Karen – Page 9 – Eco Karen

4 Natural and Holistic Health Remedies for Stress

Stress affects everyone to a different degree, but research has found that it does compromise everyone’s health to some extent.

Stress affects everyone to a different degree, but research has found that it does compromise everyone’s health to some extent. In addition to raising your risks for mental illness, stress can also compromise the immune system and expose you to a variety of physical health problems. Fortunately, there are several ways for you to relax and reduce your stress levels.

Get More Exercise

Your mind and body need exercise for a variety of reasons, and you should be getting a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate to high-intensity exercise each day. In addition to helping you guard against physical disease, exercise will help you to relieve stress. As you experience difficult situations, your brain responds by releasing the stress hormone cortisol. This was originally intended to prepare the body for the fight or flight response, but those reactions are no longer needed in modern society. As a result, cortisol continues to build up until something is done to counteract the effects of that hormone. That’s where exercise comes into the picture. As you engage in physical activity, your brain will release endorphins, which are also known as “feel good” neurotransmitters. Since you can’t feel stressed and euphoric at the same time, your brain will stop producing cortisol and your existing stress level will subside. This is why you always feel happier after a workout or playing a game.

Try Meditating

Meditating is not as easy as it sounds, so you should be prepared to practice consistently on a nightly basis. It involves focusing your thoughts on a single image or thought that you find relaxing or pleasing. As you start out, try to maintain that thought for just 15 minutes. If you feel your mind starting to wander, simply return your focus to the pleasing thought. You can use incense sticks to help you out. Don’t scold yourself or allow yourself to feel frustrated. As you practice, you’ll be able to keep your mind focused for longer.

When you do have more success with meditation, you’ll feel your concerns and worries drift away. Each session will leave you feeling relaxed, and that will give your mind the break it needs to stop producing cortisol. Instead, there will be more serotonin in your mind, which is a hormone that promotes energy and better mood control. Meditation also helps to strengthen cognitive functioning, which is why people tend to solve more problems after meditating. If you struggle to reach a calm enough state to meditate, consider using home remedies, like chamomile and magic mushroom tea, to promote a sense of relaxation.

Guided meditation is an excellent approach to divert your attention away from the stresses of everyday living. There are several guided meditations accessible on the internet that might assist you in finding 5 minutes of focused calm. Another popular way to reduce stress is using products that include CBD and magic mushrooms. To see the variety available online and to find out more information, search ‘buy magic mushrooms online‘.

Undergo Physical Therapy

There are several different types of physical therapy and most of them are effective in regulating stress without the use of drugs. One example is deep tissue massage, which involves massaging various muscle groups throughout the body to reduce inflammation. As the inflammation subsides, the pain and restricted movement you experience in those areas will also be alleviated. Since the brain sends out cortisol in response to pain signals, you’ll also feel less stress. A related type of physical therapy includes reiki healing services, which involves using the ancient Japanese practice of applying pressure to certain parts of the body. By pressing hands against the body in certain areas, the Japanese practitioners believed they were redirecting the flow of energy. There is a similar belief in acupuncture. While both types of therapy are effective, there’s no evidence that they do redirect energy. They may just be effective in that they help the individual relax, allowing stress hormones to subside.

Get Back to Nature

There are several ways you can get involved with nature and animal life. You can get the benefits of this activity right at home by petting your cat or dog. Research has found that interacting with a pet helps reduce stress levels almost immediately. In one study, seniors relaxed and exhibited better mental health simply by caring for pet crickets. In other studies, it was found that spending time outdoors had similar effects. The symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other emotional health problems were alleviated when individuals spent a minimum of 30 minutes outdoors in a natural setting. Whether you go to a beach, park, or forest, getting back to nature can have a positive effect on your stress levels. You can double those benefits by exercising outdoors.

If you have tried several methods of relaxing and still feel the symptoms of stress, talk to your doctor. There may be a medical reason for your heightened stress levels. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes that will make it easier for you to alleviate stress naturally.

Being Energy Efficient This Winter: a Guide for the Eco-Conscious

Making our money go further is something that is important to us all, now more than ever. Following an incredibly challenging eighteen months, we feel confident there will be some people reading this and beyond who have felt the financial brunt of the pandemic in some way or another. It has not been easy.

As we gradually emerge from the grips of the pandemic, there will undoubtedly be some people who are remaining mindful of their spending and overall budgets and want to continue maximizing their money wherever possible. The winter months can be some of the costliest times of year for some people. From the holiday season through to the increased need for heating in bitterly cold weather, there is no doubt this causes worry for some people.

While that is the case, there are things you can do to bring your energy costs down without compromising on your comfort in any way. Interested in being energy efficient this winter but unsure where to start? You have found yourself in the right place at the right time.

Detailed below, you will find our top tips for being energy efficient. No matter where you live or the size of your property, read on for more!

Tackle Gaps and Draughts

Cold winds entering your home are sure to counteract the efforts you are making to heat up the property. While we have no doubt you would ensure that doors and windows are shut during the colder months, as a means of trapping the warm air indoors, it is easy to forget about the smaller gaps. While some people might turn a blind eye to these, there are other gaps in the foundations of your home that can be hard to notice.

Dealing with these gaps in the run-up to the colder months will ensure that you are preventing any cold air from getting into your home. Draught excluders are ideal for putting across gaps under doors should you have them. Blankets make an excellent replacement should you struggle to locat4e draught excluders for your property.

Silicon-based sealants are best suited to fill in any gaps that you have surrounding windows and doors. Giving your home the once over before the winter months arrive will greatly reduce your heating costs and ensure you are as energy-efficient as possible.

Switch To Energy-Saving Products

Energy saving lamp — Energy-saving led bulb is represented schematically

It goes without saying, but when wanting to save energy in your home, the first step would be to swap to energy-saving products. While that is undoubtedly the case, we understand it can be unclear where best to start when switching to energy-saving products. With so many out there on the market, it can be hard to know where to start, but the first step is to make the all-important decision to swap to energy-saving products.

Exploring what products are out there and the energy-saving rates they offer is also recommended. From here, you can establish how much you should expect to save over time. LED light bulbs, for example, are an incredibly common swap that people make nowadays and one that is effective.

There is also a range of resources out there detailing precisely how much you can save by making a swap like this, both now and in the future. If you are interested in finding out more about LED light bulb savings, check out the helpful guides from reputable companies like Carbon Switch. Go forth knowing that the swaps you are making are having a positive impact on your energy efficiency and bank balance alike.

Use Natural Resources

Heating your home in the winter and maintaining a comfortable temperature can be challenging at the best of times. While nothing stops you from relying on the heating system in your property, this could result in your energy costs being higher than you would have hoped, which is what you want to avoid, after all.

While that could be the case, there are ways that you can use natural resources to keep your energy costs low while also ensuring that your home is at a comfortable temperature. This includes the likes of using the sun’s warmth and rays to heat your property. Keeping curtains and blinds open to allow the natural sunlight into your home will naturally heat the room. To maximize this, ensure that you close your curtains and blinds when the sun starts to set to ensure the heat is trapped and remains where you want it.

We recognize these are but some of the ways you can be energy efficient this winter and that there are a variety of other techniques you could also use alongside them. Regardless of which methods you choose to implement in the coming weeks and months, we hope your efforts pay off and emerge into the spring with a lower energy bill than usual!

5 Tried and Tested Ways of Promoting Your Vegan Restaurant

Learn five strategies for drawing hungry customers to your vegan restaurant, and turning skeptics into converts of clean, sustainable eating.

You’ve painstakingly scrimped and saved to open your vegan restaurant, recruited an A-team of staff, and curated a smorgasbord of delectable dishes for your menu. Now, there’s only one thing left to do:

Get the customers coming in!

Even a vegan restaurant with the yummiest food in the world won’t survive for long if its tables are perpetually empty. Read on to learn five tried-and-tested strategies for bringing in hungry customers, and turning skeptics into converts of clean, sustainable eating:

1. Craft an attention-grabbing brand message

Every brand has a story. What’s yours?

More importantly, is it something that will make customers sit up and take notice, or will it put them to sleep?

With veganism being a relatively new trend, your vegan restaurant already has an edge in terms of novelty. However, push your brand message further and state what you stand for. By doing so, you’ll entice like-minded customers to add your restaurant to their list of must-visit places.

As an example, take a look at this quote that vegan restaurant Vegan Beat Athens posted on its Instagram account:

Here, the restaurant has made the bold declaration that veganism is about doing the least harm and the most good to the environment. And if you identified with that statement, you may just go: “YES! This restaurant totally gets me.”

Then, feeling buzzed with such positive vibes, you may make a note to try and drop by the restaurant for your next vegan meal.

2. Produce eye-catching restaurant posters

Say the word “vegan” and people unfamiliar with vegan food may think that it’s all green, just “rabbit food” and, well, basically not very appetizing. This is where you’ll have to prove them wrong, by creating eye-catching posters of your vegan dishes.

If you need to, work with a food stylist to make your dishes look absolutely scrumptious. Then, once you’ve taken photos of your dishes, create posters with them and put your posters up everywhere. In your restaurant, on social media, on your website—the list goes on.

For instance, here’s a poster that VeganBurg, a vegan restaurant in Singapore, published on Instagram to promote a limited-edition Christmas menu:

Truffle bello — Check out this Instagram post credit to @veganburgsg

The best part? You don’t need to be a graphic design expert to produce drool-worthy posters of your food. Graphic design platforms such as PosterMyWall offer restaurant poster templates that you can easily modify through a drag-and-drop interface.

So go ahead and make those gorgeous food porn posters. You have our full permission.

3. Show customers how your food is made

Restaurant food doesn’t just magically appear on a plate, ready to be served to customers. Instead, it is lovingly cooked and plated by chefs passionate about their craft. So why not show off this process by creating behind-the-scenes videos of how your food is made?

By doing so, your customers can see for themselves all the tender loving care that goes into preparing their orders. It may get their mouths watering to the point that they make a beeline for your restaurant!

You can even go up a notch by showcasing how and from where your ingredients are procured. A well-informed customer is a happy customer.

Just watch Spanish vegan restaurant Vegan Junk Food Bar’s video of its staff member assembling a vegan burger:

Прикажи ову објаву у апликацији Instagram

Објава коју дели Vegan Junk Food Bar España (@veganjunkfoodbar.spain)

We don’t know about you, but we’d like to reach through our screen, grab that burger and sink our teeth into it. Mmmm.

4. Use social proof to draw in new customers

What’s better than talking up the tastiness of your food on your own? Customers doing this for you.

Customers’ amazing testimonies of your food can do wonders in getting their friends and family to visit your restaurant. However, don’t let the benefits stop there. Amplify your customers’ praises as widely as you can, so that others will see them as well—and also be inspired to check your restaurant out.

On Instagram, vegan restaurant Bistro Vonish reposted an Instagram Story from a customer who waxed lyrical about the restaurant’s black garlic bruschetta:

Black Garlic Bruschetta — Check out this Instagram post credit to @bistrovonish

The customer then replied to the post to thank the restaurant again for its good food.

Likewise, don’t forget to express gratitude to your customers when resharing their reviews! Tag the customer in your post, thank them for their glowing sharing, and end with an invitation for them to dine with you again in the future.

5. Hold a giveaway

Who’d ever turn down the opportunity to win free food? Probably no one. So if you hold a giveaway of your food, you could significantly boost brand awareness of your restaurant as people try their best to win!

Simply follow these steps:

Announce your giveaway on social media.
Share that participants will need to leave a comment on the social media post promoting your giveaway, and tag one friend (or more) when doing so.
After the deadline for commenting has ended, pick your winners!

The tagging requirement in step two is important. After all, you want your social media followers to introduce others to your restaurant. Especially if their friends are vegan food lovers too, and would likely be interested to try your dishes.

Vegan restaurant Eat of Eden has executed this giveaway formula down to a T:

Прикажи ову објаву у апликацији Instagram

Објава коју дели Eat Of Eden (@eatofeden)

With the prize being a vegan sharing platter costing £28, the restaurant is definitely getting a ton of publicity worth much more than that!

Attract customers to your vegan restaurant today

So there you have it—the recipe for promoting your vegan restaurant. While cooking up great food is an important part of the formula, you’ll also need to add other “ingredients” such as:

Baking strong messaging into your brand,
Whipping up stunning promotional posters and videos, and
Publicizing all the good things that customers have said about your food so far.

Perfect your promotional efforts, and your restaurant might just pack in the crowds and make a name for itself in the competitive food and beverage space. Not only that, you’ll introduce the uninitiated to the goodness of fresh, and delicious, vegan food. And that’s the icing on the cake.

Go Green: Ideas for an Eco-friendly Dining Room

Renovating and updating the style of your home is always a thrilling and amazing experience where you can show your style and make a few changes. In the last decade, people started paying more attention to the environment and sustainability, and eco-friendly style is now a huge part of most renovations. Just like any other room in the house, a dining room can also be sustainable which doesn’t mean you’ll have to lower your expectations when it comes to the design and appearance. Beautiful natural materials are a great addition to any home, regardless of the style in other parts of your home.

Lighting

This is one of the most important things that need to be done right at the start of the renovation process. If you want to make sure your new dining room is properly lit, you need to think about, all the space that needs light, so you can make changes before doing anything else.

Of course, the table should be the center of the room so this is where you’ll want to add the most light. Many modern wood chandeliers could also be combined with natural materials such as metal and glass to add more style. Use LED bulbs to make sure you’re paying attention to the sustainability factor, but also to create a nice and soft light in this room.

Natural materials

Dining room — A dining room is very nicely designed

Anything from a rug to different types of tapestry or a macrame wall hanging can be made from sustainable materials to keep the eco-friendly vibe going. No matter what style you have in your home, there are many ways to use these items to boost the aesthetics of your dining room.

When it comes to boho and vintage interiors, a nice macrame wall hanging on a piece of a branch could be a nice way to decorate your walls and add an interesting piece to the overall design. In addition to that, you can always use a rug made from jute or any other sustainable material that’s easy to clean and maintain but still looks amazing.

Dining room furniture

Furniture is the center of the dining room and when it comes to finding the best option, going for a durable wood set is the safest way to go if you want to have a dining room that lasts for decades and decades. Many homeowners value the art of handcrafted pieces which is why they opt for timeless Amish dining room furniture that’s known for being the perfect balance between design and comfort.

This will allow you to create a special place where you’ll be able to host dinners, enjoy meals with your family and always have that special piece of furniture that’s long-lasting and visually appealing.

Accessories and additions

Whether you’re using your dining room every single day or not, you need to add accessories and things you can use for your meals. When searching for different things to boost the appeal of your dining room, make sure to always find items made from sustainable materials.

Candles, vases, plates, and different types of glasses are the most common items people keep in their dining room built-ins so make sure they’re all made from durable and eco-friendly materials. From different types of wood, stone, and glass to fabrics that will follow that same style, there are many options to choose from, so be as creative as you want.

Flooring

There are two types of people when it comes to, choosing floors for the dining room – those who like carpets and those who prefer hardwood. The first group likes to have carpets to keep the same style they have in other parts of their home.

On the other hand, these can be hard to clean and maintain, so hardwood floors are usually a safer option. You have a lot of natural materials to choose from – from bamboo to natural wood that’s a bit more expensive, but also a great investment for any space you’re renovating.

If you take some time to plan, you can create a welcoming dining room that’s also sustainable and can become a great place for creating new memories. Just because you want to take care of the environment doesn’t mean you should give up the modern and sophisticated interior, so use these ideas and start turning them into reality!

How to Cope When Your Flight Is Endlessly Delayed

Even the most seasoned traveler will admit to occasional bouts of anxiety while en route to that next fabulous vacation destination. Whether traveling alone, as a couple, or with a slew of kids in tow, one of the most irritating things to have to deal with is the inevitable flight delay. If lucky, the delay will be minor and result in a slight inconvenience of a few minutes (read: half-hour). However, there are those days when our patience is tried. The few minutes delay becomes an hour delay. That hour delay morphs into several hours with no seemingly good explanation for why this is happening. Forget the blizzard brewing outside or the tropical storm expected to make landfall any moment; airlines and airplanes should know how to weather these things by now. Sadly, the reality becomes that we end up stuck inside with the other passengers who are equally irritated and irritating. We need to release. We need to cope. How do we do that, though?

Coping Mechanisms

Meditation: First, breathe deep! Finding the depths of our lungs is not overrated. It creates release. Ideally, you will want to find a quiet space somewhere amidst the chaos. Try to remove distractions. This might be as simple as turning your back to the world in a corner and staring at the seams where two walls meet. Sit comfortably and ground yourself. Then let the art of breathing take over. If you can, try to follow a guided meditation. Even just a few minutes of relaxation can help stop the anxiety from the building.

Walking: Airports generally offer miles of walkable space. Walk from terminal A to B and back again. Skip the airport trams and adventure where few attempts to walk. There might be exciting finds and things to explore. A short, thirty-minute walk can help ease your anxiety, not to mention it has additional health benefits. Walking will take the mind off the endless delay, offer a fresh start, get the heart rate up a little, release some endorphins, and bring much-needed relief to the frustrations of inevitable travel delays.

Natural Remedies: There are plenty of over-the-counter options available to help ease anxiety, such as valerian root. CBD is also now widely available. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural supplement found in cannabis. Unlike THC, which causes the feeling of being “high,” CBD is not psychoactive. That’s why CBD makes for easy addition to your travel essentials. (Pro tip: you can find CBD oil for sale online if you’re not sure where to buy it where you live.)

CBD has been proven to reduce anxiety, which is the ultimate goal when experiencing travel delays. It is calming and easy to travel with as well. And, yes, it is legal to travel with CBD if you follow the simple guidelines set forth by TSA. You may not bring more than 3 ounces with you on the plane, and the CBD product may not contain more than 0.3% THC. CBD is not an illegal or controlled substance, so you may possess it without breaking the law. However, some states do have limits on how much you can own.

Wine/Alcohol: It would be remiss not to mention that a small glass of wine, a beer, or a mixed drink might also do the trick to relieve anxiety while you wait. Imbibing just a little can take the edge off just enough to survive whatever additional delays get thrown at you. Though, you do not want to overindulge and miss your flight altogether (or misplace a bag or even a child).

Surviving That Extended Travel Delay

Plane — A passenger is sitting on the seat alone in the plane while reading the leaflet

With a little bit of patience and an arsenal of coping mechanisms, hopefully, you find that inner peace while you endlessly wait to board your flight. Attempts to let go of the worry that the extra suitcase full of snow clothes will make the flight or the sudden panic that you forgot to lock the back door before leaving become less in your mind. The reality that you cannot control mother nature, the lack of answers as to why and how soon, or the fact that sometimes things just don’t go our way subside to visions of powdery snow-covered Rocky Mountains or balmy beaches in the Bahamas. Ultimately, you will arrive at your destination with your mind and body intact, ready to relax and play unencumbered by life’s worries for a few blissful days.

Best Pet Blogs to Follow

There is no doubt that people love their pets. We love to play with them, we love their unconditional love and they are valuable members of our families. However, many of us have pet-related questions that we want the answers to. Whether you want to learn more about pets of all shapes and sizes or see some adorable animals, these are some of the best animal blogs to follow.

1. The Dogington Post

This cutely-named website and blog is a huge collection of information all about dogs. If there is any news or trends in the dog world, you can be sure it will be mentioned here. The site features everything from inspiring stories featuring dogs to helpful guides relating to many struggles you may be having. If you are a cat owner, a similar site with information and helpful guides for cats is The Conscious Cat

2. Petkeen

This blog is great for all types of pet owners, not only cats and dogs. They offer a variety of tips, many of which you won’t see covered in as much detail on any other site. They can help you choose the right pet, or ensure you are doing everything correctly in regards to your current pet, no matter what it is. Their content is incredibly valuable and you could spend hours sifting through what they have to offer.

3. Walkin’ Pets Blog by handicappedpets.com

A rather unique blog, Walkin’ pets focus on handicapped dogs. It features a ton of content on caring for your dog and dealing with the many issues that may arise. They also sell products to help dogs who are disabled in one way or another. So whether you have a handicapped or disabled pet, or simply want to learn more about them, this blog is a great and very helpful resource.

We hope these blogs are able to make your day and help you with any pet-related problem you might encounter.

4. Spike’s Dog Blog by Acme Canine

This is a trusted site for canine knowledge. Down to earth, common sense, proven dog advice, helpful dog training articles, insightful dog behavior tips, and truthful product reviews from nationally recognized canine trainers and professionals.

5. The Cuddle Clones Blog

At Cuddle Clones, we recognize the unbreakable bond pet parents have with their fur children. But oftentimes that bond is disrupted due to travel, going away to college, military deployment, or sadly the loss of a dear pet. We capture that connection with 100% handmade plush replicas of YOUR PET! Check out the Cuddle Clones blog, featuring news you need to know and pet stories of interest from around the country.

6. Val Heart

Val Heart is known as The Real Dr. Doolittle, Animal Communicator to the Stars, Elite Soul Repair Healer for Pets and People. She solves problems with pets using the HEART System, a 5 step process. Her blog is full of amazing stories and educational posts about improving health, behavior, and wellness for people and pets, along with tips on how you can start communicating with your own pets.

7. Learn How to Talk to Animals

Not only can Val Heart communicate with animals, but she can also teach you to do it, too! She founded The Heart School of Animal Communication to share her Heart Wisdom Method for learning to communicate with animals. And she hosts the BEST Online Animal Talk Coaching and Mastery Club in the world. The Heart School blog showcases many examples of how animal communication methods work, with links to online classes where readers can learn to communicate with animals, too.

8. Home Alive Pets

As one of Canada’s leading pet retailers, Homes Alive Pets is dedicated to providing you with everything you need to help you and your furry friends live your best lives together. Our vast selection of premium pet food treats, toys, and supplies aren’t the only thing you’ll find at Homeslive.ca. Explore our blog to find helpful articles, how-to guides, e-books, and other resources to give you the best pet tips, ideas, and answers to all your pet questions. From nutrition and grooming to safety tips and fun DIY pet projects, The Homes Alive Pets Blog offers something fun and helpful for all dog and cat families.

9. Katzenworld

Katzenworld is a news platform that focuses entirely on cats! While the team creates plenty of their own content they also value various members of the public contributing guest articles to their blog.

Benefits of Having an Electric Bike

You really cannot go wrong with an electric bike. They look great, they work well, and they let you get outdoors to enjoy the world around you. While electric bikes are relatively new, there are tons of them out there and they are increasing in popularity.

Here are what we think are some of the top benefits of having an electric bike.

Eco-Friendly Transportation

An electric bike is a quick way to get around, and it’s also environmentally friendly. While you could take a car that uses fuel and pollutes the air, you can also just jump on your e-bike and help keep the air cleaner!

This isn’t your typical bike. While you will be pedaling and working some, it won’t be as intense as a non-motorized bike.

Affordable Transportation

E-bikes are an affordable form of transportation when you consider the cost of alternatives. They are best for traveling within a 15-mile radius, but if you’re just heading a few blocks to work or school, you can save a lot of money.

The e-bike is far more affordable than a car and you don’t have to worry about fuel, car insurance, car tags, or even finding a parking spot!

Have Fun With Fitness

Why not take advantage of the ability to have a little fun and still get in an effective workout? Cycling is really awesome for your health and cardiovascular fitness. An e-bike assists your pedaling process but still requires some effort on your part.

Plus, you get to be outside, enjoying the fresh air and the scenery around you! You can customize your workout experience by choosing where you ride, how long you ride, and even the type of terrain you ride on.

Meet New People

Having an e-bike is the perfect way to meet new people. You instantly become part of a new community. You can join in with rides and peers who ride bikes.

Thanks to social media, there are a number of forums and groups that you can connect with, so you can get involved anywhere that you feel will be a good fit. It’s a great way to meet other people who also enjoy their e-bikes.

You never know – you just might find inspiration for new adventures or even tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your e-bike!

Get Outside

Sometimes we just need a reason to get outdoors. Your e-bike is always a great excuse. Whether you simply want a quiet ride through the neighborhood or you want the chance for a long ride, your e-bike is here for you.

Getting outside can do so much for our minds. The sunshine works wonders for boosting your health as well as boosting your mood. Take the time to simply enjoy the world around you and find some new places to enjoy a biking adventure.
A local electric bike offers a variety of e-bike options. We strive for quality and affordability. We’re here to help you find the fit for your needs!

How to Take Care of Your Hair (for Men)

Today, there are countless people who are looking for ways to take better care of their hair. This includes men. Even though balding used to be commonplace among men, medical technology has come a long way. Therefore, there are ways for men to take care of their hair. What do men need to know about taking care of their hair? What are a few key points to keep in mind?

Use a Natural, Gentle Shampoo

If you want to take care of your hair, one of the most important things you need to remember is to always use a natural, gentle shampoo. You need to wash your hair regularly, but you do not necessarily have to wash it every day. Unless you exercise every day or spend all of your time outside, you probably don’t need to wash your hair every day.

When you do wash your hair, take a close look at the ingredient list on the back of the bottle. Make sure it uses all-natural ingredients. If you aren’t sure what something is, take a few minutes to look it up. If you use shampoo products that have a lot of strong chemicals in them, they may damage your hair. Try to stay away from these artificial ingredients.

Visit the Barber Regularly

Next, you should visit the barber regularly. A good rule of thumb is to get your haircut once per month. That way, you can remove dead ends from your hair, making sure your hair is always lively and vibrant. Going to the barber regularly is also important because it gives the barber a chance to take a close look at your hair. There might be issues with your hair that you may have overlooked. Then, if you have questions about what you need to do to take care of your hair, you can talk to the barber. For example, you may be looking for recommendations to make your hair soft and bouncy. A barber should point you in the right direction.

Go Easy on the Hair

Furthermore, make sure you take it easy with your hair. If you spend a lot of time outside, try to wear a hat. That way, you can shield your hair from UV radiation. This could be a way for you to prevent the color in your hair from fading. If you spend a lot of time in the pool, chlorine can damage your hair. When you get out of the pool, make sure you use a clarifying shampoo to remove the chlorine from your hair. While you are in the pool, wear a swim cap. Even though this will not protect your hair against everything, it can reduce the damage chlorine might do to your hair.

Hair Transplants Have Become More Common and Accepted

If you notice bald spots in your hair, you may want to talk to a professional about a hair transplant. A hair transplant for men has become more common and accepted. As people continue to live longer, men place a greater emphasis on taking care of their hair. Even though taking good care of your hair might prevent some hair loss, it probably won’t prevent it entirely. If you want to improve the look of your hair, you may want to take a look at a hair transplant. This is a safe, effective way to improve the distribution of the hair on your head.

Take Care of Your Hair

If you are looking for a way to take better care of your hair, these are a few important points to keep in mind. Remember to clean your hair regularly, but always use a natural shampoo. Try to avoid chemicals that will otherwise strip the life from your hair. You should also be careful if you spend a lot of time in a swimming pool or out in the sun. If you have concerns about your hair, you may talk to a professional about hair transplants. This could be a way for you to improve your hair and your overall look. If you have questions and concerns about what to do to take care of your hair, you may want to talk to your local barber.

5 Health Issues You Can Catch Early With Thorough Checks

It is imperative that you regularly check yourself, or get professionally looked at, to look after your health. This can come in different forms depending on which aspect of your health you’re focusing on. Fortunately, this guide will cover some health checks that could help you spot a problem early.

Heart Issues

The first thing you should be aware of when it comes to the heart is that weight can play a major part in its health. This will mainly be due to the arteries being clogged or the blood running into problems in general. Signs and symptoms of heart disease include any chest pain or tightness within the chest, alongside pressure or discomfort in general. If you are suffering from shortness of breath then this could be a sign that your heart is in trouble.

Speak to a doctor if you are also suffering from any pain or weakness in your legs or arms. This will be a sign that your blood vessels are narrowing, and could cause coldness in this area too.

Cancer

With there being over 200 different types of cancer that could potentially affect your body in some way, it becomes even more crucial that you get anything you’re unsure about checked. There may be some things that you notice yourself, and there may be some things that you need to then get professionally looked out.

As cancer can come in many different forms, each one may be diagnosed differently and more importantly treated uniquely. That’s why you should find these cancers early to give you the best chance to cure them or manage them. Some cancers have a much higher recovery rate if they are caught early, as they go through different stages.

They are graded from zero to four, usually numbered in roman numerals. Stage zero refers to cancers that have not spread at all, and often have the highest curable rates, with surgery being able to remove them.

Stage one refers to when cancer has not grown deeply into nearby tissues yet, but it has begun, which is why it’s the most commonly caught early-stage cancer. With stages two and three, the cancers have grown deeper into nearby tissues, but not yet to other parts of the body.

As you can imagine with the final stage, is where cancer has started to spread to the other parts of your body or even organs. It is often known as advanced cancer.

There are some unique ways you can notice cancers developing, from a change in your body to lumps appearing. If you have any suspicions such as this then you will need to speak to a doctor for further examination. Consider using this cancer screening program provided by Ezra that can provide you with a full-body scan or a more specialized scan to focus on one area of the body. Regular scans can help catch potential cancers early, making them easier to beat.

STDs

STDs, which stand for sexually transmitted diseases, may work differently. It’s possible to see the signs of certain STDs yourself, as they may break out in your genital areas. However, around 50% of men and 70% of women will not have any visible symptoms, meaning you will need to get tested.

You should be aware that these days there are many walk-in test centers in towns and cities or places you can book to get tested. A simple Google search for Syphilis test near me will help you find the nearest clinic. Luckily, plenty of STDs is curable, meaning you should get tested as soon as possible and avoid sexual intercourse until you’ve figured out what’s going on with you.

Vitamin Deficiencies

There is a range of natural vitamins your body will need to live a healthy life. However, due to several personal circumstances, you could be lacking crucial vitamins. Commonly, this could be Vitamin D. Vitamin D is important because it helps to maintain healthy bones and teeth, as well as protect you against diseases such as diabetes.

You may notice you are lacking in certain vitamins if you start to feel weaker or different in any negative way. You can be tested for your vitamins through a blood test, which requires a small sample of your blood to be taken through a needle.

Brain Issues

The brain is one of the most important parts of your body. As such, you should be aware of anything that could be damaging it or changes in general. Some signs that could point you to brain issues could be persistent headaches. Of course, headaches are perfectly normal so there’s no need to be alarmed straight away. If you are suffering from any extreme mental or physical fatigue alongside weakness in general then that will need to be checked out.

If you are suddenly feeling any sensitivity to light alongside seizures, then you will need to speak to a doctor to find out what has changed and what your options are. If nothing else, you should speak to a doctor purely to gain peace of mind.

Renovating Your Home Cost-Effectively

Whether it’s getting people together for the holidays or just any old event at the house, having the space available is critical. The need to have a space for gatherings and events means that a renovation or upgrade may be in place.

If you’re looking for eco-friendly ideas for a dining room, kitchen, or other room, setting a budget and timeline for your renovation is crucial to getting it done on time for your next gathering.

The first thing to do is set up a budget for your renovation, gather some data, and adjust the budget accordingly.

Before you start your renovation for a room, space, or the entire home, the steps you take are the same process.

The key is to gather as much data and information as possible to set a budget and confidence in the desired project and timeline.

There are five significant steps in your renovation project to stay within budget and time:

Define The Renovation Goals And Space

What exactly are your renovation goals, and how much space do you plan to have work done is the first consideration. Whether you are looking for a bathroom makeover to a full-on kitchen remodel, deciding the scope of the work wanted to be performed will help you shape the questions you have before hiring a contractor to complete the work.

Talk With Neighbors And Others For Suggestions

Once you decide the size and scope of your home renovation, ask around with neighbors, friends, and family for suggestions of potential contractors. Word-of-mouth can provide some lesser-known but professional services that may not have the profile or size of other contractors. These may come at a discount for their services, as a result, all without sacrificing the quality of craftsmanship.

Utilize Online Review Sites

Review sites exist for one reason. No, it’s not trolling other people online. It’s to give proof of ability and get an assessment from others who have utilized the services.

There are varying degrees to which online reviews matter. Some argue it’s as low as 60%. However, other professional marketing and sales claim that up to 90% of people using online tools say online reviews matter before making a purchasing decision.

Interview A Few Contractors And Get A Quote

Now that you’ve received recommendations and done the research, the next step is to schedule an interview with select contractors. There is no set number of interviews you conduct, but keep in mind that each interview takes time and is a precious commodity in-and-of-itself.

Each interview aims to get recommendations and suggestions about the type of services they can offer, the materials they may suggest, and the timeline that works could be expected to be completed.

At the end of each interview, request a quote from the contractor outlining the cost and time expected to be provided for your project.

After all the interviews are conducted, you have enough data to sift through to help guide your budgetary and contractor decisions.

Decide On Materials And Days For Renovation

After your interviews are conducted, you have all the information you may need to re-establish your budget and make a more informed decision about the scope of the renovation.

These guidelines should next be used in choosing the type of materials you want to be used in your renovation, from eco-friendly products to design spaces and more.

For example, choosing outside natural stone to complement the patio and built-in grill makes the outside patio renovation “pop” for your next outdoor gathering. Through some research, you can find the materials you want to suggest once you hire a contractor for the work.

Hire A Contractor

Constructor — A custom home is built according to the quality construction plan

The final step in your renovation project is to hire the contractor you found to be the most trustworthy, at a cost you can afford, and is available for hire to work the timeline you need the work completed.

Of course, there are always contingencies that come up during renovation and construction, so take into account an additional 10% above what you thought to budget as well as added days (maybe weeks depending on the type of project) and settle on a contractor to begin the work.