How to Keep Your Family Healthy This Winter

Friday, October 30, 2020

 

Image Pexels CC0 License


Winter is almost here, which means there will soon be a chill in the air and a crisp layer of frost on the ground. Winter can be one of the best times of the year, especially if you love the holiday season. However, winter can also be a time where many people don’t feel at their best as the holiday season coincides with flu season. Millions of people catch colds each winter, and it is estimated that Americans catch on average two to three colds each year. Colds are a common reason for adults missing work and kids taking time off school in the winter.

It is common to catch colds, the flu, and other viruses during the colder months which can leave you feeling run down and longing for the return of summer. Unfortunately, the winter weather provides the perfect conditions for germs to spread. It is believed that cold temperatures can suppress the immune system making people more susceptible to catching a cold or other virus. The flu virus is likely to survive longer in colder temperatures, meaning that it could live longer on surfaces during winter and increase the chances of infection.

No one wants to feel lousy over the holiday season and miss out on all the fun events and traditions that take place. Keeping yourself and your family as healthy as possible should help to reduce the likelihood that you will become ill over the winter, and help you to enjoy the excitement of the season.

Support Your Immune System


While science has achieved so much over recent decades, a cure for the common cold remains to be found. So, the best way that colds and the flu can be managed is by boosting your immunity. As mentioned above, cold weather can lower your immunity and create the perfect conditions for you to catch a virus.

Your immunity may be lower over the winter, and the lack of sunlight will make it harder to get the recommended amount of Vitamin D, so you may want to boost your immunity with the help of some gummy vitamins for the whole family. Gummies are a particularly good way for kids to take vitamins as well as anyone that dislikes taking capsules and tablets.

Reduce the Risk

As the saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure.’ Due to the current pandemic, many people are taking extra precautions to keep germs at bay, which will also help to minimize your risk of developing other viruses such as a cold or the flu. Being indoors in enclosed spaces can make it easier for germs to spread, so keeping your distance from other people is vital.

Just as you would wash your hands thoroughly and frequently to stop the spread of COVID-19, the same can also help to minimize the risk of catching other viruses. It is helpful to keep some hand sanitizer with you so that you can use it on your hands when you are unable to wash them with soap and water. Cleaning your hands is especially important before you eat, and before touching your face, in particular your eyes and nose.

Stay Active

When it’s cold and raining outside it is so tempting to stay indoors, watch TV and feast on junk food. While the idea of hibernating in your house over the winter may sound like bliss, it could make you feel worse. Staying in too much could leave you feeling lethargic, so getting out and about in the fresh air can help you to blow away some cobwebs and give your energy levels a boost.

If you are worried about the kids turning into couch potatoes over the winter and want them to stay active, why not make exercise a family activity? Going for bike rides and hikes together is an excellent way to bring more exercise into your routine and help everyone to keep their fitness levels up and their screentime down.


Image Pexels CC0 License



Eat for Comfort and Nourishment


Comfort food and cold weather go hand in hand. Indulging in tasty food always feels great when you are enjoying a cozy night in over the winter. To stay as healthy as possible, it is a good idea to opt for food that is both comforting and nourishing.

Pasta, pizza, and soup are all excellent comfort food choices for a cold evening at home. As well as being tasty, these comfort foods are also easy options to include plenty of veggies to boost the nutrients without the kids even realizing. Alternatively, you could get the kids involved and have them help you to prepare the meal. Cooking is always an activity that kids love and also an excellent life skill for them to develop.

Look After Your Skin

Keeping your insides healthy with supplements and nutritious foods is vital over the winter, but don’t forget to take care of your skin too.

The contrast of being outside in the cold weather and then stepping into the warmth of a heated home can take its toll on your skin. This change of temperature can cause your skin to become dehydrated, dry and flaky. Combined with the increased hand washing due to the coronavirus and you could find your skin’s condition deteriorates pretty quickly. Dealing with the dryness is essential to keep your skin supple and healthy. Dehydrated skin can become itchy and cracked, which makes it susceptible to infection.

To keep your skin feeling comfortable and healthy throughout the cold months, it is crucial to keep it moisturized. Choosing fragrance-free moisturizers that are kind to the skin will enable you to use them on the whole family without upsetting the kids’ delicate skin.





Image Pixabay CC0 License


Be More Hygge

When it’s cold outside, why not take some inspiration from Denmark and add some hygge into your life this winter? Hygge describes the Danish concept of bringing a sense of wellbeing and coziness into your life. While your focus may be on taking care of your family’s physical health, it is also vital to take care of your wellbeing too, and hygge is the ideal way to do this.

Hygge is pretty hard to define in words, but think of the soft glow of candles on a dark evening, snuggling up on the sofa with the kids and drinking hot chocolate, and lazy days spent reading under a soft blanket.

Hygge is a fantastic way to enjoy the best parts of the season and bring a feeling of contentment into your life, which is excellent for your wellbeing and an ideal opportunity to spend lots of quality time together as a family.

Have Fun in the Great Indoors

Getting outside and into the fresh air when possible is an excellent way to ensure that you stay as active as possible. However, there are going to be days when you don’t feel like going anywhere, especially in extreme weather. If you find that the kids start climbing the walls if they can’t get out and take some exercise, then it is wise to prepare in advance.

How about trying some online exercise classes such as family yoga or dance classes to burn off some of that excess energy? It is also a good idea to plan some quiet activities to keep the kids calm and help them to chill out. Stocking up on craft materials before bad weather strikes will ensure that you always have items ready and waiting for kids to get creative when the inspiration strikes.

Take Time to Relax

Did you know that stress can make you more prone to becoming ill? If you have ever felt rundown and then found yourself catching cold after cold, you will know only too well that feeling stressed can make you more likely to become ill. This is because when you are stressed, your body produces the stress hormone cortisol, which can suppress your body’s immune response making it easier to catch infections.

Keeping your stress levels low over the winter is particularly important as there are more bugs around. Everyone has different ways of relaxing and reducing stress levels from exercise to meditations; there are many ways to destress. Once you find something that works for you, why not try doing it regularly to help keep your stress levels low.

Don’t Overcommit

The holiday season is a busy time for many families. There always seems to be plenty going on, from the kids’ school Christmas plays, holiday parties, as well as meeting with family and friends. Being so busy can leave you feeling exhausted and more susceptible to becoming ill. Try not to push yourself too hard by overcommitting yourself. Make sure that you balance all the activity over the season with plenty of downtime and don’t force yourself beyond your limits.

Keeping yourself and the rest of your family healthy over the winter is not easy. But taking a holistic approach that nourishes your body, and improves your wellbeing will help you to enjoy all the best parts of the season.




| FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket photo googleplus.png

6 Ways Your Home Is Making You Unwell

 

Image Credit


For many people, the home is a safe space from where you can work productively, or come home to after a long day of dealing with whatever the world has thrown at you. So, what happens when your house becomes the reason you are always unwell? There are studies that show that poor housing conditions, both apparent and otherwise, are responsible for various health issues, including lead poisoning, respiratory infections, and asthma. The best way to prevent this from happening is first to know how it can occur. So, here are six ways your home may be making you ill.

Cleaning products

While cleaning products allow you to keep your home squeaky clean, it can put your health at risk. Some of the problems include irritation, dizziness, headaches, and breathing issues, usually caused by the components of the products. Some of the dangerous compounds include dye, fragrance, pine or citrus oil, 2Butoxyethanol, and Alkylphenol ethoxylates. The worst part is that people do not usually protect themselves when using the products. It is advisable to wear gloves or nose masks to protect yourself from the chemicals. Alternatively, you can switch to less harsh or more natural options to reduce the damage caused.

Sheets, linen, and pillows

No matter how quality your beddings are, they are breeding grounds for inconspicuous organisms such as dust mites. These are spider relatives that thrive and rapidly multiply in warm, humid environments. These microscopic insects feed on organic waste or debris of any kind, including the flakes of human skin. They are a common cause of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Apart from the fact that it is incredibly difficult to see them, they are also very challenging to get rid of. The best you can do is to reduce their population. You can do this by regularly cleaning your beddings, upholstery, and curtains. Using dehumidifiers and air conditioners can help, and so will keep your home as clutter, dust, and dander-free as possible. You should also vacuum as much as possible.

Indoor leaks

Leakages are one of the worst things to happen in your home because of all the damage it causes. For one, it can prompt the growth of mould in your home, which can make you sick. Especially if you are asthmatic, mould can worsen things for you. If you don’t have any allergies, it can irritate your throat, eyes, skin, lungs, and nose. You might need to bring in Pro-Grade Mold Removal experts to take a look. To avoid such problems, always check your pipes and any other areas where water passes in your home. Ensure that all those areas are dry and, if not, get them fixed as soon as possible.

Dirty refrigerators

It is not enough to wipe down your refrigerator; you would need to disinfect the doors, drawers, and compartments to be able to lower or eliminate the risk of falling ill. Your fridge can be a breeding ground for bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella. These bacteria can cause kidney failure and vomiting, signs of food poisoning. Avoid this by regularly disinfecting your fridge and also washing your groceries, especially fresh produce, before putting them inside.

Lead painting

If you live in a very old house, the chances are that it was painted with lead, and the peeling process can put you at risk of lead poisoning. Exposure to the substance for an extended period can lead to kidney, nervous system, and brain damage. Therefore, you should rectify the problem and as soon as possible. You can bring in an expert to assess your home and test it for the lead. Try not to attempt removing the lead by yourself as it may cause more harm than good.

Air ducts

The air quality in your home is also another factor that could affect your health is not taken seriously. While the HVAC systems in your home work well in keeping your space warm or cold, they can quickly become problematic. The air conditioner, for example, leaves traces of water in the ducts, which facilitate the growth of bacteria. This can cause breathing problems, allergies, and headaches. To prevent these issues, hire a professional to clean out the ducts every couple of years. Apart from improving your living conditions, it also helps the systems to function better.

Your home should be as conducive as possible if it is going to be your safe space. You do not have to wait to get ill before making the necessary changes, and improving these six areas should give you a head start.




| FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket photo googleplus.png

6 Comfort Food Ideas

Thursday, October 29, 2020

 

 
 This time of year there are plenty of days it's chilly and breezy or even raining and you just feel like staying in the house and doing nothing.  My favorite thing to do on days like that is to make or order some comfort food to just help me relax and enjoy myself.  Here are my favorite ideas for comfort food this time of year!


6 Health Issues to Expect After 50

 

brown and white abstract painting

https://unsplash.com/photos/gHzJxTLJhu4


It's no secret that health issues increase as you get older. This is just a fact of life, even if you strive to live the healthiest and most active lifestyle you can. Sometimes, there is nothing you can do about health problems, but you must understand what you could expect and encounter, especially after turning fifty.

High Blood Pressure

Many people associate high blood pressure with stress, and after living on this earth for 50-plus years, it's not surprising that you're stressed. However, there is a medical reason that people experience high blood pressure as they age. Your blood vessels lose their flexibility, which adds pressure to the circulation system that flows through your body. As two in every three adults (in the US) have high blood pressure, it is not an uncommon problem, but regular exercise, a healthy weight, and kicking bad habits such as smoking can help you keep your blood pressure low.

Diabetes

While diabetes is not confined to people 50 and over, it does come with more issues than anyone younger who has diabetes, and the risk of diabetes increases the older you get. If you don't handle your diabetes correctly and follow the doctor's advice, there is a risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and even blindness. You can mitigate this risk by having regular checkups with the doctor, regardless of how uncomfortable this might make you feel. At the very least, it will give you the peace of mind you need to continue living a healthy and happy life.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis comes in many forms. Some people experience congenital scoliosis, which they were born with, whereas others might encounter adult degenerative scoliosis. Whichever is more relevant to you, it's essential to understand your options and why it could happen. The longer your scoliosis goes unchecked, the more severe problems can be. As many people, especially women, will have scoliosis without any pain, you must keep a close eye on any spine curvature that could indicate that you need to consider getting treatment or advice from your doctor.

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is something you expect from old age; you don't need anyone to remind you of that. However, with medical technology advancements across the past decade, you don't need to experience a severe change in your lifestyle. In fact, with modern hearing aids, you will hardly notice a difference. These hearing aids can connect to Bluetooth, allowing you to answer calls and talk hands-free, while the multiple options, including BTE, ITC, and ITE, enable you to pick the model that works best for you. Despite this, you can't enjoy such functions without first recognizing you have hearing loss. If you find yourself zoning out of conversations, regularly turning the TV or radio up, or being stressed in social situations because you can't follow, it could be a sign that you are experiencing hearing loss.

Vision Issues

The same goes for vision issues. Issues such as cataracts and glaucoma are two problems that you may encounter as you grow older. Like any condition, it's important to recognize the problems before they become worse. Blurry vision is the first indicator of this, and it might give you headaches as you try to focus too carefully on small text or images. If left unchecked, these issues could be dangerous for you and others, especially driving or even walking somewhere. You should book an eye test every two years to keep up to date on any problems.

Bladder Problems

Yep. It's not a pleasant thing to talk about, but a weak bladder is something you're going to have to get used to as you get older. You'll find you need to wake up regularly during the night to go to the bathroom, which is inconvenient at best, but it could also be a sign of something worse. A lack of bladder control can come from an enlarged prostate, whereas nerve issues or even muscle weakness can impact your ability to hold it in. Ditching caffeine can help with this and avoid lifting anything too heavy, which would otherwise put pressure on your body and cause problems.

Fifty and Feelin' Fine

You know you don't feel as young as you once did, but that's okay. While it can be a little scary knowing that it's likely you'll experience at least one of these health issues later in life, it is not the end of the world. Instead, you will know that it is coming, and you'll be able to take the correct steps to mitigate any problems, ensuring you can live your life as usual for as long as possible.
| FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket photo googleplus.png

What Should You Be Saving For?

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

 

Now, a lot of people don’t tend to put things away for a rainy day, simply because they have no clue what they need to save for, and don’t have any concrete plans for the future. And while everyone has the right to live life their own way, it’s good to know that somethings are going to cost you, and to have the foresight to put a safety net behind you in case your finances fall. And if you tend to be one of these people, here are a few ideas about what you’re going to need money for in the future. Why not start saving for them now?

Even putting a few pennies in the piggy bank could make a difference! (Pexels Image - CC0 Licence)


Emergencies

Saving for emergencies is essential, no matter who you are or where you live. After all, you never know when an accident may occur, or if you will lose your job, or if the roof of your house will suddenly cave in, and you’ll need a bit of money to smooth things over.

A good emergency fund has at least 6 months worth of wages in it. So if you want a goal to reach for the emergencies you might have to deal with, try putting this amount away in the shortest (and safest!) time possible.

A New House

A new house is a big thing to save for, and it’s a financial goal for millions of people around the world. Of course, it’s been said that affording your own home has gotten harder and harder in the modern era, but it’s still something that you could turn your saving savvy towards.

You’re going to need a number to aim for, so you know when you’ve reached your goal, and how long it might take. So, think about the kind of price range you’d ideally like to work with. Tap that number into a website such as MortgageCalculator.Org, and think about the kind of deposit it’d need, and watch as average mortgage rates and possible lenders are pinged back to you.

Your Children’s Future

And if you’re someone who’s keen to start a family, or you have very recently, saving for your kid’s future is definitely a worthwhile savings goal! They’re going to be up against a lot when they grow up, and this will be made a lot easier by their parents’ efforts to give them a safety net.

And seeing as there are specialised children’s savings accounts out there, you could even open up a bank account for them, that they’ll have access to when they’re 18 or older. Even $15 a month for those next 18 years will make sure they have just over $3000 to their name!

You should be saving for a variety of things, but make sure you’ve got a strategy for doing so, and that you’re not risking the life you’re living in the here and now. Save what you can, and thank yourself later!



| FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket photo googleplus.png

How To Stop Dipping Into Your Savings Every Month

 

We all know that saving money is important, but sometimes it seems like your savings account is never getting any bigger even though you keep putting money in each month. Usually, that’s because you’re taking money out again towards the end of the month, which makes the whole thing pointless.

Pixabay CCO License


In some cases, spending your savings is the right thing to do. For example, making investments or paying for travel are both good reasons to dip into your savings. However, if you find that you are doing it every month, you’re making mistakes with your money management that need to be fixed. These are the best ways to stop dipping into your savings every month.
 
Be Realistic About What You Can Save

The most common reason that people dip into their savings is that they are trying to save too much. They get their paycheck and put a big chunk into savings, but they don’t leave themselves enough money to spend throughout the month. So, they get halfway through the month and realize that they’ve got no money left and it’s still two weeks until payday, so they are forced to take money out of savings again. The problem is, once you get into the habit of doing it, it’s so easy to completely clear out your savings. You will find that you are a lot more successful if you are realistic about what you can afford to save and you actually put less money into savings. That way, you leave yourself enough for the month and you won’t be forced to dip into your savings account.
 
Use A Certificate Of Deposit

A certificate of deposit (cd) is a savings account that has a fixed term, so you deposit your money and then you leave it for a certain period of time before taking it out, with the interest that you have earned on it. You can get some good cd rates so you will earn a good amount of interest on your savings and the best thing is, you can’t touch that money until the term of the deposit is up. It’s not a good idea to put all of your savings into a cd because you may need to access it in an emergency, but putting some of your money into one will help you to stop spending it.
 
Switch To Cash Only

When you have easy access to your bank accounts, it’s tempting to spend more than you can afford, which is why you should consider switching to cash only. When you get your paycheck, pay all of your bills and put some money into savings, then take out the rest in cash. If you set yourself a weekly spending budget with cash, and leave all of your cards at home, you will find it a lot easier to avoid the temptation of dipping into your savings.

You will never meet your savings goals if you keep dipping into your savings account every month. Follow these simple tips and you will find it a lot easier to resist the temptation.



| FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket photo googleplus.png

How Slowing Down Can Be Your Secret Weapon


I used to live a very fast paced life like most of us do.  Quarantine actually helped me realize I didn't need all the things I filled my time with.  The problem was I got so used to repeating the things I did that I thought I needed them.  Now I know I don't and it's been so helpful.  I have more time, energy, and money.  Here's how slowing down can be your secret weapon to a better life too!


How To Make The Hospital Waiting Time Go By Faster With Small Children

Monday, October 26, 2020

 

Photo by Martha Dominguez de Gouveia on Unsplash


So, the worst has happened and your little one has taken ill or sustained an injury. Whether they fell over in the playground or tumbled down the stairs, you have rushed to A&E to ensure that they relieve attention quickly and are running around driving you crazy again in no time. However, you now have to contend with:

A child who could be injured/in pain

A lengthy wait time in the emergency room.

In fact, 90 percent of all emergency rooms in the US deal with overcrowding daily. This is due to a multitude of factors, including increased pressure on hospitals, reduced staff, reduced funding, and people heading to A&E with injuries that could have been dealt with at home. As a result, you may need to find different ways of passing the time to ensure that your child is distracted from any pain they may be feeling, whilst also helping the time pass that little bit quicker.

Offer them support

The best way you can help your child during this time is through being there to offer support. If your child is often brave, let them know that it is okay to cry sometimes. Be their shoulder to cry on!

Read a book

Usually, there are plenty of reading materials in a waiting room for you to look through. So, sit close to your child and read a story out loud to them. By encouraging them to think about something other than their injury, you are helping them feel more relaxed and comfortable. It is also a great time for them to develop their reading skills.

Play I Spy

There is always something happening in a busy hospital waiting room, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to divert your child's attention elsewhere. Games such as I spy are also a great way to allow your child to develop better attention to detail and gain an understanding of the world around them. Even better, it can be a lot of fun!

If you finish playing I spy, there are plenty of fun games you can play that will keep smaller children entertained, that won’t cause too much of a scene in the waiting room, either. After all, it is important that you also ensure you don’t disturb those around you.

Play Mobile Games

Although you must try and find ways of limiting your child’s screen time, there is nothing wrong with letting them play on your phone when they are in a hospital waiting room. Again, it is a useful way of allowing them to have a little fun and take their mind of how they are feeling. There are plenty of free kid-friendly games available for both iPhone and Android users!

Watch a Film

Another way to help the time pass quickly is by watching a film or television series on your phone. However, if doing this, you must wear headphones to minimize any distraction from those around you. Although you may have watched it a thousand times before, now is the perfect time for your child to watch their favorite film or TV show. It is certain to help put a smile back on their face whilst they wait to be attended to.






| FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket photo googleplus.png

What Lipstick Should You Be Wearing With Your Shades?

 

You probably have your shades on every day. Your sunglasses won’t only make you look good, they’ll also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. If you squint too often because of the glare from the sun, you’ll be adding to fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes. While shades protect your eyes, they are also a fashion statement and when paired with the right colour of lipstick, they can bring your outfit to another level. 
Caramel Coloured Glasses With Red Or Orange Lips

This is a great combination to use during the summer. If you’ve got a pair of caramel coloured sunglasses in your home and you are thinking about what lipstick to wear, go for fiery red or vibrant orange. Both colours look amazing with caramel coloured shades.

Humps Optics has exclusive women’s sunglasses, with the most popular ones being the classic round series. You may want to check out this series of discount designer women’s sunglasses. Other popular series include the memory metal frame and the polarized slim round ones. All the mentioned styles can be bought with a caramel coloured frame. Red or orange lips and caramel shades is a smouldering combo that brings great character to your look.

Toffee Coloured Lips With A Polished Brown Frame

Sun kissed frames with a burnished finish look great with toffee coloured lipstick. This style also blends well together if you’ve got light coloured hair. If your hair is dark brown or black, this isn’t the style for you. Toffee coloured lips aren’t something you see every day and adding polished brown frames will give you a complete look. If you’ve invested in burnished frames and you are looking for a lipstick to match, you cannot go wrong with this amazing combination.

When trying out this pattern, remember some of these important tips:

· Opt for a no-liner look

· Go for brown eyeshadow

· Apply black mascara

· Use toffee crème to complete the look

Once you remember all these ingredients, your shades and lipstick combo will come together just nicely.

Pink Lips With Classic Dark Glasses

When we talk about dark glasses, we tend to sway towards black frames instead of brown. When you have pale skin and you like to wear black sunglasses, you need light coloured lips to match the look. This style is all about contrast. You have dark shades, light lips, and pale skin in all one. Although dark brown frames will suffice with this combo, it is best to go for black framed shades.

Cherry Lips & Dark Sunglasses

This is another great combination using dark shades and cherry coloured lips. Again, we are going for a contrast in colours, the bright lipstick colour works great with the dark sunglasses. This is all about balance and using cherry or vibrant pink with dark sunglasses is the best way to match your lips and your shades. Pink lipstick also works well with golden coloured sunglasses.

This article has highlighted a few great combinations when it comes to shades and lipstick. If you are struggling to match your sunglasses with your lipstick, copy some of the tips above and see what you think of these sequences. You can always experiment yourself and see what works best for you. There is no harm in being unique and finding your own style.


| FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket photo googleplus.png