Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Longevity.
Valerian Root
Valerian root extract is a natural supplement that aids in relaxation and restful sleep. My experiences with valerian root have been mostly pleasant. With that being said, however, there have been a few minor issues I've had. Before I dive in to my personal pros and cons, let's look at the medical facts about Valerian root. It goes without saying that you should speak with your doctor before use of any dietary supplements. Valerian root can cause irregularities in your heartbeat, as well as a few other health problems. If you have a preexisting heart condition, you should definitely stay away from it.
By Sebastian Verlac8 years ago in Longevity
Why Are Habits So Hard to Break?
It seems so easy—just stop eating unhealthy foods and exercise regularly and you'll achieve the perfect body; just stop smoking and your lungs will restore themselves to their healthier form—it sounds so simple, but why is it so hard? Why don't we all have the "perfect body" or lungs that can inhale and exhale at normal capacity? To put it simply, humans are stubborn, unwavering creatures of habit.
By katie scott8 years ago in Longevity
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
"Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of disorders that affect the connective tissues that support the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues. Defects in connective tissues cause the signs and symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which vary from mildly loose joints to life-threatening complications." —Genetic Home Reference
By Bailey Simpson8 years ago in Longevity
Weight Loss
My weight has always been a problem for me. I was always the "fat" friend. My weight never affected the way I lived until I got to high school because I started a new school without any of my friends. During my freshman year I found my group of friends but again, I was still the "fat" friend. I was confident in myself but knew my weight held me back from my full potential. I wouldn't post full body pictures because I did not want people to see what I looked like. I also only ever wore leggings and baggy shirts to hide my stomach. I knew I wanted to lose weight but didn't know where to start. I didn't have money for the gym or to buy better foods. All of my friends would eat whatever they wanted and did not gain any weight. "Why can't I be like that?" I constantly thought to myself. Toward the end of my freshman year, I started to look into different fad diets but I was too picky of an eater to do any of them–then, I found the apple and carrots diet. It consisted of just those two things–for three days all I ate was apples and carrots and was drinking water to keep myself full because I was practically starving myself.
By Chelsea Branco8 years ago in Longevity
6 Pieces of Advice for a Healthy Smile
Our teeth are important. We don’t get an extra set like a shark, and they don’t continuously grow like a beaver, so we need to take care of them to ensure they last throughout our lives. Thankfully, though, there are things everyone can do improve the quality of their teeth. If you follow these steps, then you shouldn’t have any problems with oral health and your teeth will last a long time.
By Nevada Dru8 years ago in Longevity
Diagnosed At 23
"I want you to consider yourself on the spectrum." Certain words or sentences have a way of sticking in my head. I wasn't surprised when this one decided to stay. I was, however, surprised by the weight it seemed to carry with it. When we think of autism we usually think of either Asperger's or typical autism. My younger brother was diagnosed as having Asperger's at a very young age. Maybe it was because of his inability to talk at the recommended age or the way he acted out. Between my older brother, my mom, and my little brother... my household was saturated with mental health diagnoses. Sometimes I attribute this to why I didn't even seek therapy until my later years of high school.
By Daniel 'Dan-O' Chapman8 years ago in Longevity
Invisible Illnesses
96% of people living with chronic conditions have invisible illnesses and chances are you know at least one of them, but do you know exactly what their struggles are? Have you ever wanted to know more about their situation but don't know how to approach them? Here is a list I have compiled of things that many of us living with an invisible illness want you to know.
By Leslie Montaño8 years ago in Longevity
Top 10 Comments of the Chronically Ill
The life of a chronically ill person (a spoonie) is one with many daily obstacles. It is tiring, tough, and often many have a hard time expressing their difficult journey. If you suspect this is the case for a loved one, please read on below to learn more about their life, and some tips on how to help. These are the things we wish we could say but often do not.
By Katie Moore8 years ago in Longevity
Antibacterial Essential Oils That Keep You Naturally Healthy
I'll be the first to admit that I used to sneer at ladies who sell essential oils in their spare time, but as years passed, I've learned that these potent little bottles do pack a powerful punch in the natural health world. Though I'm not advocating for any MLM company's wares, I'll admit that I've bought a fair amount of essential oils in recent years.
By Riley Raul Reese8 years ago in Longevity
