Caring for the Elderly with Compassion

Inevitably, time moves on and we age. It is often a dilemma for families when one or both parents begin to age and perhaps even start to show signs of memory loss or other chronic health problems associated with old age. In fact, many sons and daughters struggle with the reality that their parents are often unable to cope with even the most basic of tasks without assistance and care. The situation often provokes deep feelings of intense guilt as children struggle to comprehend the drastic changes in their parents, and then come to grips with the fact that they might need to find a care home or other specialist facility for them.

This view places the needs of sons and daughters front and centre of the dilemma, but as a society we should never forget the emotional pain often experienced by older parents whose lives are turning upside down due to the idea of having to leave home and move into a care facility or nursing home. In some cases, this can cause resentment and even anger as both parties endure the emotions and loss associated with time taking its inevitable toll. Even though this is the experience of many, it does not need to be. By selecting the right care home, a family can get through this tough time without the anger, resentment, and guilt that is often present.
Senior Woman With Adult Daughter In Park
Senior Woman With Adult Daughter In Park
Selecting a Care Home
Fortunately, there are online services that provide an easy and intuitive way to search for care homes in the Birmingham area. There is a wide selection of Birmingham care homes, and they are all available on innovative web sites that maintain a comprehensive database all of them. This means that any family member can search and read about a number of care homes before deciding on the best one for an elderly parent.
By using such a service, a lot of the guesswork is removed from the process and it is even advisable in some cases to make the parent or parents in question an integral part of the selection process so that they feel like they have some control over their rehoming. This alone can serve to mitigate a lot of the hurt, guilt and anger from the process and make for a much smoother experience for the family members involved.
The Benefits of a Care Home Facility
The move to a care home may seem strange and unfamiliar at first, but most elderly parents adapt and find a number of great benefits, including:
  •  Socialising: Many care homes are able to cater to multiple individuals, and in many larger homes the elderly find that they can socialise with other residents and make new friends. Many care homes even provide excursions, recreational activities and games. Many elderly residents of such homes find it personally satisfying to be able to interact with people of their own age and participate in activities that keep them healthy physically, mentally and emotionally.
  • Care: In terms of health needs, the best care homes employ staff and nurses who are experienced in tending to the specific needs of the elderly. This means that family members can rest assured that their parents are receiving quality health care.

Researching a care home for elderly parents does not need to be a guilt ridden process. By utilising the services of an online care home database, one can find a facility that suits the family and the elderly.

Interesting Healthy Drinks To Impress Your Dinner Guests With

Preparing and hosting a dinner party is an overwhelming yet thrilling task, as you take on a fresh approach each time in the hopes of making a success out of the evening. Try these creative beverage recipes for a healthy drink theme.

Fruit juice

Watermelon and Basil Margarita

Serve these cocktails when your guests arrive. The high water content of the watermelon would ensure that your guests are refreshed and hydrated while their energy levels increase which ultimately keeps them interactive throughout the evening. Watermelon is low in calories while the basil is rich in antioxidants.

Ingredients

4 cups of watermelon cubes

Lime juice extracted from 3 limes

Lemon juice extracted from 1 lemon

½ cup of orange liqueur

¾ cup of tequila

2 chopped basil leaves

Method

Pour all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour over crushed ice and garnish with lemon slices. Omit the alcohol for a mocktail version. Serve with light appetizers.

Apple and Cucumber Water

Avoid flavoured water filled with preservatives and artificial flavouring. Go the natural and healthy route by creating your own flavoured water. Slice apple and cucumber place it in a glass pitcher, add water then refrigerate for a couple of hours then serve with ice. Place the glass pitcher of your flavoured water on the dinner table along with a selection of juice and wine for you guests to choose from.

Minted Pineapple Cooler

A perfect after dinner drink as it contains mint which is not only low in calories, rich in vitamins and minerals, but also aids the digestive system. This ensures that your guests do not feel bloated or uncomfortable after the main course, leaving room to enjoy your dessert.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups of mint leaves

¼ cup of sugar

Pineapple juice

¼ cup of lime juice

Method

Throw the mint leaves, sugar and lime juice into the blender and blend until the mint leaves are fine. Stir a bit of the pineapple juice into the mint mixture and pour the rest of the pineapple juice into a zip lock bag and freeze for a couple of hours. Then combine the mint mixture and frozen pineapple juice and blend. Pour the drinks into glasses and allow it to stand for a couple of minutes before serving.

Dark Chocolate Martini

Can be served with dessert or as a dessert when adding ice cream. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It also reduces your chances of suffering from high blood pressure.

Ingredients

Crushed ice

30g dark chocolate

25ml cream

Ice cubes

30ml vodka

Method

Fill glasses with the crushed ice to keep the glasses cool. Break the chocolate into small pieces and place into a mixing bowl. Heat the cream and pour over the chocolate then mix together creating a smooth chocolate sauce. Pour ice cubes, vodka and the chocolate sauce into a cocktail shaker and shake for 20 seconds. Remove the crushed ice from all the glasses then pour the chocolate martini into the glasses. If you are serving it as a dessert, use bowls instead of glasses and pour the chocolate martini over the ice cream.

What Knee Surgery Type Is Better For You?

We cannot answer this question for you because before any surgery type is chosen, different tests have to be performed. You cannot simply walk into a clinic and know beforehand what you will go through. However, in order to help you out a little, let us see the main surgery types that you may have to go through.

Knee-Surgery

Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is basically used to repair knee damage caused by arthritis and injuries. It is commonly utilized in order to repair a torn meniscus, joint injuries, treat mild arthritis, remove broken knee cartilage pieces and treat non-inflammatory or inflammatory conditions. Damaged or torn ligaments together with repaired misaligned knee caps can also be treated.

The arthroscopy sees a surgeon insert knee scopes through small incisions. Video monitors are used to see everything better. Various small incisions can be made and they are utilized in order to insert suitable surgical instruments with the purpose of repairing damage.

Partial-Knee Replacement

The partial replacement is a procedure that is less invasive when compared with the total knee replacement, which we will talk about below. This procedure is always performed at a clinic like FareSHaddad.co.uk and it is really important that you learn all that you can about the orthopedic surgeon you are about to work with.

This procedure sees the surgeon replace the lateral compartments or the medial compartment with a suitable implant. Recovery varies a lot but in the majority of cases the recovery is full.

Total-Knee Replacement

Out of all the different orthopedic surgeries that are performed today, this is among the most complex ones. The doctors will use it in order to treat patients suffering from debilitating pain and advanced arthritis.

To keep it simple, the surgery basically replaces the entire joint with a suitable prosthesis. As you can imagine, recovery period is a lot higher than with the other surgical options. The protocol that needs to be followed by the patients varies from one physician to the next. This includes the discharge timeline and outpatient therapy rehabilitation schedule. The knee replacement is considered in any of the following situations:

  • Knee pain that stops the patient from performing everyday activities
  • Chronic inflammation and/or swelling when it does not improve with medications or rest
  • Severe to moderate pain when resting
  • Zero pain relief possible as NSAIDs or conservative measures do not work
  • Knee stiffness – an inability to straighten or bend the knee

Choosing The Knee Surgery

You cannot make such a choice alone. It is important to be evaluated by the orthopedic surgeon before this is possible. Various tests are performed from X-rays to medical history examination. Only after the test results are in, a decision can be made.

At the end of the day, in the event that you are suffering from knee pain and your life is affected by this, the primary care physician needs to be contacted. He/she will then refer you to a suitable professional to go to. Alternatively, you can arrange a meeting at a clinic that you find on the internet.

Home Remedies To Increase Fertility

There are many different home remedies that are known to increase fertility. These are the ones that you should try out before you opt for the costly fertility treatments that are offered by fertility clinics. We can easily notice an increase in the number of people that try to locate such remedies and we will mention some of them. However, you should read till the end as there is one extra fact that you will have to remember.

fertility

Vitamin C

We have known about this for year. It is something that works great, especially in men but women should also consider it because of the fact that it increases cervical mucus amount, which aids sperm to reach the region where it is necessary in an easier and faster way.

Evening Primrose Oil

This is also something that helps protect and increase cervical mucus. The herbal supplement is 100% natural and will increase fertility when used properly.

Cough Syrup

This may be weird but there are women that swear they ended up pregnant after taking cough syrup. The reason behind the claim is the common presence of Guaifenesen, which can boost fertility. However, not all syrups have this as an active ingredient so you cannot take the first one you find.

Folic Acid

Even with IVF, the initial steps will include the increase of folic acid intake. It is something that is important to maintain fertility due to the fact that it basically makes the ovulatory process work better. When you become pregnant, the acid will also help out a lot in maintaining the healthy pregnancy you surely desire.

Diet Modifications

If you increase the intake of vegetables and fruits, the diet is automatically improved and your fertility will also get a boost. Make sure that you eliminate trans fats, processed foods and caffeine. They will have the opposite effect. A lot of water also has to be consumed on a daily basis.

Cycle Charting

This is not actually a home remedy but it does help out a lot because of the fact that it drastically increases the possibility of getting pregnant naturally. You need to be aware of the time when you ovulate. Charting the cycles is done by taking basal body temperature on daily basis or by monitoring cervical mucus.

Sometimes You Need Help

The home remedies mentioned above have been proven to increase fertility but if you do not know why you cannot conceive, you have to seriously consider going to a fertility clinic. You can only fight the problem if you know what the problem is.

We have to acknowledge the fact that in some cases IVF fertilization is the only option that is available. This should not bother you. The success rates are really good as you can see when you click here. You just have to remain open to all the options that are currently available for you. The medical profession has gone a long way in the past few years and fertility clinics should not be disregarded since so many treatment options are offered.

Perfect Sleep for Perfect Health: Creating the Right Environment

A good night’s sleep is always hard earned. You have to toil hard in order to sleep like a baby at night. On the other hand if your body is too tired, it can barely fall asleep. There are a number of people who suffer from stress related issues. The hectic pace of life and the mounting tensions leave many restless. Insomnia is a common stress related issue and its circle is vicious – stress means no sleep and no sleep means more stress. Are medicines the only solution to a restful sleep? No! Creating the right environment is just as important.

better sleep

Perfect Sleep Naturally!

Medicines should always be the last resort for sleeplessness. As far as possible, one should use only natural or organic alternatives for curbing restlessness. If you experience difficultly falling asleep, you can rely on a cup of herbal tea. Drinking herbal tea before sleep can help your muscles and brain relax. Dimming the light of the room, while sleeping, also helps one relax. You can also listen to soothing and soft music, in case it helps you feel calmer. Try spa therapy if none of the listed help.

Healthier Sleep Naturally!

A restful sleep is the first milestone. The next step is towards health is to pick alternatives that can add to your well-being while you are asleep. It has been proven that natural bedding like that made out of bamboo and silk, can uproot many illnesses. Organic comforter sets have innate properties that can diminish the symptoms of chronic spine related illnesses.

A bamboo comforter set is particularly good for those people who experience an intolerable rise in body temperature while they are asleep. On the other hand, a silk comforter does not tug with the skin and hair; therefore, is the choicest for all the beauty conscious chaps and ladies who wish to turn around their age. Apart from the cosmetic benefits of silk bedding, they also offer innumerable health benefits.

Creating The Right Environment

Use a comforter as a bed mattress and sleep over it instead of sleeping under it, in summers. You can also spray light natural fragrances in the room to keep the ambience fresh. Block out any sound if it disturbs your sleep. Moreover, the pillow that you sleep on should be covered with an organic silk or bamboo fabric cover. The size of the pillow does matter. You don’t want to wake up with a stiff neck after all. If you still can’t fall asleep, try reading a book. Deep breathing also helps induce sleep. Some people also consider taking a warm water bath before sleeping. This helps calm the muscles and the tired cells of the body.

All in all, creating a naturally relaxing milieu is much better than relying on medicines in order to fall asleep. If watching television for sometime before sleeping makes you feel restful, do so. A walk post dinner also induces sleep. These are some of the things that help create the right sleep environment.

Common Skin Conditions That Require A Doctor’s Care

Many of us know that skin is the largest organ of the body, but did you know that in adults, its area totals up to around 20 square feet? That’s a lot of skin, and when you think of everything it’s exposed to, that also leaves a lot of room for something to go wrong! Normal skin is often rife with visible pores, bumps, bruises, and imperfections, contrary to what the photoshopped celebrity culture and advertising world perpetuate. Some of us are born with skin conditions or imperfections, and all of us will experience some type of skin abnormality in our lifetime.

skin

Taking proper care of your skin can prevent a lot of common conditions, and when they do crop up, there’s a lot of things you can do to treat them at home. But even some of the more ordinary skin conditions require a visit to the doctor at some point. A dermatologist specializes in that sort of thing, but many issues may only require quick trip to your family physician or an urgent care center like Piedmont Express Care at Sutton Road. Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish the more serious skin conditions, so it’s a good idea to err on the safe side and visit a doctor if you aren’t sure.

Three Common Conditions That Require Medical Treatment

Eczema

Dry skin is a pretty universally regular skin condition, especially in the winter. Even extreme dry skin can be treated with heavy moisturizers. Eczema is an extreme variant of dry skin, resulting in chronically dry, patchy areas of of skin in places like the hands, neck, or legs. Patches often blister or break into open sores, which can easily get infected. Over-the-counter cortisone creams or antihistamines may help, but some forms of eczema require more aggressive treatment. Visit your doctor or an urgent care center for oral steroids or prescription-strength moisturizers. In extreme cases UV light therapy or immunosuppressants may be necessary.

Shingles

Shingles is a painful rash that develops from a dormant virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox. In many people the virus stays dormant for a lifetime, but in others stress or a weak immune system can allow it to resurface. The first stage of symptoms may include a headache or signs similar to the flu, but without a fever. As the virus progresses it causes tingling and itching, and later a band of blisters. Though the presence of shingles is sometimes mild, it can spread, become very painful, and even cause dizziness or problems with vision and thinking. Visit a doctor as soon as possible to get on an antiviral medication that will hopefully prevent the illness from getting too bad.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a contagious skin infection seen most commonly in children, though adults can contract it. It can occur in totally healthy skin, but is usually contracted when the health of the skin is already compromised by injury or some kind of illness like chickenpox or poison ivy. It is characterized by sores that can ooze and crust over, most often on the nose or mouth. Caused by bacteria, antibiotic ointment and/or pills are required to fight the infection.

Symptoms of a Serious Skin Problem

Though these are some of the most common skin issues that may require a doctor’s visit, there are a variety of common conditions that you can treat at home, including hives, skin allergies, poison ivy, athletes foot, and cold sores. However, even seemingly innocuous rashes can become harmful, so any condition that is not responding to home care may be worth contacting a doctor about. It’s always important to keep an eye on symptoms, and contact a doctor about any rash that causes secondary symptoms (headache, joint pain, fever, swollen tongue, etc.), if you have been exposed to an individual with a strep infection, if it is preventing you from sleeping, if it’s very painful, or if it seems infected.

Liz Frye is a mother of five, familiar with the plight of a parent who doesn’t want to make a trip to the doctor if it isn’t necessary. As a former teacher, she is familiar with the quick spread of illness. She is also a freelance writer and regularly contributes to Universal Woman.

How Remedial Massage Can Benefit You

Everybody knows that getting a massage can leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. After a hard day’s work, a whole body massage can feel extremely rewarding. Even a simple foot massage can do wonders. But have you ever heard of a massage that can do more than make you feel good?

A remedial massage is more than a relaxation massage, it can be a therapeutic one. This massage treats the entire body. The best part is, through a remedial massage you can trace a discomfort to its original cause so you can treat both the symptom and the cause of the disorder. So how can this type of massage benefit you?

 Remedial Massage

Relieves Pain

Remedial massage uses special techniques such as trigger point therapy and myofascial release that can reduce discomfort and help relieve pain. Through these techniques connective tissues and muscles can be stretched and lengthened. Because of this a sense of relaxation and more movement can be experienced by the patient. Through this type of massage patients can also quickly recover from muscular strain or musculoskeletal pain that may have been brought about by a sports injury. This is because the massage causes the tissue to be flushed of lactic acid and other types of metabolic wastes.

Even in pregnant women, remedial massage can also help ease headaches, back pains and leg pains usually experienced during the later part of pregnancy. It is good to note though that pregnant women who have not had this type of massage before need to wait after the first trimester to get one.

Treats Injuries and Ailments

Aside from relieving pain, remedial massage can also help treat injuries and ailments. Getting a complete massage that deals with all of the body’s muscles, does all these for you:

  • Relaxes muscle tension
  • Stimulates flow of blood in the muscles
  • Breaks down and eliminates toxins
  • Enhances oxygenation of the brain
  • Relaxes nervous system and mind

Among the ailments that can be treated are tension headaches, anxiety, insomnia, depression, constipation, and high blood pressure. Remedial massage is also suggested for the management of stress and for the treatment of stress-related conditions.

General Wellbeing

With all the positive effects- both physical and emotional- that remedial massage can bring, it largely contributes to the general wellbeing of a person. This is because as the muscle fibres flush out toxins, it opens up the muscles for oxygenated blood to enter. Through this the immune system is strengthened and a person’s energy levels are increased. The massage also prompts the release of endorphins and it reduces the levels of stress hormones. Because of all these there is an increased calmness and vitality in a person and a boost in general wellbeing is experienced.

Some people may think getting a massage is more of a luxury and is not really something that is absolutely necessary for the body. A therapeutic remedial massage though is definitely more than this, and is in fact needed by the body to treat certain injuries and ailments, to relieve pains and strains experienced by the body and to experience a general sense of wellbeing.

Marketing specialist Debra Wright enjoys learning new things both online and offline. Her love for discovery encompasses varied subjects from the mundane to the riveting, including topics like fitness & health. When she is not in front of her computer or behind the wheel for a road trip, she is busy with her oven trying to master her baking skills.

Vinegar for Your Spa: Three Ways to Use Vinegar

Cleaning your spa can feel like an ordeal. It is, nonetheless important. Moreover, it’s not just the shell of the vessel that you need to clean thoroughly but its various parts like the filter, the heater and more. Spa or hot tub filters are responsible for keeping the dirt and debris from collecting on the surface of the water. The filters sieve the dirt as well as bacteria in the water, thereby helping in adding to the hygiene of the hot tub or spa. Because the filter of the spa is such an important part for the functioning of the spa, you need to keep it in a sound condition. Cleaning the filters of the spa is something that should be done every once in a year. There are various chemicals available in the market that can help you clean the filters of your portable hot tubs from Wisconsin, thoroughly.

Bath tub

Using Vinegar in the Maintenance of Hot Tubs

For Sore Muscles

If you thought that apple cider vinegar is solely a cooking medium, you would be surprised to know that it is also used in hot tubs as well as spas. Just a few cups of this vinegar variety can help as a magic potion for relieving sore muscles. If you are adding vinegar to hot tub for the purpose of its health related benefits, understand that the spa filters will take some time in filtering the vinegar out. The rule to using vinegar as a pain reliever is to not use it for at least 24 hours post the injury. Thereafter, you can add some vinegar to the hot water and use it to treat sore muscles. It is also used in spas to control itching as well as other skin allergies.

Lowering the pH levels of Water

At times, vinegar is also used as an agent to lower the pH levels of the water. The pH level in the water of your spa should be maintained between 7.2 and 7.6. For high pH you will need to add pH decreases and for low levels you will be required to add pH increasers. A disturbance in the pH levels in spa water can cause corrosion of the spa’s shell. High pH levels can be controlled using four cups of white vinegar to the water in your hot tub or spa.

Cleaning the Jets of the Spa

The jets inside the hot tub or spa are made out metal. Often, the metal of the jets starts losing its sheen. Vinegar can help clean the jets up and give them a nice new like look. The residue that builds up on the jets as well as some other parts of the vessel can be cleaned only by using vinegar. You will need to pour one gallon apple cider vinegar in the tub and turn the jets on in case you wish to rid the jets of residue buildup. The vinegar seeps inside the jets and begins eating the mater that has sprouted on the jets.

Hot tubs and Master spas Milwaukee offer great respite from stress, whether physical or mental. Using vinegar to maintain the health of your spa or hot tub is simple way of increasing the shelf life of the vessel.

How To Identify An Eating Disorder

Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia are serious illnesses that many women suffer from. Yes, there are some men who also suffer from eating disorders, but the majority of victims are women. There is a lot of pressure from our society today to look a certain way or to be a certain size and it can take a toll on a person. Unfortunately, some women want so much to fit an unrealistic standard that they starve themselves.

Many women actually die from eating disorders or become very sick. If you are concerned for a loved one whom you expect might be suffering from an eating disorder, then you need to find out for sure and offer help. It isn’t always easy to know if someone is struggling with an eating disorder so here are some warning signs to look out for.

eating-disorder

Personality Change

If you notice a change in personality then you should start paying close attention. When a person is struggling with an eating disorder the tendency is for their personality to change in such a way that they are usually more irritable and less patient. Notice if they tend to have mood swings or become angry when the topic of food comes up and notice how they react when someone offers them food.

Women struggling with eating disorders also tend to become obsessed with working out or going to the gym. It is good and healthy to exercise but it can also be dangerous if one overdoes it. Notice how often they frequent the gym and if it is more than once a day, then this could be a clue.

Eating Habits

Pay close attention to what they eat, how they eat and how often they eat. If you can’t remember the last time was you had a meal with that person or when you last saw them eat, then this could be a sign.

If you notice that they don’t eat for long periods of time and then gorge themselves on junk food later, then they could be suffering from bulimia.

bulimia

Physical Appearance

One obvious hint would be that the person is much skinnier. But if they are anorexic or bulimic then they might also have the appearance of being sick. They could look pale and tired.

If you believe someone to have an eating disorder then you should never make jokes about that person being overweight. Even if it is in sarcasm, someone dealing with one of these illnesses will take it to heart and make the condition worse.

If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder then don’t hesitate to get help. The longer an illness like this goes on the more difficult it becomes to treat. If you believe that a friend or family member may be anorexic or bulimic then only ask if you are serious about helping that person. It is a very difficult thing for a person to admit to and they may become defensive if asked.

 

Exercise Etiquette: Top 5 Mistakes Gym Newbies Might Make

You finally joined a gym, signed on the line, and you’re officially a member of the fitness club. Good for you! You’ve probably been given a tour of the machines by an employee, and now you’re on your own. Excited. Nervous. Alone.

It’s normal at this point to feel a bit self-conscious about being the new kid in the gym, but if you know some basic mistakes to avoid, you won’t stand out. (Or at least you won’t annoy the grumpier gym veterans.)

exercise

Plus, there is certain workout protocol that everyone should know, and sometimes these flubs are exhibited by folks who should really know better.

Read below about 5 common gym beginner mistakes… and how you can avoid making them.

1. Cardio Coma—

You’ve probably seen them: the person who monopolizes the recumbent bike for an hour, leisurely reading a book and pedaling, or the person on the treadmill spending more energy on their fascinating cell phone conversation than the workout.

These cardio zombies might as well be napping on cots in the back of the gym, because they aren’t accomplishing anything that has to do with fitness. Worse, they’re monopolizing the equipment and wasting the time of people who came to exercise.

Proper Gym Etiquette Tip: If you’re not pushing yourself, move on and let someone else use the machine. And stick to a 30 minute limit if all cardio machines are full.

2. Form Malfunction—

It’s better to do 10 repetitions of an exercise the proper way than 25 the wrong way. Learn how to do all exercises correctly by asking an employee, a friend, reading the instructions on the machine, or doing prior research.

Improper form not only makes you look like a novice, it also makes you more prone to injury. Whipping through your reps and using the force of momentum and gravity rather than muscles is another quick way to look like a rookie.

Proper Gym Etiquette Tip: Don’t slam or drop the weights at the end of each rep or set. Controlling the weight on the way down is how professionals build muscles more efficiently, and nobody likes sudden clanking noises while they’re trying to concentrate.

3. Wrong Weight—

Women in particular often have a fear of bulking up by using too much weight when they strength train. This fear is completely unfounded, however, as most women lack the hormones and genetics for this.

For building lean muscle, it’s generally recommended to lift as much as you can still handle while maintaining proper form for 2 to 4 sets of 15 to 20 reps each. If you stop breaking a sweat, it’s time to move your weight up.

Men often do the opposite of this and try to lift more weight than they can handle without maintaining proper form, often leading to injury or loud dropping of the weights—officially making them That Annoying Guy Who’s Doing It Wrong in the gym.

Proper Gym Etiquette Tip: Speaking of weight, you may see a sign at your gym that says “Please rack all weights.” This means that if you put weights onto a machine, please take them off afterward. This bad gym habit is perplexing because it makes no sense that people who pay to exercise in a gym are then too lazy to do so.

4. Skipping Stretching—

It’s important to warm up by stretching and/or doing cardio before starting the strenuous part of a workout. This will limber up the muscles, preventing injury, cramping, and enhancing performance.

Doing 20-30 minutes of cardio after intense exercise such as strength training has also been shown to better eliminate lactic acid from the muscles, for a quicker recovery and less painful next day.

Proper Gym Etiquette Tip: Always wipe down machines when you’re finished to remove wetness for the next user. It’s really unpleasant to sit down into the sweat of a stranger.

5. Adoring Experts—

There are a lot of know-it-alls in the world who want to sell you the latest workout equipment, recovery drink, or weight loss pill, and promise they have the answers to all your fitness needs. But you will learn what works best for you through trial and error, and not through the exercise world equivalent of magic beans. Ignore them.

Proper Gym Etiquette Tip: Some of these “experts” may be walking around your gym in the form of people with “pro-tips” to help you work out better. Because they don’t know your medical history, fitness level or physical limitations, this behavior is not only egotistical, it’s completely irresponsible. Ignore them, too.

Remember to adjust the machines to your size, mix up your routine to work different muscle groups, and most importantly, listen to your body. If you experience sharp pain, stop immediately, and be sure to take days off to let your body rest and heal. If you follow the 5 tips above, you’ll blend in quickly at you gym and look like you’ve been there for years.

Natalie Parker is a professional blogger that shares tips and advice on health, training and nutrition. He writes for Fitness19.com, a leading fitness facility with affordable month to month memberships.