Grooming Tips: Maintaining a Healthy Beard

Over the years, grooming in men has become a growing topic, changing men’s perspective. Today,  men are highly conscious of what they wear and how it reflects their best features. Along with attire, a man’s beard is another important point of attention. Looking at artists like Drake and Rick Ross, they display the importance of having a well-groomed beard. The style and shape depend on the person but there are things you can do to have the best results.

First of all, be patient. There are men who grow their beard fast, some slow, while others may never be able to sport a full, attractive beard. Leave the beard to grow for about a month and then begin the following grooming tips.

Tip #1: Maintain your hygiene.

An unkempt beard is really not a sight to look at and admire. On top of that, the beard accumulates sweat and if not regularly washed, it can cause irritation and bad smell. On that note, it’s important to clean your beard at least twice a week with a natural shampoo. The shampoo needs to be sulfate-free and should comprise of natural ingredients. Quality men shampoos get rid of excess and sweat leaving your beard fresh and healthy.

Tip #2: Hydrate and Condition

It’s easier to shape and maintain soft a soft beard. Hence, equip your bathroom cabinet with some beard oil with essential oils and extracts to help keep it shiny and all-natural looking. Beard oil not only conditions but also prevents itchiness, moisturizes the skin, and prevents flakes. While applying the oil, make sure you massage it through evenly.

Tip #3: Trim

An even beard is a smart beard. Therefore, you will need to regularly trim the uneven beard hair to maintain your style. For the best outcome, it’s best to use scissors as they are perfect for fine-tuning. Trimmers, on the other hand, may leave split ends. Look into a mirror and allow the face’s natural contour to guide you through the process.

Tip #4: Maintain your health

Like skin and hair, your beard can also tell you about your health.  A thin beard may be a sign that your inner health is suffering. So in order to have a thick beard, eat right, get enough sleep, limit alcohol, and exercise. Of course, genetics do play a large role in how one's beard grows.

Tip #5: Use the right brushes

Finally, avoid hard brushes that cause inflammation and beard loss. Always use a soft bristle brush that leaves no hair loss patches.

There are many styles for men’s beards and with the right one, together with the above, one can have the best-looking beard. Do not forget the mustache as you groom.  We are at an age that appreciates men’s efforts to maintain a beard. Do not hesitate to try one for your own personal style.

Lubbock Sport Medicine

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service only, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.

Increasing Recovery Process and Preventing Sport Injuries

Each generation has iconic sportspersons that shock the world with incredible performances. Recently, it was a Kenyan athlete, Eliud Kipchoge, who ran a marathon in under 2 hours. Based on that performance, and many others, you have to wonder, how intense are their workout sessions? And if abnormally intense, how do they avoid injuries? Today we look at the recovery process and the importance of treating recurring injuries.

Recurring injuries

Injuries are common once you start exercising. But if they keep recurring, then it’s time to evaluate what you are doing wrong. Sports orthopedic doctors usually work closely with coaches and players to ensure top performances. In the event you have a recurring injury, it could call for physical therapy, resting the injured area, or even a surgical procedure. You should visit your orthopedist for diagnosis and a way forward. Such injuries tend to need some medical care, and may not heal by themselves.

The good news is, there are signs to watch out for to identify prolonged injuries, such as increased chronic pain, long recovery times, loss of movement, decreased range of motion and interruption of daily activities due to muscle pains, and soreness, etc. These are red flags that should not be ignored.

Treatment and prevention

Seeking a medical professional’s assistance and guidance is absolutely necessary to avoid and treat injuries, recurring or otherwise. Moreover, you need to listen to the body’s signals. Apart from that, you can help the recovery and prevention process through;

·      A smart warm-up and cool down session

When getting ready for an intense training session, it’s important that your body is ready. Stretch and start small then build up your exercises. After the session, do the same. Only that this time, it’s to cool down the muscles. This helps prevent the impact of a cold stop such as getting muscle cramps and hamstrings. These two sessions safeguard the body and help make the training more effective.

·      Rest

No matter the stakes, it’s good to rest in between your sessions. After addressing the injured area, take some time off and ease into your normal training. Resting will help increase your performance and increase muscle endurance by enabling them to properly regenerate.

·      Hydrate

Working up a sweat can cause your body will lose a lot of fluids. It’s not a problem though. It is a way to get rid of toxins. However, you need to hydrate to keep your body’s water supply at peak levels. In the process, you aid muscle recovery, increase metabolic functions, and help avoid fatigue.

It's easier to exercise without any injuries by taking care of your body. Should there be a recurring injury, do not assume it’s nothing. With the above tips, you can help protect the body and speed up its recovery process. Sports injuries no matter how minor, shouldn’t be ignored. Exercise safely.

Lubbock Sport Medicine

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service only, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.

Power over Anxiety and Depression

Issues pertaining to mental health are very sensitive and it is important to be in the right mental state to approach life in a healthy way. Unfortunately, there are two detrimental things that threaten our mental health: anxiety and depression. The two co-exist and affect how you interact with people and how you approach life’s different situations. Anxiety and depression are caused by several factors, including medication, financial-related stress, work issues, past personal traumas, and life transitions. In some cases, anxiety can ultimately develop into depression.  

These conditions can be detected, as they manifest themselves through a change in moods, such as long-term sadness, anger, fear, headaches, fatigue, sweating, panic attacks, change in eating patterns and inability to relax. If such symptoms persist, it may be time to consider some of the following measures.

·      See a therapist or opening up to a friend

Do not dismiss the idea before you try it. Talking to someone about your mental health can be the only remedy you need. Your friends will be there to support you and find ways to lift your spirits until what is bothering you comes to pass. They will chip in however they can. If this is difficult to do, visit a therapist for expert advice. A few sessions and tips from a professional can go a long way to improve your mental health and outlook.

·      Focus on important and meaningful activities

Rather than spending time thinking about situations that will elevate your anxiety and depression levels, find healthy distractions to occupy your time.  Drifting your mind away from uncomfortable and painful thoughts leads to more blissfulness and thereby improving your mental state. Activities such as watching comedies, doing laundry and catching up with friends will surely assist you to feel alive again in the midst of anxiety and depression.

·      Take a step back and Breathe

Life’s challenges are overwhelming and take a toll on our minds.  Therefore, it is important to take a break and breathe. In case panic attacks happen often, remain composed and take deep breaths. Allow yourself to heal from whatever is causing your depression. In the long run, your mental health is what matters most.

·      Exercise

Anxiety and depression are brain generated, and exercises are an easy way of reducing their effects. Exercises allow more blood flow and help rejuvenate brain cells. By adopting a more active lifestyle, you can develop a more clear and strong mind. As a bonus, you get to remain fit.

·      Medication

Before the situation worsens, doctors can help address your depression. They can prescribe medications suited to your condition and the root of your anxiety and depression. It's important to follow the instructions given, otherwise, you risk more than you know.

Take care of your wellbeing. Do not let anxiety and depression consume you. Try to enjoy every day what life has to offer.

Dr. Kevin Crawford

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service only, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.

Causes of poor heart health and how to keep your heart healthy

Heart ailments have been undoubtedly some of the most afflicting conditions throughout human history. There are various types of heart ailments and all pose the same threat to human health. Many of the heart conditions are considered self-imposed as they are determined by the kind of lifestyle that one leads. Owing to the important role played by the heart, the intensity of the threat posed by these ailments cannot be overlooked. This post seeks to create awareness that will offer a few guidelines on how to achieve better heart health, along with identifying factors that may interfere with maintaining good heart health.

• Eating habits

The types of food you consume play a huge role in influencing your heart health. Foods, especially those that contain excess fats, are of the most dangerous. Once the excess fat is not properly digested, it finds its way to your heart where it interferes with its proper functioning. Gradually, the heart becomes weaker and this results in heart conditions like cardiac arrest. To help avoid heart condition issues, ensure that you consume foods that have the ability to strengthen your heart. Foods containing proteins and vitamins have the ability to improve the strength and functionality of your heart. Here's an article, identifying some of the better  (and delicious) "heart foods". https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/heart-healthy-foods

• Lifestyle

The lifestyle you lead is also a great determinant of your heart health. A lifestyle that comprises of excessive alcoholism and smoking is one that can induce unending heart conditions. These habits have a gradual effect on the heart that you may not notice for a long time. But after many years (if not sooner), these effects can start to clearly manifest themselves. Apart from overindulgence, lack of exercising can also cause life-threatening heart conditions. As your weight continues to increase, the heart loses its strength and ability to work effectively, courtesy of the layers of fat formed around it. To avoid these conditions, ensure that you consume food that contains less fat. Additionally, make sure that you conduct regular workout sessions that will help maintain your weight, thus helping to avoid the accumulation of fat around the heart.

• Regular checkups

Even as you strive to adopt practices that enhance your heart health, you should understand that some conditions are genetic. Therefore, you need to ensure that you undergo regular screening and checkups that will help pinpoint any conditions before they get out of hand. Most of these ailments can be treated if only they are noticed in their early stages.

Enjoying sound heart health is one sure way of enjoying your sunset years. Try to do everything within your power to ensure that poor heart conditions do not weigh you down and threaten your peace of mind.

Dr. Kevin Crawford

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service only, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.