What is Pu-erh tea?

Most people would have come across the most popular tea in the world: black tea. Then due to its many health benefits, Green tea became equally, if not more popular, especially in health circles. However, on sites like GenerationTea.com, there are many more varieties of tea in the market, like Sencha, Oolong, and Pu-erh tea.

Pu-erh tea is from the same Camellia Sinesis plant that is the origin of the other teas. However, it is grown exclusively in the Yunnan province of China and gets its name from the county in which it is grown.

In terms of flavor the tea has a mildly sweet taste and comes across as smoother than some of the other teas. Pu-erh contains caffeine and so is consumed mostly in the morning for a quick burst of energy.

Pu-erh is also brewed differently to other teas. The water is hotter at around 212 degrees and the steeping time differs on the vessel, with the traditional Gaiwan yielding more cups with incremental steeping times of 10 seconds, and the more modern teapot with a three to four minute steeping time.

Pu-erh tea has been revered in the traditional tea societies of Asia for centuries, with some of the rare age Pu-erh tea as old as 50 years. While none of the benefits are guaranteed, you can Buy Aged pu-erh tea knowing that it is great for your body and your mind.

Get More Joy Out of Life by Creating Abundance

To genuinely appreciate life, we must first comprehend the mysteries to a prosperous life. It is not about having worldly stuff, but rather obtaining joy and satisfaction in your heart, as many ancient thinkers have stated. When we consider what brings us the most enjoyment, we discover that it frequently has little to do with the things we own. We can be poor but still create abundance in our lives according to Zhang Xinyue.

Many people are content despite having few worldly belongings. Having a happy healthy family is of utmost importance. Having a good job, you love is also a blessing. Often, people find a great amount of joy by serving others. They take pleasure in their tasks. They are content in even the most mundane situations.

Consider all of the instances in your life when you’ve felt the happiest. It might have been graduating from college. It could have been the first time you fell in love. It may have been seeing your child’s birth. Watching the sun rise or set might be a favorite pastime.

These are critical considerations that we must contemplate. Money isn’t a guarantee of happiness. Simple pleasures provide happiness. The heart is where peace begins. First and foremost, learn to love yourself.

Meditating can help so much. And it’s not hard to do. Find a quiet location to relax and begin deep breathing exercises. Clear your mind and focus on relaxing. Spend a few moments each day meditating, and you’ll soon be stress-free. These teachings can be found in the book, Create Abundance by Zhang Xinyue.

How Patient Engagement Can Improve Your Hospital’s Quality STAR Score

Quality STAR scores are quality ratings released by the government agency CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services). These scores use several criteria to determine the quality of a healthcare provider’s service. The criteria include mortality, safety of care, effectiveness of care, and patient experience.

Since these ratings are issued by a government agency, they can speak a lot about the quality of your hospital’s healthcare services. A poor reputation can ruin business and cause patients to look elsewhere for health and medical services, so it’s important to strive for perfect Quality STAR scores.

As founder and CEO of EasyHealth, a 400-person Medicare platform, serial entrepreneur David Duel knows a thing or two about succeeding in the healthcare industry. He remarked, “If your hospital or healthcare service is rated low in an area, the best people to ask for feedback are the patients. Engaging patients and asking them about their experiences will help you pinpoint what to fix.”

Healthcare providers have learned many valuable lessons by fostering engagement through targeted patient campaigns and other personalized interactions with patients. David Duel also said, “Patient segmentation can help you tailor your services to patients’ specific needs, especially if they have been non-compliant in some way. Patients who refuse to take medication or perform procedures usually have a reason why they don’t want to comply.”

Once you know how to address a specific demographic’s needs, your healthcare services will be rated higher as you take appropriate measures.

“At the end of the day, healthcare is about meeting people’s needs, no matter who they are. It’s not just about Quality STAR ratings; it’s about helping people,” David Duel stated.

For More info on David Duel, see https://angel.co/u/david-duel-1 and read this recent press release: USC Alumni David Duel Endows Scholarship Program to Brings Jewish Alums and Students Together

How to take care of your teeth after your braces are removed

Article written by Elite Dental Group

Getting fitted with braces can be a life-changing experience for some as it provides patients with a beautiful smile that boosts their confidence which enhances social interactions. However, after removing dental braces patients must follow proper post orthodontic hygiene habits to maintain a healthy smile and to keep their teeth in place.

The following recommendations will help patients to maintain a healthy smile after removing their braces: 

Book a professional cleaning exam – When a person wears braces especially those with brackets, it can be difficult to brush and floss properly. Patients who have had their braces for a long time will notice that their teeth are whiter where the brackets were positioned in comparison to the rest of their teeth. To even out stains and to remove plaque build-up, it is important to book a professional dental cleaning after removing your braces.

Try a teeth whitening treatment – To brighten a smile, dentists may recommend a professional whitening treatment. Often professional whitening treatments will offer 3-5 shades of whitening with just one procedure.

Wear a retainer as advised – After removing their braces a patient’s teeth have the natural tendency to move back into their original position. For this reason, dentists will recommend wearing a retainer for a few months after braces have been removed.

Take good care of your retainer – Clean retainers at least twice daily or as advised by your dentist. Putting an unclean retainer into a freshly cleaned mouth will only put back bacteria which can cause decay and bad breath.

Dr. Andre Eliasian is one of the leading dentists in cosmetic dentistry in Glendale CA. His clinic offers several services using modern dentistry procedures which are non-invasive. If you are looking for tooth whitening in Glendale or oral surgery in Glendale call for an appointment.

Dealing with Dental Anxiety

Article submitted By Remarkable Smiles Orthodontics.  

If you get a little anxious at the thought of going to the dentist, then you are not alone. About 20% of Americans admit that they avoid dental visits because of fear and anxiety. In fact, dental phobia is a very serious problem that can leave people panic stricken at the thought of sitting in the dentist chair.

Many patients say that they only go to the dentist when they’re in pain because of dental anxiety. Below are a few signs that you may have this phobia:

Intense anxiety at the thought of visiting the dentist

Trouble sleeping the night before your visit

Feeling physically ill or crying at the thought of visiting the dentist

Nervousness and sweaty palms that escalate while waiting in the dentist’s office

Causes of Dental Anxiety

There are a number of reasons why people have dental anxiety or phobias. In many cases those who experience intense fear about going to the dentist had poor experiences as children. Going to the orthodontist is much less problematic. Though some of the procedures can be uncomfortable, people generally do not associate pain with their orthodontal visits.

Speak to Your Dentist or Orthodontist

Let your dentist or orthodontist know about your fear of dentists and asked them to recommend some exercises that might help. A few simple biofeedback or breathing exercises can help you to relax. If your fear is especially strong, your doctor might suggest taking a muscle relaxer before your visit.

Ask your dentist to explain what’s happening at each stage of the procedure. This can help you better prepare. You can also establish a signal system with your dentist where you will raise your hand if you’re feeling uncomfortable or need a moment to catch your breath.

Article written by Remarkable Smiles Orthodontics.  Dr. Mark Rashidi at Remarkable Smiles is a highly experienced orthodontist in Irvine, serving Lake Forest, Mission Viejo and Laguna Niguel areas. Types of braces offered include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces and Invisalign. Call to get more info.

Should you Choose Invisalign Over Traditional Braces?

Written by Article By Remarkable Smiles Orthodontics.  

With several different options available these days, you may be wondering whether Invisalign really works. Will it straighten your teeth and eliminate gaps? How expensive is it? Is it covered by insurance? These are all typical questions that people have.

Invisalign will not work for everyone. In some cases, traditional braces will be the best choice. Your orthodontist will examine you and take some x-rays of your teeth and mouth, then determine if you can use Invisalign. If so, then you’ll be pleased to know that this is a comfortable and esthetically pleasing choice. Invisalign appears like a plastic retainer that is almost invisible.

Traditional braces are very noticeable. They can be uncomfortable. It’s hard to floss or even brush your teeth. But they will straighten your teeth and get rid of any gaps. It typically takes from one to two years for best results.

Invisalign is about 30% more expensive than traditional braces. The cost can be covered by your medical savings plan and there are credit cards specifically developed for medical procedures that can be used. Many orthodontists will allow you to pay out the balance you owe on a monthly basis.

This is not true of most dental procedures but since the orthodontist knows that you’ll have to come in each month for around 18 months, then he or she is more willing to set the arrangement up this way for the patient’s convenience. Most insurance carriers will not cover the cost of braces.

Article written by Remarkable Smiles Orthodontics.  Dr. Mark Rashidi is a highly skilled an Orthodontist in Mission Viejo. He works with patients to help them get a perfect smile. Dr. Rashidi, an orthodontist in Irvine,  also offers services the Lake Forest, Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel areas with excellent orthodontal care.

Which type of brace should you choose: Invisalign or Traditional Braces

Article by Remarkable Smiles.

When considering braces, patients always struggle to decide if they should choose Invisalign or traditional braces. Although both brace techniques do achieve the same results: a perfect smile, they are quite different in terms of appearance, cost, and treatment time.

Appearance – If you are looking for a discreet brace that can be removed to eat and clean teeth, nothing beats Invisalign. Invisalign is virtually invisible and often people find it hard to tell if a patient is wearing braces. However, traditional braces now come with clear brackets and wire, which make them less noticeable.

Cost – Traditional braces are more affordable than Invisalign. Nevertheless, more insurance companies are now covering the cost for Invisalign. If cost is a factor in your decision, traditional braces are the best option.

Treatment time – Invisalign has improved their braces and are now comparable to metal braces in terms of treatments time. However, since Invisalign is removable, patients tend to forget to wear their aligner, which extends their treatment time. Traditional braces, on the other hand, have shorter treatment times as they cannot be removed.

Visits to your Orthodontist – If a patient chooses Invisalign they will spend less time at their orthodontist’s office as they can switch to their next set of aligners at home, with visits every 6 weeks. While with metal braces, patients will need to come in every four weeks to get their braces tightened.

Results – Both metal and Invisalign provide excellent results straightening teeth and correcting bite. However, some complex cases will work better with metal braces as they allow for more control.

A perfect smile not only improves a person’s self-confidence, but it enhances the health of a person’s teeth and gums.  Since correctly aligned teeth are easier to clean and less susceptible to damage and decay.

This article was written by Remarkable Smiles Orthodontics.  Dr. Mark Rashidi at Remarkable Smiles is a highly experienced Orthodontist in Mission Viejo, serving the Orange, Irvine, Anaheim Hills, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, and other areas. Call today to get more info.

Health symptoms that may indicate a decayed tooth

Article written byElite Dental Group.

Dentists will advise patients to do a root canal if the soft tissue in the center of a tooth is decayed. The procedure will involve removing all decayed particles to preserve the tooth. Additionally, a dentist will disinfect the area with antibiotics, filling the empty root and sealing the area.

Here are some symptoms that may indicate a tooth is decayed.

Pain – If you feel deep persistent pain near your face, jaw, or teeth chances are you may need a root canal procedure.

Sensitivity to hot or cold food – If you feel a dull or sharp pain when you drink a cup of coffee or a cold glass of water, you may have an infection that has damaged your blood vessels causing sensitivity.

Tooth bruising – Teeth that are damaged from the root will take a grey-black color. The tooth becomes discolored because it does not receive adequate blood to maintain its healthy appearance. However, discolored teeth can have many causes other than decay.  

Swollen gums – Gums that are swollen and tender are an indication that a build-up of acid and dead tissue is causing an infection inside the gums.

Pain when eating – Severe tooth decay will cause pain when the tooth is touched because as the pulp dies, its waste products irritate the ligaments causing sensitivity and pain.

Chipped or cracked teeth – Teeth that are chipped or cracked can be weaker and more susceptible to bacteria. Even an accident can damage nerves causing the pulp to die.

Loose teeth – Infected teeth can feel loose, as the tooth breaks down, it softens the bone holding it in place.

Elite Dental Group together with Dr. Andre Eliasian is one of the best Dentists in Glendale, CA. The clinic’s services include wisdom tooth extraction and dental implants plus all forms of cosmetic dentistry. Their clinic offers modern facilities in a friendly, non-intrusive environment that is client-focused.

How safe is the Covid-19 vaccine?

Article written by Francis Dunn, Miami, FL

Receiving the Covid-19 vaccine is your best chance against the virus. If you are concerned about getting vaccinated, it is important to understand the facts regarding the vaccines’ safety and effectiveness, before getting vaccinated.  

The science – When the virus was identified there were scientists around the world trying to generate a cure. The high level of collaboration and information sharing between countries and organizations has aided in creating a vaccine that is safe and effective.

Investment – The number of clinical trials and research that has been done on the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, are a good indication of their safety and effectiveness.

Production – Although this vaccine was developed within a year, the vaccine still had to pass several trials to be distributed to the public. Companies producing the vaccine had to present human clinical trials which were monitored and authorized.

Although the vaccine is safe, it has shown some short-term side effects that are common when receiving any vaccine. You may experience side effects 8 hours after receiving the vaccine, which can include pain near the injection site, tiredness, body pains, headaches, and chills.

These side effects may mean taking time off work and/or requesting assistance with childcare. It is important to rest for 1-2 days following the vaccine as your body will need time to adjust and generate an immune response.

Although taking the vaccine will not guarantee that you will not get the virus, it does reduce the severity of the symptoms to a great extent.

Francis Dunn is from Miami Florida. He works as a data engineer and clinical analyst in the biotech industry. For the past 25 years he has focused on improving the world of healthcare using disruptive technologies. At DMDconnects, Francis Dunn discovered new ways to create revenue streams while managing enterprise clients. He was able to triple the size of client service teams while keeping the sales force motivated to win.

Why you should change your mattress every 7-10 years

If you’ve been waking up each morning with aches and pains, then you may need a new mattress. This is one of the first signs that people see when it’s time to change their mattress. Quite a few people are sleeping on a mattress is that are 10 years old or older. The reason for this is probably two-fold. People just naturally believe they can’t afford a new mattress and it can be hard to give up your old one. We all get used to our mattress and pillow and we feel like we won’t be able to get used to anything new.

With long-term financing, you can afford a new mattress. There are actually some very strong reasons why you should change your mattress every seven to 10 years. Let’s take a look at those below:

Old mattresses are unhealthy-we all shed our skin daily especially at night while sleeping. Those dead skin cells can get embedded in the mattress causing breathing and allergy problems.

You don’t sleep soundly-If you want to be your best each day, then you need a great night’s rest every night. But when you’re sleeping on an old worn-out mattress, you’re probably tossing and turning a lot.

You wake up sore each morning-It’s no fun to wake up feeling awful.

Stains and odors-Over time, a mattress can get lots of different stains and odors from potty accidents and sweating at night.

Creaks and squeaks-An old bed may be making all kinds of weird noises at night that are keeping you awake.