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Benefits of alkaline water

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Discover the benefits of alkaline water.

You may have already heard about alkaline water and its many properties and benefits.

And, although there are few studies on the matter, many companies and individuals maintain that drinking alkaline water frequently is beneficial for health.

Its promoters claim that it can help delay the aging process, regulate the body’s pH level and prevent diseases such as asthma, dermatitis, neuralgia, among others.

And so much, and so contradictory, is the information about alkaline water, that a large number of people, concerned about their well-being, have turned to see it as a very good alternative to improve and maintain health.

But what is true in this?

What is alkaline water?

It is a type of water subjected to an ionization process that separates the alkaline and acidic fractions, increasing the pH and raising it to more than seven units.

The pH of water is determined by the minerals that are in suspension and can be defined as the measure of the acidity of a medium.

Seven (7) is the pH balance point. Below that level, it is considered an acid medium, and above 7 a basic or alkaline medium.

It must be remembered that the planet’s natural water is found in acidity levels between 6.5 and 9 pH units. Levels higher than 9 are usually toxic.

It is important to clarify that if the degree of alkalinization of the water is low, it does not have to cause any problem to the human being. However, excessively alkaline waters can cause damage to the stomach.

According to Healthline, one of the negative side effects of drinking alkaline water includes reducing the natural acidity of the stomach.

How is alkaline water obtained?

Alkaline water can be obtained in different ways. One of them is to buy it packaged in supermarkets or health food stores.

However, in 2019 the Federal Consumer Protection Office conducted a qualitative study of 22 alkaline water brands, in which it concluded that 19 of those 22 products offered unproven benefits on their labels to the consumer.

It can also be obtained through water purifiers, whose filter system retains sediment and bacteria, providing water with a high degree of minerals such as sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Another way to get it is at home. One option is to alkalize the water by boiling it for 5 minutes. In this way, it will increase its pH to 8.4, which is already considered alkaline water. It can also be obtained by adding half a tablespoon of baking soda to a glass of water. The pH will rise to 7.9.

In both cases, it’s important to use distilled water, because tap water or bottled water may have other additives.

What is the pH of water?

After talking so much about pH, you may be wondering what it is. The pH is a test that is carried out to know the quality of the water and indicates its acidity or alkalinity. Typically, these measurements are run on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7.0 being the neutral measurement.

From here, and above 8 points, they are considered alkaline. Below, they are considered acidic, always keeping in mind that in these measurements each point represents a tenfold change in acidity. That is, a pH of 6 would be 10 times more acidic than pH 7.

To give an example, we will say that lemon juice, which is an acidic liquid, has a pH of 2.5, while coffee has a pH of 5. On the other side of the scale, with a pH of 12, we would have water. limestone, which is when rainwater falls on an area with porous rock and soaks into the ground.

As it filters through the rock, it picks up and dissolves particles and minerals such as calcium and magnesium, gaining hardness and alkalinity.

At this point, you will surely ask yourself, what is the recommended pH of the water? According to experts -as established, for example, in the relevant regulations of the European Union- the pH of drinking water should be between 6.5 units and 9.5 units.

How to measure the pH of the water

There are manual and automatic pH meters. They are very simple and easy-to-use devices. And although automatic ones are more expensive, a manual meter will be just as effective at regulating water.

It is a kit that includes a test tube, two tubes, and reagents (substances or compounds to cause a chemical reaction).

You just have to take a sample of the water and, after following the instructions on the package, check what color the water stained with the reagent acquires.

Once the color is obtained, you should read the manufacturer’s instructions to know the degree of alkalinity.

Benefits of alkaline water

There are many benefits attributed to alkaline water. However, many studies are still lacking in this regard. Among the benefits that drinking alkaline water is said to have are:

It helps detoxify the body. Drinking alkaline water daily can neutralize acidity and remove acidic waste products from cells and tissues.

What is an antioxidant? Alkaline water is said to act as an antioxidant, scavenging and neutralizing harmful free radicals that damage skin and are responsible for aging.

This occurs because it supposedly can give up electrons and can effectively neutralize and block free radical damage in the body.

It helps balance the pH of the body. Alkaline water helps balance the body’s pH, which tends to be acidic due to a high-acid diet, stress, and exposure to environmental toxins like smog.

That improves the immune system. According to alkaline water enthusiasts, it preserves the immune system in a better state, which, as you know, is in charge of preparing the body to fight diseases.

That improves hydration. In the case of exercise-induced dehydration, the idea is supported that electrolyzed alkaline water reduces blood viscosity and vascular resistance.

What is an adjuvant in skincare? In addition to the health benefits attributed to drinking it, bathing in alkaline water is said to improve skin-related problems as well.

Lowers blood glucose levels. In some Asian countries, studies have been carried out that have shown that drinking alkaline water balances the functioning of the pancreas, thus helping to control blood glucose levels.

It helps in disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Since alkaline water has a higher pH, its natural ability to neutralize acids in the stomach makes it a good choice for treating gastrointestinal tract disorders such as hyperacidity, diarrhea, etc.

It is said that in cases of laryngopharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux diseases, alkaline water is efficient in neutralizing acid in the stomach.

That prevents osteoporosis. The human body strives to be slightly alkaline. The ideal pH level is 7.3 to 7.45. Alkaline water, which is obtained through purifiers, reaches these values and can even exceed them.

Those levels are very favorable for the human body. Well, consuming alkaline water prevents the body from extracting calcium from the bones to bring them to an alkaline state. That way you would be helping to prevent osteoporosis.

Is it good to drink alkaline water?

Some people claim that a more alkaline diet – including drinking alkaline water – can help reduce the body’s acidity and thus lead to better health and fitness.

And while the term “alkaline” has become a buzzword in health circles, the idea that everyone needs to drink alkaline water is a bit of a stretch.

Alkaline water is a controversial topic. Many health professionals say that there is not enough research to support the many health claims made by users and sellers.

Differences in research results may be related to the types of alkaline water studies.

According to the Mayo Clinic, plain water is best for most people and they maintain that there is no scientific evidence to fully verify the claims made by supporters of alkaline water.

However, some studies suggest alkaline water might be helpful for certain conditions.

For example:

A 2012 study found that drinking naturally carbonated alkaline well water with a pH of 8.8 can help deactivate pepsin, the main enzyme that causes acid reflux.

Another study suggested that drinking alkaline ionized water may have benefits for people with high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

A more recent study, involving 100 people, found a significant difference in blood viscosity after consuming high-pH water, compared to regular water, after intense training. Viscosity is the direct measure of how efficiently blood flows through the vessels.

Those who consumed water with a high pH reduced viscosity by 6.3% compared to 3.36% for standard purified drinking water.

This means that blood flows more efficiently with alkaline water. This can increase the supply of oxygen to the entire body.

However, beyond these isolated studies, more research is needed regarding alkaline water. In particular, research is needed to verify whether alkaline water offers all the benefits claimed by its promoters.

Despite the lack of proven scientific research, proponents of alkaline water still believe in its health benefits.

Therefore, when asked if it is worth buying and consuming this type of water, the answer is that it is better to hydrate with purified water.

There is a wide variety of point-of-use water purifiers on the market, both for offices and for the home, that purify water from the public network to obtain a liquid free of bacteria and viruses, with the pH that our organism needs.

There is a 2012 study that states that while an alkaline diet (including water) can reduce morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases, regular consumption of fruits and vegetables and an overall healthy diet are necessary.

Alkaline water is not a miracle product and is not a substitute for the benefits of a proper diet and healthy lifestyle.

It is also necessary to take into account that each organism has a unique pH, and our bodies naturally do a fantastic job of maintaining the pH of the blood within the necessary levels. Therefore, it is important to be cautious.

Finally, although there is indeed no contraindication regarding the consumption of this type of water, it is important to take into account how much alkaline water should be taken per day since it is not recommended to exceed its consumption since the body will always require natural liquid; that is, neither very alkaline nor very acidic either.

More than alkaline water, we need to improve our lifestyle

As you have seen, there is not enough research to support the benefits attributed to alkaline water.

It should be understood that the benefits could only be confirmed when combined with a healthy diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains), an active lifestyle (30 minutes of daily exercise), healthy sleep and rest habits, as well as avoid the consumption of alcohol and tobacco.

Health

5 Key Benefits of FD Mini C-Arm Into Orthopedic Surgeries

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FD Mini C-Arm

Typically, a c-arm is used for the spine, hips, knees, femurs, and shoulders and in urological and cardiovascular surgeries. These machines are also helpful for extremity imaging, like the hands and feet. Designed with orthopedics in mind, the mini c-arm combines diversified imaging and an enhanced interface. It includes a rotating flat detector that increases imaging versatility for long bones and helps minimize radiation by preventing patient and surgeon exposure to the unused area of the detector.

Better Image Quality

Orthoscan FD fluoroscopes can image the extremities more precisely, with greater detail and clarity than its traditional counterparts. With the added benefits of lower radiation exposure and increased efficiency, it’s clear why FD mini C-arm is an essential tool for orthopedic surgery centers. Consider how easy a machine will be when choosing a mini c-arm for your practice. Your radiographers, surgeons, and other staff should be able to master a new machine intuitively and quickly without reading manuals or investing extra time in training sessions. Ensure the C-arm’s x-ray source and image intensifier are as far away from the extremity being studied as possible to decrease direct and scattered exposure. A high-performance, flat detector also reduces radiation exposure.

Increased Efficiency

The Orthoscan FD mini C-arm allows surgeons to operate the system independently from radiology techs and has been shown to reduce OR time. Its compact size and easy maneuverability make it an excellent fit for most ORs, including smaller ones that may need more space for larger fluoro systems. Its rotating flat detector provides more imaging flexibility for long bones. It is designed to minimize patient and operator exposure with a low-dose option that offers clinically equivalent image quality. The system also features a 24” HD touchscreen interface, allowing for an easy and intuitive operating experience.

Increased Safety

Studies show that mini C-arms reduce ionizing radiation exposure to surgeons and OR staff compared to standard x-ray devices. This is because they have smaller detector areas, tighter beam collimation, surgeon control of screening, and the new technique of pulse fluoroscopy. They also allow for more excellent maneuverability of the C-arm to image hard-to-reach spots and a more precise positioning capability. Additionally, some mini C-arms can use the same navigation system as traditional mobile systems to help with image-guided surgery. This can significantly cut down on the amount of time it takes for physicians to acquire and view 2D images, and it can eliminate the need for a radiology technician to operate the machine.

Increased Flexibility

Moving the C-arm around the OR and the patient quickly and easily provides greater flexibility for the surgeon. This can make it easier for the surgeon to get a great view of an area, reduce repositioning time, and improve efficiency. Another benefit of incorporating a c-arm is that it can reduce the number of unnecessary radiation doses to the surgeon’s hands. However, it’s important to remember that, just like any X-ray source, the surgeon should always wear PPE when in the direct path of the beam to prevent unnecessary exposure.

Increased Patient Satisfaction

C-Arm imaging devices are a staple in medical imaging. They’re used to image in real-time during procedures, making them a vital component of various surgical settings. They help reduce the amount of repositioning needed, decreasing surgery time and improving patient outcomes. The Orthoscan FD mini C-arm is a smaller, lightweight device that doesn’t require a cooldown period. This means you can quickly move it around the OR without worrying about breaking it if it’s handled roughly, or the cooldown if you have multiple patients in queue.


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A Comprehensive Guide to Fuel Cards Fraud Prevention

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Fuel Cards Fraud Prevention

In addition to capturing level III data, the best fuel cards offer back-end reporting and analytics that can help you spot trends. Some even allow you to set daily purchase limits for a particular driver, vehicle, or route.

Internal fuel fraud can be caused by many things, including hidden skimming devices at gas stations or an employee purchasing items unrelated to work. Ask your fuel card provider about implementing PINs or driver IDs that will help prevent this type of fraud.

Real-Time Monitoring

The best credit cards for gas offer real-time purchase transaction data through online accounts corresponding to each card. This lets companies compare driver spending instantly to ensure compliance with policy and detect unauthorized use or fraud.

If the cards are linked to a specific truck or vehicle, you can even have each purchase report tagged with the driver’s name so you can identify them in cases of theft and loss. Some cards also allow you to set authorization controls – like purchase limits – to restrict them from purchasing fuel, preventing other purchases such as shop goods or food.

Some fleet fuel cards can also detect skimming (an overlay device installed on the pump keypad to steal credit or debit card information). They may provide security controls that alert you when a swipe goes outside your business’s normal range.

The type of fleet management fuel card you choose will depend on your priorities and your fleet’s size, purpose, and location. Many systems will also work within a private loop to avoid PCI norms and implement hardware security modules. This will help your company comply with PCI-DSS while protecting sensitive data from hackers and reducing risk.

Proximity Validation

With advanced online tools that include tracking, alerts, and spending limits, fleet cards can help you crack down on fraud from rogue employees or even criminals who target companies with credit cards. Fleet managers can also set up spending limits and gallons for each driver or vehicle, helping to curb costs while protecting the business.

In addition to spending and gallons per transaction, many fleet fuel cards can offer product or tank type restrictions. These can help prevent vehicles or equipment from being filled with the wrong fuel, leading to maintenance issues and engine failure. Another valuable feature is PINs or driver IDs, which are required to complete a purchase. These 4-6 digit codes verify the identity of each driver and ensure only authorized purchases are made.

Finally, fleet cards often come with discounts at truck stops like TA and Love’s that can save your drivers money on diesel and other maintenance. This can be a big advantage, especially when you’re looking to cut costs while improving the safety and security of your fleet.

Daily Transaction Reports

Fleet fuel cards can help prevent fraud by tracking every purchase automatically. This gives you a snapshot of all activity and lets you flag suspicious transactions in real-time. A good card will also send a receipt to the driver so they can know what they’re spending their company money on.

A fuel card can help you identify unauthorized purchases as they happen and quickly respond to them by blocking or canceling the account. This helps protect your bottom line and prevents rogue employees from draining the bank.

Some fuel cards will let you customize your reports to include details like truck category, odometer readings, etc. This allows you to see all purchases in one place and optimize spending for the best results. Many cards will also show you who’s purchasing what, which vehicle, and when – another great way to spot misuse and reduce fuel waste.

Some fuel cards can check a truck’s built-in telematics data to monitor the tank level during each swipe. This eliminates the need for hardware that may have been required in the past and provides a more accurate method for detecting fuel theft. This can also help cut costs by reducing idling hours, which cuts engine wear and fuel use.

Alerts

A good fleet fuel card company has multiple tools to protect your company from internal and external fraud, such as a dedicated and on-call fraud team, multiple anti-fraud checks for every transaction, CCTV coverage at all locations, and the ability to identify suspicious activity by reviewing receipts. But it’s also important to understand that fleet managers and drivers must also be involved in fuel card security and fraud prevention.

If your drivers know that you’re monitoring their behavior and that petty theft, side fueling, and fraud will not go unnoticed, they’re more likely to cooperate rather than hide or accuse one another. In addition, educating drivers on the seriousness of fuel fraud will help them realize that their actions can cause your company significant financial loss.

Additionally, choosing a fuel card program that allows you to control your budget by route, driver, or vehicle is a great way to stay on top of fleet spending. The ability to set product exceptions, such as unleaded usage, and receive alerts if your fueling patterns deviate from the norm can further prevent unauthorized purchases. Some budget control tools even allow you to halt fraudulent transactions in real time and provide alerts for unusual or suspicious activities, such as location tampering or skimming. This can prevent the use of stolen data by criminals posing as fleet employees at the pump.

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Step into Comfort: The Top 5 Pedorthists Offering Expert Foot Pain Relief

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Pedorthists

Certified pedorthists are footwear and orthotic experts trained to assess the function of the foot and lower limb. They specialize in designing, manufacturing and fitting custom footwear and orthotics.

They’re also compression fit experts and comfortable working with family doctors to find a treatment plan.

Pedorthists are experts

They know who you should see and when is important for foot care. Podiatrists and pedorthists are trained to care for your feet but have different roles.

Pedorthists focus on footwear and orthotics that prevent or improve painful or disabling conditions that originate in the lower extremities. They also provide follow-up care and coordinate services with medical professionals.

Pedorthist Ottawa is abexpert in designing, fabricating, and modifying footwear to meet a patient’s unique mobility needs. They help to restore a patient’s ability to walk with comfort, ease and confidence by utilizing nonsurgical treatment methods that are proven effective. In addition to creating and modifying footwear, pedorthists also design and manufacture custom orthotics. This allows them to be the best foot care specialists in Canada.

Pedorthists are trained

A pedorthist has specialized training to modify footwear and employ supportive devices to address conditions that affect the lower extremities. Credentialed pedorthists are experts in footwear design and manufacture, foot orthotic fabrication, shoe construction and modification, gait analysis, lower extremity anatomy, biomechanics and patient/practice management.

They are also compression fit certified and have lower limb brace experience. They work with you and your physician to provide a comprehensive pediatric treatment plan.

A pedorthist will help to balance the lower extremities from the feet and ankles up to the knees and hips. This will allow your body to move more effectively and with less pain and discomfort. Pedorthists will offer many conservative or nonsurgical treatments based on the physician’s diagnosis and their assessment of the symptoms.

Pedorthists are covered by insurance.

Pedorthists have specialized knowledge in designing, manufacturing and fitting custom footwear and foot orthoses to help alleviate conditions due to disease, overuse, congenital disability or injury. They are also trained to make shoe modifications, such as shoe lifts.

Most health insurance plans cover pediatric services and products. However, checking with your health plan is important as coverage and benefits may vary.

Pedorthists and podiatrists are foot care professionals, but they have different roles in treating your feet. Podiatrists are medically and surgically qualified to treat your feet, while pedorthists are allied healthcare professionals who focus on footwear to help improve mobility and reduce pain. Depending on your condition, you should visit a podiatrist and a pedorthist.

Pedorthists are flexible

Pedorthics is a non-invasive, conservative approach to treating painful foot and ankle conditions. It consists of shoes, custom orthotics and orthopedic shoe modifications.

A pedorthist’s day-to-day tasks involve advising patients on selecting footwear and making and modifying footwear to help people maintain or regain mobility and reduce pain. They collaborate with doctors and other healthcare specialists to offer their patients the best course of therapy.

A pedorthist may work individually or for a pediatric business that runs shoe stores and orthotics labs, depending on the needs of their patients. They have the option of working full- or part-time. Thanks to this, they can select the hours that best suit their needs and way of life. In addition, pedorthists can design their orthotics on-site or have them made in a facility off-site.

Pedorthists are affordable

Your feet are one of the most complex structures in your body. They contain 26 bones, 33 joints and 107 ligaments and muscles. They are also part of the locomotor system, the group of techniques that allows you to move and live. With the right care, you can maintain your foot health and reduce your chances of developing problems with your lower limbs.

Pedorthists are experts in modifying footwear and employing supportive devices to treat conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. They can also perform a comprehensive assessment of your lower limbs, including gait analysis, to determine whether orthotics are required. Pedorthist services are affordable and may be covered by your insurance plan or private funding. Contact our clinic today to learn more about how we can help you.

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