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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

I never thought of myself as an addict, but I did end up addicted to anti-anxiety medication after developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. At some point, the medicine stopped being a way to deal with the nervousness and panic attacks, and became something my body craved. I knew that I needed help fast. Fortunately, a local drug rehab program includes support for people like me. They helped me wean off the medication, use methods like massage therapy to help my nerves heal, and even provided ongoing counseling for our family. I don't know how I would have made it without their help. If you suspect that your medication has crossed the line from being helpful to hurtful, take heart. Let me tell you about my journey out of addiction and back to wholeness.

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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

Three Lifestyle Changes That May Help Reduce Psoriasis Flare-Ups

by Valerie Stevens

Psoriasis is a complex condition for which there is no cure, but thankfully, there are a lot of things you can do to keep your symptoms under control and reduce flare-ups. In addition to following the medication protocols recommended by your doctor, making various lifestyle changes can help reduce the severity and frequency of your psoriasis flare-ups. Here's a look at three lifestyle changes to start making today.

Develop a stress-management strategy.

For most patients, stress is a major trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. So it is very important that you work on developing ways to keep your stress under control.

Try taking a multi-pronged approach to stress management. First, get involved in one stress-relieving practice, which you participate in once per week. This could be yoga classes, talking to a therapist, or visiting a massage therapist. Second, set aside some time each day for a less time-consuming, simpler stress-relief technique. This could be practicing some deep breathing exercises or reading a good book. Third, have a technique that you implement when you feel a wave of stress coming on. Many people enjoy squeezing a stress ball, taking a few deep breaths, or turning on their favorite song. When you keep your stress levels low by using the three-pronged approach, your psoriasis symptoms should improve.

Keep your allergies in check.

Allergic reactions can leave your immune system in a "heightened state" and perpetuate a psoriasis flare-up. Therefore, if you have any known allergies, it is important to keep them well managed. Visit an allergist to determine what, exactly, you're allergic to (if you don't already know). Then, do your best to avoid that allergen. If you are prescribed allergy medications, take them as directed. Or use over-the-counter antihistamines when you have an occasional allergic reaction. The better you control the allergies, the more control you'll have over your psoriasis, too.

Eat more colorful fruits and vegetables.

Brightly colored foods tend to be higher in antioxidants. These nutrients keep your immune system healthy, and a healthy immune system will help guard against psoriasis breakouts. Some even work directly on your skin. For instance, vitamin E keeps your skin smooth and pliable, which may help reduce the severity of psoriasis attacks.

A good goal to set for yourself is to eat at least two colorful foods with every meal. This could be anything from blueberries to red peppers. Aim for a variety of colors, too. Different colored foods contain different nutrients, and your body needs a wide array of nutrients to stay healthy and fend off those psoriasis breakouts.

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