Cascia Talbert's Blog, page 75
October 4, 2018
What is Eczema and Who Gets It?
by Rachel Duran
Eczema refers to a common skin disease called “Atopic Dermatitis.” This causes a dry, itchy, red rash on the skin. You will have very intense scratching that can cause patches of dry skin can bleed, crack or crust and get infected. Most people with eczema get it as children. However, many people still have the disease as adults. Adult symptoms tend to be milder. It’s less common to get this skin condition for the first time as an adult. These types of inflammation are not allergies, however, the disease can flare-up when you’re around things that cause an allergic reaction. The body’s immune system overreacts to substances, called allergens, that are usually not harmful. This can cause hives, itching, swelling, sneezing, and a runny nose. Areas affected by atopic dermatitis must be moisturized daily and medication must be applied when necessary as prescribed by a doctor.
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Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that causes the skin to become extremely itchy. Persistent scratching can lead to redness, blisters that “weep” clear fluid, bleeding, and crusting of certain areas of the skin. People with atopic dermatitis also can be more susceptible to bacterial, viral, and fungal skin infections. Credit: NIAID – Eczema, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
Nearly 31 million Americans suffer from eczema-related symptoms. Most types cause dry, itchy skin and rashes on the face, inside the elbows and behind the knees and on the hands and feet. Scratching the surface can cause it to turn red, and to swell and itch even more. The rash is not contagious. And the cause is not known. Both genetic and environmental factors likely cause atopic dermatitis. Inflammation and the areas affected may get better or worse over time, but it is often a long-lasting disease. People who have it may also develop hay fever and asthma.
The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis in children. Children who have atopic dermatitis will often have the disease into the adulthood with a highly variable level of severity and frequency. Sometimes the symptoms can be chronic which means a person always has at least one area of their body with symptoms. Treatments may include topical medications, skin creams, light therapy, and practicing good skin care. Doctors often prescribe steroid creams to calm down the inflammatory reaction. Long term use of topical steroids have side effects. More doctors are utilizing effective and less harmful non-steroidal topical medications for long term use.
There are several types of eczema:
Atopic Dermatitis: More than half of people with eczema have this. It’s the most severe type and it lasts the longest. The symptoms often start in childhood. It includes dry, itchy, and scaly skin and is often located insides of the elbows and backs of the knees. It can also cause rashes on the cheeks. The flare-ups often come with crusted sores caused by infection.
Dyshidrotic Eczema: Also known as pompholyx eczema, causes itchy water blisters on your palms of hands and soles of feet. It also brings a burning sensation and pricking feeling. Dyshidrotic eczema affects adults over 40 years old, especially those with allergies. It’s also common among people who put their hands and feet in water a lot. People who work with chromium, cobalt, or nickel have a higher chance of developing pompholyx eczema. Stress can also trigger this form.
Nummular eczema: “Nummular,” the Latin word for “coin,” refers to the coin-shaped spots on the skin. It’s also called discoid eczema because the scaly patches look like discs. Its cause is unknown. The spots, which can be dry and scaly or weeping (and may or may not be itchy) might be triggered by reactions to inflammation or dry skin. The lower legs, forearms, and trunk are the most commonly affected areas.
Unfortunately, there are no blood or lab tests to diagnose atopic dermatitis. Your doctor will look at your skin and assess your symptoms to figure out the severity of your eczema, and decide on treatment. Each different type of eczema can range in severity from mild to severe.
Eczema Research
Scientists thought that all types of eczema were caused by allergies (eczema and allergies). Now we know that the connection is more complicated. Researchers are still uncovering new details about the causes of atopic dermatitis that may lead to better treatments. Some recent areas of study include:
Genes. Researchers have found that some people with the condition have a gene flaw that causes a lack of a type of protein, called filaggrin, in their skin. It helps form the protective outer layer of our skin and keeps out germs and more. A lack of filaggrin dries out and weakens that skin barrier. This makes skin vulnerable to irritants, like soaps and detergents. It also makes it easier for allergens to get into the body. Scientists believe that that makes people more sensitive to those allergens and even some foods.
How the body reacts to allergens.
Some research has found that people with eczema may have a defect in their skin barrier. Small gaps in the skin make it dry out quickly which lets germs and allergens into the body. When allergens enter the skin, they prompt the body to make chemicals that lead to redness and swelling, called inflammation. Research also points to a problem with a type of white blood cell that releases chemicals that help control allergic reactions in the body. This may help explain why people with eczema have outbreaks when they’re around allergens.
Too many antibodies. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a type of antibody that plays a role in the body’s allergic response. People with eczema have higher-than-normal levels of it. Researchers are working to understand why people with the skin condition make too much IgE and what role this may play in the disease.
Eczema Treatment
The current medical treatments reduce itching and swelling, but they tend to only focus on making the symptoms more bearable. Some of them also have nasty side effects. Antihistamines taken orally are used as a form of treatment. Some scientists claim that this isn’t an effective therapy because it doesn’t treat the skin. Oral antihistamines only treat the itching. Antihistamines often can cause drowsiness and leave you sluggish during the day. Antibiotics sometimes are required to address an infection caused in an area by bacteria.
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By NIAID – https://www.flickr.com/photos/niaid/1..., CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
Infections from atopic dermatitis are often due to itching, which stirs up bacteria on our skin. This can cause a bacterial infection on skin that is open. Antibiotics may be necessary at times but they can also kill our good bacteria or ‘normal flora’ on our skin. This can weaken the immune system. Topical steroid creams are frequently used but can result in diminishing effectiveness. Often more powerful topical steroids need to be applied to achieve the same results. Once users discontinue topical steroids the return of eczema is devastating. Topical steroids can also cause atrophy or skin and subcutaneous fat layer below the skin. Most doctors recommend non-steroidal prescription and OTC creams today.
Natural Treatment Options for Eczema
An eczema journal can help keep track of flare ups. Natural remedies can also alleviate symptoms and build a path towards remission and health. These natural remedies are often used to avoid the cost, inconvenience, and side effects of prescription drugs and invasive treatments. Topical medications will not help until you address the underlying problem. Sometimes diet and lifestyle factors can cause or contribute to the eczema flare-ups. Applying coconut oil and lotion can help cool pain. Make sure you are not allergic to coconut oil before you use it. ‘Sea Spray’, a liquid treatment for eczema, can also relieve pain. Bathing in magnesium helps heal the skin.
How to separate the good eczema treatments from the junk.
When taking care of skin it’s important to pick the right products, no matter if it’s natural skin remedies or medications. Pay attention to quality of ingredients, ingredients which address dryness, allergens, bacteria, and provide a protective barrier, and offer a money-back guarantee.
This article is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat your health problem. Always consult your doctor before seeking treatment.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/treatment-16/eczema-allergies-link
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema-different-types#1
The article What is Eczema and Who Gets It? by Rachel Duran appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
Top 5 Tips to Protect Your Little Athletes This Sports Season
Cross country, field hockey, football, soccer, volleyball. The list goes on and on. Winter sports are soon approaching and children are preparing to head into game season. They are stocking up on things such as uniforms, equipment, and team spirit. However, children and parents are overlooking one key thing this sports season: preventing sports-related foot injuries.
All types of athletes are at risk of foot or ankle injuries while being active. In my work as a podiatrist, I often see children with sports-related injuries. Some common sports that I see include soccer and football, but really any sport that requires running can cause injury. However, most sports-related foot injuries are preventable. Here are tips to protect your kids during this sports season!
Find the Perfect Shoe
What do athletes and Cinderella have in common? The need for the perfect shoe! Pick a pair of shoes that is specific to your foot type and can provide support where needed. Keep in mind every sport is played different and requires your body to move in different ways. It’s important to buy the type of shoe that is required by that sport. Always start a new season with new shoes. Old shoes can be worn down and uneven, this can cause the ankle to tilt or the arch to fall. The biggest problem that I see is children wearing flip-flops while doing any type of outdoor activity. Due to their lack of support, these types of shoes can easily cause sprains and strains as well as hurt your child’s knees, lower back, and hips.
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The type of shoes you’re putting on your kid’s feet are extremely important. There should be enough support in a shoe to balance a kid. A good website that parents can go to check shoe recommendations for children and adults is APMA.ORG
Have Old Sports Injuries Check Out
It is important to have a medical exam before the season starts to know if a previous injury is vulnerable to further injury or stress. A pre-season physical can also help identify if more support or protection is needed for previous injuries. Not to mention, if your athlete is in a good state to play this season.
Warming Up and Cooling Down
I always tell parents that a child should be stretching before and after practice. It is extremely important to always warm up before any physical activity to prepare your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels. Just as important, have your athlete cool down after physical activity. Cooling down helps prevent injuries by stopping the pooling of blood in the lower extremities of your body. It also helps prevent muscle soreness.
Rest Up!
All athletes, regardless of age, need to get enough rest. A lack of sleep and muscle fatigue isn’t a good combination. Muscles that are being overworked are more prone to injury.
Seek Treatment Immediately
It’s important to get an injury examined and treated as soon as possible. This is because certain injuries can lead to long term problems, such as arthritis. By getting treatment sooner, you are lowering the likelihood of experiencing these long-term problems.
The article Top 5 Tips to Protect Your Little Athletes This Sports Season by Dr. Charlton Woodly appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
September 29, 2018
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
by Guest Author
Alcohol addiction can be a difficult topic to discuss, especially if you are concerned that you or a loved one might have a problem. There is hope. Taking a treatment program at a rehab facility will assist you or your loved one with overcoming addiction and provide a brighter future.
What is Alcohol Addiction?
By definition, alcohol addiction is an illness. Whether you have battled with this addiction off and on or have watched somebody you care about struggle, recovering can be a challenge.
It could take months and once in a while years for someone battling addiction to admit there is a problem. There are several programs that can help you or your loved one overcome addiction. Ask yourself the following questions to determine if you have an alcohol addiction.
Do you often neglect your regular responsibilities because you are drinking?
Has your drinking effected work, school or other aspects in your life?
Have you spent so much money on alcohol that you are unable to keep up with your bills?
Do you drink for several days in a row?
If you found that you had to say yes to any of the above questions, you may have a problem. If you are worried about a friend or family member who is dealing with alcohol addiction you should voice your concern.
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How to Tell if You or Your Loved One is Battling Alcohol Addiction
There are a few basic indications that show you are abusing alcohol. In the event that you or someone you care about identify with any of the situations below, consider going to a rehab facility as soon as you can.
You hurt yourself or those around you when drinking or while under the influence.
Friends or family often voice worries about how much you drink
You can’t control how much you drink.
You have had severe issues related to drinking, for example, public inebriation or DUIs.
You experience mental fog after drinking where you can’t recall what occurred for a considerable length of time.
You drink right before or while driving.
A Parent with Alcohol Addiction Can Cause Stress on Their Children
The children of those who suffer from alcohol addiction frequently wind up being emotionally damaged. The alcohol could make the parent end up being violent. The alcohol addiction can cause a parent to be absent. Children who grow up with a parent with a drinking problem often experience severe depression.
Another indication of alcohol addiction is when someone sneaks alcohol drinks when no one is looking and makes up an excuse to drink. If you or your loved one hides your drinking habit there might be a serious problem.
If you believe your loved one has a drinking habit do not be afraid to intervene. If you feel comfortable doing so, approach your loved one with sympathy and compassion to try to open lines of communication.
Take the time today to look up the information of the closest rehab facility to you. For a serious alcohol addiction you may want to consider contacting them as soon as you can.
The article Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Addiction by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
September 28, 2018
Six Tips to Build Muscles and Get Ripped Fast
by Dr. Kojian
One of the common trends in the fitness world today is to get ripped abs; who wouldn’t want to? This is the dream for most people who hit the gym, and while this isn’t a bad idea, the question is if you are doing the right thing to build these muscles and get ripped. Most of the websites promoting ways to get ripped are just scams and are not ready to give you your desired result. They might even claim to be a weight loss doctor, which is a more interesting way to get you to turn in your money in return for nothing.
Building muscles and getting ripped might look like a long and unattainable feat but you can get it if you commit to it and do it the right way.
Here are six effective tips to guide you on the right path to building muscles and getting ripped fast:
Maintain a Schedule
A workout schedule will keep your body engaged and also help you to be consistent with your training. Set up a schedule with a different set of exercises in strength training. You can modify these exercises as time goes on and also increase your number of reps and sets, just to challenge your body and keep getting better. It is also vital that you follow through your schedule to get the best results.
Consume Protein-rich Diet
The body needs protein to repair tissues, and this includes the muscle tears that occur while you train. You need to fill up your diet with enough protein to help you build lean muscle and also shed excess fat in the process. By adding more protein to your diet, you get to increase your muscle retention, stabilize blood sugar and burn more calories.
Protein is the most valuable macronutrient of all, and most professional athletes and competitive bodybuilders make it a priority. Experts recommend that you consume proteins immediately after a workout session.
Use Smart Cardio Methods
Cardio exercise benefits the body in so many ways, by aiding weight loss, stronger heart and lungs and so many more. A great way to get more benefits from strength training is by following a cardio workout. Cardio helps you to burn fat, but it is not about throwing in a few cardio exercises into your routine but also doing it the smarter way. You can combine interval workouts with abdominal exercises. Your cardio session may not cost you up to 30 minutes but make sure it’s worth the time, and you are consistent with it.
Stretch
Stretching exercises are required after working out, to help relax the tension in your muscles and relieve the soreness in the muscles of your legs, including the hamstrings, quads, and calves. It mainly focuses on the fascia, which helps to hold the muscles in place but can also hold back muscle growth. With stretching exercises, you get to stretch the fascia, thereby giving your muscles more room to grow.
In addition to that, it helps improve flexibility, makes your workout session even more productive and prepares your body ahead for the next workout.
Eat Healthy Fats at Regular Intervals
While you workout to shed excess fat, you shouldn’t totally eliminate fat from your diet, but rather replace unhealthy fats with healthy ones. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated are the two healthy fats to go for, as they help stabilize the insulin level. Raw nuts, nut butter, whole eggs, chia seeds, fish oils, and olive oils are examples of fat-rich food to add to your diet. With a diet rich in healthy fats and protein, your metabolism works faster and burn more calories.
A more effective way to get the benefits of this is by eating at regular intervals. It will keep you energized and fuelled up. Break your meals into smaller portions and eat at intervals, about 5 to 6 times a day for more benefits.
Limit Your Reps
You don’t have to train for long hours to get the best results. You can train for 45 minutes and still attain your goal. Simply do 6 to 12 reps in each set of a 12 set muscle group workout.
Conclusion
A standard workout routine for strength training and a healthy diet is all that is required to build muscles and get ripped fast. Engaging in the most rigorous workout routine without matching up with the proper diet will hinder you from hitting your goals, as a result of your diet contradicts what you expect from the workout.
You may not see results as soon as you get on the journey, but it doesn’t mean that it is unattainable. Consistency, over time, will yield results and you are on your way to hitting that goal you have set out for yourself.
The article Six Tips to Build Muscles and Get Ripped Fast by Dr. Kojian appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
September 21, 2018
What Is PANDAS? The Oddly Named, Scary Disorder Caused by Strep Throat
by LouAnn Moss
[image error]There are more than 3 million cases of strep throat each year. Of all the total strep throat cases diagnosed, only 10% are adults — meaning wholly 90% of strep cases involve children. Though strep throat is irritating, uncomfortable, and can be quite painful for children, it can lead to much more severe health concerns. Chief among them: PANDAS.
What Is PANDAS?
According to CBS News, strep throat can trigger PANDAS, bizarre behavior disorders characterized by sudden-onset symptoms such as tics, tantrums, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and trouble sleeping. PANDAS, or pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcus, affects a small percentage of children and young teens following a strep throat infection.
PANDAS is a rare complication caused by an immune system that attacks the strep bacteria and even the child’s brain.
“One day he’s doing this thing really happy and wanting to go out and do his thing, and suddenly the next day he wakes up and we aren’t sure what’s going on,” said Saul Markowitz, whose son, Brandon, suffered from this disorder at just five years old.
After taking Brandon to the doctor, Saul and his wife Bonnie were told that it was likely PANDAS.
“What that basically means is a child gets an infection and the antibodies to that infection end up attacking the brain instead of the germs,” said DR. Elizabeth Spaar, PANDAS expert. “For the kids where it isn’t caught early and misdiagnosed, there can be lifelong effects from it, unfortunately.”
How common is PANDAS? Unfortunately, the prevelance of the disorder is unknown, though some researchers estimate it can affect anywhere from 1 in 200 to 1 in 500 children. Symptoms can worsen dramatically and immediately after strep infections.
Here are some symptoms of PANDAS to be aware of:
Obsessive, compulsive, and repetitive behaviors
Memory problems
Separation anxiety, fear, and panic attacks
Hyperactivity or an inability to focus
Incessant streaming, irritability, and frequent mood changes
Near catatonic state
Emotional and development regression
Joint pain
Frequent urination and bedwetting
Emotional and developmental regression
Rapid weight loss
Trouble sleeping
Visual or auditory hallucinations
Depression and suicidal thoughts
Sensitivities to light, touch, and sound
Deterioration of small motor skills and poor handwriting
Treatment for PANDAS
So what can parents do to avoid this frightening disease? The National Institute of Mental Health has this advice for parents and caregivers:
“Sterilize or replace toothbrushes during and following the antibiotics treatment, to make sure that the child isn’t re-infected with strep. It might also be helpful to ask a health care provider to perform throat cultures on the child’s family members to make sure that none are ‘strep carriers,’ who could serve as a source of the strep bacteria.”
If you are worried your son or daughter is too sick to go to school, read our guide to determining whether or not to call a sick day. In addition, the prescription for PANDAS is the same as it is for most severe cases of strep throat: “The best treatment for acute episodes of PANDAS is to treat the strep infection causing the symptoms (if it is still present) with antibiotics.”
The article What Is PANDAS? The Oddly Named, Scary Disorder Caused by Strep Throat by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
A Vaccine For Acne Could Be Closer Than You Think!
by LouAnn Moss
[image error]Everybody hates acne. It has no real age restrictions, affecting most people from the moment they go through puberty and continuing long after, sometimes never fully going away. Its debilitating effects are as painful physically as they are emotionally. Acne affects your self-confidence and inspires shame and disgust, causing people to seek out anything — regardless of cost — that will help. Fortunately, there may be a cure on the way: a vaccine for acne.
The acne vaccine isn’t exactly breaking news, but the recent development in its research certainly is. New information (published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology) explains that the use of P. acnes bacteria antibodies does actually reduce inflammation in human skin. It may not sound extraordinarily important, but it is a very promising start for those who suffer from the skin condition, especially those with deep, painful cystic acne.
However, we aren’t there yet. Acne continues to drive the beauty market, plying consumers with offers of poreless, acne-free skin, and for only X amount of dollars! And then, of course, you need to keep buying it, month by month or else risk a relapse into bad skin; even people who have very little money will make sure they have enough for their acne treatments. For those who need to visit a dermatologist to get relief, the costs rise exponentially — and, unfortunately, that accounts for more than 40% of kids in their mid-teens.
As a teenager, you shouldn’t have to be spending your hard-earned (and probably extremely limited) money to buy miracle cures or pay for prescriptions. Even so, many teens (and their parents) feel it’s their only option. The average trip to the dermatologist can cost between $45 and $200 per month, because treatment can never end or the pain and ugliness may return. These medicines are often as caustic as they are costly: the use of steroids, antibacterials, and harsh ingredients can dry skin out and make it painfully sensitive. In addition, extreme care is required during exposure to sunlight, and delicacy is a necessity.
The lower end of that spectrum is only if you have decent insurance, and paying premiums each month take their own toll. Approximately one-third of American families struggle to pay their medical bills, usually holding off on doctor visits until they are absolutely necessary. Many parents simply aren’t able to afford such consistent, high costs for something as common as acne, regardless of how desperate their child is for it.
That cost barrier includes trips to urgent care and the emergency room, which skyrocket compared to simple doctor’s appointments; depending on what services you receive and what kind of insurance you have, a trip to urgent care can run you around $200. They see, on average, 3 million people each week. Emergency room visits are even more expensive, costing upwards of $500 due to the immediacy of the situation; as pervasive and devastating as acne can be, at least breakouts don’t require trips to the ER!
A future where acne — and all of its expenses — can be narrowed down to one simple injection is positively ideal. We can only hope it arrives sooner rather than later.
The article A Vaccine For Acne Could Be Closer Than You Think! by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
How to Use Yoga to Improve Your Back Health
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Yoga has been around for thousands of years and remains globally popular even today. People are going to gyms and attending courses during their free time and on their doctor’s advice.Still standing the test of time, yoga remains a popular and effective means to relax and to improve one’s health.
As more people maneuver into white-collar jobs in IT, where hours of sitting a day are expected, work-related conditions such as chronic back pain are becoming ever more frequent. Yoga is known to cure or, at least relieve, these conditions naturally. This partly explains why so many companies include yoga as part of their employee engagement and wellness programs.
Still, you don’t need to go to a yoga session at work to achieve a more pain-free back. Here are some ways to practice yoga at home, at the office, or anywhere!
1. Make it comfortable
Yoga is all about relaxing your muscles. Of course, practicing your poses won’t be as tranquil when your doing it on a hard wooden floor. You ought to be as comfortable as possible, so make sure to get a soft yoga mat and bring a spare set of comfortable clothes. Choose thin leggings that aren’t restrictive and hot. If you don’t like the tightness of these garments, you can wear loose exercise pants made with breathable fabrics.
2. Do it where it’s quiet
Yoga has to be done where there is a great deal of peace and tranquility. You just can’t concentrate with the sounds of traffic and heavy machinery all around you. Although you can’t always control your environment, you can at least find a place where it’s quiet and solemn. You can try the rooftop of your apartment or, if you want pure serenity, you can try doing yoga at the nearby park or out of town where you get closest to nature.
3. Secure your space
Yoga involves various poses and exercises that may require ample space to move. After finding a peaceful place, make sure that the environment isn’t too restrictive. If there are objects within a two-meter radius, clear them out.
Aside from giving you freedom of movement, an uncluttered exercise space can help you concentrate better. This enables you to make the most out of every session!
4. Take it one step at a time
Many first-time learners of yoga just can’t wait to try out the advanced poses. But just like any other exercise regimen, yoga follows a process that requires beginning with simple routines and working your way towards more intricate formations and postures. You will also need to follow directions carefully when transitioning to new poses. Doing it the wrong way can result in injury.
Never try out yoga poses if you already have chronic back pain. For that, make sure you consult an expert. See your general practitioner to find out if you need X-rays. If it’s a condition you already know about, see a local NYC chiropractor or someone in your area to help you with your condition and prep you for yoga class.
5. Maintain and have fun!
Once you have gotten the hang of your new exercise routine and followed every step correctly, you should be able to feel less back pain. This is a good sign, since it means you have adapted to yoga as part of your life!
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The article How to Use Yoga to Improve Your Back Health by catherinejpark appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
10 Incredible Things to do in Maui
by Guest Author
Now that your plane tickets to the island of Maui, Hawaii are booked, here comes to enjoyable part – planning your itinerary in Hawaii’s second-largest island. There are so many things to do in Maui, that you might be wondering where to start. Maui’s interesting and beautiful attractions and activities care to just about every interest. For people looking for an adventure, their usual destination is the dormant Haleakala volcano, while for more relaxed travelers can soak up the sun on one of the many shorelines or enjoy the island’s 14 golf courses.
In this article, not only are we going to highlight some of the most popular things to do in Maui, you will also find information on accommodation, be it in Maui beach house rentals or hotel options, first-hand tips, and recommendations.
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Bike down Haleakala at sunrise
Take advantage of your vacation adrenaline or jet lag and spend your day, early morning atop an active volcano. It may be a little touristy, but this mountain range called “house of the sun” is worthy to visit and best for panoramic photo ops. Don’t forget to bring your warmest outfit and watch the stars fade as the sun surfaces from above the clouds.
Unwind at the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
This mountaintop offers great views, food, and drinks with over 55,000 plants and 45 lavender varieties. You can also explore the 13.5-acres ground by yourself, relax on benches or under a gazebo, join a walking tour, experience the lavender treasure hunt, or simply enjoy a picnic lunch. The plant may not be endemic to Hawaii, but lavender thrives in Kula’s cool, dry climate and blooms all year long, so it’s always a good time to visit this farm.
Travel the road to Hana
This curvy coastal road on the island’s northeastern shore is one of the most favorites when it comes to tourism in Maui. This entire stretch includes zig-zagging through a lush rainforest with sea cliffs, waterfalls, pools, bamboo forest, 600 switchbacks, and 46 one-lane bridges. You can also see along the way that red sand beaches both hidden and not-so-hidden. The best way to experience this coastal road is by renting a car or book a guided tour but don’t forget to bring extra shoes, snacks, and swimsuit so you can keep your adventuring plans flexible.
Go Snorkeling
Snorkeling is, of course, one of the most exciting things to do in Maui, and there are plenty of beautiful places to do it. Exploring Maui’s underwater and hanging out with the amazing sea creatures can be like visiting another world. One of the top places to go snorkeling is in Turtle Town. It’s a place to a massive population of sea turtles thanks to the Endangered Species Act. Another interesting place to visit is the Coral Gardens to explore some of the island’s beautiful coral reefs. No matter where you decide to snorkel, you’re surely going to see some amazing underwater life.
Go on a Submarine Tour
This submarine tour gives you the opportunity to board a submarine and explore the wonders of Maui’s underwater. You’ll go a hundred feet down to see underwater marine life and coral reefs from a true technological marvel. Each trip is surely a moment to remember. It’s a comfortable and safe way to experience Maui’s undersea world.
Go Surfing or Stand-up Paddleboarding
Aside from sunbathing and snorkeling, there are so many more things to do in Maui. Surfing is the top Hawaiian activity, and Maui is the perfect place to learn. There are several surfing schools in Maui for those who’d like to try new adventures. There are available great spots for experienced surfers.
The North Shore is the best place to catch some big waves. For advanced surfers, head to Honolulu Bay. These spots are recommended for experienced surfers only, as it can be dangerous for beginners.
Try the Local Food
Your Hawaiian adventure wouldn’t be complete without trying out some traditional Hawaiian dishes. One thing you must try on this beautiful island is the Kalua pork. This pig is cooked in a unique way in an underground oven to make the meat tender and juicy. Also, don’t forget to try some shaved ice shaved ice cream, a delicious snow cone that comes in different exotic flavors. You might also want to visit the Geste Shrimp Truck, which is not far from the airport. Try their famous Shrimp Scampi or Spicy Pineapple Shrimp.
Visit the Bailey House Museum
For any history lover, visiting Bailey House Museum is a must-see. This museum is dedicated to Hawaiian art and history. It is a home to Pre-European Hawaiian artifacts along with artwork from the 19th century. On the second level of the museum, you’ll find the picture perfect replication of a 19th century home in Hawaii. Don’t forget to make a visit to this museum while you’re in the ‘lao Valley.
Go Zip-lining in Ka’anapali
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, Zip-lining in Ka’anapali is perfect for you. On some guided tours, you’ll be leaving the beach to go hiking and off-roading going to the Ka’anapali Mountains. Then you’ll go zip-lining through many of Maui’s beautiful ravines and valleys.
Take a Trip to the ‘lao Valley
The ‘lao Valley is home to one of Hawaii’s most famous landmarks, the ‘lao Needle. It’s a massive rock covered in vegetation that is one of the most favorite places for people who love to hike.
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The article 10 Incredible Things to do in Maui by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
September 14, 2018
National Child Passenger Safety Week
The last week of September has been designated as National Child Passenger Safety week in the United States. While we should always be aware of and using safety precautions with children in vehicles, this time of year is excellent to review and be sure you are adhering to the current laws safety measures that are put in place.
With school already in full swing for the year, car pools have begun, and kids may be catching rides from friends’ parents, babysitters, nannies, and more. It is important for you to know who your children are riding with and what the current laws are for when you give rides to other people’s children.
Safety Stats
According to the CDC, the leading cause of death among children in the United States is from motor vehicle injuries. This is a terrifying statistic for parents to see but many of these deaths are preventable. For instance, out of the children 12 years and under that died in car crashes in 2015, 35% were not buckled. These statistics really drive home the fact that using the appropriate restraints for children riding in motor vehicles is crucial in keeping them safe from harm.
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Brief Overview: Passenger Safety And Car Seat Laws
When talking about child passenger safety there are several areas in which one can focus including car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. So let’s begin with some of the most vulnerable passengers: babies. All babies should be securely riding in a car seat when inside of motor vehicle. It is extremely important that car seats are utilized correctly to ensure that the baby is as safe as possible. If you need a reminder to check your child’s seat, the perfect day to do so is September 29 which is designated National Seat Check Saturday. Here are a few things to keep in mind when your child rides along with you.
From birth until age 2 children should be buckled into a rear-facing car seat. (Or until they reach the height and weight limit of the seat)
From age 2-5 years of age, or when the child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat, the child should be riding in a forward-facing car seat.
From age 5 and up until a seat belt fits the child properly the child should be buckled up in a booster seat. A child should be 57 inches tall to properly fit into a seat belt without a booster seat.
Children 12 and under should always ride in the backseat of the car because a deployed airbag is a hazard to them rather than a protection.
Child Safety With Other Drivers
As a busy parent you are not able to be with your child 24/7 and you want to know that your child is in good hands. There are certain precautionary steps and considerations you can take to ensure that anyone who drives your child is responsible and knowledgeable regarding child passenger safety. On the other hand, if you are a nanny, carpool driver, or someone who frequently provides transportation for child passengers be prepared to provide certain information to other parents and guardians to ease their minds. Here are some tips for items to check.
Driving Records. Be sure that there are no major infractions on an individual’s driving record such as a DUI or reckless driving charge.
Proof of Insurance. Sadly, many people will drive without insurance, so you shouldn’t make the assumption that someone is insured simply because they own a car or drive.
Car Maintenance Records. Be sure that the vehicle is up to date on inspection. Are there any issues such as low tread on the tires or maintenance alerts light up on the dash?
Ask Questions. Ask the driver what their driving habits are and make it known that you do not want certain distractions present while your child is a passenger in the vehicle. One behavior that is a frequent distraction is cell phone usage.
We all know that accidents happen and hopefully they will not occur with your child present in the vehicle. Yet, you can give yourself some peace of mind by following these tips and ensuring that your child is as safe as possible in the event of an unfortunate accident.
The article National Child Passenger Safety Week by Laurence Banville appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
If We Want to Change the Wage Gap for Our Girls: We Must Teach Money Confidence
Why teach girls about money?
End the gender wage gap?
Promote economic empowerment?
Ensure a safe retirement?
Create opportunities throughout life?
When girls learn about money, they learn critical life skills like salary research and negotiation, and the need to maximize their incomes throughout their lives to build wealth and financial independence. They also learn about investing, and the power of compounding and time. That information can help girls learn to start saving early in their careers, to ensure sufficient funds for retirement. Finally, girls’ financial literacy means a foundation for creating a life with opportunities and choices.
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The scary financial story for our girls today is that despite the Equal Pay Act of 1963, and lots of press about Hollywood and other industry wage discrimination, women working full-time continue to earn a fraction of what their male counterparts do — coming in at 80 cents on the dollar in 2017, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Even scarier is that our academically successfully — and frequently superior — recent women college graduates continue to under-earn their male counterparts. According to a recent study by the Economic Policy Institute, recent women college grads earn 86% of what men earn in 2015, down from 91% in 2000.
So, what does that cost women in a lifetime? Studies show that a half a million dollars is what under-negotiations a first salary can cost someone by age 60. Why is this still going on despite policy changes, publicity, and overall greater awareness of the problem?
One thought is that women earn less because they do not negotiate salaries as effectively as their male counterparts, if at all. So why not? Let’s take a step back, and look at what happens as girls grow up, and what they learn about speaking up for themselves, and knowing and acknowledging their talents and skills.
Psychologist Carol Gilligan has shown that girls learn between the ages of 11 and 15 or 16 that it is dangerous to say how she actually feels, compared to younger girls who are more courageous. Conversations with older adolescents can be marked by the phrase “I don’t know” when a few years earlier, the girls were outspoken and confident.
Another psychologist, Mary Pipher, talks in her book Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls about how girls who speak frankly are labeled negatively, and that girls are trained in society to be feminine, and to “achieve, but not too much.”
In my experience as a mother and a teacher, I remember my middle school daughter and her friends starting to say that it was not nice to “brag,” which really meant, avoid saying positive things about themselves. Later, in my financial education classes with high school girls, I saw the evolution of that idea. When asked if my students would ever try to negotiate a higher salary, one girl said she would not ask for more money if it could hurt the company or other people working there. Another girl said she would never speak up for herself; she would work hard and wait to be noticed.
And we see where that disposition leads. So how do we break this cycle for the next generation of women?
The answer is money confidence.
Money understanding is multi-faceted. There’s the knowledge that needs to be acquired, there are the skills that need to be developed, and then there are actions that need to be taken. For example, it’s not just enough to know that you should be earning what you’re worth, you actually have to negotiate the salary. In simple terms:
Money Understanding = Knowledge + Skills + Disposition.
Money confidence is believing in your ability to take care of yourself financially, and involves the ongoing learning and demonstration of the skills, mindset, and deeper understanding of how the critical financial pieces of your life fit together. These pieces include human capital, wealth management, and value creation.
In one recent high school girls financial education class of mine, we discussed the context of women and money, looking at issues around the gender wage gap, women and work, girls’ rising ambition levels, and the importance of income in the overall financial picture. We did a fantastic exercise around salary negotiation, so the girls could begin to understand — and experience — that critical process.
When we came back together for a debrief of the activity, the girls discussed the challenges of the process, and also the exultation when they had made a strong argument for a raise, and got it. We talked about what it would take for them to negotiate a higher salary in a real-life situation.
In the exercise, the girls have to make a case for why they should be paid more. During the debrief discussion, one student remarked that she could see how much confidence in herself would align with what she would be paid in the future.
The answer is obvious. Without confidence in your own worth, it can be difficult, or even impossible, to make a cogent argument on your own behalf, or even start the conversation for a higher salary.
Salary negotiations can be tricky. Part of the process is speaking up for your skills and contributions, defining that value in the workplace, and asking for more of the employer’s scarce resources for yourself. So, if you are someone who has grown up being taught not to “brag,” chances are explaining your skills and asking for recognition of your value, is not going to be something that comes easily to you.
While the gender wage gap is caused by a number of different factors, an unwillingness to negotiate is certainly one of them. Carnegie Mellon economics professor Linda Babcock suggests that men are four times as likely as women to negotiate their salary. When we look at the evolution of adolescent girls, it is easy to se2e where women’s reluctance in this area might come from. And once we know where a problem comes from, the solution becomes that much clearer.
For more information about conversation points and activities to teach your girl how to grow in confidence, articulate her worth, and negotiate a salary, go to www.financialnutrition.com/learn.
The article If We Want to Change the Wage Gap for Our Girls: We Must Teach Money Confidence by Melissa Donohue, Ed.D. appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
