Healthy Nutrition Essentials in Golden Age

There are many age-related factors that can affect changes in our nutritional intake as we age. We get less active, we develop poorer digestion, our senses decrease (due to meds or natural processes) and our teeth may deteriorate. However, people of all ages need proper nutrition to keep their body strong and healthy and their mind sharp. So, here are a few healthy nutrition tips for seniors.

Foods full of omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for all people, seniors especially because they help keep all types of inflammations at bay. They can also slow down Macular Degeneration that leads to impaired vision as well as reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. These fatty acids can be found in fish, mainly tuna, mackerel, salmon and sardines. Beans, nuts, and seeds like walnuts, flaxseeds, and soybeans are also rich in omega-3. Experts recommend eating omega-3 rich foods at least twice a week, but supplements are also available (consult with your health provider before getting started, though).

Foods rich in calcium

If you’re not getting enough calcium through your diet, your body will start to absorb it from your bones which results in fragile and brittle bones that lead to osteoporosis. Foods that are rich in calcium are mainly milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products. However, veggies like leafy greens and calcium-fortified cereals are also a good option. People above the age of 50 should consume 1200 mg of calcium a day (4 cups of milk, soy, almond milk or fortified orange juice).

Fibre-rich foods

As we age, our digestion slows down. Our gastrointestinal tract contractions are slower and fewer which leads to constipation. However, foods rich in fibre improve digestion thanks to their easy movement through the bowel. So, make sure to eat plenty of nuts, whole grain products (whole grain bread, pasta, and brown rice), fruits and veggies, all of which are widely available. Even if you need to be assisted living services, you can find good retirement homes with a diverse food selection. For example, Mark Moran Vaucluse aged care provides its residents with various breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, offering them the freedom to tailor their diet the way your body requires.

Iron-rich foods

Iron has a very important role in the human body. It’s responsible for hemoglobin production which transports oxygen throughout the body. If you skip on iron-rich foods, your oxygen supply in your tissues can decrease and cause fatigue and lethargy (also known as anemia).

Foods rich in potassium

Many older people don’t take enough potassium (the recommended dose is 4700mg per day). However, potassium keeps the blood pressure at bay, helps cell function and lowers the chances of developing kidney stones. Potassium is mainly found in fruit and veggies like prunes, bananas, and potatoes. Too much potassium is also an issue, so if you’re considering starting taking supplements, make sure to consult with your doctor.

Proper hydration

With age, the human body starts to lose the ability to conserve water, so you stop feeling as thirsty as before. However, the need for water doesn’t disappear. Dehydration is a serious issue that causes confusion, drowsiness, and many other health issues. Drinking enough fluids is especially important if you eat plenty of fibre since it absorbs water. In order to improve your water intake (8 glasses a day is the recommended quantity), grab a reusable bottle and sip it throughout the day.

Proper nutrition in your golden years is one of the best things you can do for your health. Food is what keeps us happy, healthy, strong and sharp, so don’t let old age affect your lifestyle. Today, the food selection is bigger and better than ever before, with well-stocked markets, top-notch retirement homes and even delivery services you can sign up for, so there are really no excuses not to eat well and be mindful of your diet.

Workout Outfit: Pros and Cons of Wearing It Outside the Gym

Everyone knows that athleisure is one of the hottest trends nowadays, as millions of people from different generations have gone completely crazy about it. Apart from the gym, they love to wear their workout outfits even when they aren’t exercising – while shopping, hanging out with their friends, or having lunch in their favorite restaurant. If you want to learn about the pros and cons of wearing workout outfits outside the gym, just stay with us and keep on reading. Check them out and get properly informed!

Pro #1: Gym clothes are obviously extremely comfy

As already mentioned, a lot of people love to wear their workout clothes outside the gym, and the reasons for that are more than good. First of all, the athleisure trend is still going strong, which means that garments such as yoga pants, oversized hoodies, and colorful socks are a huge hit in the fashion industry nowadays. Besides that, such clothes are very comfortable at the same time, which is exactly what makes them so popular among people of all ages. Needless to say, thousands of celebrities, fashion bloggers, and other trendsetters love to wear their workout outfits even when they leave the gym, so give them a try, too, and you’ll see how comfy they are!

Con #1: Workout clothes can sometimes be quite inappropriate

Even though workout clothes are usually quite figure-flattering, the fact is that these can sometimes be a bit inappropriate – especially when it comes to the business environment. Yes, we can agree that some types of yoga pants can resemble a classic pair of trousers, but you know what? You should definitely skip your favorite yoga pants simply because they aren’t office-friendly. On the other hand, a lot of people tend to wear too revealing clothes such as shorts or tank tops, and these are more than perfect for their workouts. However, you should stay away from them outside the gym, as these can look a bit tacky and vulgar. Just stick to your regular outfits and you won’t make a mistake!

Pro #2: Sneakers are far more comfortable than dress shoes

When it comes to footwear, you shouldn’t be surprised at all by the fact that sneakers such as men’s Adidas are far more popular than any pair of dress shoes. First of all, sneakers are undoubtedly much more comfortable than elegant shoes that are highly likely to pinch your feet, which is an important advantage that mustn’t be overlooked. Apart from that, these are more beneficial from an anatomical point of view, too, as these provide more support to your feet than regular dress shoes. Do we even have to emphasize that sneakers are one of the trendiest pieces at the moment? Not really, so be sure to buy a pair according to your personal preferences and upgrade your casual combos like a true pro!

Con #2: Synthetic fabrics aren’t as beneficial as natural ones

In case you weren’t aware of it, workout clothes are often made from synthetic fabrics such as spandex, polyester, and nylon. Even though such fabrics are highly beneficial due to their breathability, durability, thermoregulation, and moisture management, the fact is that these aren’t the best choice when it comes to your outfits outside the gym. Yes, these man-made fabrics are beyond fabulous as they have quick-dry properties, but the truth is that these aren’t completely skin-friendly – especially if you have sensitive skin or some allergies. Besides that, they don’t absorb sweat, which means that they’ll stick to your body and make you feel quite uncomfortable in hot and humid weather.

As you can see, wearing your gym outfits outside the gym has both pros and cons, so bear our tips in mind if you want to do it right. Once that’s done, we’re sure that you’ll nail your everyday outfits by adding a touch of athleisure to them, so don’t wait any longer and you’ll see what we were talking about!

Why Going Gluten-Free May Be the Right Choice for You

It’s no secret that what we eat has a profound impact on how we feel, both physically and emotionally. The proverb “you are what you eat” didn’t stick by accident, after all. Unfortunately, not many heed this pearl of wisdom.

The problem is that people typically don’t pay all that much attention to their food and how it affects them on a daily basis. Many simply accept the symptoms of a diet that disagrees with them as a part of life, rather than try to deal with the issues that cause them.

On the bright side, there does seem to be increased awareness of the importance of a healthy nutrition plan. Gluten-free diets have been on the rise in popularity for quite some time now: just a few years ago, about one in hundred Americans reported ditching gluten.

While the reasons for this dietary decision may vary, there is one important factor for opting to go gluten-free. And this factor may be even more relevant than people think: celiac disease.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by eating anything that contains gluten. In layman’s terms, the body reacts very aggressively to gluten, and the immune system goes into overdrive, attacking the small intestine.

Celiac disease is connected to a whole host of symptoms, and how one reacts to it varies greatly from one person to the next. Some may experience mildly annoying symptoms, while others might face debilitating difficulties.

There are up to 200 symptoms related to celiac disease, so we won’t list them all here. But we will give you the most common ones, maybe even some you’re currently suffering from. These include:

  • Stomach pain

  • Bloatedness

  • “Foggy mind” (inability to think clearly and focus in general)

  • Fatigue

  • Bone or joint pain

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Migraines

  • Numbness, tingling or pain in the extremities

On their own, these symptoms sound bad enough, but sadly it gets worse. Namely, few people know they have the disease. It’s estimated that only around 17 percent of Americans get diagnosed with celiac disease, leaving the vast majority of sufferers in the dark of their true condition.

One of the main reasons why so many people remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed is because it’s difficult to determine with absolute certainty that a person is afflicted with celiac disease. Since it manifests in so many different ways, it can be easily mistaken for other disorders, and someone suffering from its symptoms may not necessarily have it.

Though celiac disease remains one of the largest concerns of gluten-related health problems, there are other disorders to be on the lookout for. Wheat allergy and non-celiac gluten sensitivity can also be troublesome to live with. It’s true that these are typically milder, but they need to be addressed nevertheless.

A lot of folks suffer from these kinds of disorders but aren’t aware of it, and a gluten-free nutrition plan can be just what they need to turn a new leaf healthwise. In order for you to learn more about the benefits of gluten-free diets, MedAlertHelp has crafted this great infographic on the topic.

Virtually everything you need about the perks of a glutenless diet is in this gluten guide, and it doesn’t hold back on the stats. But don’t let that scare you, the graph is designed in a way that makes reading and remembering the numbers really easy. It takes out all the unnecessary elements and arranges them in easy-to-digest info chunks.

The Dos and Don’ts of Dumping Waste in a Dumpster

While renting a dumpster a common question that may bother you is what you throw in and what not. You may have a long list of items which you would like to throw off to get the house clean. But still, you may have doubts in mind before throwing anything and think if it is legally permitted or not. That’s why it’s safe and good to know the list of permitted items.

Old appliances

You are permitted to throw old electrical appliances in a dumpster. This includes dishwashers, stoves, microwave ovens, irons, toasters, etc. You cannot normally dump in refrigerators and air conditioners. For them, you will have to take permissions.  

Electronic items

Electronic items like televisions, printers, computers, scanners and many other small and big personal equipment are allowed in a dumpster. Although you can dump them in the dumpster, you should be mentally ready to pay a small extra charge for dumping them in the landfill or for their waste processing. But you will have to check the rules with the dumpster rental service and make sure they also allow you to do so.

Furniture

Normally furniture can be dumped in a dumpster easily. They are accepted, especially when you are dumping wooden furniture. But if you are dumping upholstered furniture, then you will have to check with the rules of the services you are using. You can definitely dispose of broken furniture or parts of old furniture but if you can dispose of the whole bed or couch in it, has to be checked with the local service you are using.

Yard waste

Dumpsters are often rented to clean the yard, and you put most yard waste in the dumpster. Yard waste contains old leaves, tree roots, cut branches, twigs, broken fences, cut shrubs, etc. this also may contain gardening tools and equipment which are of no use now, like spades, shovels, old lawn mowers, leaf cutters, etc. You may dump grasses, piles of twigs and leaves, and soil, etc. in it, but you should be careful not to spread the mess, and rather tie them in bags or sheets before dumping. That’s because soiled dirty dumpsters would be considered unclean and contaminated by you only if the service send such a bin to you during delivery.

Storm debris removal

If you have to remove debris from a storm, then also you may use a dumpster. Storm debris can be removed using a dumpster. There can be various types of things accumulated on the streets and yards after a storm. You can collect them all and dump. Only the limitation is with chemicals. You cannot dump liquid chemicals, oils, and sealed liquids.

Construction and roofing waste

Waste from broken floors and broken roofs can be heavy. Wooden shingles, asphalt shingles, slate or other materials are heavy. Again floor tiles, marbles, granite, concrete, bricks, etc. are heavy items. If you have to throw out such items, then you must tell your dumpster rental company that you need a strong and sturdy dumpster to accept such heavy rubbish. They will accordingly send an apt dumpster for this.

Items which are questionable

Here are the items on which many dumpster companies have put restriction. Before dumping them, you will have to double check with the dumpster renting company:

You may dump empty aerosol cans in a dumpster too. However full cans or half full cans cannot be dumped as they can burst or catch fire.

You cannot dump a mattress ina dumping bin. Mattresses are generally not allowed by all services. For throwing off a mattress, you may have to bear extra waste processing charges.

Air conditioners and refrigerators cannot be dumped without special permission in dumpsters because they contain refrigerants. If refrigerant gases get leaked in the air, then it can be toxic for the environment.

Tires are not generally accepted in dumpsters. You cannot put tires because tires are actually recycled in most places. They are recycled to make asphalt and other things. Even auto parts dealers would accept your old tires while you exchange them for new ones, just to send them for recycling. That is why tires are not sent to dumping grounds.

No paints, wood strainers, varnishes, lacquers, oil, thinners, latex, etc. can be dumped in open or sealed condition in a dumping bin.

You should not knowingly dispose of adhesive or glue type material in a dumpster. The glue may stick to the insides of the bin and damage it. Normally, such things should be thrown off with regular daily waste in your household waste bin.

You should never throw in batteries in a dumpster. Car batteries, power banks, laptop batteries, desktop chargers, inverter batteries, etc. are big and medium-sized batteries, which contains chemicals, and should not be thrown in a dumpster. The chemicals on leaking can cause great environmental damage. However, you may throw simple daily usable AA and AAA batteries.

All items which are chemically and medically or biologically contaminated should not go inside a dumpster. This includes medical waste, contaminated soil, a dead body of an animal or pet, pesticides, alkalis, acids, motor oil, asbestos, etc.

A dumpster is not for food waste unless you order some special dumping bin for this which would be mostly covered. The main reason for this is that food waste attracts pests and bugs, which causes environmental pollution. For more information, visit houston.bintheredumpthatusa.com/home.

Many cleaners and solvents for cleaning floors, stains, glasses, furniture, etc. are used in households. You should not dump them in a dumpster.

Finally

When you know to follow these norms, and when you have this awareness that you must ask the service before dumping something controversial, then you can handle waste disposal in a dumpster or bin much responsibly. On the one hand you need to get rid of waste, and on the other hand, you also must adhere to rules which are for safe and legal ways of waste disposal. It’s best to check all of the points above as you rent a dumpster from a local service provider.

Better You: Clean Thoughts, Organic Food and Natural Living

No matter how glad we are to admit it, we all aim to live a better and healthier life. Wherever you look, you’ll see tips and advice on how to be your better self, but most of this advice is based on completely wrong information. In the end, this can make you feel like nothing you do is good enough, or that living healthy is more complicated than it actually is. It all comes down to the three most important components: positive thinking, healthy ingredients, and living the most natural life you can. When combined, these components can make you the healthiest and happiest person you’ve always wanted to be.

1. Be open with yourself

Clean thoughts start with you being open and honest with yourself. For too long, you’ve spent time hating or criticizing yourself for things that you simply weren’t strong enough to change or for something that wasn’t even your fault. This kind of harmful behavior ends today. It ends with the realization that you’re only human, and that we all make mistakes. What’s important is how we deal with these mistakes.

Admit to yourself everything that’s been bothering you, but don’t just assign blame. Understand why you are like you are and start working towards a solution. The things you can’t change should be accepted, as there is really no wrong way to be human.

Look yourself in the mirror and find all the things you like about yourself. Make yourself see that you are strong, confident and that you’re able to do everything you set your mind to. It’s going to be hard in the beginning, but with baby steps, you will have de-cluttered your mind of all negative thoughts. Another method that may help is meditation, as it has the power to surface your most buried thoughts and emotions. You can start working on them only when you’re aware of the problems.

2. Consider growing your own food

Proper nutrition is essential, but alas, you can’t really trust markets anymore. Most fruits and veggies are infused with chemicals to make them last longer and look more appealing. This just makes them less edible and more harmful for your body, though. The organic food they claim to have can end up being too expensive, but also prove not to be organic at all in some cases.

There is one simple solution to this problem: start your own garden. This way you’ll know exactly what you’re eating, it will be 100% organic, and you’ll be more eco-friendly. You can start small and then expand your garden as you get ahold of it. If you don’t have a yard, you can try growing it on the roof of your building, or even on your balcony. You’ll get to decide what veggies go in your garden and grow only the amount you’ll actually eat. This means you won’t be wasting any food or supporting the hungry and greedy food industry.

Your family will also be much healthier if they’re eating homegrown goods. Growing children will benefit from this the most. In the end, by starting your own veggie garden, you’ll be taking care of everything from health to nature. This is bound to make you more mentally stable and happier, too.

3. Exercise as part of your day

A proper diet means almost nothing without the right exercise regime to accompany it. By incorporating exercise to your daily routine, you’re also teaching your body to process stress better. What’s more, your upping the production of serotonin and dopamine, contributing to a better mood. All of this helps you stay positive and look at the bright side of life.

When there are no frustrations to hinder your mood, it’s much easier to stay relaxed and have a positive outlook on life. Suddenly, no problem will seem too big and no obstacle too great. You should have intense workout sessions three to four times a week, and do light exercise the rest of the time. This way you’ll keep your body moving, also keeping it fit and healthy.

Of course, you don’t want to overwork yourself. This is why it might be a good idea to introduce post workout proteins to your diet. The supplement can be easily added to your post-workout smoothie, thus feeding your muscles some extra strength. This may help your body heal faster and ease muscle straining.

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4. Change up your skincare routine

Caring for your skin is essential for a healthy body and mind. By taking care of it, you’re also practicing being kind to yourself and appreciating your body. You’ll also slow down excessive breakouts and will have much softer and more radiant skin. Now, with the media having the main word, you may be tempted to buy expensive products you see all over ads and stores. In truth, those products are full of chemicals, regardless of how natural they claim to be.

They may give temporary results, but soon, you’ll need more and more product to get the same results. They end up ruining your skin in the long run. This is why you should turn to all natural face and hair masks, as well as body scrubs. Make them yourself.

All you’ll need are a few ingredients you can find at home, such as honey and eggs. You can choose to create more elaborate masks and scrubs, or simpler ones, depending on what you aim to achieve with them. From detox to exfoliation to moisturizing, trust nature to take care of your skin and keep it vital and young.

Conclusion

Who said that you have to bend over backward just to be the better you? Good communication with yourself is essential, but so is kindness and turning yourself to nature. The modern world is full of toxins, be it in your food or environment, and with these tips, you’ll be sure to detox properly. Nurturing positive feelings and thoughts about yourself and the environment you live in will surely prove effective in making your life that much better.

Top 3 Fashion Decisions for Cold Weather

If you’re a real fashion enthusiast, it’s not surprising if you tend to prefer fall and winter over summer. Making good cold-weather look requires a more refined taste and some knowledge about layering, complementary colors and other elements that make an outfit attractive and well-thought-out. On the other hand, during the summer, you can just put on some shorts and throw on a tee and you’re ready to go. That is exactly the reason why dressing up for colder weather can be tricky. Here are some great tips that will keep you warm yet well-dressed even when it’s a bit chilly outside.

Layer everything

When temperatures start to decrease, it can be very tempting to throw on a thick sweater or a cozy hoody and call it a day. These chunky pieces can sometimes make you look a bit shapeless, and they leave no space for a more complicated look construction. So, instead of aiming for simplicity, try to layer your clothing with a few thinner pieces that complement each other. For starters, opt for items that don’t have a matching length, like a t-shirt that matches your cardigan’s length will make your outfit look monotonous, while variations in length give your look an interesting vibe while accentuating your figure.

On the other hand, if you want to pay attention to any beading or other decorative accents that might stick out beneath the top piece or cause bumps underneath and disturb the overall shape of your look. Also, thicker straps and unusual necklines can be tricky to layer. If you decide to a top piece with a closed neckline (a sweater or poncho), make sure your shirt is not peeking out. In case it does, make sure that it does so with a purpose like a shirt collar or a turtleneck.

Don’t forget to match footwear

Although having only one pair of winter footwear might look practical, it means that you’ll have to adjust to various weather conditions and clothing combinations. One of the must-have items every woman should have in her possession is a pair of black boots that will fit any outfits. Ankle-high boots are a staple of every colder weather outfit. Additionally, waterproof sneakers are also very practical, especially if you prefer sporty looks.

Formal winter footwear is a bit tricky to choose because it needs to be attractive, warm and practical. Elegant boots or even closed pumps will do the trick most of the time. It’s much easier when you have your footwear because then you can play around with stockings, socks and other accessories that will change your look according to your outfit.

Choose the right accessories

Accessories are often purely aesthetical, but winter accessories also need to be practical. Think this way: if you have to wear a scarf, why don’t you also keep it as a part of your outfit once you take off your coat? One great tip is to purchase a hat, gloves and scarf sets and match them to your go-to coat. You’ll always look put-together this way, even in a hurry.

Things like pointy and bulky jewelry aren’t really practical for colder weather, because they can easily get caught on scarves and gloves and leave you with a wardrobe malfunction. Pro tip: during the winter, a belt can be your BFF. It can help you accentuate your waist and give you an alluring figure even if you’re wearing three layers of clothing under your coat!

Don’t let cold weather prevent you from looking lavish and elegant! Remember to rotate clothes in your closet, especially during the transitional period. Switching from summer wear straight to your fall and winter clothing can be quite tricky if you don’t practice good closet organization. If you tend to run cold all the time, just add another layer to your ensemble to keep you warm and insulated.

Perfect Makeup for Your Wedding Day

It’s no secret that almost every bride dreams about her wedding day and such dreams are usually very big. That is quite understandable because it is a big life-changer, but it has to be preceded by months or even years of careful planning and preparations. With so many things that need to be arranged and organized and so much that can go wrong through no fault of yours, it’s normal that some brides find the whole thing overwhelming. Still, some things depend solely on you and how well you prepare for the big day. One of them is your makeup, which is supposed to make you look prettier than ever. So, if you wish to look gorgeous and leave a great impression on everyone, including yourself, take a look at the latest trends in bridal makeup.

Photo-ops all around

 

No wedding is complete without hundreds or even thousands of pics, most of which feature the bride. You most certainly want to look great in most, if not all of them, so make sure you boost the amount and quality of your regular makeup. Still, you don’t want to go over the top, so think about foundation, highlighter and a layer of blush thicker than usual. A touch of bronze eyeshadow and some false lashes will make you look great both in person and in pictures that you’ll look back at years later.

Beautiful eyes

Eyes are said to be the mirror of the soul and on your big day, your soul should be at its best. So, apply smoky eyeshadow or a smudged liner to play up your eyes, but don’t forget that there might be some tears of joy that day. That is why your smoky eyes should work with waterworks to help you maintain your fabulous look throughout the day. Feeling adventurous? Try including charcoal or gunmetal-grey shadows. It’s really popular these days and many brides are choosing these options. Even if you think you’re sure about your choice, you can find someone at Find Book Beauty who can do your fabulous bridal makeup sometime before the big day, so that you check whether that’s really the way to go. If you are not brave enough to experiment, opt for a cat-eye and red lip, bumped up with lashes and cheekbone highlight, which provide the much-needed glamour.

Angelic, not intimidating

Nobody wants to be even slightly intimidated by the bride at a wedding. On the contrary, they want to see you radiant and you can achieve this effect with shimmery eyeshadow or iridescent highlighter. Just tap the glow on the inner corners of your eyes, on your eyelids and on top of your Cupid’s bow.

To glow or not?

If the latest royal weddings are anything to go by, it’s completely wrong to assume that you need to literally shine at your wedding. This is especially true if you feel ill at ease with so much shine and glitter. The bottom line is that it’s perfectly OK to go for a full-matte look. To boost the appearance, apply the contour deeper and have blotting papers somewhere within arm’s reach, just in case.

Bronze and gold

Bronze tones will help you achieve that natural finish and a classy yet glamorous look. You can get a similar result with a combination of copper and gold since they’ll make your face glow in a positive sense. Just make sure you apply it carefully on your cheekbones and complement the overall look with a glittery gilded eyeshadow or highlight in powder formulas.

The most important thing is that you feel great, which means you need to be happy with the way you look. Being trendy also helps leave a great impression on everyone, so try some of these tips before the big day and see if you like them.

Front Facing vs Rear Facing Car Seats-Good or Bad?

As a parent, you immediately have the urge to protect your little bundle of joy. It’s nature-it’s natural instinct. While you can’t cling to them as you drive, you can put your trust in a car seat that not only comfortably cradles your baby, but keeps them safe and secure.

With so many car seats on the market, choosing the right one can be a daunting and stressful task for a new mommy. Front facing? Rear facing? Which one should you choose, and how many car seats will your child need as they grow? How long should your child remain rear facing? Which ones will support a

Each kind of seat has its own set of pros and cons, and based on my experience, I can share how I successfully made my selection and gained total peace of mind while I drove my baby around.

Rear Facing Car Seat

A rear facing car seat is designed specifically for infants. Most seats will grow with your baby, allowing them to stay rear facing in the seat until they reach the seat’s specific weight or height limit. Each seat is designed differently, so it’s hard to say when the measurement limits will expire.

The “old” way of thinking has children rear facing in their seat until one year of age, or 20 pounds-whatever comes first. Recently, it has been suggested that parents keep their child rear facing as long as possible. The “new” way of thinking is keep kids rear facing until they are at least 2 years old and/or 60 pounds. Why?

The benefits of keeping a child rear facing include:

  • Added head and neck support in case of a crash.
  • A rear facing seat spreads out impact more evenly.
  • The belts don’t become a hazard because they are worn across the body properly.
  • Necks are supported when children doze off. Their body placement also remains cradled.

The cons of keeping a child rear facing include:

  • Hassel once the child is heavier/taller. Creates a hard to reach/hook space for parents.
  • Can’t see the child or address their needs once they hit toddlerhood.

The good news is that car seat systems can be used rear facing and turned front facing without having to purchase an additional seat. Some even turn into booster seats when the child is much older and ready to sit on their own.

Front Facing Seats

Front facing seats are solely purchased when a child has hit a height, weight, or age requirement. This usually happens at around the age of 18 months (depending on the size of the child) and all the way up to 3 or 4 years old. Front facing seats are never to be used rear facing. However, if you have purchased a convertible car seat, yours has been specially designed to convert back and forth, making it ok to do so.

Front facing seats are great transition seats that teach your child how to sit in a car properly, buckle up, and enjoy the views and privileges of being an older child in a car. It also helps transition them to a booster seat, which can be used around 40 pounds and up to 100 pounds.

The benefits of putting your child in a front facing seat include:

  • Easy access. Your child can literally climb in and out of their seat.
  • Easy to see, talk to, and help your child.
  • Easy for parents to set up the seat and hook the belt.
  • Most children find sitting front facing makes them less dizzy and they enjoy being in a car and going on longer rides more.

Cons of a front facing seat:

  • Belt must be worn properly or the seat won’t do its job.
  • Children can easily unhook their own belts.
  • If a child falls asleep and hunches over, they are without support and could be injured easily in case of an accident.
  • If there is an impact, your child’s head and neck are less protected.
  • Most front facing seats (especially booster seats) aren’t anchored like a rear facing seat is, so the seat solely relies on the use of the seat belt.

All children are going to face front eventually. I learned that really isn’t a rush and if a rear facing seat offers more support and protection, then I put my child’s safety over everything else.

When shopping for a car seat, it’s important to consider these pros and cons. Variations of different car seats can be purchased from both big-box retailers or specialty baby boutiques online. Based on my experience, your best bet is to purchase a convertible car seat so that it can be used rear facing first, and then front facing once your child shows signs of growth and readiness. This cuts down on costs and keeps your baby in a cradled, secure seat longer!

Natural Remedies You Can Give to Your Dog

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Just like us humans, our pets can suffer from ailments too.  Your first port of call when your dog is displaying abnormal symptoms would obviously be your local vet, but sometimes a minor condition can be treated using natural remedies right at home.  The following are some simple solutions to help relieve some conditions that your dog may suffer from.

Vitamin E for Dry Skin 

Vitamin E in oil form can be a great remedy for dry skin.  It is a powerful anti-aging antioxidant with the added benefit of providing UV protection.  If you have ruled out possible allergies, infections and/or parasites, and your dog still suffers from dry, irritated skin, vitamin E massaged onto your dog’s coat can prove highly effective.

Chamomile Tea for an Upset Stomach

Most of us have heard how chamomile tea can help with anxiety, sleep and upset stomachs in humans, but did you know that it can also help your canine friends?  A strong cup of chamomile tea that has been left to cool can be added to your dog’s water or food bowl if they are suffering from a stomach bug.  Also, you can put any leftover tea into a spray bottle and keep it in the fridge for use as a soothing ointment for cuts and rashes.

Cannabis Oil for Anxiety

Even if your dog always seems happy and relaxed, there will be times when they feel stressed.  Noisy celebrations, fireworks and being left alone for a longer period than normal can all lead to undesirable behaviors such as barking, urinating indoors, and destroying furnishings.  Fortunately, anxiety in dogs can be easily treated with a natural cannabis oil supplement.  Canna Companion, found at cannacompanionusa.com, supply cannabis oil in capsule form, which when regularly administered, can help to keep your pet’s stress levels to a minimum.

Peppermint Oil for Bad Breath

Every dog owner knows how bad a dog’s breath can be, and sometimes it can get a bit much.  If your pet has been checked over at the vet and underlying causes such as gingivitis and tooth decay have been ruled out, you can go ahead and treat their bad breath with peppermint oil, or even spearmint oil.  Simply add a couple of drops to their drinking water and you should soon start to notice a difference.

Vinegar for Waxy Ears

Mixed with isopropyl alcohol, vinegar can be the perfect remedy for wax buildup in your dog’s ears. In a clean bottle, mix half a teaspoon of alcohol with a water and vinegar solution.  Use two-thirds water to one part vinegar.  Gently dab a cotton wool ball soaked with this mixture (excess squeezed out) on the outer area of the ears.  Note that this solution should not be used on dogs who have visible cuts or active infections, as this will irritate the ear canal.

Always make sure your vet has given your dog a clean bill of health before administering any remedies yourself, natural or not.

Creating a Calm Space: Several Ways to Go Green in Your Bedroom

When it comes to creating an eco-friendly home, most people first think about waste management and installing separate bins in the kitchen. The bedroom is actually the last room in the house that anyone would think can be made green. In fact, many people take the concept too literally and just paint the bedroom green, which is a hilarious move. There are so many methods that you can use to turn the bedroom into an oasis of peace that is ecologically friendly. In the long run, this will ensure you sleep soundly and that your physical and mental health is not disturbed in any way. A calm sleeping space has never been closer.

Source: Unsplash

The bed area

You needn’t guess twice which piece of furniture is at the center of any bedroom. The bed is also the place where the change in your room will start. It is all about the material it’s made from, so a wooden frame should be the standard. The type of wood can even be bamboo, while you should look for companies that do not contribute to deforestation. They are responsible in the way that for each tree they cut down, they plant another one, so you know your bed did not destroy the environment in an irreversible way.

Speaking of the materials other parts of the bed are made from, latex is an excellent solution for your bed as it is renewable and it doesn’t impact the environment as other materials. In general, any modern material used for making the bed is acceptable as the manufacturers took care of the environment while making it. That is why memory foam mattresses are suitable both for nature and your body support while sleeping.

Second-hand furniture

Apart from the bed, there are bound to be other pieces of furniture inside your bedroom, like chairs, night tables or wardrobes. We are speaking about a lot of wood and you can’t always count on sustainable timber sources.  One way to protect the forests is to buy used furniture that is in good shape. Many people do this as excellent second-hand furniture is easy to find both are specialized stores and in online ads. Most of it is in pretty decent shape, so after some polishing, it will look as good as new.

Source: Unsplash

The lighting

The light bulb is the part of every room’s décor that people tend to skip while redecorating the room. They simply forget that the ceiling is the place where they can save a lot of energy by replacing the old incandescent bulbs. They are so inefficient that 95% of the energy they receive is used for emitting heat and only 5% for light. The energy-saving LED lights that are commonly used as replacements use different math, wasting only 5% of energy for heat and the rest for light. Furthermore, if you have a solid light source above your head, you won’t need any additional lamps around the bed or on the desk, so that’s another save of energy. Remember, minimalism goes well with eco-friendliness.

Introducing plants

You are fighting the battle to protect the lungs of the world by conscientious shopping but have you ever considered creating a forest of your own inside the bedroom? You need fresh air when you sleep and a small garden is better than an open window in winter. Instead of freezing under the sheets for the sake of fresh air, you can bring in some potted plants inside. Plants will do their thing (called photosynthesis) and pump in oxygen straight into the bedroom. Just make sure they have enough nutrients and that they are near a light source like the window. Depending on the type of houseplants you decide to introduce, they are going to be watered regularly. The best method for this is the use of a durable water spray gun that will disperse the water evenly around the entire pot, so the plant’s root system soaks it up gradually.

Source: Pexels

The walls and the floors

We might have been joshing about the color of the bedroom in the introduction but in reality, it is not all the same which color you use on the walls of the bedroom. We are not referring to the hue that much but rather to the chemical composition of the paint. There are many colors that have a high content of toxic chemicals that destroy the environment and your health. Try to avoid these by buying colors that are made from natural ingredients.

Pretty much the same goes for the floors. If you have a wooden floor in your bedroom, like parquet, then use epoxies and other chemicals that do not harm the environment. It might seem silly to take care of such unimportant matters but any toxic chemicals that get used in the house eventually find their way into the environment. That is why you have to prevent your house from becoming a source of such poisoning of nature outside. In addition, the therapeutical effects of eco-friendly material can be a real rehab for depression.

The smell of eco-friendliness

Unless you plant flowers in your provisional bedroom garden, your bedroom is going to require some pleasant scents inside. People recklessly buy those aerosols canisters that they use to spray the room with but these are highly detrimental for the environment. Instead of piling up tin cans that add to house waste as well, use essential oils to create the ideal atmosphere for sleeping. Lavender, chamomile, and even lemon oil are all ideal substances to freshen up the room without harming the environment. The best thing is that essential oils are cost-effective because their dosage is a single drop which is enough to make the entire room smell nice.

As you have seen from the methods listed above, your bedroom could be transformed into a hub of positive vibes that will not only help you fall asleep but protect the environment as well. You don’t need to spend a whole bunch of green bills to go green in your house.