bruise. The blood from the ruptured capillaries disappears as it gradually gets reabsorbed by the body. Preventing formation of elderly bruises There are certain medications available that can help heal and prevent elderly bruising. Aspirin and other anti-coagulating and blood-thinning agents reduce blood clotting. If you are on some antibiotics, discuss with your doctor if you can reduce its dosage as it is associated with clotting problems. These antibiotics prolong the damage caused by a bleeding capillary, thereby allowing enough blood to leak and cause a bigger bruise. Topical and systemic medications such as corticosteroids can be used if you are suffering from a skin condition such as allergies, asthma, and eczema that makes the skin thinner and easier to bruise.

Many of us have used parsley to top our favorite pasta dishes or salads without any thought for it’s amazing health benefits. However, it turns out this subtly savory herb with Mediterranean origins is more than just a pretty garnish. It might surprise you that parsley boasts plenty of impressive health benefits—from aiding digestive upset to soothing achy joints. Here’s how this super herb can benefit your health and overall wellness: 1. Munch parsley to improve digestion Before you reach for that pastel pink bottle of Pepto Bismol after a particularly rich meal, try chewing on a few parsley leaves. The herb hosts natural digestive properties, which have been linked to treating gas and bloat, soothing colic and constipation, and even calming symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and ulcers. The herb’s digestive prowess lies in the fact that it’s chock full of beneficial enzymes that help naturally break down food during digestion. 2. Soothes joint pain A large majority of North Americans have achy joints, and as a result they spend a ton of money on over-the-counter pain relievers as a result. Who knew parsley could help relieve joint inflammation? According to research published by the Journal of Natural Remedies, parsley hosts natural anti-inflammatory abilities that were able to diminish painful joint inflammation in lab rats with osteoarthritis in their paws.

Individuals going into rehab to treat a drug or alcohol addiction can have a lot of mixed feelings about the process—fear, animosity, guilt, anger, and more. Inpatient rehabilitation facilities aim to provide the support needed to help patients adopt a sober lifestyle. The rehabilitation process is individual by nature and aims to create treatment plan for patients based on their addiction type and unique needs. Addiction treatment and recovery involves these essential components: 1. Intake When a patient enters rehab, they are typically met by a certified counselor who will conduct a one-on-one consultation to assess their personal drug history and rehab goals. Counsellors may ask what prompted the individual to start using drugs or alcohol, and if they have any underlying health issues or psychological issues (i.e., depression) in order to assess the severity of the addiction and the optimal course of treatment. After the initial intake assessment, patients typically undergo a complete physical as well as a detox test, which determines recent drug or alcohol usage. Patients who test positive for drugs or alcohol will undergo detox. Those who test negative will check in to a treatment room where a counselor will help them unpack, check all personal belongings for drugs, alcohol, or prohibited items (i.e., over the counter drugs, mouthwash, weapons, electric devices, etc.), and cell phones and all communication devices.

According to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), plastic surgery (or cosmetic surgery) is more popular than ever before. The ASPS indicates that approximately 17.5 million cosmetic surgery procedures were last year in the U.S, with minimally invasive surgeries (i.e., injections, fillers, and chemical peels) increasing almost 200% since the year 2000. For instance, plastic surgeons say the most popular invasive cosmetic procedures in 2017 include breast augmentations and liposuction—while Botox and tissue fillers topped the list of minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures. Here are the most popular plastic surgeries in America at the moment: 1. Breast augmentation Topping the list of plastic surgeries is breast augmentation, with a surprising 300,378 of augmentation mammoplasty performed in last year. Breast augmentation and breast implants or fat transfer (or taking fat from one area and using it to boost breast volume) to increase the size and improve the shape of a patient’s breasts. Many female patients undergo breast aug after pregnancy, severe weight loss, or after a mastectomy (removal with breast cancer). While a breast augmentation won’t improve sagging breasts, a breast lift surgery is often conducted in combination with breast augmentation surgery. 2. Liposuction A surprising 246,354 U.S. patients underwent liposuction, or lipo, last year according to the ASPS, to slim and tone specific body contours.

Every pet owner fears a beloved pet getting sick or injured. However, beware administering human medications to your pet in order to treat an infection or ease their pain. Research from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warns that many over-the-counter human drugs can be fatal for cats and dogs. In reality, small-animal toxic exposure due to administering dangerous medications to pets made up 75% percent of toxin exposure cases in U.S. veterinary offices last year. This is why it’s imperative to bring your pet to the vet if he or she is sick, and to only give your pet medications approved by a veterinary professional when they are sick or injured. According to the AVMA, these are the most common veterinary-prescribed medications for cats and dogs: 1. Antiparasitics Antiparasitic drugs are often prescribed by vets to treat a number of external or internal parasites—such as fleas, ticks, heartworm, giardia (or intestinal protozoans), and other intestinal worms (i.e., tapeworms and roundworms). 2. Corticosteroids Corticosteroids (i.e., prednisone and dexamethasone) are steroid hormones naturally excreted by your pet’s adrenal glands. These steroid hormones are secreted in response to inflammation, low electrolyte levels, metabolism, stress, and threats to the immune system. However, sometimes vets prescribe a course of high dose corticosteroid treatment to treat allergies allergies and chronic inflammation (as anti-inflammatories) in cats and dogs.