Archives for November 2020

The Facts And Myths Of Acupressure

November 11, 2020 by

Alternative medicine is a much-contested field. The skeptics chalk it up to placebo effect and call it nothing but mumbo jumbo. However, there are many people who swear by the benefits of it; after all, science is an ever-evolving field. What is unfounded today might get recognized by the scientists as genuine, tomorrow.

Regardless of the debate, one has to concede to the practices that have been going around for centuries now. Chinese medicine in particular has many aspects that are still being practiced today, with much success. One such example is of acupressure.

What is acupressure?

According to Chinese mythology, there are zones or channels in the body through which the essential energy, which keeps the body alive, flows. The communication within the body is carried through these vital channels, and they connect one organ to another. Any blockage in these channels, or any deviation in them, leads to illnesses.

Acupressure thus sets to correct the issues with these channels in the body. The expert exerts pressure on these channels to set them right. Massage, stretching etc. are also recommended modes of healing in this process.

Many people resort to acupressure for fixing issues like chronic headaches. While acupressure itself does not pose a direct danger to health, it is better to also consult an expert neurologist in Islamabad when accosted with recurring headaches.

Is acupressure a hoax: exploring the facts and myths!

As there is lack of empirical evidence to back up the folklore, many people still have qualms about it. However, fact is, if acupressure has managed to survive so long, it’s not all delusion.

Many doctors and medical experts also recognize it as valid treatment. WHO and NIH recognize acupuncture, and by extension, Chinese medicine as legitimate form of treatment. It is therefore important to explore into the different myths surrounding acupressure.

Myth: Acupressure works as a placebo only

Fact: Acupressure is not merely in your head. It acts as a pain reliever as when the pressure is exerted at the correct point as it stimulates the release of endorphins. These are hormones that are natural painkillers and mood enhancers. This is also why acupressure is also great for emotional and mental health as well.

According to the study published in the Clinal Journal of Sport Medicine, acupressure was very effective for decreasing pain intensity in athletes in the aftermath of injury, as opposed to those who were given no acupressure or sham acupressure.

Therefore, acupressure is not a myth or mere placebo; it is a genuine treatment option.

Myth: Acupressure is about exerting more pressure for more benefit

Fact: Acupressure may not be a conventional medical treatment, but it is based on certain principles and has method to it. Hence, in order for the treatment to be effective, it is important to abide by the rules of the technique alone.

According to experts, exerting too much pressure for too long will result in more injuries. Instead oscillate between 30-60 seconds of pressure. If you feel stimulating at the pressure point, you are exerting just the right amount of force. Always thus aim for this feeling when exerting pressure and not mindlessly pushing.

Myth: It is just good for pain treatment

Fact: Pain relief is just one aspect of acupressure. It also is successfully used in treating vomiting and nausea, especially amongst the patients undergoing chemotherapy. It is also great for de-stressing.

Acupressure is also used for boosting energy levels as well.

Myth: Acupressure is painful

Fact: In actuality, acupressure is not supposed to cause pain. If you are experiencing pain in the sessions, you need to talk to your therapist about it instead!

Myth: It gives instant results

Fact: Acupressure is not flicking wand and chanting abracadabra. It is a proper science that needs to run its course. In acute cases, you can see almost instant results, but the process of healing is more sophisticated.

Alongside further sessions, adequate lifestyle changes also need to be made for a holistic healing of the underlying ailment.

Myth: Acupressure is entirely harmless

Fact: Well, not exactly. There are certain people for which acupressure is not recommended and thus even if the process itself is relatively innocuous, it produces effects that are not.

People who have arthritis to bone disease should steer clear of this process.

Similarly, women who are pregnant should not opt for acupressure as putting pressure on certain points can induce contractions. Those suffering from varicose veins are also ill-fitted for this treatment.

Cancer patients also are not recommended this treatment. Acupressure is also not safe for those suffering from spinal injury; in any case, patients should always first consult with the best neurologist in Islamabad before opting for experimental treatment for spine as it’s a very sensitive issue.

To go or not to go for the acupressure, at the end of the day, is at patient’s own discretion!

 

Filed Under: Food & Health

Milestones Your Teen Can Still Enjoy During Pandemic

November 9, 2020 by

If you’re the parent of a teen living through life right now, odds are they are feeling pretty bleak about some of what are supposed to be the most exciting milestones in adolescence and young adulthood. Your teen, and the rest of your family, may be wondering what fun milestones they can actually enjoy given that so many celebrations have been canceled or are unsafe. If you’re looking for some life events that can still be safely celebrated and enjoyed in your teen’s life, here are a group of milestones that are great to acknowledge regardless of the pandemic.

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Celebrate your teen getting their driver’s license.

If your teen is at the age where they are getting their driver’s license for the first time, that is a huge milestone that deserves to be celebrated. Getting your license and a new car are big responsibilities, but they are also a significant step towards your teen’s independence and freedom. However, with that responsibility and freedom comes the potential for a car accident that can result in property damage and potential bodily injury. Before you celebrate this new driver, make sure you have the proper car insurance lined up to cover your teen driver with collision coverage. You should research and compare auto insurance policies that will give you peace of mind while they’re on the road. It’s important to research car insurance and get various auto insurance quotes to compare, as you may miss out on an eligible insurance policy that comes at a discount when compared to the car insurance policy you may be used to. You will thank yourself when you see your teen driver get behind the wheel on their own for the first time.

Have a small, socially distant graduation party.

If your teen is graduating high school soon, or they graduated high school last spring, they may be feeling sad about this impressive milestone going uncelebrated. One way to remedy this is to have a small, socially distant graduation party. Get some party supplies to make the house look more special, and invite a few friends or family members near you. You can also encourage others who are further away to join in the celebration through a video call. You can make up for the lack of graduation party guests by investing in the graduation party supplies. Getting customized party supplies made with your teen’s favorite photos from high school and childhood is a special way to celebrate the occasion without being unsafe during the pandemic. Your teen will appreciate all of the time and effort you put in on the decorations and will love looking back on nostalgic memories at the party.

Consider throwing a tiny prom night.

Your teen may have missed out on the prom if it was canceled due to the pandemic. If this is the case, consider holding an at-home prom with just a few guests or with family only. Looking for a cheeky theme for this quarantine prom? ”Mask-erade“ would ensure each guest is properly masked without it taking away from the fun of prom!

Get your teen ready (and healthy) for college.

If your teen recently graduated high school or is going to graduate soon, it’s very likely they are looking ahead to college or another post-secondary program of some kind. After the excitement of your socially distant graduation party has died down, make sure your teen is completely prepared to move on to college. This includes not only making a list of dorm essentials and signing up for classes but also having a real discussion about mental health and wellness.

Graduating and leaving home while the world is still facing a pandemic is no small feat, and it should not be treated as such. If needed, get your teen set up with a knowledgeable therapist or psychologist in your area, or in the area of their new university home. Search for therapists near me coupled with your city or zip code for a full list of mental health practitioners, including family therapists, clinical social workers, psychologists, and general counselors. There are many types of therapy out there, and many psychologists are covered by your insurance carrier, so you can find your teen the right help to support them during this first step towards adulthood without breaking the bank.

Filed Under: Lifestyle

How to Water and Feed Your Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula?

November 9, 2020 by

Antilles pinktoe tarantula is also known as Martinique red-toed tarantula. This tarantula experiences color change throughout its life cycle. It is typically bright blue in color as a baby and changes into metallic red or green in its adulthood. The pinkish toes emerging from the furry legs give it the name of Antilles pinktoe tarantula.

It is a medium-sized spider that may grow up to 5 to 6 inches. The tarantula tends to jump as it would do in the wild. Due to this reason, many people interpret these spiders to be aggressive, but they are commonly known to be calm. They are more likely to flee rather than bite in situations perceived as dangerous.

The pinktoe spiders spend most of the day resting and could be a good choice if you are looking for a quiet pet. The diet has a significant influence on the health of the spider. In case you are worried about what to feed your new pet, you may like to go through the below recommendations.

The Type of Feeding 

Spiders enjoy feeding on live crickets. Hence, you may be required to breed some in your garden or buy from the market. It is essential to know that the crickets must be gut-fed before you allow the spider to attack. This ensures the supply of essential nutrients to the pinktoe pet. You can also give them grasshoppers, roaches, or flying insects like a moth.

You can drop the live insect into the enclosure of the spider, where the predator relishes the prey. A tarantula is more active during the evenings, and this could thus be an appropriate feeding time. The spider doesn’t enjoy feeding on dead animals.

Don’t let the corpus stay for more than 24 hours to avoid them from decaying in the enclosure. It is thus important to remove the leftovers that can otherwise stress out the pink pet. Please do not feed the spider immediately after it has molted as its exoskeleton is normally soft. Wait for sometime till the exoskeleton becomes hard. Else the prey can cause harm to the spider when it is vulnerable.

An adult Antilles pinktoe tarantula survives typically on a few crickets every 3 to 10 days. The young ones require a similar feed every 2 to 5 days, given the developmental stage. For adding variety, you can treat an adult spider by giving a small mouse or lizard. It is advisable to seek the veterinarian’s suggestion for deciding on the suitable quantum and type of feed.

Water Intake and Humidity              

A tarantula must have access to clean water. You can keep some shallow bowls of clean water in its enclosure. Do not forget to wash the bowls and refill them with fresh water every day. The water should be accessible and in easy reach of the spider.

The tarantula’s cage tank must be kept dried. You may spray some water every few days. Allow the tank to dry out between two sprays. The cage must have some plants, which can be placed in pots. Having live plants adds to the humidity. It also creates comfortable spots for breeding and laying eggs.

Keeping a Vigilant Watch

Antilles pinktoe tarantula does not normally experience health issues in an enclosure. But, you must be vigilant and look out for signs such as lethargy or loss of appetite. Molting at times is mistaken as sickness, which is a natural process. Before molting, the spider may experience a loss of appetite and energy.

Hence proper feed and water are essential to ensure the best health of your pet. You can seek the proficient consultation of a specialized veterinarian for a suitable diet chart for your pink pet.

 

Filed Under: Pets

Should I Include My Spouse on a Mortgage?

November 6, 2020 by

Buying a house is an exciting adventure. It can be even more exciting when you have a partner to do it with. Looking for homes with your spouse is a physical manifestation of the life you plan on having together. You’re mapping out your whole future and getting ready to take this next step together. But when you have two people shopping in real estate and looking at home loans, you may have extra questions about who should be the borrower and how to apply for a mortgage.

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While it may seem like an unusual question, you may want to ask yourself, “should my spouse be on my mortgage?” At first, you may think, “of course, they’re my partner, we’re in this together.” But there can be ways to get a lower interest rate from your mortgage lender if you file alone. On the flip side, without the help of your spouse, your mortgage rate can rise specifically.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer. Every couple is different and will have different qualifications and pros/cons to including their spouse on the home loan. Whatever gets you the best rate on the type of loan you’re looking for should be the best option for you as homebuyers. Use your best judgment as you explore these areas where applying for a mortgage with your spouse can help or hurt you.

Are you ready to buy a house?

First thing’s first, you need to be sure you and your partner are ready to become homeowners. This is a big step and a big commitment to your future together. Be sure everything is happy and healthy at home. If you’re at all worried, consider marriage counseling to help get your family back on the same page. Whether you’re struggling with intimacy, affection, or personal issues, speaking with a couples counselor can resolve issues and make you a stronger team than ever. Becoming homeowners is a big step, and counseling can help show you if you’re ready for it.

Income Increase

When you’re applying for a mortgage loan, you need to provide proof of income to decide your monthly payment and rate mortgage. Applying for a mortgage on your own will mean you’re only including your income to determine the loan amount. This may mean you can only secure a lower loan and not pursue homes that are actually in your price range. Adding your spouse when you apply with a lender can sometimes double your income and allow you to apply for a higher loan. Experiment with different numbers and use a mortgage rates comparison calculator to figure out how the income ratio can affect you. If filing together leads to a better mortgage at a lower rate, it may be too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Credit Changes

Applying for any conventional loan means the lender will run a credit report. Your credit score determines your loan estimate and the interest rate. Research your credit score, your spouses, and your joint number to decide which filing method will get you the best rate. If your partner has a bad score and yours is great, it may be a good idea to leave them off the mortgage. Just remember, if you apply for a mortgage together, those monthly mortgage payments are both your responsibility, and paying off your new home will affect your credit scores and tie them together for years to come.

Signing the Deed

If you’ve chosen to leave your spouse off the mortgage loan, you may be wondering if they can still be considered a homebuyer. While their name may not be on the mortgage, they can still sign the deed to the home. And if you do sign a mortgage together, it will be expected that both borrowers sign the deed together.

 

Filed Under: Money & Finance

Signs that your pet may be in pain

November 5, 2020 by

No-one likes to think that their favorite furry or feathered friend may be suffering, but if they are, we want to know about it. Quick and effective professional treatment is the best way to get them back to their usual happy self, but unfortunately, our pets can’t always tell us what’s wrong, or even if there’s anything wrong at all.

It’s not just the fact that animals don’t speak our language and can’t tell us in words when they’ll ill or injured that can stop us knowing. Often they make a concerted effort to hide the fact that they’re in pain, as in the wild, this would be a sign of weakness, marking them out as easy prey for predators and rival animals. They are also more inclined than humans to become resigned to their fate and, rather than expect help, they will just hide.

Cats and dogs

Cats and dogs exhibit similar behavior when in pain. They might try to tell us through yelping and whining and may become more needy and affectionate. Alternatively, they could become withdrawn and reluctant to play, interact, or take exercise. The pain may cause them to become aggressive, growling, biting, or scratching if anyone comes near.

Body language

Body language in suffering cats and dogs can include flattened ears, low posture, and narrowed or squinting eyes, particularly in cats. Look for signs of tension or stiffness, limping or shivering. If they seem to be licking or scratching at a particular area, they could be instinctively trying to care for a wound, even if there isn’t a visible cut or internal pain.

Seeking treatment

Not all signs will be noticeable, but if you have any concerns, you should contact a specialist medical professional like an emergency vet. Adelaide Veterinary Specialist and Referral Centre (AVSARC) is the first facility in South Australia to offer a comprehensive vet referral service for small animals. It shares its premises with AEC Adelaide for round-the-clock animal emergency and critical care. Don’t try to treat your animal yourself as you could easily make the problem worse if it hasn’t been professionally diagnosed.

Other animals

Birds often pluck their feathers excessively in parts where they are suffering pain, although this can also be a behavioral problem, sometimes caused by stress or anxiety. Reptiles, such as iguanas, may become lethargic and depressed, although a sharp pain can cause them to flick their tail aggressively. Rabbits often grind their teeth and may exhibit rapid or shallow breathing. They may groom less or may pull or bite at their fur. Look too for glassy, unfocused eyes, hunched posture, and a reluctance to move.

Loss of appetite

Not eating is a good sign that something is wrong in most animals. They may also drink less, but equally, excessive thirst can be a sign of dehydration or kidney problems. Any unusual behavior should be noted, as well as when this behavior occurs. Is it more pronounced after exercise, in the morning, or later at night?

Even though animals can’t speak and are reluctant to make a fuss, there are ways to tell when they’re in pain. Often this can be rectified easily, but the sooner it is treated, the better the chances are for a full recovery.

 

Filed Under: Pets

3 Ways You Can Start Using Less Plastic

November 4, 2020 by

While having the technology to make products out of plastic has made a lot of things easier in life, it’s also made it easier for the environment around us to suffer as a result. But luckily, there are things we can do to reduce the use and need of plastic so that the negative impacts can start to slowly diminish.

To help you see how this can be done, here are three ways you can start using less plastic.

Don’t Purchase Anything In Plastic

In a perfect world, you’d be able to rid your house and life entirely of plastic products. However, we don’t live in a perfect world, so making small steps toward less plastic is the right way to go.

To do this, you should try to stop purchasing items that come in plastic. Usually, the best place to start is at the grocery store. While some plastic used in packaging can be reused, getting items that aren’t in plastic at all should be the ideal. According to JR Thorpe, a contributor to Bustle.com, avoiding plastic will likely mean going to the deli counter for things like meats and cheeses. You can also find things that are traditionally in plastic containers, like laundry detergent, in cardboard boxes instead. And for other items, you may want to buy them in bulk and fill up your own containers.

Be Smart About Takeout

In the last few months, people have been encouraged to get more takeout as a way to boost their local economies and support small businesses. But if you’re getting takeout from a restaurant that uses plastic, you could be solving one problem by fueling another.

As a way to remedy this, the Green Education Foundation recommends that you bring your own containers if you’re eating at a restaurant so that you don’t have to use their plastic takeout options. Additionally, you can ask if the restaurant has any non-plastic alternatives. This may be an option to those who think to ask for it, so see if they can accommodate this request.

Rethink Kitchen Storage

For many people, the majority of the single-use plastic that they use at home is in the kitchen. To combat this, you may need to get a big creative.

According to AC Shilton, a contributor to Outside Online, one option for kitchen storage is to use reusable bags. But if you’re not wanting to go this route, you can always use aluminum foil to help with your kitchen storage issues, as aluminum foil is a recyclable product.

If you’re wanting to find a way to start using less plastic in your life, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you achieve this.

 

Filed Under: Lifestyle

Things to Consider When Hiring a Private Jet

November 3, 2020 by

Whether you plan to go on a vacation or travel for business, you’d want the most comfortable, affordable, and convenient transport for pleasant experiences. That’s where private jets for hire come up as a viable option. Private jet charters are getting popular because of their efficient and quality services.

However, if you consider a private jet for your upcoming tour plan, look for a trusted service provider for comfortable travel. It is also recommended to research well and find how the specific jet company operates before you make any final decision.

The following are some important things that you should consider when hiring a private jet charter.

What Type of Airplane Do You Want?

Since the trend of hiring a private jet is increasing, different types of jets cater to these demands. When choosing a charter company, ensure that you pick the best one with a diversified fleet of aeroplanes in different sizes. It also entails recognising the exact type of aircraft you need before you start looking for a jet charter company.

Here, you should also know that private jets have different baggage capacity. So, make sure that you know what baggage capacity the jet has before you hire it.

Check Out Safety Measures

Even though professional private jet charter companies put stress on passenger safety and security, it is still practical for you to check these safety measures firsthand.

Mostly, the private jet companies should have pertinent information on the safety policies on their website. Read through them carefully and select the jet service that can fulfil your travelling needs with adequate protection.

Check Out the Services You Get 

One of the most crucial things to consider when looking for private jets for hire is the actual service that you will get. Reputable service providers will leave no stone unturned when it is about maintaining their reputation.

Is a Private Jet Insured?

If your hired private jet is not insured, it can create massive issues, should anything unfortunate happen. And, if the operator has insurance, they must show you the certificate document. On the certificate, you can find the tail number of the jet. Make sure that you ask to see the certificate and ensure that the numbers match up.

Is the Jet Company Audited?

If the private jet company you pick has been operating for a while, they may have audited by an independent, third-party organisation. Audit encompasses a thorough inspection of:

  • Maintenance to the aircraft
  • Operational procedures
  • Training of pilots and staff

Once the audit is complete, the operators receive a detailed report. You can request them to see the audit report to have an idea about their credibility and financial standing. This way, you can have peace of mind.

Check the Authenticity of the Private Jet Company

When you plan to hire a private jet, pick a reliable company. To ensure that they are genuine and reliable, you should check their track record for flying and how smooth their jets are. Moreover, flying on a private jet should be a luxurious experience for you, so avoid any company with a bad reputation.

Similarly, you must also find out how punctual the jet service is, and do they have impressive and efficient customer service? These things ensure that you are not making any hasty decisions.

The Pricing 

Since travelling by private jet is quite expensive, it is always better to compare the rates of different charter companies and select the best offer. Similarly, you should also confirm your final expense and ensure you get a clear quote, not an unclear estimate that may shock you onboard.

To sum up, you should keep all the things mentioned above in mind when you look for private jets for hire. After all, a single wrong choice can wreck both your trip and budget.

 

Filed Under: Travel

Top Tips to Add More Meaning to Your Family Christmas

November 3, 2020 by

As a family, and especially when you have kids, it can be easy to get wrapped up in presents and decorations. However, by simply focusing on the gifts that you receive and the pressure to make this Christmas the best one ever, it often loses meaning. To make your Christmas more meaningful this year, here are some of the top steps that you can take as a family.

Use Gifts to Donate to a Charity

As well as making sure that the holiday season is meaningful to you and your family, one of the best ways to add meaning to your Christmas is to use the opportunity to give to charity and to make someone else’s Christmas the best that they have ever had. To do this, you should consider exchanging the practice of traditional gift-giving with donating in the name of someone that you love. This is a great way to start your holiday giving, and can prevent you from gifting meaningless presents that will be discarded a couple of weeks after the big day.

Enjoy Family and Cultural Traditions

To avoid giving your family a shallow Christmas that feels as if it has lost all of its meaning, you should look at the traditions that have been upheld by your family over time and seek to reinstate these this season. If your family has not performed any traditions over time, you should consider starting up your own seasonal practices, or looking at the traditions that have been enjoyed by your country or culture over time.

Go Homemade

One of the best ways that you can make sure that Christmas is as meaningful as possible though is to go handmade, both in terms of gifts and décor. Handmade gifts and crafts can often be much more heartfelt than shop-bought alternatives, and can allow you to give your loved ones something that they will treasure. This is the same with décor, and most kids will enjoy making tree decorations and centerpieces to fill the home with festive cheer.

Take Time to Reflect

However, above all else, Christmas is a time to reflect on the past year and the one to come. Taking time to reflect can help you to focus on the present and to be grateful for what you have throughout the holiday season. You might even choose to reflect on the meaning of Christmas and what it means for both you and your family as a whole.

Cultivate Connection

Above all else, especially if you are not religious, Christmas is a time to spend with family and to cultivate connection, showing your love and care for the people in your life. Then, to add meaning to your celebrations, you should invite the family over for a gathering, being inclusive of those who may not have anywhere else to go, consider reconnecting with a long lost friend or relative, and send notes to those you love to show your appreciation.

 

Filed Under: Lifestyle
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