health

With Glo, You Can Do Pilates Online Anytime In the Privacy and Comfort of Your Own Home

Angela Manning Health , , , ,
With Glo, You Can Do Pilates Online Anytime In the Privacy and Comfort of Your Own Home

You may have considered working out in the privacy and comfort of your own home, but after looking at all of the different programs and videos, you may not know where to begin or exactly what to take. There are aerobics classes galore, yoga classes out the wazoo, and spin classes aplenty. It can be overwhelming, which is why it may be more important to look at reputation rather than style.

Reputable Online Classes

There’s no doubt some online workout classes are better than others. Rather than look for a specific type of workout, find workout classes that are more individualized and tailored to your needs. This way, not only will you be sure to get a good workout, but you’ll have personal training that can help you reach your short-term objectives and long-term goals. Meeting these milestones can mean the difference between staying out of shape and getting motivated to get in shape.

One of the Best Online Classes

Glo is an online platform that offers meditation, yoga, and Pilates online. What sets Glo apart from other online classes is what I was mentioning above: They offer personal training that can help you from beginner to advanced, pushing you to reach your milestones and get the best workouts for your particular situation. What’s best about Glo is that it is online and you can do it practically anywhere and with anyone. Invite over your friends and have a Glo party. It gets you moving without having to tread weather and traffic while trying to get to the gym.

Yoga, Meditation, and Pilates

Another great thing about Glo is that it offers a great internal curriculum that not only works your body but also your mind. Glo is about the whole self. Meditation is great for reducing stress, connecting the mind to body, and healing the self from within. Yoga is wonderful for internal and external balance, stretching and strengthening ligaments, muscles, and tendons, and Pilates is awesome for developing a strong core and building vitality and stamina. Together, all of these workouts can lead to a more well-rounded, more balanced you.

More About Pilates

Most people know about yoga and meditation, as these exercises have been gaining a lot of positive press lately. But Pilates is still new to a lot of people, so I wanted to take a moment to explain exactly what it is and why it is beneficial.

Pilates was started by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. His father was a gymnast and his mother was a naturopath, so he grew up learning a lot about the body and how to heal injuries. Pilates used a lot of exercise machines to assist people with working their bodies in various fashions, many of the machines focusing on building core strength as a remedy to pain. This is similar to the way physical therapists currently approach treating pain, as oftentimes it is weak muscles that do not provide substantial core support that lead to injuries. In a way, Pilates exercises can be thought of as personal physical therapy. Eventually, Pilates exercises evolved to be performed without the machines, even though various machines still exist.

Glo offers Pilates online that will help you build your core, strengthen your stomach and back muscles, and achieve some of the same mind-body connection that is found in yoga. What is unique about Glo is that it offers Pilates online along with yoga and meditation for a more well-rounded workout if you choose to participate in more than one type of exercise. Again, you can tailor your workout so that you can get exactly what you need for your lifestyle.

Whether you decide to take yoga, meditation, or Pilates online, Glo offers curricula that can be beneficial, healthy, and fun for the whole family. With Glo, it is more than just a workout. It’s a journey within that can lead to an awakening of self.

Here’s How You Can Protect Your Skin on Your Next Vacation

Angela Manning Health, Travel , , , ,
Here’s How You Can Protect Your Skin on Your Next Vacation

Whether you’re headed to a beach or a big city, Jet setting away from home can make you feel mentally and emotionally refreshed. That said, the change in temperature and atmosphere can have some physical effects on your skin.

It’s common for one’s skin to get dry and irritated on vacation. The thing is, vacation is a time for relief and relaxation — and how can you relax when your skin is burnt, dry and itchy?

Fortunately, there are products ranging from accessories to skin care items that can help you physically look as refreshed as you feel when you are travelling. With the help of these beauty items, you’ll be able to keep your skin protected on your vacation:

Facial Oil

There are various reasons why your skin may start to dry out when you are on vacation; a lot of people find that their skin dries on the plane and others find that a different country’s climate can wreak havoc on their complexion.

Of the many quality SK-II skin care products on the market, their most famous has to be their Facial Treatment Oil. With the help of a quality facial oil like this one, you can hydrate and moisturize to keep your skin nourished and protected from dryness.

Stay Hydrated

Drink water — and a lot of it. When you are travelling, it’s easy to forget to drink water because you get swept up in the excitement of being in a new place. Even the plane itself can leave you dehydrated; according to Marie Clare, on an average 10-hour flight, a passenger can lose up to 8% of their body water — that’s 4 litres.

When you are on the plane or walking around in the sun at your destination, it’s important to drink water to keep yourself hydrated and energized.

Slather on the SPF

When on vacation, people are outside a lot more than they usually would be — which is why it’s important to stay protected from the sun’s UV rays.

This means not only lathering on sunscreen all day every day but also making smart choices with your makeup — in other words, use products that have SPF in them. The good news is there are tons of reputable brands like BY TERRY and IT COSMETICS that make products like foundation and powder with SPF.

Wear Sunglasses When Out & About

The skin around your eyes is a lot thinner and more sensitive than other areas of your body, which is why it’s so important to protect your eyes.

The best way to do this? Invest in a pair of good sunglasses and wear them often. This will protect your eyes and your skin from the sun’s strong UV rays. The FDA suggests wearing sunglasses with a UVA/UBV rating of 100 for maximum protection.

Lip Balms

Your lips can dry and get burnt on your trip just like your skin can, which is why it’s important to protect your pout. By TERRY’s Baume De Rose is the perfect example of a lip balm that will tint and plump your nose, while also protecting it with SPF and various moisturizing properties.

With the help of these hydrating, nourishing and protective products, your skin will look as refreshed as you feel during and after vacation.

Taking Care of Every Family Member: A Guide

Angela Manning Health , ,
Taking Care of Every Family Member: A Guide

Having a family is a hugely rewarding experience, but it is also definitely no shortage of work. Raising a happy and healthy family takes time, dedication, sacrifice, and patience. Of course, every parent wants to ensure their children are happy and living a stress-free life, but raising a joyful and connected family means more than just focusing on your kids.

Too often, parents (especially new parents) can lose themselves in their children and not take enough time to connect with their partners, take care of their pets, remain in contact with their friends, or focus on their own needs. While parents obviously should be taking time to focus on their kids, maintaining relationships, and enriching their own lives will ultimately help the entire family stay connected and happy together. Families like the Brady Bunch may make it look easy because it is television after all, but it takes a lot of effort to maintain in reality.

Here are some tips on how to keep yourself, your partner, your kids, and your furry family members healthy and happy.

Your partner

Often, couples can lose that spark once the kids come along. The busy lifestyle that follows children can make it tough to carve out romantic time, between working, raising kids, and dealing with all the responsibilities of home ownership, other family members, and adulthood in general. It is important to take time for each other, though, and reconnect at least once a day to check in on each other and see how they are doing.

Having a scheduled date night might sound boring, because what kind of romance is scheduled? In reality, it might be the only way to get each other’s full attention, especially if you are both working and busy. Plan at least one night each week where you call a babysitter for the kids and do something you and your partner will both enjoy. This could be going for dinner and a movie (perhaps something a bit more adult even?) or going for drinks at a spot in the city and catching a show afterward. It could mean taking a class together that you have always wanted to try because trying new things together is a great way to have fun and possibly even learn something new about each other. It could mean going to a spa and totally unwinding and relaxing with a couples massage, followed by a dip in the hot tub. It could even mean staying in (because family life is exhausting!) and having a quiet, romantic night at home catching up on your favorite Netflix series, ordering delivery, and cracking open a bottle of wine.

Your kids

Every parent wants their child to grow up happy and healthy, with good habits and the ability to make the right decisions for themselves. Spending quality time together every day, encouraging them to communicate their feelings, and setting boundaries are all important when raising children.

Ask them about their day at school and exchange stories over family dinners to help understand their lives, and them yours. Plan family activities and playtime to encourage fun, emphasize health and fitness, and make memories. Establish routines, like bedtime routines, where you can connect and reflect together.

There are also the less fun tasks that unfortunately need to be done, but will pay off in the long run. Establishing rules and guidelines will help your children keep their behavior in check and also help them feel safe and secure. Children need limits in order to thrive, so make sure if you set a rule, you stick to it. Teaching responsibility and self-discipline is important at a young age, so when they grow up, they have the knowledge to make good choices.

Your pets

You can’t overlook your furry friends as part of the family! Anyone with a pet knows that they truly are like another family member, and you want to make sure you give them the best quality of life you can. Ensuring you give your dog or cat plenty of attention, love, and attention will keep them happy, but it’s not all you need to do.

Keeping an eye on your pet’s health will help them live full lives. Regular vet visits (annually, or semi-annually for senior animals) are good ways to make sure their health is in good shape and can help catch early signs of disease or illness. It would also be a smart choice to invest in a good pet insurance like Bivvy insurance. Paying attention to their diet and weight will also keep them healthy. Quality pet food, as well as liquid vitamins for dogs and cats, is necessary to avoid preventable health issues. Giving them plenty of exercise by taking dogs for walks once or twice a day and playing with cats for at least 20 minutes a day will help keep them active.

Yourself

Don’t forget that you are just as important as every other member of your family. Parenting is challenging, cultivating a successful relationship can be difficult at times, and the overall stresses of life can take its toll as well. You have already gotten this far, and that is a major achievement, so cut yourself some slack in times of hardship because you’re doing great!

Taking time for yourself is vital to keeping yourself and your family happy. If you’re happy, your family will feed off of that vibe. Think about what you used to do in your downtime before you had kids and consider if those activities still bring you joy. Maybe you went on long bike rides while blasting your favorite tunes through a mini speaker, possibly even singing along and not caring who heard you. Maybe you curled up with a good book and read for hours on end, ignoring the hustle and bustle of life around you while you immerse yourself in another world. Maybe you recharged by going out with friends, having a few drinks or grabbing delicious food, and gossiped all night or watched the game together.

Whatever the case, take time at least once a week to do these activities again and have some good old fashioned “you” time. Practicing self-care and unwinding from the stresses of life is important, not just for your own sanity and mental health, but to show your children that taking care of their own needs is just as important as taking care of the needs of others. It can help them build good habits and self-esteem if they see you doing it too.

Why Quality Meat is Important for the Keto Diet

Angela Manning Health , , , ,
Why Quality Meat is Important for the Keto Diet

If you follow dietary news — or just know anyone in the health and fitness community — there’s a good chance you’ve heard about the ketogenic diet. The keto diet is an exciting, scientific approach to general fitness, and people who have tried it swear by its efficacy as a way of losing weight in a rapid but healthy fashion.

Basically, the keto diet is a way of taking advantage of a basic fact about the human body: while we naturally burn carbohydrates and sugars as a primary energy source, if carbs are cut significantly, the body enters a state called ketosis in which it starts burning fat first. So long as you continue to keep your carb intake below a certain critical threshold (and increase your fat intake to compensate), you can stay in ketosis indefinitely.

This means that people on the keto diet often need to completely change what they are eating on a day-to-day basis. And because the keto diet runs on fat, many keto eaters compensate for their reduced carb intake by eating more fat-heavy meats, like steaks, ground beef, and sausages. This in turn can cause problems if the meat being consumed is low quality.

The Difference Between Clean and Dirty Keto

In the literature about keto, a distinction is often made between “clean” and “dirty” keto. A greasy hamburger with a slice of cheese on top of it is a keto meal, but it may not be particularly healthy in other ways, which is why cleaner ways of doing keto emphasize whole foods, plenty of vegetables, and sustainable meats.

Clean keto eaters tend to have more success in the long run, because dirty keto simply does not provide as much in the way of essential nutrients and vitamins. If you are considering giving the keto diet a try, therefore, you have to think about more than just the macronutrients: you also need to make sure you are eating balanced, healthy meals.

The Importance of Good Meat for Clean Keto

While the Keto diet emphasizes fat, protein also plays a major role, especially in controlling appetite and cravings. Because protein rich foods like beans and lentils also have a lot of carbs, most keto eaters will turn to meat to provide this macronutrient.

Good quality meats like grass fed steak are essential for clean keto, because they supply an abundance of iron, omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid and vitamin E. And because most farms that produce grass fed cattle have also embraced sustainable farming methods that produce healthier meat with a smaller carbon footprint, they provide nutrition that is cleaner for you and better for the world.

Fortunately, with the keto convenience of mail order steak it is easy to get high quality meat delivered straight to your door, which means that augmenting this aspect of your keto diet doesn’t have to come at the cost of time and energy spent shopping at specialty butcher shops.

As anyone who has tried it will tell you, the keto diet is an exciting adventure that can yield truly surprising results. But if you are thinking about going keto in 2019, make sure to do it in a clean way by emphasizing high quality local meats that will provide your body with the fuel it needs.

Causes of Night Sweats in Men

Angela Manning Health , , ,
Causes of Night Sweats in Men
Source

Night sweats are not just associated with women, men experience them also. Night sweats in women are generally associated with hormonal changes. While men also go through testosterone changes that can be responsible for slight night sweats, there are other reasons why night sweats men are also disruptive.

Some causes that night sweats don’t give men a good night’s sleep can be benign or not. Other stressors can include stress, dietary issues, or environmental causes.

  1. Diet: food triggers like caffeine, alcohol, high-carb foods, spicy foods, or smoking can cause night sweats in men, especially when they are eaten right before you go to bed. Many foods that trigger sweats affect the parotid gland that alerts your sweat glands which are the body’s cooling system.
  2. Bedding: many night sweats for men are part of the benign environment. This is due to changes in the body’s temperature as a result of a room’s temperature being too hot, mattresses emitting heat, and many bedding covering. Simply make your bed cooler by lying down on breathable bedding and also wear light breathable fabrics next to your body.
  3. Andropause: men who are over 40 experience a form of menopause in women. Andropause or low “T” is also a hormonal imbalance, but in men, night sweats can occur as well as hot flashes. Male andropause is a normal aging process and commonly occurs in men after age 40, but have occasionally effected men in their 30s. There are great innovative therapies and treatments to combat this problem and giving men more confidence.
  4. Stress: stress during the night can cause sweat ranging from slight, moderate, intense or severe. Stress night sweats come in waves with results in the body that includes raising your metabolism, respiration rates, and sweaty perspiration. Worrying as you are lying down triggers a stress response causing night sweats. Before you lie down, put in some activity or an exercise like yoga, meditation, or walking.
  5. Medical: if night sweats are a regular event, make sure that you see a doctor. Night sweats can occur due to an infection. Unfortunately, there have been infections associated with night sweats in men that have included HIV, tuberculosis, heart issues, IBS, and diabetes. Strokes, sleep apnea, and certain cancer diseases can be a medical warning of their diagnosis. Certain prescription medications also identify night sweats as a side effect. Many medications with side effects of night sweats(diabetic drugs, antidepressant drugs, pain relievers, steroids, etc.) is a normal symptom that doctors can help you with.
  6. Obesity: night sweats are just one common symptom for men who are overweight. The body is transformed into an insulator that holds fat when there is extra fat on the body causing night sweats.
  7. Caffeine: A caffeinated alcoholic drink or caffeinated alcoholic beverage is a drink that contains both alcohol (also known formally as ethanol) and caffeine. Also, coffee and caffeinated beverages can trigger night sweats when taken before bedtime. Caffeine is a stimulant that triggers various reactions in the nervous system that includes raising your blood pressure, increasing your heart rate, and triggering the sweat glands.
  8. Alcohol/Drug Withdrawals: Going through withdrawals symptoms from alcoholism or drug addictions is terrifying but it also carries symptoms like excessive sweating which is the least of the problems. There is an excessive sweating condition known as “hyperhidrosis.” Sweating, however, occurs throughout the day and the night when a person is fighting withdrawal symptoms.

Night Sweats Are Treatable

The treatment of night sweats depends on the causes that are identified above. Thanks to innovative medical solutions, there are varied treatments to end or reduce night sweats in men. Night sweats affect around 3% of the U.S. population, but thankfully not all sweats are caused by severe medical issues. Research and medical studies are still underway to identify more definitively the exact causes of night sweats in men. However, just to be certain, talk to your physician to succinctly identify the root cause. There are oral medications that take care of the prescribed treatments. But you can also go back to the older route of simply changing your diet to allow for dryer clothing at night and overall better sleeping experience.

How to Choose a Great Mattress Store

Angela Manning Finance , , , ,
How to Choose a Great Mattress Store

Is it time to buy a new mattress? If your mattress is old, uncomfortable, damaged, or you wake up feeling like you’ve not slept a wink, it may very well be time to go shopping. However, do not shop at the first mattress store around the corner and hope for the best. Many mattress stores exist, and while they all sell the same product, their similarities stop there and all of the stores vary considerably in their inventory, pricing, and customer service. Choose the right mattress store to ensure you find a quality product at a price you can afford.

Although there are tons of mattress stores out there, you can narrow down the selection if you know what to look for in that store. A good mattress store carries a variety of mattresses from well-known brands and sells them at reasonable prices. Brand selection is important because some names are known for quality while others not so much. A great mattress store is staffed with professionals who get excited to talk about mattresses and who are quite proud of their extensive knowledge of the product. They’re eager to assist mattress shoppers in any way possible, whether it is with a product recommendation or by answering questions.

Mattress stores that really want to take care of their customers will guarantee their products and offer warranties with them as well. It is satisfying to know that you are spending money on a product that is guaranteed to last. Mattresses are not cheap, after all, and replacing it any time soon is probably not an investment that you want to make again. Warranties and guarantees provide assurance in the product assurance and that is important.

Although you may not realize it, mattress style is also important when you’re in the market to purchase a new mattress. You want a comfortable, stylish bedroom that eludes decorative design that matches your personality and the mattress that is chosen greatly impacts the overall design and appeal of the room. Know that look that you want to create ahead of time, browse the mattress options, and when all is said and done, it should be simple to find a product that exceeds expectations and provides the good night of sleep that you want, need, and deserve.

If you’d like to get more mattress for less money, be sure to keep an eye out on the sales. A good mattress store understands its customers has their eye out for a good deal and will always pay attention to a company that appeases them with an exciting offer. Although deals vary from one store to another and from one mattress brand to another, the sales and offers are undeniably amazing and help shoppers save a nice chunk of change on a quality mattress. Sort through the sales and you may very well find an offer that helps you get an awesome mattress for a whole lot less money than you ever imagined possible.

You want to take advantage of a mattress sale to keep costs low and get more product for less money. But, do not take advantage of a sale without first researching the products and brands. Not every brand is known for quality products and you deserve to know this ahead of time. The average mattress has a 7 – 10 year lifetime, but not every product lasts this length of time. Quality mattresses are much more likely to last so less frequent replacements are needed.

Is delivery offered from the store? You should probably avoid shopping with a store that doesn’t offer delivery if you’re not prepared to spend some cash to pay a professional to pick it up for you or don’t mind DIY (and have a vehicle to transport the mattress.) Store delivery simply makes life easy and ensures that you get the mattress to your home without any hassles. Assembly upon delivery is also a beneficial service that many mattress shoppers want and need. This service further eliminates the hassles of a mattress purchase so all that is left for you to worry about is sleeping well tonight.

Achieving Happiness Inside and Out

Angela Manning Health , , ,
Achieving Happiness Inside and Out

There are two completely different polarities of thought on the importance of our appearance. One tells us that the outside is not important. It’s the inside that counts. Don’t judge a book by its cover is a popular phrase that speaks unimportance to anything aesthetic or outwardly. Then there is the school of thought that our internal world influences our outward appearance. We are what we eat, that true happiness will shine through, are phrases often repeated in this world of thought. Which side is true, and where should we put our self-worthiness when it comes to appearance? Perhaps the answer lies in reconciling both reasonings.

For some, outward appearance is debilitating and for others, it is the expression of their true self. In today’s culture of inclusion and celebrating all skin and body types, it can be freeing or excessively complicated to hone in on our own sense of aesthetic, contentment and happiness. We sometimes can see this in others who appear to be glowing. It doesn’t matter whether we find their outward appearance attractive, they have a healthy relationship with their internal and external worlds and that has them beaming.

If we solely focus on our outward appearance, we can curate exactly an image that we wish to portray. Being good at design, fashion, styling, hair, and makeup can be extremely useful in playing and finding the look that best suits us and makes us feel good. Sculpting our bodies with exercise, alterations, and filters can also produce any appearance of our choosing. Whether this blooms true happiness is another question.

A woman might feel the calling to motherhood her whole life, but is also very worried about the effects it will have on her body. This fear prevents her from accepting that having a child would truly make her happy. Once she realizes there are options to address her changing body after birth, she no longer has the fear shielding her true desire. The aesthetic services at Chicago Weight Loss and Wellness Clinic have a balanced list of practices and procedures that address many issues aesthetically and holistically.

Pruning our internal world, self-exploration, introspection, and focusing on embodiment are the other known paths to happiness. If we are experiencing low self-confidence because of extra weight or bad skin, the pathway inward can reveal the root cause of these outward appearances. This path is very effective but there are no short cuts. Often, walking the path of self-knowing we find a lot about our appearance we are not happy with. If we stop there and only address the outward discontents, something still gnaws at us from the inside. We can appear happy with ourselves, but the inner compass knows better.

Inner work is to reveal what truly doesn’t make us feel good and put it to light. This at first does not make us feel better because we are confronted with some uncomfortable ideas which might also show up through acne or bad digestion. Once we reveal what doesn’t make us feel good we can then address these issues holistically. The trap with this type of wellness work is that we can get trapped in the weeds of all of our perceived problems. Becoming clear with our internal world and using that as a platform to build our outer appearance often builds a strong sense of self and confidence in playing and having fun with how we wish to express that to the world.

In a world where we are sold happiness in products and marketing, it is hard to know what contributes to happiness any more. It becomes a more and more important question whose answer gets buried amongst what others tell us. The illusiveness of happiness perhaps lies in between the lines; we often assume that if we’re happy we cannot feel discontent and vice versa.

Happiness is a feeling and feelings can rarely be calibrated into compartments. If we have accomplished everything we set out to do in our lives, but feel our outside body doesn’t match that inner balance, it can forever affect how we view ourselves and our accomplishments. Giving yourself the freedom to work on both, and realizing that our mutable bodies are living breathing creatures that are not meant to stay stagnant or fixed through a lifetime. We have the internal freedom to change and shift whenever we choose. Now we also have the ability to change our outer appearance as well.

How to Make an Emergency Response Plan for Your Family

Angela Manning Health , ,
How to Make an Emergency Response Plan for Your Family

There’s an interesting saying that goes: “Preparedness is the calm before, during, and after the storm.” Indeed, it’s good to get started on the idea of preparedness, knowing how unpredictable life can be. Emergencies can take all manner of shape or size, ranging from individual episodes of illness to wide-scale natural disasters. The most common ones in Australia—such as bushfires, storms, and flash floods—often occur with little to no notice beforehand.

It’s never too early to teach your young children about the worst-case scenario. Neither is it an inconvenient time to brush up on knowledge you’ve acquired in the past, such as how to do basic first aid or how to conduct an earthquake drill. One of the tools that will be of great help in jumpstarting your household’s overall preparedness for emergencies is your own Emergency Response Plan. Queensland Government’s guidelines on preparing an Emergency Response Plan serve as an excellent primer, and they highlight a set of 3 principles that should be upheld by your family:

  • Know – in that your household members should know the mechanics of the Emergency Response Plan, and where inside your house to find all relevant materials;
  • Involve – in that all of your household members should be involved in the plans and are prepared to do their part;
  • Practice – in that each member should practice what to do and where to go, so that everyone’s movements are nimble and confident when the time comes.

We’re also compiling our own tips for you below. Here are 4 additional points of action to supplement your household’s own Emergency Response Plan.

  1. Stock up on knowledge and skills that will be of good use during emergencies. Some of the physical and mental skills that could prove vital in the case of emergency are: knowing how to apply first aid, knowing how to swim, and knowing how to defend oneself. You could allot some of your family’s time and resources toward acquiring first aid certification from a first aid training provider in Brisbane,local swim classes, or other related endeavours.

    These are just some ways to keep your bodies fit and your minds sharp under the pressure of an emergency. Your Emergency Response Plan is best implemented by household members who are both physically and emotionally prepared.

  2. Keep all channels open. Put together a comprehensive list of people who can convey knowledge, and/or offer assistance, in a dangerous situation. Your list of contacts might include the following:
  • At least 2 family members who are not part of the household (such as sets of grandparents or aunts/uncles/cousins);
  • Your/your spouse’s workplace;
  • The number of the school/s your children go to;
  • Your local council;
  • Medical services;
  • Service providers for electricity, water, telecommunications, and others;
  • Your local radio station;
  • The weather bureau;
  • Veterinary services (if your family owns pets), and;
  • Insurance providers.

Keep this list updated and within everyone’s line of vision. You can tack up hard copies to your refrigerator, bulletin board, and on the doors of your bedrooms.

  1. Lay out emergency scenarios with your family. Take an opportunity to sit down and to be candid with your family about the different situations that could unfold. Walk them through where each family member is likely to be (i.e. in school or in the office), which persons would act as the first line of communication (i.e. neighbours or relatives), and how you will keep in contact with each other (i.e. cellular phone or landline). This part of your Emergency Response Plan can take the form of a flowchart; you, your spouse, and your children could all take turns drawing and explaining.     
  2. Assemble a medicine kit, emergency food and water supplies, and emergency power supplies. Ideally, your medicine kit and your stock of food and water supplies should take you through a minimum of 72 hours in duress. Your medicine kit should contain all the medicines and medical implements needed for first aid, such as the following:
  • Plasters;
  • Ointments;
  • Safety pins;
  • Scissors;
  • Tweezers;
  • Thermometer;
  • Painkillers;
  • Cough medicine, and,

The medicine kit should also contain emergency dosages of medication for those in your household suffering from a chronic illness.

On the other hand, your supply of consumables should include non-perishable, easy-to-eat foods such as biscuits, dried fruit, canned meat, powdered milk, and of course clean filtered water. Complete the assembly with flash lights, batteries, whistles, and basic hand tools. A good practice is to label everything with instructions for use, and with their respective expiry dates. Replenish each of these kits as needed every few months.

All in all, these four tips should be of good use in compiling a unique, well-crafted Emergency Response Plan for your household. Here’s to the good health and safety of your family!

Dental Tips For The Whole Family

Angela Manning Health , ,
Dental Tips For The Whole Family

Regardless of your age, proper dental care is key to your overall health. Issues with your mouth, teeth, and gums can have a negative effect on the rest of your body. Without proper brushing and flossing bacteria can build up in your mouth and cause unwanted infections. Let’s look at ways to keep the entire family’s dental care on track.

Start Right Away

Children need to begin caring for their teeth at a very early age. Not only will this create a strong and healthy habit but it can prevent early tooth decay and cavities. Dental care should begin as soon as your baby gets a tooth. In fact, cleaning babies’ gums even before a tooth appears can ensure bacteria does not stick around. When caring for your toothless baby’s grin just use a wet washcloth, no toothpaste is necessary. Once an actual tooth appears you can try using a very soft, infant toothbrush to see how your baby tolerates it. Toothpaste is not recommended until at least 18 months, and then a very mild, low fluoride paste is best. Always follow your dentist’s guidelines.

Floss and Brush Regularly

You know the drill, brush and floss twice a day. Brushing at least twice a day removes the thin layer of bacteria on your teeth called plaque. When plaque builds up it causes cavities. Brushing your gums is also important to stimulate them and keep them healthy. However, be gentle. Your gums are sensitive and delicate. Don’t forget to brush your tongue. Bacteria loves to hang out on your tongue and besides causing bad breath it can affect your oral health. As important as brushing is, it can’t do it all. Brushing cannot remove the debris that is hiding between your teeth, only floss can do that. Flossing is key to keeping your entire mouth healthy.

Use Fluoride Sparingly

Fluoride is used to strengthen the teeth’s enamel to prevent tooth decay, but it should be used in small amounts. Too much fluoride has been known to cause white spots on children’s teeth. Most Americans have fluoride in their tap water and it can also be found in most kinds of toothpaste and mouthwash. Fluoride can also cause sensitivity in some people. If you or your child has issues with fluoride ask your dentist for advice.

See Your Dentist Often

People of all ages should visit the dentist at least every six months, more if you have dental concerns. If money is a concern, research dentists in your area who offer their services at discounted rates for those in need. In Boston, Dr. George Hatzigiannis is known for providing dental care to the underserved communities in his area. He is a well-respected dentist who gives back to his community. If you aren’t located in Boston near Dr. Hatzigiannis, there are numerous dentists across the country who offer similar outreach programs.

Avoid Sugar-laden Treats

Whether you prefer pop or candy, it is wise to limit how much you eat or drink for the benefit of your teeth. Acid erodes teeth enamel and sugars produce acid inside the mouth. The problem is compounded when those sugary treats are sucked for extended periods of time because the sugar and acid surround the teeth and sit there doing damage. You may be surprised to hear that chewing sugar-free gum after eating and drinking can actually help your oral health. Chewing sugar-free gum increases saliva and that saliva helps to rinse away harmful bacteria.

Protect Your Teeth

Your teeth are at risk regardless of the sport you play. From hockey to soccer to basketball to swimming, no sport is completely accident-free. You can avoid injuring your pearly whites by wearing proper protection. Mouthguards can be purchased at most sporting goods stores and can be boiled and sculpted to fit your mouth. In addition to mouth guards, helmets are a great way to protect your teeth and your entire head. Not all helmets are created equal though, if your helmet doesn’t provide any mouth protection you’ll still need a mouth guard.

Avoid Harmful Substances

The dangers of tobacco use are well known, but you may not think about your oral health as an additional casualty when it comes to tobacco use. Smoking and using tobacco can cause numerous problems in your mouth from bad breath and yellow teeth to more serious issues, such as oral cancer and bone loss. Despite these potential problems, tobacco use remains one of the world’s greatest health problems. The best way to avoid dealing with tobacco side effects is to never start smoking or chewing in the first place.

Your entire family can benefit from good oral hygiene habits. These lifelong skills will keep them on the road to wellness and help them avoid the pitfalls that come with diseases and conditions of the mouth. If you can devote just two minutes morning and night to your mouth you will enjoy years to come of strong teeth and healthy gums.

 

Coping With Children’s Allergies

Angela Manning Health , , ,
Coping With Children’s Allergies

With so many children suffering from allergies, it comes as no surprise that most parents are quite knowledgeable when it comes to the ways to deal with this issue. Still, it’s always a good idea to revisit the tips for coping with allergies, especially since there are always new discoveries, forcing us to rethink the approach we have been taking so far.

We all know how complicated life is when your child is suffering from allergies. It shapes their eating habits, social life and, very often, it has a profound effect on how our kids spend their free time. This affects not only the kid but the whole family, since they all have to adapt to the circumstances. Depending on the type of allergy, we need to invest less or more effort into preventing our kid from coming into contact with various allergens and treating the symptoms.

Whatever the case, one thing is for sure: we mustn’t give up fighting, but reevaluate how we care for our allergic kid and integrate some activities into our routine to help us all have an easier life. Here are some tips on how to go about this issue.

Finding the best allergy medicine

In order to be absolutely sure whether the treatment is right, you need to know exactly what triggers an allergy in your kid. Without this step, there’s no guarantee you’re giving your kid the best possible treatment. With so many new medications appearing on the market, you might be stuck with an older alternative that is inferior to a new medication. That’s why you need to make regular visits to your doctor and have consultations about the treatment.

Immunotherapy is said to be the closest thing to curing allergies, with more than 80% of people responding positively to the treatment. Allergy shots help your kid not only with allergies but also with asthma. Immunotherapy is particularly useful when it comes to kids who can’t take medications or whose medications aren’t working well.

Avoiding contact with allergens

If there’s no allergen, there’s no allergy to cope with. Creating an allergen-free environment is something most parents are most concerned about, since it’s always better to prevent than to cure a health issue. Some allergens are quite simple to avoid, but others are more difficult to deal with. For example, if your child is allergic to peanuts, you’ll make sure they don’t eat anything that contains or has been in contact with this allergen.

Similarly, if you’re not sure about the indoor air quality and your kid is allergic to mold, which is one of the most common allergens, you should find an efficient air purifier for mold to prevent the problem from aggravating. Finally, if your kid is allergic to pollen, you’ll simply avoid spending time in an environment that is rich in pollen.

Other tips

If possible, you should plan your vacations during non-allergy seasons. A nice ski-trip or fall camping holiday can be a great substitute for a spring holiday if that’s the season when your kid suffers the most. Traditional summer camps can be substituted with alternatives, such as art or surf camps.

When it comes to pets, experts claim that no animal is truly hypoallergenic. Still, there is a huge difference in terms of shedding when you consider various dog and cat breeds. So, if your child would really like to have a pet and you’re willing to make their wish come true, make sure you choose wisely. Also, if you already have a pet that causes occasional allergy symptoms, don’t give it up before you consider how much stress that would cause for the child. Instead, pay more attention to combing it regularly and keeping it outside as much as possible. If that’s not possible, try to find a new home for the pet in your family, since that would allow your child to pay occasional visits.

Take a break

You can have fun with your kid even if it has severe issues with allergies. A simple board game or any activity that doesn’t include contact with allergens will go a long way in establishing a better parent-child relation. You should never let your child feel that your life is greatly affected by their health issues, since they will feel guilty. Instead, keep a positive attitude and teach your child about the things they shouldn’t do if they want to be healthy.

Having a child suffering from allergies can be a great inconvenience, but it’s something a lot of us have to deal with. The most important thing is to be fully informed about the nature of the problems and the ways of coping with it so that the negative effects can be minimized.