Arthritis is a very common health issue that a lot of people will deal with as they get older. Joint pain caused by arthritis makes it difficult to do even the most basic things and if you cannot find ways to manage the pain, it can have a huge impact on your life. If you think that you may be developing arthritis, it is important that you seek advice from your doctor, but you should also look into different pain management techniques. Although painkillers will give you relief, there are more effective things that you can try. These are some of the most effective ways to deal with joint pain caused by arthritis.
Manage Your Weight If you are overweight, you put a lot of stress on your joints and this can cause arthritis to develop more quickly and make the pain a lot worse. That is why managing your weight is one of the most effective ways to get long term relief from arthritis pain. If you struggle with your weight, you should start a light exercise routine and plan a diet that supplements your workouts. It is important that you build up your activity levels slowly because if you launch straight into an intensive workout routine, you risk making your joint pain worse. Low impact exercises, like swimming and walking, are great for beginners.
Try Hot and Cold Therapy Heat therapies are a simple but effective way to manage pain. Heat treatments can help to relieve stiffness in the joints and soften the muscles. You can use a heat pack or even just take a long soak in a warm bath. Cold treatments are brilliant for reducing inflammation around the joints and giving your relief from pain. Ice packs around the affected areas work well or you could even try an ice bath if you are brave enough.
Stem Cell Treatments A lot of people are unaware of stem cell treatments and how effective they can be for arthritis pain. It may seem daunting, but if you look into how stem cell therapy works, you’ll see that it is actually very simple and can be very effective. Our bodies use stem cells to repair damage, but as we get older, we don’t always have enough to manage certain areas of the body. When you have stem cell treatments, stem cells will be injected directly into the affected area to help your body heal and relieve your pain.
Meditation Although pain is mostly physical, there is a mental element to it as well. The way that you perceive pain is important and many people with chronic pain conditions will benefit from meditation for pain relief. It helps you to reduce the severity of pain by managing the mental aspect of it. It will also help to deal with feelings of anxiety and depression that are often related to chronic pain conditions. Even 5 or 10 minutes a day of meditation can make a huge difference.
If you are struggling with joint pain caused by arthritis, these are some of the best ways to find relief.
*contributed post*
Happy Wednesday friends! As I shared several months, I am excited to re-share some of the most popular devotional posts that I wrote in 2017-2018 (if you would like to see the complete list you can find it HERE!) and am excited to share this one this week! I hope that this continues to be a beautiful blessing even several years later!
*this was originally posted in 2017 during the week of September 11th*
One of the more "realistic" parts of When Calls the Heart Season 2 was watching the relationship between Jack and Elizabeth navigate and weather the "after honeymoon phase" of their relationship. As viewers it was a bit painful to see them walk through this different season in their lives, grow and learn more about each other, and also navigate some of the difficult realities of moving forward as a couple. At the end of the season though it was a precious moment to see them realize that in walking through all of these things they realized that the struggles had made them stronger as a couple and they wanted to move forward together.
There is a scene that takes place rather briefly in the mine when Elizabeth states, "it really feels like we've been given a second chance today". Jack's response is cute, flirty and adorable, but I have been thinking more and more recently about Elizabeth's comment and the beautiful truth that comes with learning what she has shared... the power of second chances to bring change to our lives.
So many times in life there are difficult things to navigate, circumstances that seem that they will overwhelm us, misunderstandings in relationships that will never get resolved, terrible tragedies that seem to have no end, and pain that seems like it will never let up.
But then... life it in all of its beautiful messiness opens a door to a different future than we expected. The circumstance that seemed to overwhelm us lessens. The misunderstanding that seems to create a wide chasm sees a bridge built. Terrible tragedies gently remind us of what is most important in life- family, loved ones, and people. And the pain that we thought would never let up starts to slowly heal.
In these beautiful moments of grace meeting us we feel that we have been given a second chance. A second chance to do things differently.
To approach the world a little differently.
To be more compassionate.
To find contentment in where we are at.
To take the time to love those around us more intentionally.
To let go of what is truly not important.
To remember the grace.
To extend the grace to others.
To embrace the joy of the moment.
To offer forgiveness quickly.
To love more deeply.
To love more sacrificially.
To be more vulnerable.
To live in hope more fully.
To speak more life giving and redeeming words to those that we encounter.
And perhaps this week ...after all of the tragedies that America has endured, that America has remembered from sixteen years ago... and the unimaginable difficulties that people around the world are enduring... there is no better time then to live in the beautiful gift of second chances.
Today dear friends, let's live fully in the beautiful gift of second chances. Let's live as if each moment of our lives is the treasured gift that it is. We don't know what the future may bring, but we know that there is a beautiful hope and promise that is found in our history. And in knowing that and in living in the beauty of second chances we can live confidently that this has the power to change everything.
"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are never every morning; great is your faithfulness."
-Lamentations 3:21-23-
*original post written in August 2017 prior to Lori Loughlin's departure from the show*
-Lamentations 3:21-23-
*original post written in August 2017 prior to Lori Loughlin's departure from the show*
Looking for past From Hope Valley Devotionals? You can click HERE to find a complete listing of all of the devotionals!
I have received several emails asking me about the books by Janette Oke that the series is based on. You may remember that I mentioned in my very first From Hope Valley Devotional post that I had read Janette Oke's series back when I was a teenager. The original book series, "The Canadian West Series" was based on Elizabeth's aunt and her adventures (she also married a Mountie). Here are the listing of the books from that series (there are six) in order:
In the last several years Janette Oke released a new series entitled, "Return to the Canadian West" which you can find listed below in order:
I receive several emails a week asking where you can watch older episodes of "When Calls the Heart". If you have a Netflix account you can find seasons 1-3 there or you can purchase them on Amazon. You can purchase and watch all of the seasons and episodes by clicking on the links below:
*Please note that the quotes used in these weekly devotionals are the sole intellectual property of Hallmark Channel, WCTH, & Crown Media, LLC. These on-line posts are in no way supported, endorsed or affiliated with WCTH, Hallmark Channel, or Crown Media. They are simply encouragement inspired by Janette Oke and this precious show.*
Are you a little worried about your health at the moment? Have you spent the last few months in the lockdown lazing around and eating lots of junk food? Then you might want to take a few moments to consider some of the tips and advice on this page.
Regardless of your situation's ins and outs, the information below should assist you in getting things back on track and ensuring you maintain perfect health during the coming months. Of course, you’ll have to put some work in if you want to see the best results, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a massive improvement straightaway.
Get a gym membership
Gym memberships won’t break the bank, but they could help to encourage you to get in shape this summer. You probably have at least a couple of local gyms in your hometown, and so you just need to conduct some research online to find out which is the most suitable for your requirements.
Many people like to use the exercise machines in their chosen gym, but you might want to select somewhere that offers pool facilities or something similar. All the final decisions are down to you.
The best thing about a gym membership is that you aren’t usually tied into a contract. You can cancel it at any time if you discover you’re paying for something you rarely use. You can also cut costs in many different ways according to the Money Advice Service and other similar websites.
Workout at home
If you don’t want to spend between £30 and £50 per month on a gym membership, you might think about exercising at home. There are many ways you can work out without leaving the house if you’re smart, there are plenty of specialist DVDs you can use.
Some people also like to jog or run around their local streets, and maybe you’d like to try something similar? Sure, you have to deal with random strangers seeing you out and about, but that doesn’t matter. Just jog or run like nobody is looking, and most people will simply ignore you.
You might also think about purchasing some weights or some home workout equipment if you feel it will encourage you to create better results.
Plan your meals in advance
The food you consume plays a significant role in your overall health. So, make sure you avoid chocolate, crisps, and other junk food as much as possible. It would help if you left that stuff alone when you see it in the supermarket and choose something a little better for your body.
One of the best strategies for making sure you consume the right food is to plan your meals in advance. Make a list of all the meals you’re going to eat during the week each weekend, and head out to buy all the ingredients.
You might also think about cooking meals in bulk and freezing them, so you only have to put a tub in the microwave after work. That will save you a lot of time and hassle on weekdays.
Go for regular medical checkups
Lots of people avoid going to see their doctor as much as possible. They tend to become anxious about the whole experience, and so they wait until a small issue becomes a significant problem.
You should avoid doing that as much as possible. Regular checkups with your doctor are the best way to spot health issues before they become severe. Also, your doctor can provide lots of advice on a range of different things.
Experts from Simple Online Pharmacy and other brands provide services that enable you to get the opinion of a doctor using the internet these days. That is fantastic news for people with busy lives who struggle to find the time to visit their chosen medical professional in person.
Stick to a bedtime routine
The amount of sleep you have every night will have a drastic impact on your overall health. So, be sure to get yourself into a bedtime routine as much as possible. Set alarms for every weekday at the same time, and make sure you go to bed with enough time to spare.
Experts recommend that you should sleep for at least eight hours every night to ensure you feel recharged and ready for the day. Any less than that and your sleeping pattern could harm many different elements of your life.
You can use specialist apps on your smartphone to assist with getting a peaceful night’s sleep. It’s worth taking a look at some of the most popular ones in case they work for you. Some send reminders letting you know it’s time to get ready for bed, and a few apps even offer sleep stories and meditations.
Try meditation
Meditation is one of the best techniques for quieting your mind in a natural and organic matter. Lots of people drink alcohol or take medications when they get home from work to unwind. It may feel that this works in the short term, but isn’t the best solution for your health.
You’ll find hundreds of high-quality meditation videos on YouTube, and so it’s worth taking a look around. Find someone with a voice that feels calming to you, and check out some of their clips.
You can also meditate without any aids if you learn the best techniques. Again, there is a wealth of information online that will tell you everything you need to know. Yoga is also a useful practice if you can find a reputable local instructor.
Those were some excellent ways to maintain perfect health during the remainder of this year. As with anything else, the best strategy is to keep on top of things. If you gain weight regularly by eating junk food and then spend two months working out to lose it, you will damage your body in many different ways. It is much better to work on your health every day and make the right decisions that will prevent you from having to use extreme diets or workout regimes.
No matter what happens during the coming months, we hope you found this article helpful!
*contributed post*
It is with gratitude, humility, & tears of joy that I am overwhelmed to share a dream has come full circle after nearly a decade! I have returned to teaching!!
As some of you know, this summer I accepted a teaching position at a local school!! To be heading back again after NINE long & the most extremely painful years away brings a wave of various emotions with lots of thankful & overwhelming tears.
To be at this stage of healing is a gift that leaves me speechless...especially when at one point I had doctors from some of the most well-known medical clinics/hospitals in the world telling me there was no hope for life, walking again or eating normally (without a feeding tube)...to let alone that I would never be able to return to a school again in a teaching position. (One doctor called this dream "ridiculous in thinking".)
Walking into my classroom on Monday, my precious daddy's birthday, was truly a full circle moment as he fought so hard to get me to this place. I stood in my room & wept. I know he is rejoicing right now & cheering me on.
I also humbly remember so many of you who have been walking this journey with me for 9 incredibly long years. It may be me holding this sign with happy tears, but to each of you who have faithfully prayed over the years, stood by me & my family in this journey, to the nurses at UVM - "Courtney" & I weep with gratitude, to those who have donated money to various go fund me campaigns over the years, to the letters, emails, texts, & "just the right" words at the right time, the list is never ending & to each of my doctors ...& to my main medical team all of y'all - I love you...Dr.J... I am indebted forever for you helping save my life. Thank you.
Thank you for rejoicing in this new season, for your continued prayers for me & my health
"The people who survived the wars have found favor in the desert. The Lord said, "I love you with an everlasting love...once again I will build you up & you will be rebuilt my dear people...once again you will take your tambourines & you will go dancing with happy people...once again you will plant...I will satisfy you with abundance"
As some of you know, this summer I accepted a teaching position at a local school!! To be heading back again after NINE long & the most extremely painful years away brings a wave of various emotions with lots of thankful & overwhelming tears.
To be at this stage of healing is a gift that leaves me speechless...especially when at one point I had doctors from some of the most well-known medical clinics/hospitals in the world telling me there was no hope for life, walking again or eating normally (without a feeding tube)...to let alone that I would never be able to return to a school again in a teaching position. (One doctor called this dream "ridiculous in thinking".)
Walking into my classroom on Monday, my precious daddy's birthday, was truly a full circle moment as he fought so hard to get me to this place. I stood in my room & wept. I know he is rejoicing right now & cheering me on.
I also humbly remember so many of you who have been walking this journey with me for 9 incredibly long years. It may be me holding this sign with happy tears, but to each of you who have faithfully prayed over the years, stood by me & my family in this journey, to the nurses at UVM - "Courtney" & I weep with gratitude, to those who have donated money to various go fund me campaigns over the years, to the letters, emails, texts, & "just the right" words at the right time, the list is never ending & to each of my doctors ...& to my main medical team all of y'all - I love you...Dr.J... I am indebted forever for you helping save my life. Thank you.
Thank you for rejoicing in this new season, for your continued prayers for me & my health
"The people who survived the wars have found favor in the desert. The Lord said, "I love you with an everlasting love...once again I will build you up & you will be rebuilt my dear people...once again you will take your tambourines & you will go dancing with happy people...once again you will plant...I will satisfy you with abundance"
//Jeremiah 31//
It’s all too easy to find yourself struggling to achieve your fitness goals. Many people put loads of time and effort into working out and exercising but make the mistake of ignoring their diet as they go through this. Simply cutting down on food is never a good way to improve your body, making it crucial that you have a good understanding of the work that goes into building a healthy diet before you start throwing your time into exercise. The food you eat and the activities you perform will always be connected, and you have to think of them as pieces of the same puzzle. Let’s take a look at some of the steps you need to take when determining the best diet for your workout routine.
Your Workouts
This process should always start by looking at the types of workout you perform, as this will influence the amount and type of food you need to eat. For example, those looking to bulk up by using weight training will often need very high calorie counts and plenty of protein, while someone who wants to lose weight with running will benefit from eating very lean foods, lowering their intake to healthy levels. You can figure this out by yourself, or you can use guides around the web to help you to understand your workout nutrition.
Planning Meals
Once you have an idea of what you need to be eating, it will be time to start planning meals that enable you to achieve these goals. There are loads of recipes around the web that are designed around the nutritional content people need for exercise. Once you find a website that specialises in the type of diet you’d like to adopt, you can start to take advantage of it and use them to teach you about the food you should be making. Planning your meals ahead will make it much easier to keep yourself on the right track with this.
If you struggle with keeping your meals balanced and struggle to maintain control with portion control, then you may find medication can assist you with this. Read around online, speak to your doctor, and read informative articles on topics such as semaglutide mixing instructions to give yourself a well rounded knowledge alongside your meal planning.
Supplements
It will be extremely difficult to pack everything you need into your diet without the help of some supplements. These are products that are designed to be added to your diet to enhance it and add things that you may otherwise be missing out on. For example, Super Greens contains a range of superfoods that are all packed with essential nutrients, giving you a great way to fill in the gaps in your diet. Relying on supplements for all of the goodness in your diet is a bad idea; they should only be used when you’re worried that your regular diet isn’t enough.
With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to take on the challenge of building a diet that suits your workouts. This can be a challenge, but it will be well worth it in the end. Of course, though, you will always have to work hard to create diets that meet your nutritional needs.
*contributed post*
For most people, travel entails heading away on an annual holiday or vacation for a week or two. Most of us will save enough throughout the year to book a break to an all inclusive resort in a hot and sunny location. Alternatively, we’ll book the trip and then pay the balance off in monthly instalments in the lead up to the getaway date. But if you’re planning on travelling the world for a longer period of time, or more regularly than once a year, you may have to manage your finances in an altogether different manner. Here’s everything you need to know about managing your finances as a regular traveller!
Clear Debt Before Getting Started
If you have your sights set on travelling the world, but have outstanding debts, it can be tempting to ignore your debt and make minimum payments on what you owe while you travel. But generally speaking, this isn’t the best approach. Not only will it weigh on your mind when you are meant to be enjoying your experience, but it can often prove difficult to generate sufficient money while you’re travelling to survive and meet extra payments for loans and credit cards. So, clear your debts before you go travelling. This may seem difficult, but where there’s a will there’s a way. Some questions to ask yourself and research include:
- Could I benefit from consolidating my debts?
- Should I balance transfer to an interest free account?
- What steps can I take to clear my debt more quickly?
Save Money
It can be tempting to book your trip as soon as you get the money together for your flight out and accommodation. But you really do need to have some savings behind you if you are going to go travelling. This will provide you with a security blanket, ensuring you have enough money to tide yourself over or get yourself home if you are impacted financially while you’re away. Always have at least the money of a flight home available in your bank account.
Find a Remote Position
Working while you’re away can help to generate income during your travels. Not everyone wants to work in a hostel or bar. So, try securing a remote and freelance position before heading away. This will help you to maintain yourself and earn money for treats and extras.
Invest in Insurance
Travel insurance shouldn’t be an optional investment when you go travelling. It needs to be essential. This will protect your belongings and ensure that they can be replaced should you lose anything or should anything be stolen. But this isn’t even the main financial protection that a good insurance policy will provide you with. Insurance will also ensure that any medical costs while you are away are covered. This can prevent you from plummeting into debt if you require any medical attention while you’re away.
These are just a few suggestions that can help you to effectively manage your finances as a regular traveller. Hopefully, they’ll help you out!
*Contributed Post*
As some of you know, my precious mama and I are embarking on a new adventure starting this week.
We are moving back to Tennessee after 5 years away! There will be more details to come, but for now we appreciate your prayers for us.
There are tons of details we are finishing up and I find myself in lots of tears often as we say goodbye to a place that is incredibly dear to our hearts.
Thank you for your prayers as we prepare in these final days to move, for our safety as we travel, for our hearts as we return to Tennessee after all of these years away (for the first time) without my precious daddy, and for our transition... thank you for all of your love and support.
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