It gets very challenging when one's beloved goes into a cycle of addiction. We want only the best for our loved ones; therefore, finding the right treatment facility is the key to aiding recovery and facilitating their healing.

Let's dive into the most crucial aspects to consider when choosing rehab for a loved one, helping you make an informed decision to give them the best chance of recovery.

Individualised Treatment Plans

Rehabs should be able to measure every individual's physical, mental, and emotional health so that a course of treatment can be formulated for the individual needs of each patient. This typically covers all involved causes and offers more specific client-centred treatment in a facility, making success rates higher in the long term.

Evidence-Based Therapies

A rehabilitation centre should incorporate evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Motivational interviewing. The best rehabs blend scientifically validated therapies and complementary treatments. These therapies help assist individuals with discovering negative thought patterns and their remedies, as well as working towards factors that will motivate individuals to remain sober. A good rehabilitation centre would also go about incorporating holistic approaches, such as yoga, meditation, and the healing mantra of sound to heal the body and mind.

Experienced and Certified Staff

A staff who will take care of your loved one will be important in recovery. Thus, make sure that the rehab has licensed, experienced professionals who have a speciality in addiction treatment.

Aftercare and Support Programmes

A good treatment center should have aftercare and relapse prevention programs like follow-up therapy sessions, or even alumni programs. Aftercare services enhance continued guidance and accountability so that people may stay on course as they leave rehab and avoid relapse.

Calming Atmosphere

Getting addicted thrives in noisy circumstances, so peaceful surroundings are important for rehab settings. Nature locations, quiet, whether a seaside, mountain, or greenery, create an environment and a place for individual self-reflection and recovery.

Comfort Amenities

A lot of rehabs offer private rooms, gourmet meals, and fitness spaces that make conditions more comfortable and stressful conditions less of a burden. They can help your loved one feel cared for in their stay and also make the experience more positive in the rehab.

Family Psycho-Education and Support

It is not only the patient who suffers but also the family. Identify rehab centers that provide family psycho-education and counselling programs. Such sessions equip the family with knowledge on addiction, hence enabling families to embrace effective communication and provide better support to their loved ones.

Success Rate and Reviews

One should care about checking up on the success rate and reviews the rehab has. Of immense value is hearing from those who are previously patients or reading online reviews on how effective they have been. Finding the right rehab means finding a treatment facility that provides personal care, professional staff, a supportive environment, and continued support. These factors help your loved one step towards a healthier life free from addiction.

The right rehabilitation, therefore, is essential in building the foundation for your loved one's journey towards full recovery. A rehab offering tailored treatment programs, various forms of therapies, staff who are highly professional, and aftercare when appropriately discharged may be life-saving. Ensure that your loved one feels comfortable, well cared for, and clearly understood throughout the process. Recovery from addiction is difficult so it is necessary to make the right decision in choosing a rehab Center.

A major heat wave is currently affecting the central and eastern United States, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The US National Weather Service predicts a hotter-than-usual summer nationwide.

Unfortunately, extreme heat significantly increases the risk of dangerous heat illnesses, especially for older adults. Research shows that people over 60 account for most heat-related deaths in the U.S. The World Health Organization reports an 85% rise in heat-related deaths among people older than 65 between 2000 and 2021.

This isn't a coincidence; the aging process and extreme heat simply don't mix well, experts say. Here’s why, and what older people can do to stay safe as temperatures soar.

Why Heat Is More Risky As You Get Older

Even if you're very healthy, getting older makes you more likely to get sick from the heat. This includes conditions like heat exhaustion, where your body struggles to cool down, or heat stroke, which can be life-threatening.

As we age, our bodies naturally lose some of their ability to cool off. Experts explain that older people tend to hold onto more heat than younger people and have to work harder to keep their body temperature steady. Here are three main reasons for this change:

Blood doesn't move as well

When it's hot, your body tries to cool down by sending more blood to your skin and making blood vessels wider to help you sweat. According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Physiology as you get older, changes in your heart and blood vessels make it harder for your body to move blood efficiently. This makes it tougher to control your temperature.

You sweat less

MedlinePlus explains that as you age, your body also sweats less, which is how it naturally cools down. This happens because your skin gets thinner, and the tiny tubes that carry sweat move closer to the surface. Plus, you lose a protein called collagen, which can squeeze these tubes, making it harder for sweat to get out.

Easier to get dehydrated

The feeling of being thirsty, and the urge to drink, gets weaker over time. Also, your kidneys become less good at keeping your fluids balanced. Studies show that kidney function can start to drop around age 40, meaning older adults are more likely to get dehydrated. On top of that, older people often take medicines, like water pills or sedatives, that can cause dehydration or make it harder to sweat.

Signs to Watch For

Heat illness often starts with a headache. Some people might also experience:

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Feeling very tired
• Confusion
• Heart fluttering

Tips To Avoid Overheating As Older Adults

If you must go out on hot days, make sure you protect yourself from heat and avoid heat illness. Here are some tips according to the National Institute of Aging,

Stay in air-conditioned places

Older adults should try to stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. Closing your blinds or curtains during the day can also stop your house from getting too hot.

Find cooling shelters

If you don't have AC, call your local health department to find nearby cooling centers. Fans can help, but sometimes they're not enough to beat the heat at home.

Drink plenty of fluids

Drink more water than usual to help keep your body cool and hydrated. Drinks with electrolytes, like sports drinks and vegetable or fruit juices, can replace minerals you lose when you sweat. Remember, if you feel thirsty, you're already dehydrated.

Dress lightly and rest

Wear loose, light, and light-colored clothes. Take cool showers or baths if you feel warm. Try not to do anything too strenuous, and get lots of rest until the heat passes.

Once primarily linked to heavy alcohol consumption, liver cirrhosis is now increasingly affecting people who have never had a drink. Experts are warning of a silent but growing health crisis driven by unhealthy lifestyles.

A Global Health Concern

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), liver cirrhosis is responsible for more than 1.3 million deaths annually, making it one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In the U.S., data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that cirrhosis-related deaths have surged by over 65% in the past 20 years. The biggest driver behind this rise? A condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

The Lifestyle Connection

NAFLD is caused by fat buildup in the liver unrelated to alcohol use. It's now one of the fastest-growing causes of liver damage across the world. Poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, rising obesity, and increasing rates of diabetes have all contributed to its spread. Studies estimate that nearly 30% of adults globally have NAFLD, and its more severe form—non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)—is rising especially among younger adults.

What Is Cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis occurs when healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. This scarring impairs blood flow and limits the liver’s ability to perform its key functions: detoxifying the blood, aiding digestion, regulating hormones, and storing essential nutrients. If left untreated, cirrhosis can lead to liver failure or liver cancer.

Why Are Non-Drinkers Getting It?

The main culprit is the lifestyle we are all leading today. Diets high in sugar, fats, and processed foods, paired with physical inactivity, are leading to fat accumulation in the liver. Over time, this triggers inflammation, liver cell damage, and scarring—ultimately leading to cirrhosis. What makes this more dangerous is that NAFLD often develops silently, with symptoms appearing only in the later stages.

Warning Signs to Watch Out For

While NAFLD and cirrhosis can be symptom-free in early stages, some warning signs include:

• Persistent fatigue or low energy
• Swelling in the legs or abdomen
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Sudden or unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite

Doctors recommend regular liver function tests, ultrasounds, and check-ups—especially for those with obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

Everyday Habits That Harm the Liver

Certain lifestyle choices can accelerate liver damage, such as:

• Overeating processed or fried foods
• High sugar intake (soft drinks, sweets, desserts)
• Physical inactivity or prolonged sitting
• Ignoring health issues like diabetes or hypertension
• Crash dieting or taking unprescribed supplements

Can It Be Reversed?

Yes—if caught early. Doctors say NAFLD can be reversed through manageable lifestyle changes:

Eat a balanced diet with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein

Engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise daily

Stay hydrated to help the liver flush out toxins

Avoid self-medication and unnecessary pills

Get routine health screenings

Good sleep is one of the foundational traits of good health, and our activities, thoughts as well as what we eat, has an effect on it. What many people do not know is that certain foods have been associated with insomnia as well, for example alcohol can alter the circadian clock and worsen our sleep quality as well as spicy and hot foods have been associated with insomnia. So, what about foods that promote good sleep?

A doctor suggests a simple, natural solution: chia seeds. Dr. Alan Mandell, a chiropractor known as "Motivationaldoc" on social media, claims that just one tablespoon of this superfood before bed could help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling completely refreshed.

Sleep-Boosting Power of Chia Seeds

According to Dr. Mandell, chia seeds are a powerhouse when it comes to improving sleep quality. Here's why:

Tryptophan for Sleep Hormones

Chia seeds have something called tryptophan. This helps your body make serotonin, which calms you, and melatonin, which tells your body it's time to sleep. This means you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Magnesium for Relaxation

These tiny seeds are full of magnesium. This important mineral helps calm your nerves, reducing stress. If you're restless before bed, magnesium can help you get deeper, more restful sleep.

Omega-3s and Hydration

Chia seeds contain omega-3s, which can reduce inflammation, or swelling, that sometimes makes it hard to sleep. Also, when mixed with water, they form a gel that keeps you hydrated all night, stopping sleep problems caused by being thirsty.

Fiber for Satiety

The high amount of fiber in chia seeds makes you feel full. This can stop those late-night snack cravings that often interrupt your sleep.

Other Benefit of Chia Seeds

Beyond their sleep-enhancing properties, chia seeds offer a wealth of health advantages:

Nutrient-Dense: These little seeds are packed with good stuff! They're a great source of fiber, protein, healthy fats like omega-3s, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and antioxidants. They help your body work well.

Heart Health: The omega-3s and fiber in chia seeds are excellent for your heart. They help lower your blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and other fats, which significantly cuts down your risk of heart disease.

Blood Sugar Management: The impressive fiber in chia seeds helps keep your blood sugar levels steady. This is super helpful for people with diabetes, as it prevents big ups and downs in blood sugar.

Digestive Health: Because they're so high in fiber, chia seeds are wonderful for your gut. They help your digestion run smoothly, ensuring regular bowel movements and keeping your stomach comfortable.

Weight Management: The fiber in chia seeds also makes you feel full. This means you're less likely to overeat, which can really help you with your weight loss goals in a healthy way.

Complete Protein Source: Amazingly, chia seeds contain all nine essential amino acids your body needs. This makes them a complete protein, which is especially great if you're vegetarian or vegan.

Antioxidant Power: Chia seeds are rich in powerful antioxidants. These help protect your body's cells from damage, contributing to your long-term health.