Five Ways to Shut off Your Brain & Fall Asleep Faster

When you are struggling to fall asleep at night, the vital moments of that journey are usually influenced by your brain’s ability to stop racing thoughts so you can sleep. Obviously, we all have stressful or challenging situations that keep gnawing at us, making it impossible to fall asleep. 

While there is no magic button that can deactivate thoughts or relax the brain, your bedtime habits might create a set of right associations for the body and mind. For an easy and peaceful time getting to sleep, try these four ways to prevent overthinking and prepare for healthy sleep.

Create A Pre-Sleep Routine

Consistent sleep and wake schedule is essential as well as setting bedtime routine. This helps you to establish a clear association between daily activities and sleep and program the internal clock to calm your busy brain, instead of you trying to force yourself to sleep.

To separate your day from the nighttime, incorporate at least 30 minutes for reading, soaking in a warm bath, taking a few minutes to journal, or listening to calming music before heading to bed. Such a ritual around your bedtime works as a signal for your body that it’s time to slow down and relax. 

Consider Using CBD Oil

CBD oil is a natural and safe alternative to traditional sleeping pills and medications. Intake of CBD products before bedtime helps to quiet your mind, relax the body, and prevent insomnia/hypersomnia for better night sleep.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is known to interfere with the body’s endocannabinoid system involved in many vital processes such as sleep, pain, stress, inflammation, immune system, memory, temperature, and others. Support of this system helps to give a needed boost to continue functioning properly. Potential benefits of CBD oil include pain, stress, and anxiety reduction, improved immunity, concentration, and mood, and regulation of sleep quality, among other useful functions.

Turn Off All Electronics

While it might be tempting to scroll up Instagram feeds or watch Netflix in bed, one of the best ways to get restful sleep is by switching off all the electronics such as the television, computer, iPad, and smartphone. Artificial light exposure disturbs your body’s circadian rhythm and enhances alertness, which can have a negative impact on the quality of rest. 

Try to refrain from texting on your cellphone, sending and answering emails on your computer. Instead, consider turning off your devices an hour before you are planning on going to bed to relax, let go off of the stressful thoughts, and concentrate on your sleep. 

Practice Mindful Breathing & Meditation

Mindful meditation and breathing exercises are considered effective practices for clearing your mind and getting yourself some peace. This helps in reducing worry and bringing the focus back to the present to enjoy a good night’s rest. What’s more, you can resort to the benefits of these activities anytime during the day when you feel yourself becoming stressed out or anxious. 

Simply sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and concentrate on slowing your exhalation, which will, in turn, slow your next inhalation. Control of your breath allows you to lower heart rate and calm you down. In addition, you can put a relaxing guided meditation or turn on a playlist with nature sounds, which will occupy the brain’s attention for a short period before it literally gets boring, allowing you to drift off to sleep. 

Try Out Military Approach

This is the antidote to Mr. Bean counting sheep on a screen on a calculator to combat insomnia. It is all about relaxing the body, mind over matter then switching off the mind. It was reported that the US military used this method to help their soldiers fall asleep in stressful environments. They do say it takes several weeks to perfect.  

  • Relax the muscles in your face, including tongue, jaw, and the muscles around the eyes;
  • Drop your shoulders as far down as they’ll go, followed by your upper and lower arm, one side at a time;
  • Breathe out, relaxing your chest followed by your legs, starting from the thighs and working down;
  • You need to spend 10 seconds trying to clear your mind before thinking of a peaceful thought;
  • You say “don’t think, don’t think, don’t think” to yourself over and over for about 10 seconds;
  • Then you fall asleep instantly.

So be sympathetic to your problem. A sleepless night can be caused by many factors, from stress to food to modern technology. You haven’t instigated them, but you may be allowing them to take control of your well-being. Experiment with some of these ideas and talk to your doctor prior to introducing CBD to your body. Your focus is to relieve yourself from anxieties and adverse stimulants and ensure a relaxed evening followed by a good night kip. You will feel glorious the next day!

Sustainable Waste Management Tips for Commercial Ventures of Any Size

Waste management is an extremely important aspect of running a business today, no matter its size. However, the bigger the establishment, the more waste it will produce, so it can be stated that bigger businesses require better and more comprehensive solutions to manage their waste effectively. On that note, let’s discuss a few tips for sustainable management of commercial waste which can help make any business not just more ecofriendly, but also more profitable.

An Audit Is Necessary for Devising the Most Feasible Plan

During an audit, the primary goals should be:

  • Determining whether the establishment is producing more garbage than it needs to
  • Determining how much waste is being produced on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis
  • Determining how many different types of waste are being produced by the business
  • Determining whether there are environmental hazards within the waste that require specialized processing to be disposed of safely
  • Determining if the company/unit can save money and energy by handling its garbage disposal in a more cost-efficient manner

Once the necessary data is available, it becomes much easier to devise customized trash management and disposal plan that saves money without harming the environment.

Contact a Professional Garbage Collection and Recycling Service

You will need to contact a local waste management company for roll-off container rentals anyway, but an environmentally conscious local garbage collection and recycling agency can do much more than just collect your garbage. They can help you with the auditing process, advise upon the best suited container type for your business’s waste and help the business minimize their solid waste with a rented garbage compactor of their own.

Reduction of Waste: Decrease the Total Volume of Trash

No business aims to produce waste, but it is an unavoidable byproduct. However, depending on the segment that a particular company is working in, they can take positive steps to reduce the amount of waste they produce. Since reduced waste production also means that they are using less energy and raw materials as well, this has the potential to lead to massive savings.

It would be impossible to suggest waste reduction methods without knowing what industry they are being suggested for or the nature of business. Nevertheless, the following universal pointers may have something for everybody:

  • Reduce paper and plastic usage as much as possible by digitizing
  • Adopt lean manufacturing and management methods for the reduction of waste and unnecessary costs
  • Train employees via a proper sustainability course to make them a part of the whole initiative

Finally, there is also the option to reduce the total amount of trash produced in a manufacturing facility by using a hired compactor. Just make sure that the employee in charge of the compactor has thee training necessary to know how to use it and what cannot be compressed by the machine. Also, the power consumed by the compactor needs to be factored in so it may be more suitable for particularly large industrial operations.

Staying Active Amid Covid as a Mom

Between working at home, watching the kids full time, and tending to household chores — daily exercise can seem nearly impossible for some moms, while others feel like they’ve got plenty of movement from running after the kids all day. Sticking to a daily workout routine shouldn’t be stressful and doesn’t have to be time-consuming when you’ve got so much on your plate. Whether it’s a daily 30-minute power walk or a full hour body workout with your favorite virtual trainer, here are a few tips to keep you active for the sake of keeping you healthy and energized.

Power Walk 

The best workouts are the ones where you can multitask while doing them. Walking is the easiest way to exercise with kids because no matter their age, they can always tag along. Depending on your stride, you can burn anywhere from 100 to 300 calories in 30 minutes. If you’ve got a baby or toddler, investing in a durable stroller such as an ErgoBaby Stroller, can keep up with your fast-pace while keeping your little one comfortable and safe. 

For some added exercise, you can easily attach a bag with stroller straps and carry accessories such as a lightweight dumbbell to help tone your arms while you alternate to push the stroller with the other arm and get some jumps in before you head back inside. If you get tired, you can store the dumbbell back in the bag making it a convenient way to pack any other weights or accessories you can take with you.

Virtual workouts 

Due to Covid, trainers have evolved and have been using innovative ways to train clients from the privacy of their homes. If you can commit to a few days a week, these workouts can be done while your little one is down for their naps, early mornings before your day begins, or evenings after work hours when another parent is able to help with the kids for the length of your workout.

Ask your trainer if you’ll need resistance bands, dumbbells, medicine balls, or any other small workout equipment that you can purchase on Amazon. 

Enjoy the outdoors

The best thing about the outdoors is that you can still practice the six feet distancing rule. Outdoor activities such as hiking, allows you to take your little one with you. If you choose to take your little one with you, make sure to pick an easy hiking trail where you won’t slip and avoid anything narrow. By using a baby carrier, you can strap baby onto your back, turning it into your own DIY weight vest to work out your back and shoulders. You can also strap the baby onto your chest if you feel it be much safer. 

Make sure you and your little one stay hydrated during these warmer summer months, as well as, wear the proper clothing which is just as important as wearing sunblock. Jack Wolfskin womens outdoor clothing is specifically designed for any outdoor activities and weather conditions. They also have a selection of kids’ outdoor clothing so you can make sure you and your littles are covered. 

Another way to enjoy the outdoors is by taking outdoor classes. Classes such as Yoga in the park can be a great way to get a workout in while also relaxing. Since Yoga incorporates meditation and technique breathing, it can help you release some of the stress that comes from work and an active week with the kids. 

Of course, there are other convenient ways to enjoy a workout at home if you’re willing to invest in options like the popular Peloton bike, a treadmill, or the newest workout mirror. All of which are great investments for staying healthy and active when you’re a busy mom. 

10 Easy Ways To Live a Greener & Sustainable Life

Someone once said, “We did not inherit our future from our ancestors, we have borrowed it from our children.” And it’s absolutely true. It’s crucial for us to live in a way that the planet remains viable for our future generations. 

A green lifestyle is a popular way people marry the idea of living a healthier life and doing their part for the environment. In solitary, many green lifestyle changes may seem too minuscule to actually make any difference. But imagine the benefits, if each of us participated in living a greener lifestyle? The impact will certainly be noticeable. 

If you’re hoping to incorporate green and sustainable changes in your everyday lifestyle, here are a few ways you can get started.

1. Switch to Renewable Energy 

Conventionally, energy is generated by burning fossil fuels that increase greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. The alternative is renewable energy, which is generated using solar, hydro, and wind energy. Talk to your retailer and enquire about green energy options. Origin electricity plans give users an option to source between 25% to 100% of electricity usage from renewable sources.

2. Start Composting

Start throwing all your food waste in a composting bin. Composting is an excellent way to naturally enrich the soil with nutrients. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in reducing the amount of methane and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

3. Understand Recycling

Most of us have a basic understanding of what can be recycling. Reach out to your local recycling to find out what all they accept. You may be surprised to discover that containers and bags lined with foil and polypropylene aren’t recyclable. Also, leaving food in takeaway containers is a big no-no. Make sure you remove residual food and give containers a quick wash before putting them in the recycling bin.

4. Eliminate Single-Use Plastic

There are several ways you’re using single-use plastic in your everyday life. From plastic water bottles to plastic straws, stop using single-use plastic. Start carrying a cloth grocery bag when shopping, buy a reusable water bottle, take your own cup to the coffee shop, and also get a metal straw.

5. Use Natural Cleaners

Most conventional household cleaners often contain certain chemicals that don’t break down easily. These chemicals, in turn, cause harm to aquatic life. Purchase all-natural cleaners or make your own at home. It is better for your own health as well as the environment.

6. Eat Vegan Meals

Instead of including animal products in all your meals, try opting for vegan or vegetarian meals at least once a week. Vegan meals can be just as nutritious and flavourful as their meat-filled counterparts. If you can’t do without meat or cheese, explore substitutes like Beyond Meat and nutritional yeast.

7. Buy Second-Hand

Whether you’re looking for a coffee table or clothes, check out flea markets and charity shops. You’ll find beautiful pieces at a fraction of the usual price.

8. Avoid Fast-Fashion

Fast fashion is built on the notion that products are disposable and easily replaceable. If your budget allows it, avoid fast fashion, and instead buy high-quality clothing that will last for several years.

9. Use Public Transportation

Is your city well-connected with public transportation? Then use it as your primary mode of transportation, which will reduce pollution and fuel costs. Other than this, carpooling with your co-workers is another great option.

10. Conscious Energy Use

Turn off lights and unplug vampire appliances when not in use. In addition to helping the environment, being a conscious consumer will lower your energy bills and allow greater savings.

The Bottom Line

Green lifestyle doesn’t have to be an inconvenience or expensive commitment. In fact, several sustainable changes can actually reduce your living costs. So what is holding you back? 

Best Supplements to Take in Your 50s

Even though many people don’t find it very important, the fact is that proper supplementation is a big step towards improved health and overall well-being. It is particularly essential when you reach a certain age, so be sure to stay with us to learn about the best supplements to take in your 50s. Just check them out and give your body what it needs!

Probiotics for the stronger immune system and healthy gut

The first set of menopausal supplements should include probiotics, and the reasons for that are multiple. First of all, prioritizing gut health often is one of the most important steps towards relieving menopause symptoms. And why is that? Well, this is simply because you won’t be able to experience the benefits of other supplements if there’s no balance of good bacteria in the gut. So, if you want to boost your immune system and improve your digestion, you should definitely take probiotics into consideration. Once the inflammation is under control and your immune system is functioning properly, your body will digest food and get the essential nutrients with more success!

Turmeric for digestion and cognitive health

In case you didn’t know, turmeric is an old Indian spice rich in bioactive compounds that have powerful medicinal properties. One of such compounds is curcumin – a carotenoid that has amazing anti-inflammatory effects and is a strong antioxidant. Apart from that, it can also promote digestion, improve your skin, and even contribute to healthy joints. This is exactly why many ladies in their 50s are incorporating turmeric supplements into their everyday diet. So, if you want to protect your body from the harmful free radicals that can speed up the process of aging and increase the risk of numerous diseases – including cancer – give turmeric a try and you won’t make a mistake!

Calcium for stronger bones

Everyone knows that calcium is crucial for body functions such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and blood clotting. Apart from that, it’s also vital for healthy bones. It gets even more important after menopause since bone density tends to decrease as we get older. This happens due to a loss of calcium and other minerals, which makes us much more vulnerable to injuries. In order to prevent that and keep your bones strong and healthy, be sure to incorporate calcium supplements into your daily routine. However, taking them alone won’t be enough, so keep on reading to find out how to combine supplements for better absorption!

Vitamin D3 for calcium absorption

In order for calcium to be fully absorbed, you should take vitamin D3 together with it. This vitamin plays an important role in its absorption, which makes it an essential nutrient for optimal bone health and your overall health. If you don’t take vitamin D3, your body won’t be able to absorb enough calcium, which means that it will start using the existing calcium stores. It will weaken your bones and negatively affect future bone development, which should be avoided at all costs. Aside from stimulating bone growth, vitamin D3 is vital for boosting your immune system, too. Does it get better than that? We don’t think so!

Omega-3 fatty acids for brain and heart health

Last but certainly not least, there are omega-3 fatty acids that are crucial for brain and heart health in women over 50. Even though these can be found in fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, as well as in walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds, you should opt for a supplement if you need to intake a recommended dose of omega-3s every single day. Apart from improving brain and heart health, these acids can help you sleep better and improve your eye and bone health, too. Also, you’ll see a positive change in your skin as omega-3s have anti-aging properties that support healthy skin cell membranes. Just give them a fair shot and you’ll see what we were talking about!

Needless to say, there are many amazing supplements appropriate for ladies in their 50s and their specific needs, but these five undoubtedly are unmatched. So, if you want to improve your health and overall well-being, don’t wait any longer and make these a part of your everyday routine. Of course, be sure to consult with your doctor or other health care professional before making a final decision. That’s essential if you want to accomplish the best results!

Maintaining a Healthy Diet During Chemotherapy

While chemotherapy is literally a life saver, it comes with side effects that are very hard to deal with, as anyone who has been through it well knows. One of the most significant challenges of chemotherapy is maintaining a healthy diet, which the body needs to fight infection and maintain strength. Chemo is responsible for a wide range of issues that interfere with healthy eating and affect people quite differently: Chemo can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, appetite loss, changes in one’s sense of taste or smell that make eating unpleasant, dry mouth, mouth sores, sore throat, lactose intolerance, weight gain, and weight loss.

The infographic below, 20 Healthy Diet Tips for Chemotherapy, is important reading for anyone who is undergoing or soon to undergo chemotherapy. The suggestions are easy to follow, and brief enough to keep in mind or even tape to the refrigerator door. If you can make eating more enjoyable and more nutritious during the course of treatment, then you’re going to feel healthier and be healthier as time goes on.

Of course, if these tips and all else fails, never hesitate to consult your physician, a nurse or a dietician to review your situation and help you develop a plan to combat whatever dietary-related symptoms are affecting you. Continue reading for dietary inspiration.

How to Stay Eco-Friendly During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Over the last few months, the coronavirus pandemic has dominated the world and changed the way we live our lives. With the government implementing social distancing measures, and many people being ordered to stay at home, your day to day routine has probably suffered as a result. 

We all know how important it is to do our bit for the environment, so if you’re eco-conscious and wondering what steps to take, here are tips on how to stay eco-friendly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cut Down Energy Use

If you are working from home and want to make quick and easy changes to be more eco-friendly, cutting down on your energy use is the best place to start. Simple measures like switching off your smartphone or computer when they’re not in use, turning off appliances by the switch, and drying your clothes or medical scrubs outside instead of relying on a dryer can help keep your energy bills down and do your bit for the environment.

Don’t Waste Water

The coronavirus pandemic means we are not only just washing our hands more frequently, but we are potentially taking longer baths and showers. If this sounds like you, try and be more efficient with your showers so you can reduce your water waste. Whether it’s turning off the faucet as you scrub your hands, or keeping it off while you brush your teeth, you will notice a huge difference in your water bill at the end of the month once you start making changes.

Use Hand Sanitizer

If you’re going back to work or performing daily errands, bringing a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you can give you peace of mind and add an extra layer of protection against contracting the coronavirus. Hand sanitizer is deemed a green product as most of the ingredients that go into it originate from natural sources. If you run your own business, there are hand sanitizer dispensers that you can install in the workplace which will keep customers and employees safe. 

Ditch Your Car

For those who are currently working from home, ditching your car for the time being is another achievable eco-friendly goal. If possible, try and walk to your grocery store rather than taking the car. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint by leaving your vehicle at home, but this can serve as the perfect opportunity to factor in regular exercise. 

Change Your Diet

With many of us having more time on our hands than ever before, why not use this as a chance to change your diet? Rather than sitting around the house and gorging on junk food, incorporating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables onto your plate can be a great way to help the planet. Buying from farmers’ markets, consuming more plants, and choosing organic animal products should be your first step to following an eco-friendly diet.

While restrictions are beginning to ease and more and more people are being allowed to return to work and resume normal life, there are many others who are still being ordered to stay at home. No matter your circumstance, all the tips above are great ways to stay eco-friendly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

5 Perfect Tips to get an Energy-Efficient Garden

Having a home garden is a wonderful way to save money, cultivate a hobby, and teach the next generation a valuable skill that will stay with them for their entire life. We have a few ideas that will help you garden more efficiently and save energy.

To garden for pleasure is a wonderful pastime that is both peaceful, but also a great way to control your own food growth, and by extension, food consumption. You can be specific about what you plant when you harvest it, and how to properly germinate your crop to produce more plant products like fruits and vegetables.

You can also regulate what you use to kill weeds, like the best dandelion killer. That is, of course, unless you enjoy the catharsis of pulling weeds around your garden and home by hand. However, this usually is a factor in smaller gardens. Larger spans are often handled with chemicals, and at the following link you can find a dandelion killer buyer’s guide to help you make an informed choice.

The garden in today’s world

Burning yourself out and wasting tons of unnecessary money doesn’t have to be the case with the modern, energy-efficient garden. There are plenty of ways to have your veggies and eat them, too, while not pulling your hair out in frustration.

1. The soil

The better the soil, the better the growth. That is just a fact. The best soil is volcanic, but for more domestic uses, a quality potting soil that is nitrogen-rich is the best for the job. Mixing in some compost that has properly decayed is even better. And if you are feeling ambitious, manure from literally any source is a great source of nutrients plants crave.

2. Nearby trees

Planting trees, especially shade-producing trees, is a solid way to make your area cooler, and safer from the sun’s violent rays. The cooler earth, coupled with aeration from the roots, will assist in plant growth.

3. Watering, or not

Having a way to water your plants that is efficient, but not wasteful, will help you to cut your water bills, and help the environment at the same time. A watering can versus a hose is a good place to start. If you don’t want to use water, drought-resistant plants like cacti will work well for you.

4. Proper tools

Safe garden tool use that won’t hurt the plants when weeding or harvesting is the best way not to accumulate wasted product. Using hand tools versus power tools is the better way to go and will give you better control.

5. Lighting

If you want to garden for less energy consumption to keep your bills lower, solar lights are a great garden accessory to install. They use a photocell to turn on the light, and solar panels to charge it. No need to wire it to the home.

Conclusion: To garden like a pro, you have to think like a pro, and someone who has made a career out of effective, energy-efficient gardening, will know the right ways to maximize their garden’s output and produce the best product. Think of those giant tomatoes at the farmer’s market. They didn’t just happen. They were cultivated by experience, research, and time. To get your best output, do what they do, only better. Do you have an area that you use to grow your own flowers or produce?

About the Author

Archie was a builder for more than 40 years. Mainly after his retirement the enthusiastic electrical works in the garden and writes for a blog Homemakerguide.com to keep himself occupied. His many years of experience can get you the right tool reviews whether it is a drill, welding machine or so. An impressive fact to note about him is that almost everything in his house is a representation of his skills made by his hands.

When To Remove Mold By Yourself

Mold removal or remediation is a very daunting and dangerous process. Because if you don’t do it correctly, it can impose a health risk to you and those within your homestead. Improper removal can also increase the mold infestation in your house.

Whether to do it by yourself or hire a mitigation pro will depend on a few factors. Depending on how the remediation is done, you might need to move out because of the health risk of molds.

Although removing molds requires qualified personnel with experience, there are circumstances when the professionals won’t be needed. Here are tips to help you out when deciding whether to remove molds by yourself or hire a pro.

When to remove mold by yourself

However dangerous it can be, there are cases where you have to take responsibility to mitigate the molds by yourself. Under such circumstances, it won’t be necessary to hire a mold abatement professional. These include:

When the molds cover a small area

In this case, calling a professional to get the work done can be expensive. Therefore consider doing the task yourself as is the most suitable option.

When the molds grow on surfaces that are hard to clean

For instance, carpets, it will be easy and cheaper to remove the mats and replace them than trying to mitigate the molds. If you know how to do the work as required, there will be no need to call for professional help.

When they are on easy to clean surfaces

You can remediate the molds by yourself if they are growing on easy to clean surfaces, such as tabs, sinks, metals, or glasses. Such coatings are easy to clean and won’t need any qualified expertise to do the job.

If you don’t have any health problems dealing with it

Or when you don’t have any complicated health problems that can be worsened by molds. Since there are health problems that can get worse upon exposure to molds. Therefore, before going ahead with the mitigation plan, you should see a doctor get an assurance.

Once you check and find that you are safe, you can get ahead with the mold abatement process.

Do-It-Yourself mold mitigation steps.

Molds are very undesirable and create unpleasant sights in a home. To some extent, these molds can cause respiratory diseases such as allergies, which are harmful to your health. They can accumulate over time and become hard to mitigate.

In such scenarios hiring a professional can be much costly, so it is vital to learn DIY mold abatement steps. The steps will help you with the basics of mold removal, and the proper ways to safely clean up.

Step 1. Identify the mold

Mold infestation is common in almost all homes especially those in humid areas. The proper way to get rid of them is to remove them before they accumulate. When removing molds, it is essential first to identify them.

It is not hard to identify those molds as they are black and can grow into large colonies. If you suspect what you see, carry out a mold identification test that involves the use of a bleach solution.

To identify the molds, drop a few drops of bleach to the black spots. If the spots disappear, then they are not molds but mildew. But if the spots remain, that means that is dirt mold.

After identifying the mold, then take safety measures like putting on protective clothes.

Step 2. Put on protective gear and observe safety measures.

Mold removal is dangerous, and it needs extra care while doing it. To ensure that mold doesn’t stick to your clothes, remember to put on protective gear. The clothes you put on should be disposable, put on goggles to protect your eyes from mold particles. Assemble all the necessary equipment for the cleanup process.

Step 3. The actual mold mitigation process

Once you are in the right grooming, proceed to the remediation process. Find the cause of such molds and open walls to find them. Use a mold-cleaner to thoroughly scrub the surfaces and leave the solution to dissolve in the wall.

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the mold debris from the wall. After you are done with this, install negative air machines to remove the smell of molds and mild soap.

Step 4. Dry the surface

Molds are caused by moisture, and cleaning involves the use of water. So, if you clean and leave the walls without drying them, molds will reinfest them. To avoid that, you should wipe the walls and the surfaces after cleaning.

Speed up the drying process by increasing ventilators in the area. Run a dehumidifier and open windows and doors and even use air movers to speed up drying.

When to hire a mold remediation pro

Having looked at the circumstances under which you can carry out a remediation process by yourself. It is also important to note the scenarios that require a pro.

  • When the molds have infested on a large area beyond three by three feet as per the Environmental protection Agency.
  • If the molds develop after the house floods with contaminated water such as sewage water. In such cases, the molds can be hazardous hence calling for qualified personnel.
  • When molds have grown in your ventilation, air conditioning, and heating systems, such HVAC systems require knowledgeable people to handle them.
  • If you are not sure of how to correctly do the job.
  • When you have a medical or health problem that might be worse upon exposure to mold, the condition can be an immune disorder, allergies, or even asthma.
  • If you are already diagnosed with a mold-related disease, or you are experiencing their symptoms. The symptoms include runny nose, wheezing, sneezing, shortness of breath, coughing, headaches, and other chronic infections.

Conclusion

Molds are common, and they can pop up at your home at any time without warning. Due to the hazardous dangers they can impose on one’s health, it is essential to remove them. Regardless of the extent of the infestation, it is advisable to remove them.

Health is wealth, make the right decision before deciding who should remove them, you, or a professional.

Vegan vs. Plant-Based: the Debate

There’s a common misconception about vegan diets. For many people, a vegan diet is synonymous with a whole-food, plant-based diet. In reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The main difference between a vegan diet–even an organic one–and a whole-food, plant-based diet is the nutritional value. Both are devoid of animal products and animal by-products. However, there’s a thin line between consuming vegan junk food versus vegan nutrient-rich food. I mean, you can eat french fries and drink beer all day–that’s a vegan diet.

Breakfast

When you’re consuming a vegan diet, there are plenty of cereals you can eat for breakfast. Many of the sugar-filled cereals you find on the shelves of grocery stores are technically vegan. If you add your choice of dairy-free milk, you can still stick to your principles. The same holds true for coffee drinks. Many people love to drink dairy-free lattes from their favorite coffeehouses. By replacing the milk, you can maintain the vegan integrity of the latte. However, it doesn’t matter if you’re drinking sugar-filled lattes or cereals. If they’re filled with processed sugars and ingredients, you’re not giving your body the nutrients it needs to thrive so keep a toothpaste tablet and charcoal toothbrush in your purse. 

On a whole-food, plant-based diet, you might eat oatmeal with fruit and chia seeds for breakfast. If you add a ripe banana and cinnamon, you’ll start to get a banana-bread experience from your oatmeal that you’ll fall in love with. If you can’t imagine life without your lattes, switch the ingredients. Continue to use your favorite dairy-free milk. Add matcha powder, which is high in sugar-reducing antioxidants, for a nutrient-rich beverage. 

Lunch

Ever since the vegan movement exploded a few years ago, many restaurants, cookbooks, and experts have popped up. Since the demand is high, many retailers created vegan versions of various cheeses, meats, and more. It’s not difficult to find a restaurant in any major city with a vegan menu. As a result, it’s relatively easy to order a vegan burger that’s topped with vegan cheese and condiments. If you order a side of fries that’s topped with vegan cheese sauce, you can eat without worrying that you’re consuming a single animal product or by-product. 

However, you can’t eat that type of meal each day. This is because these manufactured vegan burgers tend to be highly-processed. Unless you know that the chef is preparing the burger from scratch, the chances are high that you’re eating something made in a factory. When food is processed, it tends to carry a lot of unhealthy oils and high sodium content. You might be eating a vegan burger, but you’re running the risk of clogging your arteries. And worse, many vegan burgers contain isolated soy protein. While there’s nothing wrong with soy itself, as a whole food, isolated soy protein is cancer-promoting. Here’s a great article on the science of soy.

The whole-food, plant-based diet will still allow burgers. However, you’re better off making them from scratch. You can easily create veggie burgers from bases like quinoa, black beans, and lentils. Chop vegetables like celery, carrots, and onion to provide texture, nutrition, and flavor. Prepare a side of sweet potato fries to go on the side. When you’ve prepared the meal at home, you’ll know exactly what’s going in it. You’ll also be able to ensure that you’re sticking to a whole-food, plant-based diet. 

Dinner

Since dinner is the final meal of the day, it’s wise to focus on a lighter meal. Learn to love salads. A salad is the easiest way to fulfill the requirements for a plant-based meal. Jazz them up by choosing a variety of ingredients. Instead of using lettuce, try a different green like arugula, spinach, or kale. Greens are filled with vitamins, fiber, and more. Chop up a few slices of onions to add to the mix. While tomatoes are delicious, switch them out from time to time. In its place, combine peaches, grapefruit, or mangos. Most store-bought salad dressings are filled with preservatives and oils. That’s why they can sit on grocery shelves. Instead, make your own vinaigrettes with vinegar, citrus fruit, fresh herbs, and other seasonings. To add some crunchiness, add nuts or seeds. Create a blend of almonds and poppy seeds. Throw them in a blender with some nutritional yeast flakes and a bit of salt. Pulse the mixture a few times before sprinkling it on top. 

Health Benefits

During these times, it’s especially important to develop a strong immune system. If you contract a virus, a healthy immune system will truly help you fight. By consuming nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, herbs, and whole grains, you’ll be well on your way to optimal health. In addition to eating healthy, the stress of avoiding the virus and quarantining can be exceptionally overwhelming. If you are feeling overwhelmed due to the time and stay-at-home orders, here are some great tips for getting past social isolation.