Cascia Talbert's Blog, page 5

4 Reasons Why Women Need Protein

by Guest Author

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4 Reasons Why Women Need Protein

You may need more protein. As much as exercise helps a person stay fit and healthy, achieving a fitness goal really starts with the kind of “fuel” we fill our bodies with. This is particularly true when it comes to women and protein consumption. They manage many things at once: home, kids, and in many cases a full-time career. With so much on their plate, women need a special kind of fitness regimen that will help them thrive. This is where a high-quality diet comes into the picture.

A balanced diet is composed of appropriate amounts of macronutrients, namely protein, carbohydrates and fats. Recent studies have recently stressed the importance of protein for women’s health, especially for those who are physically active. Why is protein such an important component of a woman‘s balanced diet?

1. It helps control cravings and hunger

When it comes to eating a quick breakfast for energy to successfully juggle all the activities of the day, a high-protein meal is the answer. An on-the-go, easy way to make sure you get protein in is by choosing healthy protein shakes or protein-rich bars. Just say “no” to cereals, please. These basically-candy “meals” may be the first thing that you reach for when in a hurry; but know that you have easy-to-prepare shakes that are richer in protein and lower in sugar to run to when you’re short on time. Another great protein-rich option is yogurt and fresh fruit, a combo that can support satiety and curb your food cravings for the whole day. Start the day with a high-protein treat to control those hunger pangs later on.

2. It keeps the body lean

Cut back on carbohydrate-rich food, particularly white flour and sugar. Instead, replace those calories with protein-rich meals to support fat loss. According to research, consuming high-protein meals can produce more obvious fitness results in women than in men. Women tend to carry a higher percentage of fat on their bodies, and consuming adequate protein at each meal can support healthy fat loss and lean muscle.

3. It helps the body burn more calories

Compared to a diet that is high in carbohydrates or fat, consuming high-protein foods can trigger thermogenesis, the production of heat in the body, faster. Thermogenesis generally means a faster metabolism. In other words, consuming more protein at meals and snacks can signal to the body to burn more calories throughout the day.

4. Protein fights off signs of aging and stress

Eating more protein, combined with regular physical activity, can help women’s bodies maintain the muscle tone needed to move seamlessly into their golden years. It can also serve as a buffer against the oxidative damage on the cells caused by stress. The result is healthier cells that can help women look and feel younger, fresher and more radiant than ever.

Other benefits of a high-protein diet for women include faster and fuller hair growth and the ability to feel full for longer periods. Protein-rich foods can also be delicious, so there’s no reason to feel deprived. EAS nutrition products offer a wide variety of protein-rich choices so that eating is never boring. Boost your intake of protein to support a fitter physique and long-term health.

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The article 4 Reasons Why Women Need Protein by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Store Your Beauty and Skincare Products Properly

by Guest Author

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For many women (and men), stocking up on beauty and skincare products is an investment. It’s a way for them not just to look good but also to take good care of their skin in order to keep it happy and healthy. Because these products won’t work as well as they should if they’re not properly cared for, you also need to make sure that you store them the right way. After all, they can also cost you a lot of money, so it’s better to take good care of your investment, right? If you are looking for something that’ll keep your skin nice and soft, then you might want to consider checking out some Cocoa Shea Skin Souffle 4 oz. 

Organize Your Storage

First up, your products need to be organized properly, so that you’ll be able to find the ones you need easily. There’s an infinite number of ways to store your makeup, skincare products and beauty tools, and there is no one way to do it properly. The trick is to find out which works for you best, and then to stick to that method.

You can use drawer dividers and store your products bento-style in your dressing table, or you can get some of those clear acrylic boxers with little drawers so you can easily see what’s in them. You can place your makeup brushes inside large bottles with caps or straw dispensers to prevent them from accumulating dust. You can even purchase a commercially available makeup organizer to store your products in. However, if you’re full-on glamour girl and you just have so many beauty products to work with, consider instead dedicating a section of your closet to just your beauty and skincare products. Throw in a few storage bins here and there, add some clear acrylic boxes and lazy susans, and you’re good to go!

Sunlight Is the Enemy

Just as the sun can damage your skin, the UV rays from sunlight can also cause your products to degrade faster than they should, shortening their service life and making them unusable or unsafe to use. See to it that all your bottles and containers are not exposed to direct sunlight, even if they come in dark packaging that could help lessen the product’s exposure to UV rays. Dark, dry and cool are optimal conditions for most products.

The Car Is Another Enemy

The interior of vehicles can get hot or cold quickly, depending on the temperature outside. As such, you wouldn’t want to keep your beauty and Firstbase Skincare products inside a car. Lip products, shadow sticks, and cream products can melt and degrade when it’s too hot, while lotions and makeup can become unstable in freezing weather conditions due to the breakdown of their emulsions.

The Fridge Is Your Friend

While many skincare and beauty products will be just fine in room temperature, some of them can benefit from being kept in the fridge. These include products with sunscreen ingredients, or those with actives like retinol and vitamin C. It is especially important to keep water-based vitamin C serums in the fridge so as to prevent oxidation. Remember, vitamin C that has gone bad is actually bad for your skin! Just make sure to close the lid properly because air is another enemy of vitamin C.

Other products that you can place in the fridge include face creams, eye creams, sheet masks and after-sun products. Not only will the cool temperatures preserve their chemical integrity, it will also make these products a lot more pleasant when applied on the skin. Refrigeration also helps when you need to harden certain products—for example, an eyeliner that is due for sharpening, or a lipstick or lip balm that may have softened inside a hot car.

Avoid Bathroom Storage

Sunlight can be bad for your beauty and skincare products, but humidity can be just as bad. Never keep your bronzer, eyeshadow, powder or bath salts in the bathroom because they can become saturated with moisture, turn cakey or grow mold. It is best to keep them in a cool, dry place, like your bedroom vanity.

Likewise, you should also avoid keeping your beauty tools and even your bath accessories inside the bathroom. Compact puffs, beauty blenders and makeup brushes? A definite no. Keep them in your bedroom and wash them every few days. Body brushes, loofahs and foot brush? Also wash them regularly with bleach, soap, and water, then let them dry them under the sun. Replace your bath accessories after every few months to avoid the bacteria, fungus or mold that may have accumulated on them.

Caring for your beauty and skincare products is essential if you want these products to provide you with the best results. How about you? Do you have any organization and storage tips you can share?

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The article Store Your Beauty and Skincare Products Properly by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Preparing Your Dog For A Family Vacation

by Guest Author

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Do you have a family vacation coming up in the near future and plan on taking your pooch along with you? Well, with all the pet-friendly hotels and pet specialty restaurants available, more and more families are actually traveling with their pets these days. Of course, the process isn’t as easy as picking up your dog and heading out on the open road. In fact, if your dog has never even been in the car or van before, you might not even know how he or she is going to respond. Your dog could whine and vomit the whole time. This will completely ruin the experience. It is imperative that you make sure you do everything in your power to prepare for the trip in advance, like putting your companion through the proper dog training. If your dog seems that they are not ready for a trip look into pet boarding places for them to stay.

Keep Your Dog Restricted In The Vehicle

The first thing  you need to remember is to keep your pet restricted within the vehicle. Just because your pooch has free reign at home or in the yard doesn’t mean that he or she should have the same freedom in the vehicle. You wouldn’t let your kid bounce all around the vehicle, and you shouldn’t let your dog either. There is a variety of products available to provide adequate support for your dog in your vehicle. For instance, you can invest in a pet seat belt or a kennel. Anything that will keep your dog securely restricted while the vehicle is in motion will be effective.

Invest In A Pet First-Aid Kit

You probably have a handy first-aid kit with the essentials for you and an emergency tool kit for your vehicle. WApply the same concept to your pet, as well. You can always shop online via PetCareRX to make sure that you have the essentials that you need for traveling with your pet. Some must-have items include gauze, tweezers, three percent hydrogen peroxide for cleaning wounds, sterile pads, a towel, leash, muzzle, cornstarch to staunch bleeding and a list of numbers to local pet emergency centers in the area.

Consider Micro-Chipping Your Pet

If you are like most people, you probably remember when the option to micro-chip your pet first became available. You might have thought the process was cruel, unnecessary and expensive, but over the years the procedure has gone way down in costs at your local pet services clinic. This procedure can be an effective way to keep your pet safe and sound. You will likely be stopping at rest stops and other out-of-the-way locations to let your pet go out. Even though you might be using a leash, it is entirely possible that your pet might escape from your grasp. Trying to track down a pet in your own neighborhood can be hard enough, but try tracking one in an unfamiliar area. With a microchip’s GPS tracking, you can easily and quickly locate your pet within just a matter of minutes. This procedure can be done at any pet hospital.

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The article Preparing Your Dog For A Family Vacation by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Visiting London with Kids

by Guest Author

Visiting London with Kids: Make Your Trip Educational and Fun

Visiting London with kids is a lot of fun because there are so many great things to do in this amazing city. If you want to make the trip educational as well as enjoyable, you also have dozens of options. The perfect formula for this is visiting museums and touring different areas of the historic behemoth of the city. There are so many great routes, notable sites, and interesting museums that you can stick to this program for days.

But don’t forget that kids need to have fun, lest they resent the learning. All major London museums have specialized programs for different age groups where children can do anything from studying microorganisms in microscopes to shooting down pirate ships. There are also kid-oriented educational and entertainment tours. However, you should give your children time to play as well. The best playgrounds are located in the many parks of London.[image error]

Fascinating Tours to Take When Visiting London with Kids

London is a city used to millions of tourists, so there are many programs for you to choose from. A regular guided tour through the most notable historic neighborhoods might be a bit too dull for children. Therefore, you should look for something more adventurous, like:

·         London Ghost Bus Tour
Not only will the kids enjoy an educational ride through a historic route in a period vehicle. They will get a thrill out of the experience as they’ll learn about the most notable haunted spots in London. Sadly, this kind of adventure is only suitable for teens.

·         Harry Potter Tour
Now, a Harry Potter tour is good for all ages. As long as your kid loves the books and/or movies, they’ll enjoy the experience. You will see all the places in London showed in the movies, visit specialty merchandise shops, and learn about the author’s inspirations for the story. In the meantime, you’ll explore some of the most notorious places in the city. This tour can be a good incentive to have your kids read the books.

·         Treasure Trails
If your kid is fond of treasure hunting, this would be a great way to have them explore some historic sites in London ‘in depth’. The trails are fun for children of all ages and their parents as well. So, use this adventure as an opportunity for bonding.

Visiting London with Kids: Must-See Museums

There’s only one bad thing about London museums. They are too many to explore in a single trip, even if that trip lasts a month. However, some of them are a definite must-see if you want to make the experience as educational as possible.

·         Royal Museums Greenwich
This group of museums includes the National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, Queen’s House, and more fascinating attractions than you can imagine. Any child will learn a lot from visiting any of the RMG group and everyone will find something they love.

·         V&A Museum of Childhood
This museum is as educational for parents as it is for kids. While your offspring will enjoy exhibits of toys, fashion, and historical reconstructions of the childhoods past, you will be able to learn how to understand children better. This visit can have a profound positive impact on your relationship.

·         Science Museum
This museum is perfect for science lovers. Here your kids won’t get bored with long lectures. Instead they’ll get to see and participate in fascinating experiments. They will also learn how science can be applied in real life. The tours for kids are so incredible, this visit can spark a passion that will remain with your child for the rest of their life.

·         London Transport Museum
Nearly every child is fascinated with some mode of transport. Here your kids will learn all they want about their favorite and the hard engineering work that brings those machines to life.

·         Museum of London
In this museum your children will learn many interesting stories about the history of the city. They will be able to see how life was for the Londoners at different times in the past. The museum hosts a variety of specialized exhibits dedicated to various topics and personalities. Note that the history of London tale goes far back into the prehistoric times.

·         Museum of London Docklands
Another museum that will take you on a time-travel to the early 17th century. The museum is located in a 200-year old building that used to be a warehouse and it’s filled with a multitude of valuable historic objects. This place will teach your kids some very important lessons on how life isn’t always fun and kind. Alongside the historical recreation of the 19th century London is also explains the role of the city in slave trade and shows how the poorest residents used to live in the docks.

 

Visiting London with kids must be an enjoyable adventure, so be sure to let yourself relax and simply enjoy your time between forays in learning.

Sponsored Advertisement

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The article Visiting London with Kids by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Why Owning a Pet is Good for the Whole Family

by Hilary Thompson

Bringing a pet into your family can be a big decision. You have to take into account how your children, spouse, and even grandparents will respond to it. Plus, pets can be a big responsibility; hiring a Pet Waste Cleanup company can help you alleviate some of your tasks. However, there are a number of physical and health benefits to owning a pet that won’t just benefit you, but your entire family. If your pet ever falls ill, then don’t hesitate to contact an emergency pet care clinic for medical assistance. 

 

Benefit for Kids

 

As a parent, you know there’s a lot of time, effort, and patience involved in owning a pet, which might make you hesitant toward letting your kids own one. However, the effort of owning a pet can benefit your kids in ways you might not have thought about:

 

Owning a cat or dog may lower the chance of your kids developing allergies and asthma later in life.Having your child walk your dog or care for your animal outside is a great way to keep your kids active. If you want to keep your dog healthy but don’t have time to walk them all the time, then you should hire dog walking services for some help.For younger children, interacting with a pet can significantly improve motor skills.If you’re a busy parent, having a pet in the home can help your children reduce feelings of loneliness. Studies have shown that children who grow up with pets display improved impulse control and social skills. They also have higher levels of self-esteem.

 

Benefits for Adults

 

Whether you have a long day the office, your kids are out of control, or it’s just a bad day, having a furry friend in your home can help alleviate those negative feelings. Along with boosting your emotional health, your animal pal can benefit your physical health as well:

 

If you get a dog, you’re going to have to walk it. And those walks can really add up. One study showed that dog owners were 34 percent more likely to achieve the recommended 150 minutes of exercise a week than non-dog owners.  Not only can dogs get you out and walking, but they can make you more active, overall.Both the NIH and the CDC have found that owning a furry companion decreases blood sugar , cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Each of these lowers the risk of having a heart attack.With everything you’ve got going on in life, you’re likely to feel stressed. Having a pet can help you lower your stress and generally feel happier.Having an animal buddy can help you manage feelings of depression or loneliness. Your pet offers you continuous companionship, unconditional love, and gives you a sense of purpose. All of which can help improve your overall mental health.According to Micah Pratt, marketing manager of Business.org, many employers are gradually letting people bring their furry friends to work to combat workplace stress. She says that she has seen an improvement in company moral, workplace stress, and culture in companies that do this.Whether you like it or not, having a pet can make you more social. Taking your pet for a walk, going to the park, or visiting the vet creates an opportunity for you to meet new people and make new friends.

 

Benefits for Grandparents

 

You’re never too old to have a little buddy in the home. If you have a senior-citizen in your family, there are a number of amazing health benefits a pet can bring them:

 

Many experts recommend pets for seniors since pets can help seniors find meaning and joy in life. A furry or feathered friend will help seniors feel a sense of purpose as they care for it and develop a relationship. For seniors, staying connected to people can become difficult. Having a pet allows seniors to meet and interact with new people, which can help them feel connected to others.Thieves are less likely to break into a house with a barking dog behind the door. For seniors living alone, this can bring feelings of protection.Seniors can experience a lot of aches and pains as they age. Having a pet can ease chronic pain and arthritis. Petting, handling, or playing with a pet can help to ease stiff joints and provide relief.When seniors become empty nesters, they can experience feelings of loneliness or depression. Having a pet in the home can help combat these feelings and help seniors feel happier.

 

Having a furry friend in the home can be therapeutic and beneficial for your entire family. There are some german shepherd puppies for sale right now. From getting your entire family outside and exercising to helping alleviate feelings of stress or loneliness, animals can help boost the overall well-being of your whole family.

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The article Why Owning a Pet is Good for the Whole Family by Hilary Thompson appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Spring Break Vacations

by Cascia Talbert

Sponsored article, the author was provided product for review.

Spring break is only a few weeks away. A majority of Americans will be heading to warm beaches and family resorts for their spring break vacations. This year more families are traveling to exotic locations outside of the United States. According to Kayak, the most popular destination for spring break 2018 is Japan.  Japan has become a hot tourist spot because airline prices have gone down, the yen is also down and the visa requirement is more relaxed.

I prefer to travel somewhere warm like the Caribbean islands. This year the islands should be less crowded and the airfare from the US is right around $500. The Caribbean is the perfect spring break vacation if you need to escape the cold so you can enjoy all the things to do out in the sun.

Growing up we always spent spring break on the beautiful Florida beaches.  Florida is still a popular destination for families from northern states to travel to; most families stay at a universal studios hotel.  Last year we chose a more educational and affordable place to take the kids, Washington D.C. If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Florida, check out apartments for rent in West Palm Beach FL.

Spring Break Vacations – Washington D.C

 

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Washington DC is a short 15 hour drive from Chicago. We stayed at a family-friendly hotel and took advantage of all the free things to do in our nation’s capital. On our first day there we visited the capital building and went on a tour. The kids learned all about what our federal law makers do and the history of our government. We especially enjoyed looking at all the artwork and statues.

We spent another day visiting the memorials and monuments. Our children learned about the great past presidents, Jefferson, Washington, and Lincoln. I was surprised to see how large the statue of Lincoln really was. The reflection of the Washington memorial across the pools was beautiful. We also enjoyed the view of the river and the city from the Jefferson memorial.

The Smithsonian is also free to the public. We spent a couple of days visiting different museums within the Smithsonian. Our kids participated in several hands on learning activities. They got to hold insects, touch and look at rocks and minerals, watch educational films, give a presidential speech, and learn about our nations history.

We also took the kids to Arlington and visited Kennedy’s eternal flame. They also witnessed the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. This tomb is guarded 24 hours a day 265 days a year by Tomb Guard Sentinals. They are all volunteers and considered to be the best of the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), headquartered at Fort Myer, Va. The guard is changed every hour on the hour from October 1 to March 31. From April to September the cemetery is open longer and the guard changes every half hour. If you visit Washington DC over spring break you must take your kids to see this.

The National Zoo is also fun for kids. Everyone likes zoos and our children loved to see all the animals at the National Zoo in Washington DC.  Our favorite exhibit from the zoo was the pandas. A national television station was there filming their show about the pandas. Our children had the opportunity  to be on the set during the filming. We still don’t know if they appeared in the show. The possibility that they could have been was exciting.

We had a wonderful spring break vacation to Washington D.C and now our memories are preserved on canvas thanks to Canvas Factory.  Canvas Factory turns every day photos into works of art to hang on your wall.  All you need to do is visit their website at canvasfactory.com, click “create your own,” upload your images and order.

I love the beautiful print of the Washington Memorial displayed in my front room. You can also add text to your photos. One lucky Healthy Moms Magazine reader can win a gift certificate to Canvas Factory for a 16×20” canvas print. This contest is open to US and Canadian residents only and ends on March 30, 2018 at 10am CST. All you need to do to enter is leave us a comment at the end of this article. What memory would you preserve on canvas? What are some of your favorite places that you have visited for your spring break vacations?

Reference: https://www.aerobell.com/costa-rica-domestic-flights/.

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The article Spring Break Vacations by Cascia Talbert appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

What To Expect After Bariatric Surgery

by Guest Author

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Any surgery, minor or major, can be a traumatic experience both emotionally and physically. Bariatric surgery is considered to be major surgery. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), patients who fall into the following categories are candidates for bariatric surgery:

People who have a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40 or are more than 100 pounds overweightThose with a BMI greater than or equal to 35 and also have at least one obesity-related illness, like sleep apnea, type II diabetes, hypertension, a liver disease not due to alcoholism, gastrointestinal ailments and heart diseasePeople who have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight over a long period of time

Recovery from major surgery can be very painful and take a lot of time. However, looking forward to the positive results and knowing what to expect will help prepare you for your road to recovery.

After undergoing weight loss surgery, your body will handle food differently than before the surgery. It will be more difficult to absorb certain nutrients, like vitamin D, folate, iron, calcium and vitamin B12. Because of this, doctors will often prescribe vitamin supplements. Bariatric surgery vitamins have been clinically proven to reduce post-surgical deficiencies in bariatric patients and help prevent adverse health conditions that might occur after surgery.

Any Side Effects?

According to WebMD, only about 5% will have serious complications, whereas about 10% might suffer from minor complications after surgery. Possible side effects are:

Wound infectionsGallstones Constipation Dumping syndrome (weakness, vomiting and nausea after consuming a lot of sugar)How Much Weight Will You Lose?

This question is probably the one most patients would like answered. After all, that is the purpose of the procedure. Unfortunately, there is not one single answer for all patients. It depends on many factors, such as how overweight you are to begin with, and the answer will vary from person to person. Your best course of action will be to talk to your doctor about your specific situation to keep your expectations realistic.

How About Pain?

Your first day post-op will probably not be very painful because you will still be receiving IV pain medications. Everyone reacts differently to pain with different tolerance levels, so be sure to communicate with your doctor or nurse and let them know how you are feeling. After your IV is removed and you are sent home from the hospital, your doctor will prescribe pain medications, should you need them to help you feel more comfortable. Your pain should subside with each passing day and be gone by approximately the third-week post-surgery. It will take about 6 weeks to fully recover from your surgery, so be sure to follow the directions provided to you by your doctor regarding diet and activity to avoid any complications.

Lifestyle Change

If you don’t change your lifestyle and eating habits after Bariatric surgery, you will be harming yourself and working against the benefits of the surgery. Think about your life as a new start to a healthier you after surgery. Your appetite will be reduced, as will the size of your stomach. You should eat smaller meals because your new smaller stomach will be unable to hold as much food at one time as before your surgery.

People gain weight for many different reasons, many have bad eating habits and don’t eat the right foods. Your surgeon might recommend seeing a nutritionist who can help you devise a diet plan that works with your lifestyle, includes healthy foods and makes sure you are getting all the nutrients you need. In general, you should eat less sugar and smaller portions.

If you didn’t exercise prior to your surgery, once you have fully recovered, you should start a regular exercise program to burn calories and build muscle mass. Be sure not to start any program without checking with your doctor first. You want to make sure your body has completely healed before starting exercise.

Your goal after Bariatric surgery is to keep the weight off and to be healthier. Besides diet and exercise, there are a few other lifestyle changes you can make that can help you achieve and maintain your goals. Think about taking the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator, and how many calories this one change can help you burn. Why not cook more meals at home rather than eating out? Not only will you save money, you will be able to cook healthier, lower-calorie dishes. It is also important to drink a lot of water every day in between meals.

Deciding to have Bariatric surgery is a huge decision. Make sure you change your lifestyle and mindset to move your life along in the direction of managed weight and better health.

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The article What To Expect After Bariatric Surgery by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Ensure Your Travel and Vacation Safety With These Steps

by Guest Author

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Vacations are usually fun, but they sadly don’t always end that way. Let’s start with a bit of a morbid list: the top 10 causes of death for Americans on vacation:

Maritime Accidents

Natural Disasters

Drug-related crime

Terrorist action

Air accidents

Drowning

Other accidents

Suicide

Homicide

Car accidents

As a silver lining, the vast majority of Americans will never have to deal with these kinds of tragedy during their travels. However, this doesn’t mean that they aren’t subject to other potential issues both during their trip and at home while they are gone. The vast majority of these incidents can be sidestepped with just a little planning and effort. Here’s how to put it together.

Safety Before You Leave

While you’re thinking about your fun trip, is anyone thinking about the safety of your home or apartment? This could mark a prime time for robbery, and criminals may take advantage if you make it obvious you are gone. For starters, try to put a stop order for mail and newspapers with your local post office. A pile of mail is an indicator that no one’s home. In the same mindset, don’t be in a rush to advertise all over social media that you’re going away. You never know who may be watching.

Sometimes, there are other ways you want to keep safe. For example, during cold months there is a real risk of pipes bursting, especially if you’re not around to shut off the water. Consider leaving a key with a trusted friend to make sure they check your faucets. You also want to make sure all that your appliances are unplugged before long trips to protect from power surges.

Safety While You’re Away

Depending on where you are traveling, it may be worth it to try and implement a little good practice in terms of protecting your money and valuables. While you may physically be okay if something is stolen, it can easily disrupt your entire trip and potentially lead to issues when you get home. For one, make copies of your ID and passport, and store them separately. If you need to renew your passport check out how to renew a passport here. Travelers abroad can make use of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service for U.S. citizens and nationals. This allows them to enroll with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, which can assist during an emergency, such as a lost or stolen passport.

By the same token, be mindful of how your wallet is set up. Some people use “false wallets” to deter pickpockets, and there are other things you can do, as well. Make sure you only carry the cards you plan on using, and avoid unnecessarily flashing your wealth. Similar to social media at home, there’s no need to potentially set yourself up for a crime of opportunity.

Of course, you need to account for the possibility of having an accident on vacation, as well. This can occur due to a number of different reasons. For example, different states and countries have different traffic laws, and not being aware of them can lead to a potential accident.  Combine this with the fact that many people take advantage of their trip with a little bit of recreation. While you can make memories to last a lifetime, there are also plenty of opportunities for something to go wrong. Here are a few activities that may require more thought for your safety before jumping in:

SkiingSnowboardingBoatingWatersportsHikingBikingZipliningParasailing

And this is only the beginning. To hedge your bets in this area, there are a few things you can do. Start by doing research on potential medical options, especially if you are traveling in an area where the standards aren’t up to most Western countries. Also have an emergency contact in case you are traveling alone and need emergency services to reach out quickly to friends or family.

The good news about this type of care is that you don’t have to let fear linger over your vacation. In reality, most of the work in this area is done before your trip even starts. Taking the time to invest in safety now will save you a lot of potential concern later. Just treat it as a step, the same way as you would with booking your hotel or planning out what attractions you will visit.

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The article Ensure Your Travel and Vacation Safety With These Steps by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Want to Lose Weight and Keep It Off?

by Guest Author

Check out this latest research before you start a new weight loss plan.

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We as a society are obsessed with our weight. But this concern is about more than wanting to look good for an upcoming high school reunion.

The CDC weighs in on the weight issue by noting the following health dangers of being overweight or obese.

Higher mortalityBlood pressure problemsHigh LDL cholesterol, which leads to heart problemsTendency toward Type 2 diabetesHigher risk of strokeLower quality of lifeHigher risk of certain cancersHigher risk of gallbladder disease and coronary heart diseaseHigher risk of mental illnessPhysical pain and impaired mobility

However, knowing about the health dangers does not make it any easier for those of us who need to lose those extra pounds. If you have tried and failed and then failed some more, know you are not alone. According to the Boston Medical Center, approximately 45 million Americans go on a diet every year. And they spend a total of $44 billion on weight loss goods. Many have tried all sorts of diets and have opted to look into a MGB Treatment Webinar to see if its the right option for them.

What hope do you have when so many struggle? Good news and science are on your side. Recent developments are taking the field of weight loss into targeted territory. Here is what you should know.

The Ketogenic diet

Never heard of it? The details might have you falling off your chair. A ketogenic diet has a strict ratio of protein, fat, and carbs that you must adhere to. It comes with a long list of foods that you should not eat, and a shorter list of foods that can be eaten. Surprising foods to avoid include grains, root vegetables and fruits! The ratios are as follows: 70 percent of your day’s calorie intake should come from fat. With 15 to 20 percent coming from protein. And the remaining 10 percent from carbs.

How do you keep track of calculating macronutrients? Apps like the Keto Diet Tracker are a tremendous help. And Ketone test strips can show you your ketone (byproduct of fatty acids broken down for fuel) levels in the blood. For weight loss, you are looking for a state called “deep ketosis.” The optimal goal to achieve deep ketosis is between 1.5 mmol and 3.0mmol/L.

This diet has been known to provide dramatic results in a short amount of time. But it might be difficult for people to stick to. Cleveland Clinic advises checking in with your doctor before trying this one out.

Low Carb vs. Low Fat – And The Winner Is…

Can a person lose more weight on a low carb diet? Or will they shed more pounds going on a low-fat diet? Should you skip the bread basket? Or forgo dipping your bread into herbed olive oil? This debate is many years old, but scientists are only now finding concrete answers to this question. In a study by Stanford U, researchers found that neither is any more or any less effective than the other. Six hundred and nine people participated in this study. And participants were split into a group that followed a low-fat diet and one that followed a low carb diet. The observation period lasted for a year. On average, participants lost approximately 13 pounds, regardless of the type of diet they were on.

The conclusion researchers drew at the end of the study? It matters little whether you go for low carb or low fat. Real success comes from re-framing your relationship with food. Be more mindful of what you eat and eat more vegetables, says the author of the study, Christopher Gardner.

Fidget Your Way Thin

Heard of Michael Mosley? He’s famous for popularizing the 5:2 Fast Diet. Now he has another theory that he would like you to try. Fidget a little bit more.

According to this popular author, journalist and doctor, people who fidget burn more calories per day. This seems logical, right? If you move around more, chances are high you will also be burning more calories than someone who moved around less. But for those of us who need a more scientific explanation to satisfy us, turn to NEAT. NEAT stands for “non-exercise activity thermogenesis”. And it refers to the energy we use for everything that isn’t either all-out exercise or activities like sleeping, eating or working at a laptop. Your NEAT can amount to 50 percent of your caloric expenditure in a day if you fidget a lot but only 15 percent if you don’t. If fidgeting brings to mind a kid who bounces off the walls and can’t sit still, then you have the right idea. Chances are high that this same kid also has no problem with weight gain or being active.

New weight loss plan: Be a fidgeter. In other words, move a little bit more.

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The article Want to Lose Weight and Keep It Off? by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Learn More About Using Fluoride As an Oral Care Product

by LouAnn Moss

Learn More About Using Fluoride As an Oral Care Product

Fluoride was discovered around the late 1890s. It was initially used to prevent tooth decay by limiting the production of enamel decay-causing bacteria. Today, it is widely used to prevent cavities and strengthen teeth. Here are a few facts on fluoride and your health:

Although fluoride can help prevent tooth decay and help keep your teeth clean and healthy, it has no proven effects in the prevention of cavities. It does not prevent the formation of cavities, either. The purpose of fluoridated water is not to prevent tooth decay but to enhance the strength and enamel texture of teeth.

How much fluoride should you use? Fluoride should be used in the water you drink and in your toothbrush every time you brush your teeth. It may be added to your toothpaste as well. Fluoride does not taste good, but it does provide some protection for your teeth need from cavities.

How much fluoride should I avoid? Experts recommend that adults and children receive no more than five micrograms of fluoride per kilo of body weight each day. You can find it in most tap water supplies and in some bottled waters. The amount you should avoid depends on your age and how much is in your drinking water. Some dentists suggest limiting the consumption of fluoride to one teaspoon a day.



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If you have cavities, are you likely to get them again? Experts do not believe that toothpaste or other fluoride sources can prevent you from getting cavities in the future. They do suggest that you limit your intake to small doses. If you use fluoride-rich toothpaste or take a fluoride supplement, you should also limit your consumption of these products to small doses.

What’s the difference between regular toothpaste and fluoride toothpaste? Regular toothpaste usually contains either sodium  or potassium. While both of these chemicals are relatively weak alternatives to fluoride, they can still affect your health in different ways. Potassium has been shown to contribute to improper thyroid function and may contribute to hyperactivity in children. Sodium has been shown to increase blood pressure, so it’s best to choose toothpastes that contain the less-potent sodium fluoride.

Should I use fluoride for my oral care? Fluoride is a strong cleaning agent that should be applied by either a professional in a professional setting such as a dental office. However, you should still brush your teeth regularly with a soft bristled toothbrush and floss regularly to ensure your teeth are as healthy as possible. Adding fluoride toothpaste to your regular oral care routine can help you achieve maximum benefits from your regular brushing and flossing regimen.

It is recommended to choose natural fluoride over pharmaceutical grade fluoride. You can learn more about which type of fluoride is the best for you, your family, and the environment by visiting the official National Institute of Health website. You can also find other resources to learn more about choosing an alternative. Fluoride is a valuable ingredient in a wide range of toothpastes, mouth rinses, and other products marketed for the purpose of preventing tooth decay and preserving good oral hygiene. If you’re concerned about the health of your family, or if you want to take an active role in making sure your public health measure is successful, talk to your dentist about your concerns.

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The article Learn More About Using Fluoride As an Oral Care Product by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.