Parenting in Digital Age

Parenting in the digital age presents unique challenges and opportunities. As screens become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, children are growing up in a world where technology is omnipresent. While digital devices offer educational and entertainment benefits, the key to responsible parenting lies in striking a balance between screen time and other essential aspects of a child’s development. In this article, we will explore the importance of managing screen time for kids, the potential consequences of excessive use, and practical strategies for achieving a healthy balance.

The Digital Landscape for Kids:

In today’s digital landscape, children are introduced to digital devices at a young age, with educational apps on tablets and interactive games on smartphones becoming integral parts of their daily routines. This digital world offers numerous advantages, including educational opportunities through interactive lessons and engaging content, access to a wealth of information that fosters curiosity and critical thinking, entertainment options that encourage creativity, and enhanced communication, facilitating connections with friends and family even when physical distances separate loved ones.

Screen time app

The Challenges of Excessive Screen Time:

Excessive screen time, despite its myriad advantages, can have profound and multifaceted consequences, particularly concerning the physical and mental well-being of children. On the physical front, prolonged periods of screen exposure often translate into a sedentary lifestyle, increasing the susceptibility to various health issues. Children who spend excessive time in front of screens are at a heightened risk of obesity due to reduced physical activity. Consequently, sleep disturbances become increasingly common among children who indulge in excessive screen time, further exacerbating their overall physical health. To combat excessive screen time, parents can utilize screentime app for effective monitoring and management of their children’s digital use.

Numerous studies have linked prolonged screen use to elevated stress levels, anxiety, and depression in children and adolescents. The constant exposure to digital content and social media can foster feelings of inadequacy, social comparison, and peer pressure, contributing to these mental health challenges. Furthermore, excessive screen time can engender feelings of social isolation as children may forego in-person interactions for digital engagement. This can have a detrimental effect on self-esteem and social skills, potentially hindering their emotional development. Academic performance may also be compromised as children devote more time to screens at the expense of homework and study, leading to reduced focus, attention spans, and overall scholastic achievement. Thus, a balanced approach to screen time is imperative for safeguarding the physical and mental well-being of today’s youth.

Balancing Screen Time: Practical Strategies for Parents

As parents, it is our responsibility to guide our children in making responsible choices regarding screen time. Here are some practical strategies for achieving a healthy balance:

1. Set Clear Limits: Establish clear and consistent screen time limits for different activities, such as homework, play, and entertainment, and consider utilizing a screen time app to help manage and enforce these boundaries. Create a daily or weekly schedule that outlines when and how screens can be used.

2. Lead by Example: Children often model their behavior after their parents. Be mindful of your own screen time habits and demonstrate responsible usage.

3. Designate Screen-Free Zones: Create areas in your home where screens are not allowed, such as the dining room or bedrooms. These zones can encourage family interaction and better sleep habits.

4. Encourage Outdoor Activities: Promote physical activity and outdoor play to counterbalance screen time. Encourage hobbies that do not involve screens, such as sports, arts and crafts, or reading.

5. Engage in Co-Viewing and Co-Playing: When children are using screens, participate in their activities. Co-view educational programs or engage in multiplayer games that promote learning and interaction.

6. Monitor Content: Be aware of the content your child is accessing online. Use parental control tools and filters to restrict access to age-appropriate content.

7. Encourage Social Interaction: Foster face-to-face social interactions by organizing playdates, family outings, and group activities that promote bonding with peers and family members.

8. Educate About Online Safety: Teach your children about online safety, privacy, and responsible digital citizenship. Encourage them to communicate openly with you about their online experiences.

9. Establish a Bedtime Routine: Create a calming bedtime routine that does not involve screens. Reading a book or engaging in quiet activities can help children wind down before sleep.

10. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly assess your child’s screen time habits and make adjustments as needed. As they grow and mature, their needs and interests may change.

Parenting in the digital age requires a delicate balance between harnessing the benefits of technology and ensuring that screen time does not overshadow other crucial aspects of a child’s development. By setting clear limits, leading by example, and fostering a balanced approach to screen time, parents can help their children navigate the digital landscape responsibly. Remember that effective parenting in the digital age involves ongoing communication, education, and adaptability as technology continues to evolve. With thoughtful guidance and a focus on holistic well-being, parents can empower their children to make informed choices and thrive in the digital world.

Building a Greener Future

In a world increasingly concerned about environmental sustainability, the construction industry plays a significant role in shaping the future of our planet. Buildings are responsible for a substantial portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and resource utilisation. The construction sector is undergoing a transformative shift towards greener building projects to address these challenges. Here, we’ll explore the path to greener building projects and the innovative strategies and technologies driving this transformation.

Sustainable Materials Selection

One of the fundamental steps towards greener building projects is the selection of sustainable materials. Traditional construction materials like concrete and steel have high carbon footprints due to their production processes. Architects and builders are now turning to alternative materials that are more environmentally friendly. These include reclaimed wood, bamboo, recycled steel, and low-impact concrete. Sustainable materials not only reduce the carbon footprint but also promote resource conservation and minimise waste generation.

Energy Efficiency

construction estimation

Energy consumption in buildings needs to be reduced, as they significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Greener building projects prioritise energy efficiency through various means. This includes designing buildings that maximise natural light and ventilation, using high-efficiency insulation, and installing energy-efficient appliances and lighting systems. The integration of renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines further reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers long-term operational costs.

Smart Building Design

Smart building design is a cornerstone of greener construction. The use of advanced technologies allows architects and engineers to optimise designs for energy efficiency, material usage, and space utilisation. IoT (Internet of Things) sensors and automation systems help manage energy consumption in real time, adjusting lighting, heating, and cooling based on occupancy and environmental conditions. The smart design also promotes occupant comfort and productivity.

Water Conservation

Water is a precious resource, and greener building projects aim to minimise water wastage. Low-flow plumbing fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and wastewater treatment technologies are integrated into sustainable building designs. By using water more efficiently, these projects reduce the strain on local water supplies and contribute to water conservation efforts.

Green Roofs and Walls

Green roofs and walls are gaining popularity in urban construction projects. These innovative features not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of buildings but also offer several environmental benefits. Green roofs reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and provide natural insulation. They also serve as habitats for wildlife and contribute to biodiversity in urban areas.

Sustainable Site Planning

The location of a building project plays a crucial role in its environmental impact. Greener building projects prioritise site planning that minimises disruption to natural ecosystems and reduces the need for extensive transportation of materials and personnel. Site designs that preserve green spaces, protect wetlands, and promote walking and cycling infrastructure are all part of sustainable site planning. Construction estimation plays an important role in it. Construction estimating services can be utilised to calculate the cost of the entire project in order to get a rough idea about how much the budget allows to spend on environmentally friendly options and make decisions accordingly.

Lifecycle Assessment

A key aspect of greener building projects is considering the entire lifecycle of a building, from design and construction to operation and demolition. Lifecycle assessment tools help evaluate the environmental impact of different materials, construction methods, and operational strategies over the building’s lifetime. This holistic approach enables builders to make informed decisions that reduce a building’s overall environmental footprint.

Certification and Standards

Various certification programs and standards provide guidelines and benchmarks for green building projects. These programs offer recognition for environmentally responsible construction and encourage builders to meet rigorous sustainability criteria.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

Construction projects generate a significant amount of waste, but greener building projects aim to minimise this impact. Recycling and reusing construction materials, as well as implementing waste reduction strategies, can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of a project. By diverting waste from landfills, builders contribute to resource conservation and reduce their ecological impact.

Education and Collaboration

To truly embrace the path to greener building projects, it is essential for all stakeholders in the construction industry to collaborate and stay informed about sustainable practices. Continuing education and training for architects, engineers, contractors, and tradespeople ensure that the latest environmentally friendly technologies and techniques are integrated into every project.

All in all, the path to greener building projects is not just a trend; it is a necessity for a sustainable future. The construction industry is increasingly recognising its role in addressing environmental challenges and is actively seeking innovative solutions. By prioritising goals like energy efficiency, water conservation and responsible site planning, greener building projects are reshaping the urban landscape and reducing the environmental footprint of construction. Through education, collaboration, and adherence to sustainability standards, the construction industry can continue to pave the way towards a greener, more environmentally responsible future.

Guide to Organic Skincare

The clean beauty market has emerged as a rapidly growing category, with demand expected to continue growing. As a result, the Australian beauty products such as cosmetics and personal care products market are expected to increase by 16.5% by the end of 2020, with projections reaching an astounding $6.7 billion by 2025. The skincare sector is expected to dominate, holding 30.9% of the market share by 2024.

Australia is one of the major emerging markets in the area of organic and natural personal care products. Australia has gained international acclaim for its cosmetics and personal care industries, with approximately 200 Australian companies exporting their products abroad.

As we shared in a recent webinar, there is an increasing demand for Australian-sourced, Australian-made products, which are growing more mainstream, with consumers looking to support local, natural businesses. This seems to reflect a growing consumer preference for products containing natural ingredients and products made right here in Australia. So these days, not only the food and beverage products dominate the natural marketplace but also the Australian one.

According to Dr Matthew McDougall, Australia actively seeks products and brands made in Australia using local-sourced ingredients. This is because products made locally, right here in Australia, are in a position to provide a quick, reliable supply. In addition, Australian customers are likelier to find first-class quality when buying products made in Australia rather than from overseas.

For an increasing proportion of Australian consumers, quality is now ranked higher than the price in some categories—Ethics & Morality: More and more consumers are buying only ethically sourced and manufactured products. In addition, thanks to growing health and environmental awareness, consumers are demanding products and services that are chemical-free and ethically produced.

Marketing makes sense, considering consumers’ desire for organic products is driven by health and environmental awareness. The report notes that many companies market their cosmetics and beauty products as carbon-neutral or eco-friendly. Most identify clean beauty, as distinct from vegan beauty, as products made without ingredients that may harm health.

Today, shoppers are paying close attention to which ingredients are present in cosmetics to ensure they are safe. As the clean beauty movement continues to gain momentum, we are seeing a rise in both make-up and skincare companies emphasising natural and organic ingredients in their products. After years of swallowing heavily processed healthy foods and dubious labelled natural beauty products, consumers are becoming more eager to return to the kitchen and make plant-based meals from scratch or to take part in creating their beauty products. In addition, consumers want to go beyond simply being easy and clean in using naturally-based products. As a result, high-functioning, technically-advanced products are becoming more prevalent, especially in the beauty sector.

natural beauty

With high disposable incomes, Australian consumers purchase large amounts of coloured cosmetics and skin care products. However, Australian consumers are also worried about how our cosmetics are being brought to market, with 46% of Australian women using cosmetics saying that they are looking for not tested on animals when making decisions on what to buy.

An OmniPoll poll commissioned by Nourished Life has found that an increasing number of Australian women are buying natural products, with over one-third of women saying they buy sometimes or regularly a range of natural products in skincare, haircare, make-up, and cleaning. The OmniPoll survey, conducted among 617 women, also found that the natural products market is poised for growth, with 35% of respondents saying they are likely to increase their use of natural products in the coming two years. The results from the survey indicate a greater willingness to buy natural products than was seen only a couple of years ago. In addition, recent years have seen increasing demand for natural products high in vitamins and minerals. Consequently, there is significant domestic and international interest in Australian-made natural skincare products incorporating locally-grown botanical ingredients like tea trees and eucalyptus.

Crop Natural also offers natural skin care products and colour cosmetics that are COSMOS certified, ensuring sustainable production processes without wastage of water or by-products. Brands should also take inspiration from how A-Beauty brands have adopted their robust native plants, carefully harvested by Indigenous communities. For those wanting a more scientific approach, many Australian skincare products are based on research conducted by the Commonwealth of Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), including lines made by Ultraceuticals and Beta Alistine. While there is no such thing as 100% chemical-free, cosmetic brands carrying Australias Certified Organic label are free from synthetic chemicals, and those carrying Australias Certified Toxic-Free stamp from Safe Cosmetics Australia are free from chemicals internationally recognised as principal offenders.

Australia’s market for organic cosmetics and toiletries is growing at around 13 per cent per annum, according to market research giant IBISWorld, and is now worth $370 million. Globally, the market for clean beauty is estimated to hit $22 billion by 2024, according to Statista Research. In terms of revenues, the skincare and cosmetics products market dominated the sector, at around $178.7 million in 2020, with the market expected to grow to $219.3 million in 2024, at a CAGR of 5.25 per cent over the projection period. The continued trend toward using organic additives in beauty and personal care products is expected to lead Australia’s beauty & toiletries industry from $8.09 billion (US$ 5.63 billion) in 2019 to $9.87 billion (US$ 6.73 billion) in 2024, with a CAGR of 4.0 per cent, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

According to the report, critical factors for success in the Australian organics industry are having a broad and expanding range of products, developing strong relationships with suppliers, and effectively marketing products.

Different Ways To Use Essential Oils

The most common uses for essential oils are inhalation (inhalation) and application to the skin (topically). Most of them are simple and easy to incorporate into your daily routine, whether you inhale the benefits, apply them topically to your skin, or use them in food preparation. Essential oils have been used not only for aromatherapy, but also for personal hygiene, cleaning, and even their natural healing properties. When it comes to essential oils, everyone knows how to place them in a diffuser to reap the benefits of aromatherapy.

The antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties of many oils make them an essential part of any good first aid kit, and some essential oils can also help us sleep better, ease digestion, soothe sore muscles, and heal skin problems. For many oils, there are special considerations here, as well as special instructions for use by children or those with sensitive skin. You will learn how to use essential oils by inhaling them through a diffuser, topically on the skin or inside. Aromatherapy baths are a common practice that can combine some features of the topical and diffuse application.

There are many different types of diffusers, from simple candles to those that plugin and spray an oil-rich mist. You will add a few drops of water and the oil of your choice to the diffuser, after which the device will create steam that will diffuse slightly around the room. Use lavender and chamomile oils in a diffuser or put a few drops on a tissue and inhale regularly. Clear your mind, then inhale directly from an open bottle or rub a drop of oil between your palms and inhale the fragrance.

Then add a few drops of the oil of your choice to a cup of whole milk or a few tablespoons of olive oil. Or you can add about 5 drops of your favourite oil to a towel and place it on the floor away from the full force of the water, or hold it close to your face for a more intense impact. Alternatively, mix the same oils in warm water and apply a sponge to feverish skin to reduce fever. You can also apply the oil in the morning, allowing the perfume to dry out a little before bed.

Consider creating a jasmine oil fragrance (mix three drops of jasmine oil with one ounce of jojoba oil) or simply apply some diluted lavender to areas of your body where you would normally wear perfume. If your skin loves lavender, you can use up to 50-50 mixtures of half lavender oil and half carrier oil in your DIY products. I find the scent of sweet orange oil so fragrant that you only need a small amount of oil if you are making your own.

A method is to use eucalyptus oil topically, mixing a few drops of the oil with sweet almond or coconut oil and applying it to the outside of your throat. If you’re using the oil topically, test them first by mixing a few drops with a barrier agent (such as coconut oil), applying it to a small area, and watching your skin react.

When using in the bathroom, it is more important to mix the oil with the barrier first, as oil and water do not mix. Mack also dismisses the idea that applying essential oils to the soles of the feet is the best way to absorb their properties. For most people, applying the oil to the insteps, hands, wrists, neck, and behind the ears generally produces better and more consistent results, Mack says. 

They also recommend using mint, eucalyptus or rosemary to remove stronger odours like cigarettes. When added to the feet, soothing oils like ylang-ylang or bergamot can create wonderful aromatherapy, and a drop of peppermint oil on the forehead can help relieve headaches.

If you’re looking for a safer way to get rid of bed bugs, you can try several methods, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil. To inhale aromatherapy oil, simply open the product bottle and take a few deep breaths. The aromatic uses of essential oils don’t always require a diffuser, as you can get the same health benefits by simply placing a few drops of the essential oil in the palm of your hand, then placing your hand on your nose and breathing deeply.

If you’re not sure which oil to use, lavender is a great snack that’s been proven to help you fall asleep. Typically, about six drops of oil are more than enough to scent a room, but you may need to add more if you prefer a stronger fragrance. Because ingestion is only recommended under a doctor’s supervision and with special oils intended for ingestion (ask a consultant or your doctor if you’re unsure), we’ll focus on the best ways to use essential oils by inhaling and applying to the skin.

With addiction to prescription opioids reaching alarming levels, many people with conditions such as chronic pain and anxiety are seeking to relieve symptoms through safer, more natural home remedies like essential oils. The use of aromatherapy or essential oils dates back thousands of years since the ancient Egyptians first lit incense made from fragrant woods, herbs and spices. When used properly, essential oils and aromatherapy can be part of a safe and successful strategy for treating symptoms such as insomnia, stress and anxiety, especially when symptoms including insomnia recur over weeks, months or even years. 

How To Reduce The Appearance Of Fine Lines

A face can tell a thousand stories for every line that appears on the forehead, and creases around our smile and ‘crow’s feet’ appear. If we look at it from this perspective, fine lines seem like a positive thing to have. Unfortunately taking this view means giving up on enhancing the skin’s potential for suppleness and reducing fine lines. 

Negligence in our skincare regime, particularly our facial skin care, is on us. We may be guilty of being too harsh or too lazy in removing makeup from our face when we were younger. These small habits contribute to damaged facial skin. Simple procedures like dermal fillers can do wonders for our face, and for our confidence. Before it’s too late check out these ways on how you can reduce the appearance of fine lines, whether temporarily or for the long haul.

  1. Reduce stress – Take a vacation and time away from work, spend some mobile-free time when eating, and be with your real friends rather than the virtual ones. Loss of elasticity leads to your skin being susceptible to gravity that is the main cause of the eye bags, drooping brow skin, and crow’s feet. Fine lines are premature wrinkles which are a full-blown proof of ageing skin. If your eye area is looking seriously tired then it may be time to consider more drastic measures such as eyelid surgery to improve droopy eyelids.
  1. Avoid excessive sun exposure – Don’t hesitate in investing in good sunglasses that give your eye area full coverage. Besides the harmful UV rays damaging your skin, squinting against the sun rays adds up to the lines forming. That’s why laugh lines become prominent because of the continuous contraction of the facial muscle. Hold a squinting pose in the mirror. Do you see those lines? Expect those lines to form in time if you continue to strut in the sun without the aid of shades. Wearing sunglasses may be just a little additional to your things-to-do but its protection that can go a long way to improving the appearance of fine lines.
  1. Consume proper nutrition – Involving your diet in improving your  good skin regime is a long term approach. Adding more fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants will relieve your body of harmful toxins and protect it against free radicals. For example – berries, apples, artichokes, salmon, and both black and red beans. 
  1. Stay hydrated – Don’t neglect your duty of replenishing your body with water. The  adult body is composed of 40% water and most bodily functions involve the element of water. Dry skin is a reflection of dehydrated skin and contributes to aging. Some foods have great water content too that can aid with this option. For example – watermelon, cucumber, mountain dew, strawberries
  1. Stop smoking – Smoking speeds up the skin’s normal ageing process because of the carbon monoxide it contains. What it does is displace the oxygen in a person’s skin. Nicotine is the addictive content in tobacco and it reduces blood flow, leaving your skin dry and with some discolourations. Chronic effects from smoking are Vitamin C depletion which is necessary for protecting and repairing the skin of extensive damage. If you stop smoking, it can reverse these awful effects on the skin long-term.
  1. Have enough rest – Not having enough sleep or downtime adds up to the formation of facial lines. While not getting enough sleep negatively affects the whole body and mind, moisture levels in your skin, specifically, decreases. This results in lower pH levels which make the skin look less supple. Its youthful glow diminishes too. Sleep can reverse these effects. Skin repairs itself while we sleep. If we miss out on adequate sleep then our skin doesn’t get to repair itself fully. In general, lack of sleep hinders wound healing, contributory to skin inflammation, and may even lead to skin breakouts and acne.
  1. Be gentle in dealing with your facial skin – This is not applicable only when removing your makeup, but equally when applying it. Adopt an upward stroke when applying your makeup with a brush. Use the pads of the ring finger in applying final touches as this has the softest feel. Don’t retract your lids too much when applying eyeliner. Most of all, use the right products. From the facial wash you use daily, to the decision of using a primer or not, and sleeping with makeup on, these all contribute to your skin’s health.

Overall, you should consider your age, gender, and type of skin to know how best to take care of it, and which products should be used. Bad habits take their toll on our bodies and skin is of no exemption. But all of the ways in reducing the appearance of fine lines above, all of them are doable. Take action now before it’s too late.

How Popular Is IVF?

It’s common in society for people to assume a healthy looking couple is able to have a baby. People asking curious questions like “How come you’re not pregnant?” or “When are you going to start a family?” can create a very awkward situation for someone who is trying desperately to get pregnant. Unfortunately, some couples are simply reproductively challenged, and in these cases it is possible to consider ART.

What’s more interesting, and challenging for couples, is when they already have one child but are unable to conceive a second child. They may have fallen pregnant easily the first time, but the second time around it simply isn’t working. Couples may have a strong desire for their second child to be a particular sex, and in this situation IVF gender selection may be a good option for them.

What is ART and IVF?

ART stands for ‘Assisted Reproductive Technology’. Cases involving whether a woman’s egg (embryos) can be fertilized or not, fall under the category of ART. As of 2015, 73,000 babies in the US were born using ART. IVF is the most commonly known type of ART.

IVF means ‘In Vitro Fertilization’. The process involves extracting a woman’s eggs from her body in order to be fertilized ‘in vitro’ which means ‘in a lab’. The conversion rate from extraction to fertilised eggs varies. It’s common that only one or two fertilized eggs may end up being viable and can be put back into the woman’s uterus in order to fall pregnant. An additional option in IVF is that any eggs that are not immediately used can be frozen for future use. This can be especially helpful if the first viable fertilised eggs that are put back in the woman’s womb end up unsuccessful. 

The success of IVF depends on various varying factors. 

There are many factors that can impact the success rate of the IVF process. The couple’s age, most especially the woman’s age, is a major factor. Age often determines the number of viable eggs that a woman can expect to be extracted through rounds of IVF. As a safety measure, age limits are imposed on those who want to proceed with IVF treatments. Most IVF clinics set the upper age limit between 42-45 years old. An alternative is donor eggs, which in most countries may be used until you reach 49 years of age.

As the world becomes aware of the statistics, many more people are considering IVF.

Considering the number of successful cases which use fresh embryos from non-donor eggs, you can tell that this type of IVF treatment is becoming medically helpful and successful. IVF sex selection is also growing in popualrity for couples who want a particular sex. All these factors contribute to IVF becoming more socially acceptable as a way of getting pregnant.

According to Dr. David Adamson who speaks on behalf of the International Committee for Monitoring ART (ICMART), it was forty years ago when Louise Brown, the world’s first-ever ‘test-tube baby’, was born. Since that time the number of babies born using IVF and other advanced fertility treatments has reached over 8 million (as of July 2018). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 4 million births per year are conceived using IVF in the US alone. That accounts for almost 2% of all US births in 2018. 

How do you qualify for IVF?

In the UK for example, Women under 40 years of age are offered IVF treatment by the National Health Service (NHS) in 3 cycles if:

  • The couple has been trying to conceive for 2 years through regular unprotected intercourse.
  • The couple has not conceived after 12 cycles of artificial insemination.

What are the odds of conceiving a child through IVF, and carrying to full term?

One study reveals that women who get pregnant through IVF treatment have on an average completed 2.7 cycles to achieve the pregnancy. For women of all ages, the success of going through three IVF cycles is between 34-42%. To increase the chances of successful pregnancy and carrying to full term, it is recommended that patients complete three IVF cycles.

What is collagen stimulation?

The word collagen originates from two Greek terms: kola signifying “glue” and gen signifying “producing.” Collagen has glue like properties that keep skin smooth and versatile. As we age, our skin creates less collagen. The body’s collagen generation levels often are a result of hereditary factors, however life factors also contribute for example, sun, stress, and unhealthy diet. The absence of collagen is the fundamental cause of wrinkles, however this can be treated with facial fat transfers in Melbourne.

If our bodies made collagen constantly, our pores would remain little and you would never get a wrinkle, your skin would remain decent and tight, and you might never get any scars. Collagen is essential for skin health. Collagen is naturally produced in our bodies and is the most inexhaustible protein in the body. Collagen is a thick, insoluble, and stringy protein. It is a primary element of our skin tissue, bones, gut, ligament, veins, and muscles. It makes up 33% of the protein found within the human body. There are 16 unique kinds of collagen, yet our body chiefly comprises of three types. Collagen stimulation includes dermal fillers, laser skin fixing, micro-needling, and skin fixing creams. 

How do you lose collagen in your skin? 

Age is an obvious factor that diminishes collagen levels. The collagen natural production slows down with time; for example, after the age of 20, our bodies generally produce less collagen in the skin each year. There is also regular lifestyle factors that can adversely affect collagen levels over time. Some other active factors that cause fast collagen loss include smoking because the synthetic concoctions found in tobacco smoke harm collagen and elastin in the skin, while lessening the measure of oxygen conveyed to skin cells, easing back cell turnover. Also a high-sugar diet makes sugar in the blood cling to more proteins, which are atoms known to pulverize collagen proteins. Environmental contamination is another factor which can make free radicals influence skin by exceeding expectations of protein oxidation. The sun’s UV beams harm collagen, bringing about wrinkles, losing versatility and causing pigmentation and causing the loss of collagen. 

How collagen stimulation helps your skin?

Healthy collagen levels is a well-known factor in fighting the signs of aging. The higher level of collagen prompts smoother, resilient skin. It is significant in recharging and fixing skin cells. Youthful, solid skin is glowing, with barely any wrinkles, and having more collagen will just assist you with achieving good skin. At 25 years of age your skin is arriving at its top physical growth. It is indicated that your collagen begins to diminish by 1% consistently beginning in your mid-twenties. So if you don’t have a healthy skin routine at this point, it’s a great opportunity to start one. There is a powder or supplement for everything nowadays, including collagen that is used to stimulate collagen; however, it probably won’t be as effective if you are not eating food that contains correct nourishment. In terms of dietary options, there are great sources of collagen found within dairy foods, meat, fish, egg whites, and chicken. However it’s important to be aware that orally ingested proteins are separated in your gut, so a collagen protein ingested will transform into amino acids. 

When someone is choking

Air enters our lungs through the windpipe. Choking is often caused when an object, such as a hard lump of food ends up going into the windpipe instead of the oesophagus. If the object is sitting at the entrance of your windpipe, then a good forced cough can often push it out or prevent it from going down any further. If the item is large, it can cut off your airways completely.

Chocking can be a life-threatening emergency, as the brain cannot survive any longer than a few minutes without oxygen. First aid can help to save the life of a person that is choking if it is applied immediately and correctly. The procedures for first aid between adults and children are different. Ensure you have called an ambulance before administering first aid. An advanced first aid course can save lives if you participate in one. 

What are the symptoms of someone choking?

A person who has a partially blocked airway can still cough, speak, and breath. The symptoms will include:

  • Frantic coughing
  • Clutching the throat
  • Panicked and distressed behaviour
  • Inability to complete sentences or talk at full volume
  • Wheezing or whistling
  • Watery eyes
  • Red face

If someone’s airway is completely blocked they cannot speak, will cough and will appear to be struggling to breathe. They will have most of the symptoms above along with turning pale and then blue as they begin to lack oxygen. They will then shortly after turning blue become unconscious.

You need to reassure the person and encourage them to cough and breathe. If coughing does not remove the blockage then you need to:

  • Call triple zero.
  • Bend the person over and give a few back blows with the heel part of your hand right in between their shoulder blades. Ensure you check if the blockage has come loose before you do it again.
  • If this doesn’t work, give a few chest thrusts with one hand in the middle of the back and the heel of your other hand on the lowest part of their breastbone. Again, check if the blockage has come loose after each blow.

The technique that is used for adults and children is not safe to be performed on babies. You will need to use a separate technique. You need to lay the baby on your forearm and their head needs to be lower than the body. Make sure you have a strong grip and ensure you are using less force than you would on a child.

How to perform first aid on yourself if you are choking:

  • Try to remain calm and aim to get someone’s attention.
  • Try and force a good few coughs out. Lean forward as far as you can. If there is something close by hold onto it for support. Breath out if you can and then take in another breath and try to cough. This may force the object out.
  • Don’t let people slap you on the back while you remain upright. Gravity can make the object go further down the windpipe. If you can, call an ambulance if no one is around. If you cannot talk, send a text to a friend asking them to call 000 and give them your location.

The best way to know what to do when an emergency strikes is to engage in first aid training. Many courses will teach you how to administer first aid for many emergencies like choking or drowning. It can be beneficial for those with children to do so as children love to put things in their mouth and will always head towards pools and dams when they can.


	

Sex Selection Legalities

Sex selection is a hugely debated issue that has been going on for decades within Australia. In Australia, it is not legal to choose the sex of your baby unless you meet specific requirements. It is allowed in other places like the US, Mexico, Italy and Asian countries. There are many reasons why people want to choose the sex of their baby and some reasons are more justified than the others. 

There are two main categories they can fall under:

Medical based- which is to avoid genetic illnesses that are associated with a certain gender.

Non-medical based- which is where you choose the gender based on your personal preference or to simply balance out your family, such as choosing a son when you have two daughters.

The world health organisation has stated its opposition to sex selection for non-medical reasons due to the legal, social and moral issues that can arise. This includes a possibility to alter the natural sex ratio which can lead to gender imbalances and often reinforces sexist stereotypes and discrimination by devaluing females. Many cultures will want to know how to have a baby boy due to cultural values.

Sex selection regulations within Australia

Scientifically administered gender selection was permitted in NSW from 1999 to 2004 up until the Medical Research Council of Australia advised against it on ethical grounds. The guidelines do however permit sex selection via pre-implantation genetic screening in order to avoid the risk of transferring a genetic condition. 

The position of Australia stands that sex selection is justified where it is in the child’s best interest to be born a certain gender. Couples may carry genes for haemophilia and muscular dystrophy, where these genetics lead to health conditions that only affect males. This is where they may legally investigate the possibility of producing a female through IVF.

Where is sex selection legal?

The ban on non-medical sex selection within Australia has given rise to the number of couples who have gone overseas to seek gender selection services. This has been labelled reproductive tourism where people go to the extent of travelling overseas for gender selection and other infertility treatments.

Since the guidelines as above come into play there are between 100 to 200 Australians who have been travelling overseas for gender selection that is for non-medical reasons each year. Like other medical tourism, there are various complications and risks. If you are seeking services overseas it is important to do your research.

Baby gender selection is possible only when you have embryos through an IVF procedure as you cannot test the gender of a sperm or egg. PGS will then be used in order to determine the sex and assess if there is any evidence of a risk that is associated with any genetic disease. The unwanted or high-risk embryos will most likely be discarded. If you are thinking about heading overseas for sex section or other IVF procedures it is important to seek the advice of a fertility specialist first.

They can help you pick the right place to go to and get all your notes in order for you to take with you like your history, medical conditions and any medications you may be taking also. They can talk to you in detail about the procedure and the legalities surrounding the procedure. Ensure this is well thought out and isn’t just a rash decision that you make without thinking.

Benefits of a bubble bath

If you weren’t aware, it is time that you scheduled in some rest to relax and rejuvenate yourself with a nice bubble bath. Bubble baths have the power to de-stress and send you back to your childhood when you would make a Santa Clause beard with all the bubbles in the tub.
Bubble baths are not just for kids. Did you know warm bubble baths are quite beneficial for your mental and physical state and your overall health?

How can a bubble bath help to relieve stress?

Warm bubble baths help you to sleep better

You cannot sleep well and get into the realm of a deep sleep when you are stressed. A warm bath before you turn out the light is very beneficial and can help to induce sleep. Our body temperature drops at night, which tells our brains to produce the sleeping hormone melatonin. When you soak in a warm bath, it will raise your body temperature, once you exit it will cool the body down rapidly. From there, the melatonin is produced once your body is relaxed and not stressed out so your body and mind can prepare themselves for sleep. A warm bubble bath with the right magnesium bath salts used can help with all the tired muscles and fatigue you have gained from a busy work schedule.

Kid taking a bath

A warm bubble bath will relieve your muscle pains

Nothing brings on stress ore when you are suffering from aches and pains. Heat is good for getting the blood flowing back around your body. Relaxing in a bath will make your tired muscles settle. If you suffer inflammation of your joints, consider adding Epsom salts to your bath water which have positive effects on putting your body into a relaxing state.

Bubble bathing essentials:

  • Bath salts added to a bubble bath aid at healing most skin conditions
  • Aromatherapy with essential oils is a great way to calm the mind and de-stress. Add lavender or chamomile essentials oils to a warm bubble bath and let your troubles melt away
  • Herbal baths can help soothe tense muscles which is a common problem that stress can cause. You can either buy herbal bath packs ready to go, or you can make your own with natural ingredients.
    Milk thistle and Rosemary can help your body detox while chamomile and lavender work well to relax both body and mind. Pour the herbs into a pouch and let it soak in the bathtub with you and feel the stress disappear.
  • When you are stressed, your body accumulates toxins as it doesn’t work to its full potential. Consider taking a mud bath to detox the body of the toxins caused by stress.
    You can purchase mud bath mixes or red clay at most health food stores. Lather yourself up in the clay or mud and soak in it for about thirty minutes.
  • Dead sea salt is a great product to add to your bath water for relaxation and to detox from the stress.

When it comes to using mud and sea salts, you want to be going for an organic mix. These types are more suited for therapeutic purposes with added vitamins and minerals the body needs to de-stress and to repair from the effects of everyday stress. This additionally helps with pain relief for your overworked sore muscles.

You may need to experiment with different mixes first to see what works for you. If you have sensitive skin consult your doctor before using any products listed above. Do your research and don’t be afraid to try new ingredients in your bubble baths to help eliminate the stress from your life. Breathe deeply and happy bathing.

Affordable Surgeries that can Change your Appearance

An increasing number of people are interested in surgeries to change their appearance. Evidence suggests that the number of people getting plastic surgeries and laser skin treatment has increased significantly over the past decade. Some surgeries that change your appearance are costly and require a huge investment, but affordable breast implants in Australia are available. Innovation in this field is offering more affordable surgeries for people. You may be surprised to learn that breast implants can be affordable. Here we present some affordable cosmetic surgery options that could help achieve attractive results with less money. 

Microdermabrasion: 

On average microdermabrasion costs around $150, so it is an affordable surgery to change appearance. It improves the appearance of the skin by removing and minimizing age spots and dark patches. It also helps get rid of aging symptoms like fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. It’s important to remember that Microdermabrasion is different from laser skin surfacing. Laser skin surfacing is much more expensive. The microdermabrasion process is affordable and guarantees favorable results with less money involved. 

Laser Hair Removal: 

Many people want to get rid of unwanted hair. Some want to get a smooth body that is without hair. Laser hair removal guarantees them this benefit with less money involved. Although it is not a permanent solution to remove hair because hair grows in cycles, however several laser hair removal treatments may get desired results. A good aspect of laser hair removal is that it can be performed in any area of the body. Some people believe it to be an expensive method of getting rid of unwanted hair, but its effects are awesome. The average cost of laser hair removal stands at around $300 per session. People often have lasting results that can make them feel good about their bodies long term. 

Spider Vein Treatment: 

Another affordable treatment to look beautiful and have an improved appearance is spider vein treatment that is also known as Sclerotherapy. Many factors cause this problem which commonly appears on the legs, it also increases with aging. The procedure is completed with the help of injections of special liquid which collapses and removes spider veins. The procedure costs around $300. After the treatment, legs may look bruised, but they become youthful and pretty after healing. Another way to remove spider veins is through lasers. It is up to the surgeon or expert to use either way for the treatment of spider veins. 

Botox: 

These injections require three months regularly, and their average cost is around $380. People can spend this amount every three months to achieve a wrinkle-free neck, forehead, and eyes. Botox is a botulinum toxin that brings changes to the body. As a result of these injections, nerve signals, stop and muscles causing wrinkles to get weakened. It is an effective way to look youthful and refreshed. It does not cost a huge amount of money, and one can easily get the required results through it. 

Dermal Fillers: Another affordable surgery to make one’s appearance beautiful is dermal fillers. The cost varies depending on the area being treated, but approximately the cost is around $500. These are injections called collagen injections. Collagen is derived from pigs or human beings. If any person wants a more affordable result, he may choose collagen extracted from pigs. Collagen is the name of a protein that is naturally present in the second most outer layer of a person. In the absence of collagen, signs of aging start appearing, and wrinkles start emerging. Dermal fillers are available of different types, including hyaluronic acid and polymethyl-methacrylate. However, it remains an affordable method to look wrinkle-free and young for long.


	

What is the new vampire facial trend?

Vampire facials may sound scary, but they are certainly not. Vampire facials do, however, involve some blood. The vampire facial was made famous by the well-known media profile Kim Kardashian. What is a vampire facial, and does it have something to do with vampires? The word out there is that vampire facials are the fountain of youth, but is it true, or is it simply another skincare myth?

It is essential not to let the name fool you. The skincare routine is performed during daylight hours, so don’t worry. The vampire facial is just the term that is used to describe the use of a patient’s blood Platelet Rich Plasma done with micro-needling. The vampire facials have been very effective in treating many skin concerns; from uneven skin tone, acne scars to preventing aging. You may get similar results to treatments such as the fotona laser treatment which is designed to tighten and smooth out the skin.  

The micro-needling will encourage the skin to resurface and turn over the cells. At the same time, the Platelet Rich Plasma works at stimulating the production of new elastin and collagen. The result gives you less visible wrinkles — fine lines and minimizes the appearance of scarring. The overall skin quality will be improved, and the overall tone and texture of your skin will be evened out. An alternative to popular dermal fillers treatments, this treatment works well for lines around your mouth, and dark circles under the eyes.

How is it done?

While it may sound serious, it isn’t very terrifying at all and is relatively painless. The treatment will begin with the first needle pinch and the drawing of blood. The downtime is only around two to three days. When you arrive home from your procedure, numbing cream will be applied to ensure a level of pain that is comfortable. A small amount of blood is taken from your arm, like a routine blood test. The blood will then be spun down into a centrifuge, so the red blood cells from the plasma are separated. Your plasma is a component of the blood that is rich in platelets that are needed for the procedure. The face will be cleaned, and the micro-needling will be performed with the plasma infused into your skin tissue. The needles are working to push the plasma into the layers of the skin.

It will depend on the individual requirements of the patient as to whether the doctor goes one step further and injects the plasma into the skin around the eye and mouth, which are spots prone to visible aging. This treatment is the same as any other medical procedure. There will be preparations beforehand, and you need to ensure you follow all the doctor’s orders and aftercare instructions. As your blood is used in this procedure, there are not as many precautions that you need to be taking. 

You need to keep an eye on the areas and watch for swelling. Your face will become a little swollen and flushed after the treatment, but anything more abnormal needs to be reported to the doctor. In order to reduce the post-procedure swelling, you need to avoid strenuous activity for a few days and use a couple of pillows underneath your head, so your head remains slightly propped while you are sleeping. 

All procedures like this one will come with their good and bad features, but whether this procedure is right for you will be determined on what you need the procedure for in the first place. Always consult a trusted professional

Types of Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

Cosmetic surgery aims to enhance an individual’s appearance, but it needs to be approached with care. Cosmetic surgery keeps growing in popularity, using 15.1 million cosmetic processes completed in the USA in 2013, an increase of 3% over the preceding calendar year.

Procedures can be found for virtually any portion of the human body, however, the option to undergo cosmetic surgery shouldn’t be dismissed. The results are usually permanent, therefore it’s essential to be certain about the conclusion, to utilize a suitable practitioner, and also to have the ideal motivation. A physician can refer a patient for counseling before operation if they think there’s an inherent problem that can’t be solved with the operation, or when the patient shows signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

BDD can induce an individual to perceive that there’s something wrong with their physical appearance when objective evidence indicates differently. Cosmetic surgery is another sort of plastic surgery. It intends to increase function and also to provide the usual look to some part of the individual’s body that’s been damaged, by way of instance, following a mastectomy. This guide is going to concentrate on specifically cosmetic surgery.

Types and uses

A number of cosmetic procedures are readily available for different areas of the human body.

Breast surgery

Breast implants may be used to improve breast size or in reconstruction after the operation. Women may seek out breast surgery to increase their body form. Mammoplasty processes may include:

Breast augmentation, or augmentation, traditionally performed with silicone or saline gel prosthetics, and occasionally with fat grafting.

It could possibly be carried out when the girl feels that her breasts are too small if a breast is bigger than another, or when the breasts have shifted following childbirth or pregnancy. Some elderly girls opt for this therapy once the breasts being to sag as a result of skin thinning elasticity. To some women, a breast augmentation can improve self-esteem and boost the feelings of their sexuality. In certain, however, present issues remain. That is the reason why girls are invited to experience counseling first.

Breast reduction will help provide relief in bodily distress, while the goal of augmentation more frequently relates to looking. Breast reduction can also lessen the danger of breast cancer in girls that are at elevated risk of this disease.

Mastopexy, or even a breast lift, entails removing skin and connective tissue to make the breasts smaller and rearranging the tissue to earn the breast look lifted.

Based on how much volume a patient has dropped or needs, mastopexy could be put together with an implant. Although it’s much like a breast reduction, which eliminates a considerably greater quantity of tissue, mastopexy isn’t ordinarily covered by major insurance providers as it’s not deemed clinically necessary.

The surgery for male breast reduction or gynecomastia, an enhancement of the mammary tissue in men. It could possibly be carried out by liposuction or using different scar designs, frequently hidden around the breast and areola.

Liposuction

Liposuction, or suction-assisted lipectomy, utilizes thin cannulas, or hollow metal tubes, to vacuum the fat from several areas of the human body. Tools used in operation include conventional, ultrasound, mechanical, and laser apparatus. All of them often demand suction of fat through a tube. To prevent complications, then there’s a limitation to the quantity of fat which the physician can safely eliminate, based on whether the individual will be discharged immediately the following operation or admitted to the clinic.

Liposuction shouldn’t be thought of as a weight-loss process. When done in the ideal individual, the objective is to boost the contour and reduce limited regions of fat deposits. Liposuction is usually done around the chin area, abdomen, thigh, buttocks and hips.

Complications are rare but possible. They comprise the accumulation of blood under the skin, also called hematoma, infection, changes in feeling, allergic reactions, and harm to underlying constructions, and disappointing outcomes. The health care provider needs to discuss these with the patient ahead.

Liposuction doesn’t lessen the threat of treating diabetes, heart disease, or elevated blood pressure.

Vulvovaginal operation

Labiaplasty, labioplasty, labia minora decrease, or labial reduction entails operation of the labia majora or labia minora of the vulva, part of the female genitalia. It intends to reduce elongated labia, usually within a vaginoplasty.

Female vaginal reshaping, or labiaplasty, aims to alter the dimensions and shape of their inner labia or the inner lips of the vulva. Labiaplasty isn’t the same as gender reassignment surgeries.

The surgery is usually performed to reduce the size of the labia minora (inner lips). General or local anesthesia may be used. The surgeon removes the unwanted tissue and remodels that the labia into the desired size and shape. Alternatively, a wedge-shaped section of the labia is removed. Some surgeons use a laser instead of a scalpel to reduce bleeding. Occasionally, a labiaplasty is performed to decrease the size of the labia majora (outer lips). Some women choose to have surgery to tighten the vagina (vaginoplasty) during the same surgery

Body processes

Abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” reshape the abdomen. Excess fat and skin are eliminated from the middle and lower stomach, with the intention of tightening the muscle and fascia of the abdominal wall.

This could be appropriate following pregnancy or following losing a lot of weight.

Other body contouring procedures

Buttock enhancement enhances the visual appeal of the buttocks making them bigger. The surgeon will graft fat from another part of the patient’s entire body with liposuction. Silicone implants can also sometimes be utilized from the buttocks.

A buttock lift or reduced body lift involves removing excess skin in the hips, buttocks, and thighs to be able to tighten and raise them. These processes are usually combined with abdominoplasty in patients that have lost a significant quantity of weight.

Facial cosmetic surgery

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, intends to reshape the eye using a special health equipment. With age, the skin becomes limper, and there might be drooping or hooding of the top lids and totes on the lower lids. Eyelid surgery may be practical, decorative, or perhaps both. It normally entails removing or repositioning extra fat and skin, and the process may fortify surrounding tendons and muscles.

Surgery may alter the form of your face or tighten skin.

In rhinoplasty, also called a “nose job,” the surgeon reshapes the patient’s nose to enhance the overall look and frequently breathing, also. It could involve reshaping the tip and lessen the bony hump in the top element of the nose.

It may be carried out with small incisions which are well concealed, often within the nostrils. Surgeons don’t advocate rhinoplasty until the individual is at least 15 years old to permit for a complete rise of the bone and cartilage of the nose.

An eyebrow lift, browplasty, or eyebrow lift intends to eliminate signs of aging by increasing drooping eyebrows and eliminating forehead wrinkles, or stress lines. It’s frequently done along with other cosmetic processes to attain a more compatible facial look.

Peels, fillers, grafts, and laser therapy

Less invasive treatments could comprise lotions, fillers, injections, grafting, and laser therapy.

Fillers can be used to iron out wrinkles and also to make the lips appear plumper.

Chemical lotions might help cure acne, pock scars, marks, or wrinkles. A range of active agents could be used. A mild or superficial peel utilizes Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids to take care of the vertical layers of skin. The process isn’t quite as deep as it is only done with a few lotions, so the recovery time is minimal and there is no need to lie on a hospital pressure mattress as opposed to other, heavier types of treatments.

A moderate peel generally entails TCA (trichloroacetic acid) of different concentrations. It penetrates the dermis, or deep layer of skin, to a larger thickness than the mild peels. The pain and recovery tend to be more important than the lighter peels. The redness and flaking may persist for many weeks or days.

A deep peel, or phenol peel, penetrates the skin to the deepest degree. Because of this, it’s the largest impact on fixing the skin, but additionally, it has the most rapid recovery period, and it may cause scarring and skin lightening. Chemical peels are demonstrated to be secure and beneficial for both mild and darker skin types.

Botulinum toxin, or botox, is the name of a toxin made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum), first approved by the FDA from the 1980s for muscle strain. A variety of cosmetic surgery procedures intended to enhance appearance. It’s used as a treatment for wrinkles and facial creases.

It acts by blocking the sign from nerves into the muscles which are injected. The injected muscle can’t contract, or tighten, as before, and this also contributes to a controlled relaxation of these muscles.

It’s approved for treatment of frown lines around the forehead, crow’s feet, or lines around the eye, and axillary hyperhidrosis, or increased sweating of the skin.

Besides”botox,” other brand names of botulinum toxin are currently commercially available.

Soft tissue fillers, or dermal fillers, which are medical device implants approved by the FDA to be used in assisting to make a smoother, fuller look in the face.

They may be employed to take care of nasolabial folds, cheeks, and lips, and also to grow the loudness of the rear of the hand.

They’re also able to reduce wrinkles, scars, and lines, and strengthen delicate tissue contours. They aren’t permanent, but they’re degraded by the body, therefore repeat treatments may be required to keep the result.

Best Sports for Overall Fitness

Competition motivates everyone to excel and outperform our peers, especially when it comes to sports. Since not all sports are created equal we have found the top 10 healthiest sports that provide a low risk for causing serious injury and a high payoff in physical and mental health benefits.

Using different resources such as the internet, library, industry literature and Samir Becic’s knowledge as one of the leading health and fitness experts in the U.S., we were able to narrow down the 10 healthiest sports based on studies and research.

Here are the Top 10 sports that can improve overall fitness and capacity:

Swimming

Swimming is not only a complete physical workout; it is also an awesome sport for your heart and a low-stress activity. It keeps you at a healthy body weight since it burns lots of calories, improves lung capacity, and builds muscular strength and endurance. On top of that, swimming is the perfect year-round sporting activity since it can be done at an indoor pool, outdoor pool, or beach.

Tennis

This is one of the best aerobic exercises on par with jogging and cycling. You can burn up to 600 calories while playing one hour of tennis. All the little but fast movements like sprints, pivots, slams, makes you exert energy in short but powerful bursts. Tennis increase arm strength, coordination, and cardiovascular health.

Rowing

Research shows that the rowing has numerous health benefits including effective weight loss, a low risk of injury, and increased muscle strength. Though originally an outdoor activity, Rowing can be done and enjoyed indoors on a rowing machine.

Wrestling

Wrestling is a great sport to develop physical fitness skills as well as useful self-defence mechanisms. Womens wrestling training has increased in popularity due to its practical benefits and anyone can participate in freestyle wrestling for fun and fitness. The amazing stunts and movements in wrestling improve joint and body mobility, aid weight loss and contribute to overall fitness and coordination.

Squash

Squash has been labelled as the #1 healthiest sport in the world many years in a row by Forbes. Not only does it burns calories, increases aerobic fitness, boosts flexibility, develops strength and power, it also improves hand-eye coordination. It also improves social skills and interaction when played on a team or as doubles.

Basketball

Though playing basketball may take a lot of your energy, it is very beneficial since it builds endurance and improves balance and coordination. Research shows that it increases spatial awareness, develops concentration and self-discipline, builds bone strength, great for cardiovascular health, and builds up confidence. It also fosters great teamwork and sportsmanship skills when played competitively.

Cycling

Every year, cycling events and races take place in May and June, the typical season for cycling. You don’t need to compete in order to enjoy cycling. Cycling classes are fun and available everywhere, you can cycle outdoors with a group or take indoor spin classes at your local gym. Not only does cycling increases cardiovascular fitness, boosts muscle strength and flexibility, it also makes you happier and makes your brain stronger.

Cross-Country Skiing

Skiing in the Nordic mountains has been known as a great physical activity since it burns more calories than any other form of exercise or sport. Athletes burn up to 1,122 calories per hour of vigorous mountaineering! Cross-country skiing is a proven full-body workout which is uniquely effective. Studies suggest that skiers are about 40 percent fitter than physically fit individuals.

Running

Age is not a limitation for this physical activity, anyone can take it up. It’s not only fun but also very beneficial. Regular runners have a lower risk for bone and muscle loss as they age compared to those who do not run regularly or at all. The physical demands of the sport make bones grow and become stronger. It is also great for mental and overall physiological health. Endorphins are released when running which the famed “runner’s high.”

Volleyball

Volleyball got included on the list for the healthiest sports because of its many benefits. This includes increased metabolic rate, improved agility, enhances coordination, and boosts mood and it is also very effective in burning calories.

Gymnastics

This sport requires the athletes to be in a good physical condition. With all the stunts to be performed, this sport can improve overall fitness, strength, balance and body control. A gymnast must utilise all his mental and physical facilities in order to win the competition. Gymnastics does not only offer physical gains; it is beneficial for improving concentration and mental focus. It also provides children a range of physical, mental, emotional and social benefits.

It doesn’t matter what sport you want to participate in as long as you enjoy it while reaping its health benefits and supporting this by consuming plenty of balanced meals such as buying daily prepared take home meals to enjoy.

Leading Women’s Health Concerns

We have come a long way and it is time to observe the great accomplishments in women’s health. Nonetheless, it is time to highlight the greatest health concerns women around the world face and devise plans on how to overcome these obstacles. Listed below are just ten of the main issues about women’s health:

Cancer: Two of the most frequent cancers affecting women are cervical and breast cancers. Discovering these two cancers early is vital to keeping women healthy and alive. The most recent global statistics show that roughly half a million women die from cervical cancer along with also half a million in breast cancer every year. The huge majority of those deaths occur in low and middle-income countries where screening and therapy are nearly non-existent, and in which vaccination against human papilloma virus should take hold.

Reproductive health: Sexual and reproductive health issues are responsible for a third of wellness problems for females between the ages of 15 and 44 years of age. Unsafe sex is a significant risk factor especially among women and women in developing nations. It is therefore essential to acquire services for the millions of women who do not have adequate access to contraception and health services. In the first world, it is important to break the stigma associated with urinary incontinence treatments as many women suffer from this and should be able to seek help.

Maternal Wellness: Countless women are taking advantage of great improvements maternal health during pregnancy and childbirth which have been put into action over the past decades. However, those advantages don’t extend everywhere and several women still die from complications in pregnancy and childbirth. The majority of these deaths might have been averted if they have access to family planning and basic health services.

HIV: Too many young women still struggle to shield themselves against sexual transmission of HIV and to find the treatment they need. Additionally, this leaves them especially vulnerable to tuberculosis – one of the primary causes of death in low-income nations.

Sexually transmitted diseases: I have already mentioned the importance of protecting against HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV) disease (the planet’s most frequent STI). Nonetheless, it’s also important to do a much better job of preventing and treating diseases like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Treatment should be more widely available and education should be delivered on how to prevent transmission.

Violence against women and girls: Girls can be subject to a range of different kinds of violence, but sexual and physical abuse — either by a spouse or somebody else — is especially invidious. It is important for health workers to be more attentive to violence in order that they can help stop that, in addition, to provide support to individuals who encounter it.

Emotional Wellness: Studies and evidence show that women are more likely to experience mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety and somatic complaints, than men. Depression is the most common mental health issue for women and suicides a top cause of death for women under 60. Helping sensitise women to mental health difficulties, and providing them the confidence to find help, is essential. Mental instability can lead to further health concerns and problems such as negative self-image and the undertaking of cosmetic procedures such as labiaplasty and commonly these days many women undertake breast implants Melbourne.

Non-communicable ailments: In 2012, some 4.7 million women died from non-communicable ailments before they attained the age of 70, the majority of them in now- and middle-income nations. They died because of road traffic injuries, dangerous use of tobacco, misuse of alcohol, medications, and compounds, and obesity. Helping women and women embrace healthy lifestyles early on is essential to your long and healthier life.

Being young: Adolescent women face several sexual and reproductive health issues: STIs, HIV, and pregnancy. Approximately 13 million teenage women (under 20) give birth each year. Complications from pregnancy and childbirth are a leading cause of death for all those young moms. Many suffer the effects of unsafe abortion.

Becoming elderly: The increasing trend of elderly people working from home, older women might have fewer pensions and benefits, less access to healthcare and social services compared to their male counterparts. Blend the larger risk of poverty along with different ailments of older age, for example, dementia, and older women have a greater chance of misuse and normally, inadequate health. There are other issues associated with ageing including social isolation and sensitive issues such as vaginal laxity.

While I lie awake thinking of women and their health concerns, I remind myself the planet has produced a great deal of progress and new developments lately. We all know more, and we’re becoming better at implementing our understanding at providing young women a fantastic start in life. Usage of solutions, particularly those for reproductive and sexual health, has grown in some countries. Significant variables that affect women’s health are school enrolment rates and increased political involvement of women have increased around the world.

Building Trust with Patients in Healthcare

As a nurse, doctor, pharmacist, dentist, optometrist, dermatologist, specialist or other healthcare professional personnel, you probably devote a large quantity of time with your patients. While physicians might get all the glory for their services, nurses and other healthcare providers are doing the real hard work as well. Due to your livelihood and personal traits, it’s possible that you already command trust and respect; for your skills and diligence. Nurses who increase the degree of contact you’ve got with your patients, developing a connection with them may provide huge advantages, such as helping you boost their quality of maintenance and making your task easier.

Building familiarity and trust with your own patients may cause them to feel comfortable and be much honest when speaking you with regarding their well-being. Additionally, as soon as you know a patient’s character, you will be better placed to notice changes which could be indicative of health issues, in addition, to understand how to maintain the patient combined and in great spirits.

Ensuring that you as a health professional has a good connection with all your patients is vital so they trust you and will return to your practice for service, especially if you provide non-essential services. Building trust is a key to maintaining a good practitioner-patient relationship for the long term.

1. Communicate Frequently and Adequately

Successful communication is the basis on which you’ll be able to develop trust with your patients and their families. Now you go through a getting-to-know-you stage with the individual which works better if you can easily set a snapshot of the life, like learning in their hobbies, friends, loved ones, and their day to day tasks and working atmosphere. An important part of becoming a fantastic contributor is obviously educating patients about the variety of health issues they’re facing. Talking through the healthcare process and steps with patients reassure them that they are in safe hands and shows them that you are knowledgeable and that you truly care. Being a fantastic listener is just as important, you ought to completely hear out all of the concerns and inquire follow up questions of your individual prior to arriving at any decision. Sometimes patients just need someone to talk to and to ask questions and understand the situation.

2. Express Empathy

You have to have the ability to empathise with your individual without being emotionally defeated. You might have a whole lot in mind, and the individual might not be the most pleasant person to be about, maybe as a result of anxiety, confusion, pain, along with other difficulties, but it is significant that being emotionally present while also not letting let their difficulties or mindset to affect you emotionally. Your purpose must be to link while still having a few partitions between you and exactly what the individual is experiencing. This also can help you make objective choices while advocating for the individual. You should express your emotions and sympathise whilst remaining professional and neutral at all times.

3. Job Calmness

As a nurse or other healthcare practitioner, you would like to come across as calm, capable, and in charge of the circumstance. Your confidence can help to reassure the individual that is as it ought to be. If a situation occurs that’s frightening to the individual, they can stay calm, confident that you’ve got it managed on their own behalf. Patients like to know that they are being looked after and treated properly, so it is your job to reassure them and provide information on treatment and opinions from higher practitioners. Try not to become frazzled and take on more than you can handle as this will lead to mistakes and stress for yourself and the patient. Ensure you understand the patients custom instruments which you may need to operate and are confident with using all other medical instruments that the patient may require. Building trust requires a calm and collected approach.

4. Research Your Industry

Do some personal research into what other practitioners are doing to build trust and rapport with their patients. Are they calling patients every week to check up on them? Are they asking specific questions as to what brand medications patients prefer? Are they simply super engaging and enthusiastic in conversations? Conduct a benchmark audit for your own practices and find areas for improvement. Researching you area and utilising best practice benchmarking will ensure you are not falling behind and gaining the trust of your health patients. It may even be worthwhile to undertake workshops with your team and encourage everyone to go to the next level in creating a healthy lasting trustworthy relationship with patients.

What You Need on Your Health Website

You probably know about the general things needed for a great health and fitness website, but then there are such characteristics which elevate the site better for the consumer and consequently make cash for your company. Whether you operate a fitness gym, offer weight training Sydney a health centre or great Sydney personal training your website is an asset.

What Your Gym Website is Missing!

There are a number of facets which will need to come together to earn a health and fitness site successful. You have to think about, layout, photography, copy-writing, share-ability, responsiveness, blogging and much more.

You can not single out one thing that will make a site successful. You can not have a fantastic SEO without fantastic digital copy-writing and website layout. A layout not only needs to be amazing with a great photography but in addition, it should be responsive. Most website platforms are customisable including craft websites. See the web agency that you created your website with for help if you are unsure.

All these are the five attributes many health and fitness websites are forgetting, if you would like a thriving gym site which always sends new folks to your fitness centre, then you have to employ these five attributes instantly.

Gym Reviews Page:

Individuals visiting your site wish to learn when you’ve got a fantastic health club and they’re not likely to take your own word for this. They should find other people saying favorable things about your fitness center to enhance confidence and trust in your physical fitness industry.

When a new movie comes out how frequently do you browse the testimonials? How about to get a product you are likely to purchase online? For restaurants, movie theatres, clothes shops, and any product or service offered you will find reviews.

Add a page to your fitness centre site in which you share with people all the favourable reviews your fitness centre has. These testimonials are from Facebook, Google Plus, Yelp, etc.. To reveal reviews, of course, you need to find some first. Request your associates to leave you an overview next time they’re visiting your gym.

Gym Blog:

A website offers new content to your site, and that is fantastic for SEO. A fitness website also provides pertinent new content to your however to become site traffic and present fitness centre members.

As a health club owner you need your site to become an actual representation of your fitness center and a non-active site may interpret to a non-active health club to your site traffic. Share with your neighborhood that there is a lot happening in your fitness center. Share blog articles on occasions which you might host, a new coach, healthy foods, fitness tips, weight loss ideas, whatever you think your loved ones and the overall people will like to see.

When doing blog copy-writing for your health centre write every post to your perfect member. Are you trying to find individuals attempting to eliminate weight or gain mass? Create your perfect buyer and compose every blog post for this buyer. Web sites are also a wonderful way to construct a fitness centre community on your site.

Wonderful gym member highlights:

This attribute falls based on testimonials. Folks are joining gyms since they get healthy, stay fit or becoming more self-confident. These are the overall few buckets that gym drop in. If you are aware that the vast majority of folks join your gym since they wish to eliminate weight, then discuss blog article updates featuring members which are losing a great deal of weight.

Show people visiting a site your exercise business delivers outcomes. Show evidence your members are happy and working towards their own goals successfully. All these wonderful member spotlights reach two important things. It attracts people to trust your health club and the outcomes your coaches deliver and it makes them think. Seeing someone else achieve or make progress towards a target that’s comparable to theirs will inspire them to behave.

Valuable free fitness e-books:

If you are searching to raise the number of individuals you’ve got access to your daily, weekly or yearly basis using your site to your benefit.

Provide visitors arriving at the fitness centre site valuable content provides they’d provide you their email address. The people that download the deal will wind up in your email list in which you cultivate them into gym members. These e-books may be about a subject that people currently likely to your fitness centre would discover valuable. For instance; should you possess a Cross Fit fitness centre you could offer an Olympic Weightlifting Training Guide.

This stage rolls well into our closing attribute.

Gym Email Marketing:

This isn’t a feature only on your site per se, but your site is what gets the ball rolling. I said in the prior stage your gym site should begin collecting email addresses. These speeches are about folks needing more info about your fitness centre, fitness information or healthful eating tips.

Once people get in your email list, you can not forget about that. You have to send them info weekly or month. The time periods have to be consistent, and the material must remain valuable. The target is to turn those email subscribers into fitness center members.

For those folks who are in your town, this will definitely keep your fitness centre top of thoughts. If they’re considering joining a fitness centre, they will probably consider yours if the time comes. Providing ongoing blog articles and e-books to the people on your email list will help keep them interested in your physical fitness industry over the competition.

In case you have yet to execute these five site features to your gym site the opportunity to begin is now!

As a fitness company proprietor, the significance of a gym site can seem overwhelming but when implemented and handled with a correct electronic strategy it’s going to have a huge influence on your company.

Tips to Build your Self-esteem and Confidence

Most people tend to focus on other people and in doing so neglect their own wellbeing until they are at a point where they are feeling lost within themselves. Building your self-confidence and self-esteem is like undergoing a home renovation requiring structural timber beams as a foundation and the help of professional plumbing services to fix up the bits and bobs in the bathrooms and kitchen.  There are many areas that require attention, just like with a personals mental well-being.

Low self-esteem will leave you feeling quite down. Find out more about what causes reduced self-esteem and what you could do to repair it.

This will help if:

  • You have low self-esteem
  • You need to know what causes low self-esteem
  • You need strategies to enhance your self-esteem.

What causes low self-esteem?

Fundamentally, self-esteem is the way you feel about our own skills. Your self-esteem, if it is high, low or somewhere in the middle, may have a fairly huge influence on your life.

In the case you’ve got low self-esteem, an important thing to do is try and determine what’s causing it. It might be associated with:

  • Loneliness
  • Bullying
  • Poor academic performance
  • Abuse or neglect
  • Being jobless
  • Something happening at a deeper level.

Occasionally it can be tough to recognize the root of your low self-esteem. Maybe you’ve never actually thought about it, or perhaps it’s hard to ascertain when it first began. Whether you understand just what’s causing it or not, there are steps you can take to build your confidence and enhance how you feel about yourself.

Here are 10 ways for improving your self-esteem

  1. Positive self-talk

Should you keep telling yourself you are no good, you may just begin believing it, although it is not correct. Should you see that you frequently take part in unfavourable self-talk, have a look at some ways you are able to challenge your negative thinking and build your confidence levels.

  1. Do not compare yourself to other people

It may be tempting to quantify your worth against other men and women. So what if your colleague is amazing at sport? You simply have to determine which it is you are good at. Everybody is great at something. What are your own strengths?

  1. Movement and exercise

Moving your body via exercise or just movement, in general, can help to increase your mood. It is as simple as that. Exercising releases endorphins which create a feeling of positivity.

  1. Do not aim for perfection

It is great that you may want to do things well, but remember that perfection is not realistic for anyone.

  1. Do not beat yourself up when you make an error

Everybody in the world makes errors, it is basic human nature. Why should you be any different? If you stuff up, do not stress: simply learn from it and proceed.

  1. Concentrate on the things you can alter

There is no point wasting all of your energy thinking about matters that you cannot change. Rather, have a think about a few of the things which are in your own ability to control and determine what you can do about these.

  1. Do things you like

In the case where you do things you like, you are more inclined to think favourably. Schedule time daily for pleasure and comfort.

  1. Celebrate the little stuff

You woke up on time. Tick. You poached your eggs. Winning. Celebrating the tiny successes is a fantastic and totally legitimate means to feel better on your own.

  1. Be considerate and helpful

Being of aid to somebody is an excellent way to raise their mood, but you will also realize that you feel much better about yourself once you do something especially great for somebody else.

  1. Surround yourself with supportive people

Do not hang around those that bring you down. Find individuals who make you feel great about yourself and avoid those who are inclined to activate your negative thinking. Think of these people like architectural timbers in a house, they are part structural but also bring out the best in the houses aesthetic.

There are a range of things that you can do in order to build your confidence. A number of them are only tiny modifications to your frame of mind; others you are going to need to work on to get a little more time to make them comfortable habits.

If it is about building self-confidence that you are after, consider these tips:

Look at what you have already attained

It’s easy to diminish confidence if you think you have not achieved anything. Create a listing of all of the things you are proud of in your life, whether it is getting a fantastic mark on a test or learning how to surf. Maintain a list close by and add to it if you do something you are proud of. When you are low in confidence, then pull the list out and use it to remind yourself of all of the wonderful stuff you have done.

Set some goals

Set some goals and put out the measures that you want to take to reach them. They do not need to be large goals; they could even be things such as baking a cake or even arranging a night out with friends. Just target a small accomplishment which you could tick off a list that will assist you in gaining confidence in your ability to get things done.

Get a hobby

Look for something which you’re really enthusiastic about. It could be photography, gaming, cooking, providing plumbing services or anything else. When you have worked out your hobby, commit to giving it a try. Odds are, if you are interested or passionate about a specific thing, you are more likely to be motivated and you’re going to build skills faster that way.

Will You Make The Move?

People have theorized that living close to the sea can benefit one’s health, but currently there is not much data to back this theory up. Here are five proven reason why you should move to the beach, not only to live in that coastal décor beach house you always wanted to move into, however by moving to the beach, could also benefit your health.

People have theorized that living close to the sea is beneficial for your health, and now there is data to back up that theory. According to a study conducted by the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Exeter in England, people who live near the sea are healthier than those who live inland. The report analyzed data from England’s 2001 census, comprising 48 million people. Taking into consideration age, sex, and socio-economic status, the results suggested that those who dwelt in the coast were in finer fettle than their non-coastal counterparts.

The study concluded that there was an association between going to the shore and total wellness an improvement of the beach move, but the direct researchers said that this sort of study couldn’t establish a direct cause and effect. But, previous scientific studies have concentrates on what exactly it is around the ocean that arouses well being. In any event, this seems like the perfect excuse to move to the shore that we have all been looking for.

Here are some reasons that beachfront living enhances health:

  1. The Relax Factor

Do you know that feeling of comfort that overcomes your body when dig your feet in the sand? It is not in your head. The ocean has been shown to inspire creative thinking, decrease stress, and encourage compassionate thinking. Living at the beach also means you get to live in your dream beach house, filled with your favourite coastal interior design to make your home really feel like a holiday house for relaxation!

  1. An Active Lifestyle

Living by the shore encourages physical activity, finally resulting in a healthier lifestyle, the Exeter study indicated. Why are people more active in the shore? The coastal beaches and paths promote outdoor activity, Dr. Michael White, the direct research on the Exeter study stated.

  1. Breathing Fresh, Salt Air

There is not any better smell than fresh sea air, but begin taking deeper breaths at the beach since it is great for you, too. The salty sea air from the shore does wonders for the respiratory system and for those who suffer from asthma, bronchitis, sinus pressure, and coughing will see a difference in their condition after only 1 day at the shore. The ocean air truly is the best medicine!

  1. Extra Vitamin D

The reflection of sunlight from the sand and the sea is a superb way to receive your daily dose of vitamin D. provided that you are smothered in SPF sunscreen, getting some sunshine everyday is good for your well being. Vitamin D from sunlight enhances pancreatic protection, increases endorphins, reduces the risk of cancer, and enhances bone health. According to research performed by the King’s College London’s Institute of Dermatology, skin absorbs vitamin D in sunlight even with sunscreen – so pile it on and get outdoors!

  1. Swimming in Salt Water

There is no greater healer than salt water. Swimming in the sea enhances the immune system, hydrates skin, and boosts circulation. Seawater that is rich in magnesium also continues to be demonstrated to relax muscles and helps induce sleep. And as swimming in one of the best forms of exercise, you are better off paddling round the ocean than at the pool.

Healthier Living Tips

Exercising for at least 30 minutes each day can have a massive influence on your long-term health. But this is hard when you are working in fulltime occupation, running a business, and even tougher when you have moved overseas. Here are a few tips for staying healthy when you are working full time in a different country.

Find a helper for your business
If you manage a business, the best way to ease your stress and to stay healthy is to hire someone worthy of your position. Whether it is hiring an online business coaching business, or hire new staff to manage your workload. Perhaps try to take a business coaching program to lead your business to success, and your health!

Join a gym
There might be a gym near your work, or you could even have access to gym facilities on the job. Many businesses now offer fitness facilities on site for their employees to use to maintain their health whilst working long hours during the day. Therefore, if you exercise before work, on your lunch break, or earlier you go home, factoring just thirty minutes into your working day will have a substantial effect on your health, fitness, and general mood during your working day.

Maintain your gym shoes in your car
Small reminders can make a major difference to keeping healthy. For Example, it can be a great idea to keep your gym bag in the car, or at work so you are prepared to go out and be active on your short break! In case you need to go home to change and collect your gym essentials, there is a possibility you will just stay there.

Cycle to work
When it is cold outside, and you own a vehicle in the driveway, it is easy to see why a lot people jump in the car to drive to work. Driving to work is normally the easiest option concerning punctuality, particularly for anyone who has a lengthy commute beforehand, and can mean being stuck in traffic! However, if it is realistic, you can beat the traffic and improve your health by biking to work. This is an excellent means of factoring exercise in your working day, even if it is just a few days a week.

Take your time
Even little changes can have an enormous effect on your health. So when you first start exercising, it is important that you pace yourself and take it easy, slowly progress to a harder training methods as you become more confident with your sporting skills. Commitment is great, but you do not need to burn yourself out in the early phases of your fitness journey. Begin by heading to the gym a few times a week and, as your fitness levels improve, you may then begin to work out more frequently. Take things slowly and give your body time to adjust to your new regime. Even taking a brief walk in your lunch break can make a significant difference.

Use fitness programs
There are many exciting and innovative fitness programs that are fantastic for keeping you motivated during the day and ensuring that you stick with your regime. When you have got a thousand and one things to consider, anything will help. There are also many programs that help you to monitor your workouts and Keep count of how many measures you have taken during the day.

Pack your lunch
Nutrition is a massive part of staying healthy. Many people work on big business websites or in inner city locations, and are surrounded by an enormous number of fast food outlets, and this can result to eating unhealthy everyday. Try to pack your lunch when it is possible, as you are not only saving your health but also your pockets! Taking your lunch to work each day helps to avoid the requirement of buying food near the workplace. To ensure that you don’t forget, always prepare your meals the night before for an easier morning.

Taking Good Care of Your Feet

It is difficult to think that there was once a time when people just walked around aimlessly with their bare feet, regardless of what the terrain or temperature was like. These days, you’d fight to make it down the street without passing many shoe shops, boasting plenty of designer strappy heels, on-trend sneakers and seasonal specials.

Though your health may not be the very first thing to spring into your mind while you peruse the office sales, scroll endlessly through the most recent ASOS sale or queue for hours to get a set of Yeezys, the shoes we wear are now fundamental to our everyday wellbeing. Ergonomically designed sneakers, or footwear which does not fit correctly, can give rise to quite a few of brief and long-term health issues that affect different components of our whole body, therefore it is essential to be clued up on what you are putting on your own feet.

Michael Ratcliffe, Podiatrist in Carnation Footcare, states that the three major purposes of shoes would be to shield our toes, empower us to walk where we want and supply a sense of relief and relaxation once we are on our toes for long periods of time. Whether you are coaching a soccer team on the field all afternoon or are in the business of commercial property sales, then you need to have the correct footwear on all day.

Short-term problems

Ill-fitting shoes can lead to damage to your feet almost instantly. A number of the more common conditions include:

Corns

Corns are a ‘plug’ of tough, dead skin which exist within a bony prominence, like a joint. They are frequently brought on by prolonged pressure into the particular area, usually from poorly fitting footwear.

It normally includes a punctate, discrete form and can be extremely painful when pressure is put on the area. Corns can be difficult or soft (and, where they exist between the feet, moist) and may contain blood vessels or nerve fibres. Long-standing corns may be firmly connected to deeper soft tissues, making them hard to fully eliminate.

Shoes which are overly loose may allow your foot to slip and rub, or styles that put excessive strain on a particular section of the foot will be the most likely contenders to trigger corns.

Nail issues

Nail and fungal infections are really common in the United Kingdom, having an estimated 16 percent of all Europeans believed to be afflicted by some kind of infection. Ingrown toenails, form if the sides of the nail pierce the surrounding epidermis, are a nuisance and may cause pain. Wearing socks and shoes which don’t fit correctly and are overly tight in areas around the toe pressure to the surfaces of the feet and may push the skin to the nail plate. Furthermore, cutting your toenails erroneously (neither directly across nor at a gentle curve) and cutting down the sides of your nail may put your toe in danger of an ingrown toenail.

Furthermore, fungal toenail infections are not just gruesome in causing discolouration and brittleness of the nail, however, they are also able to affect out self-esteem and in rare cases can lead to additional complications where the infection is spread. Trauma, possibly one incident or repeated minor episodes (due to tight footwear), may lift the nail in the nail bed giving ordinary skin home organisms a portal of entry to the nail bed and thicker base of the nail plate at the place where they can flourish.

Preventing the use of tight hosiery and footwear, which could harm the nail via meticulous injury and generate a moist environment where the fungal spores may flourish, can assist in preventing fungal toenail infections.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is brought on by a dermatophyte, a bacterial species residing on the epidermis. It triggers intense itching, inflammation and flaking of the skin, also is concurrently unsightly, embarrassing and extremely infectious. This illness impacts the moist and sweaty regions of the foot, especially between the feet and the toe webbing spots (particularly in tight-fitting shoes which attract the feet in near proximity to each other for the length of wearing these shoes) and frequently beneath the inner arch of the foot.

This illness can spread and be caught while walking barefoot in a place where others have also not worn shoes. Great foot hygiene and application of an antifungal lotion will help, it’s very important to deal with this illness before it spreads into your toenails.

Taking preventative Measures

Finding the correct preventive measures for long-term damage to your feet is like looking through commercial real estate listings, there are a lot and only a few will apply to you. The biggest preventative measure is to simply be more conscious of the footwear that you purchase, and how many times you wear a specific style is important. Some things you should be looking out for if treating yourself to a brand new pair of sneakers include:

  • Make sure there’s enough space at the front of your sneakers (the ‘toe box’) to wiggle your feet freely. If the shoe would be to tight here then you place yourself in danger of compression numbness and lesions.
  • Ideally, your shoes need to have a fastening of some type, which let you adjust the fit of your shoe if needed.
  • The top region of the shoe needs to be made from natural substances for overall flexibility, comfort and durability.
  • Cushioning within the shoe is excellent for comfort as well as to decrease the jolting effect when landing on your heels and moving off from the balls of your toes whilst walking.
  • When you buy shoes online make sure they fit correctly, if not simply return or exchange them. It may be of hassle now but it will save you in the long run.

Tips on Eating Healthy at Work

Busy professionals cannot waste one minute of the day. Our bodies need energy to keep moving. If you frequently work during lunch and go hours without so much as breaking for a snack, you may have difficulty focusing and receiving results from the job you are doing.

There are a number of things you can do to keep yourself healthy while you’re powering through your day. Only a few straightforward changes can make a significant difference in your energy levels, in addition to your overall health.

  1. Do not skip breakfast.

As you’re running out the door to your early-morning meeting, the final thing you are considering is stopping for breakfast. But breakfast skipping has been linked with an increase in diabetes and obesity risks, in addition to morning moodiness.

  1. Make it convenient.

You probably find you have very little time to stop by the grocery store, especially during the workweek. There are businesses that give you the luxury of bringing fresh food from local farmers straight to your home and workplace, saving you a trip to the store or farmer’s market. When fresh fruit and vegetables are delivered to your door there are no excuses not to eat healthy.

  1. Prepare Beforehand.

One of the greatest things you can do is prepare snacks and foods for your day until you depart in the morning, especially if you’ll be working through lunch. However, what if there’s rarely time to put a meal together in the morning? It is possible to solve this issue by setting time aside over the weekend to prepare meals and snacks for the week. Purchase plastic containers that can be refrigerated or frozen and picked up each morning on the way from the door.

  1. Invest in grab-and-go snacks.

Look around your office. If there’s nothing to bite on, you can end up shrugging off your appetite for hours or worse, going down the hall to the vending machine. Buy healthy snack-size foods like boxes of raisins or healthy granola bars.

  1. Don’t work and eat.

Multitasking was proven to be devastating to the waistline. Instead of distractedly munching on a salad as you’re working on a proposal, place your work aside and concentrate entirely on your own meal. Even better, take your lunch outdoors on a great day and combine the advantages of fresh air with savouring your food. You will get a more pleasurable eating experience and return to your desk feeling refreshed.

  1. Eat and interact

While distracted eating could possibly be awful, socialising has its own health benefits. Schedule lunch meetings as often as possible to make sure that you get a good midday meal in. You may use the opportunity to take team members offsite to acquire their thoughts, meet with clients or community with co-workers.

  1. Stay hydrated.

Whether you like the taste of it or not, water is an important part of good health. Consider having an in-office water cooler to make it easy for you and your colleagues to stay hydrated throughout the day. If that isn’t a possibility, maintain a small refrigerator in your office to hold bottled water.

  1. Choose healthful options at restaurants.

Eating out is inevitable for a busy worker, but you don’t have to settle for fatty fast food choices. Virtually all restaurant chains have healthy dining options to entice health-conscious clients. To play it safe, stay with grilled instead of fried and select sides such as fruits, soups, and salads over fries or onion rings. Consider eating fresh organic foods as opposed to even canned fruit or vegetables.

  1. Make family dinners a priority.

Evening foods are an important time for families. Ensure you’re home every evening in time to talk with your spouse or your family over a meal. If you’re single, schedule routine get-togethers with friends where you enjoy a healthy meal. This will allow you to maintain a healthy work-life.

 

Apple Watch Fitness

If you are considering buying a shiny new Apple Watch Series 2, you may be asking yourself if it can really allow you to get fit. Particularly if you’ve noticed the current headlines claiming that fitness trackers do not work. So what does science really have to say about the fitness device? I chose to look into the science behind Apple Watch fitness assumptions. There are two important functions for an effective exercise tracker. First, it must inform you to do the proper things. Secondly, it should convince you to follow that advice. After all, the best fitness information from the world remains useless if you do not follow it.

Apple Watch makes three recommendations to your health: Sit less, move more and get some exercise. That is exactly what the stand, move and exercise bands in Apple’s Action app are intended to track. Is there actually any evidence that achieving these three goals will enhance your wellbeing? I asked that question to Cardiogram CEO Brandon Ballinger, who has collected plenty of information on whether Apple Watch owners have wholesome tickers.

Ballinger and his staff recently conducted a study examining the resting heart rate of 6,668 participants using its cloud management system on the Apple watch device. Your resting heart rate is a measurement of how fast your heart is beating when you’re resting and relaxed, such as when you’ve just awakened in the morning. Why did they seem at resting heart rate? The Mayo Clinic stated that, generally, a lower heart rate at rest implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness. Which sounds like a fantastic thing, and the great news is that it is exactly what Ballinger’s team discovered.

As you can see from the results, test participants that clocked more minutes of exercise on the green ring, and calories on the red ring, tended to have lower resting heart rates. Ballinger stated that on average, each 18 minutes of exercise translated into a 1 bpm reduction in resting heart rate. Equivalently, 178 calories of motion per day translates into a 1 bpm decrease as recorded within the cloud management system. This doesn’t prove that the connection is “causal.” Just because the statistics show that those who do more exercise on average have lower resting heart rates, that doesn’t prove that using the Apple Watch helped. Perhaps they were more active because they already were fit and therefore had lower resting heart rates, for example.

Ballinger’s research indicates that Apple’s three goals may help you lower your resting heart rate. However, are these goals the best advice you can get, and is there some other action you should do to improve your health? To answer this, I compared the action goals with the World Health Organization’s recommended levels of physical activity for adults aged 18 to 64, which can be:

Do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, or 75 minutes in vigorous intensity, each week. This activity ought to be sustained in sessions of at least 10 minutes’ duration. You’ll become even more health benefit if you increase the length of your action.

The World Health Organization doesn’t include standing in its own physical activity recommendations, but it does highlight the risks of a sedentary lifestyle, asserting a lack of exercise could very well be one of the 10 leading causes of death and disability in the world. If you really want to know if Apple Watch helps people get in shape, you will need to specify precisely what you mean by “in shape.” Then you must carry out a “randomized controlled trial”, where test participants receive randomly assigned to two groups; one with and one without Apple Watches, to determine which group finds the maximum success. Until this sort of research is conducted, we simply don’t know for certain.

If all this is beginning to sound a little wishy-washy, then excellent. Because the reality is that available science simply cannot tell you if an Apple Watch can help you to get in shape. Finally, that is down to you. Asking if fitness trackers function is the wrong question, in my estimation. It is like asking if a fork and knife will feed you; of course not. But if you use them correctly, they can let you eat. In the same way, if you use your Apple Watch correctly, it can allow you to get fit.

Staying Healthy Through the Summer Heat

Melbourne can anticipate summertime heat waves when the weather climbs to 50 degrees in a few decades if greenhouse gas emissions continue to grow, new research has found. The study, led by Sophie Lewis in the Australian National University, analyzed new models being prepared for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to analyze the difference between a 1.5- and 2-degree heating limit in comparison with pre-industrial times. For Melbourne, we could swelter in 50-degree weather even when the 2-degree global warming limit agreed in the 2015 Paris accord were attained, according to the research co-authored by Andrew King from Melbourne University and released Wednesday in Geophysical Research Letters.

And when it gets hot, it really warms up here in Melbourne and in other capital cities of Australia; meaning your health could be affected by the dangerous heat levels on the rise. By checking your air conditioner appliances regularly, can be the most important method to provide you with a safe and healthy Summer, along with maintaining your devices through a process, in which will check your appliance repair service which will ultimately help you to stay cool this summer.

The present records for the 2 cities are 45.8 levels for Sydney, place on January 18, 2013, and 46.4 levels for Melbourne on Black Saturday, 7 February, 2009. Such hot days raise the dangers of bush fires. If heat average temperatures rise, we will change the entire distribution of temperatures and we will see a very large percentage gain in the extremes. Temperature records are being broken frequently in Australia, with some records 12 times more likely to be set than cold ones since 2000. A heat wave last month smashed many documents across eastern Australia with over half of the NSW channels with over 20 years of information registering their hottest September day, the Bureau of Meteorology said. Whilst trends in regional seasonal rain amounts are less apparent, a warming world is very likely to create single-day intense rain events more likely. In Britain’s case, a repeat of the July 2007 severe flood would be 70 percent more likely at 2-degrees warming in comparison with present conditions, he said.

In a third recent paper by Australian-based researchers, printed last week at Scientific Reports, Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick discovered the amount of additional heat wave times will rise significantly based on whether global warming is comprised to 1.5 or 2 levels, or beyond.

The study indicated heat wave times, and according to a sequence of three or more successive times in the warmest 10 percent for this date, will jump by an additional 14.8-28.2 annually for every degree of warming. The heat waves themselves will be 3.4-17.5 days longer per degree of global warming, with peak intensity of 1.2 to 1.9 degrees. In the worst affected areas, like portions of the tropics, summers will get a season-long heat wave, with substantial impacts on human health, productivity and ecosystems — even if warming can be kept to a worldwide average of two degrees.

In Melbourne capital cities may be exposed regularly to this type of heat on a daily basis during the summer; the health of individuals is most important. As young children or the elderly could suffer from this change to heat dramatically. We believe that having an air conditioner that works is most important for the general public in such times, as the sweltering heat can take its toll on the most vulnerable. And here is one last tip; make sure to check your air con is up to scratch with air conditioner maintenance. Why would you want to swelter in the heat, when you can simply install an air con to make life more enjoyable?

Embrace your Sexuality for Better Health

Growing up, many men and women are taught to be embarrassed about their sexuality, and that such matters have to be earmarked for marriage, and that their sexuality (and their sexual relationships, married or otherwise) should likewise be heterosexual. Most small, regional communities are often unaware, ignorant or intolerant of even the most widely accepted of the diverse sexualities and genders that exist.

These thoughts have been ingrained into the minds of several, but anybody fighting conflicts between their sexuality and their sanity needs to know that what they have been educated with are only ideas. These thoughts aren’t universal, and there are probably people in precisely the exact same city, congregation or loved ones of a person fighting that sense and believe otherwise. Maintaining your anger in the aftermath of guilt, shame, fear, and repression may be an overwhelming undertaking, but it is totally and completely feasible to work through some contradictory ideas and achieve a more calm, fulfilling and healthier life through understanding yourself and your sexuality.

Many of my readers may probably be surprised to hear that as a late teen I once planned on waiting to have sex until marriage, dawned a “virginity rules” t-shirt, and wore a purity ring. Obviously, I have since become sexually active (even before I was married) and I’m totally comfortable with my sexuality and sexual identity, and am quite open and speak openly about sex. This dramatic shift did not occur immediately, however, and it did not come easy.

I grew up in a really sexually repressed surroundings, one where I had been told that intercourse was just intended to be between one male and one female, that are married to one another, with anything which wavered from this standard being incorrect, filthy, and sinful. Due to this, I fought greatly during my sexual awakening. It started off as being inquisitive about my own body– what parts were, what they looked like, what it felt like when they touched me– and then feeling guilty, embarrassed, and filthy after I allowed my curiosity to get the best of me. As my sexual feelings climbed, and I longed to experiment with different people, I’d constantly stop myself before matters got “too much” and my innocence was called to question.

My mom refused to talk to me for days after locating a sixteen-year-old-me along with a boyfriend cuddling together on a sofa watching a film; she punished me for weeks after discovering that I’d gone out on dates and kissed boys. I felt to be an abomination for being drawn to also women as well as men. For me, there was no support network for young people like there is today. I’d attended seminars in which “innocence” talks were granted, and that I was convinced that my entire body was earmarked for my future husband solely, and that no guy would like to marry me when I gave in my sexual desires and also allow other guys (let alone ladies!) touch me. They said I had been like tape: which you simply stick the very best the first time, and then the bond gets poorer and poorer, and I thought their claims to be true.

They also made me feel wrong for something which is not just completely organic, but may also be great, even outside the very restricted contexts some people today present the good of sex or gender as merely happening behind closed doors so to say

If you are reading this article right now, it might be you felt the way I did, and you are on a quest to find out what to do about those feelings you are experiencing. I am here to try and help you, by telling you that everything you’re feeling is okay and that embracing who you are and your sexual identity is good for both your mental and physical health.

The most significant thing that I wish to state is, there isn’t anything wrong with you. Allow me to state that one more time. There isn’t anything wrong with you. It is fine to be interested in your entire body. It is fine to explore your own body. It is fine to masturbate. It is fine to have sexual feelings and desires. It is fine to be with different individuals sexually when that is something everybody involved consents to. It is fine to be drawn to either men or women, or to be either gender. In an ideal world, anyone struggling with their sexuality would see that and think “Oh, alright! I don’t have anything to worry about afterward,” and from that point out there accept themselves and fight no longer. Regrettably, however, we do not reside in an ideal world, and while these words that you just read can facilitate the fighting just a little bit, they are not magic.

Coming to terms with the reality that being a sexual being is, in reality fine, may take a while, but the simple fact that you hunted for and discovered this post is a great beginning and a step in the ideal direction. It means you are probably wondering why you’ve been educated about sexuality and sexual health in such a poor way and why it turned into a bad thing. The sooner you accept and embrace your sexuality, the happier and healthier you will feel!

Plastic Surgery Benefits

WHY HAVE PLASTIC SURGERY? 

Many individuals consider the concept of getting plastic surgery in a bid to boost their physical appearance. Throughout the decision making process, the positive health benefits available typically take a back seat to simply “looking better”.   

PLASTIC SURGERY CAN ENHANCE YOUR SELF-ESTEEM 

The typical aim of plastic surgery is to enhance physical appearance and as a result patients wind up feeling much better about how they look. The natural consequence of this is a gain in self-esteem which frequently influences additional positive feelings and actions. It might be argued that anyone that relies that intensely on their own looks because of their self-esteem has issues that plastic surgery can’t mend, and in most case that is true. An excellent plastic surgeon will think about the psychological and psychological state of their patients in addition to the bodily and make conclusions based on the entire picture. 

 

PLASTIC SURGERY CAN RELIEVE NECK, BACK AND SHOULDER PAIN 

Girls with excessively large breasts and a body frame which has difficulty supporting them nearly always have an instant relief of pain they’d long ago given up on. When speaking with those girls, it is always interesting to be aware that they’d accepted the pain and distress for such a long time, when it left they could barely describe how good they felt. This is one example where plastic surgery might even be covered by insurance as a result of debilitating health effects. Should you fall in to this class, there’s a plethora of advice from ones that have had the procedure and have reaped the rewards. Read their testimonials, speak with them if you are able to speak and also with your insurer and your plastic surgeon to completely understand your choices. 

 

PLASTIC SURGERY CAN IMPROVE YOUR BREATHING AND OXYGEN FLOW 

Patients with a deviated septum may have this fixed with a Rhinoplasty. Deviated Septums frequently lead to difficulty in breathing and typically an immediate outcome of this is excessive snoring. Once adjusted, the individual and the individual’s spouse will undergo a much better night’s sleep. It must be noted that a good deal of health issues can be directly correlated to not sleeping well, therefore allowing the individual to sleep better is, in itself, a catalyst to fixing additional health conditions that are caused or affected by not sleeping well. 

 

PLASTIC SURGERY CAN IMPROVE YOUR VISION 

A Blepheroplasty, or eyelid surgery, will fix droopy eyelids, thus immediately improving the eyesight. Furthermore, dry-eye issues may also be adjusted during a Blepheroplasty. Combining the favourable effects of repairing droopy eyelids and rectifying dry-eye issues improves the eyesight of the patient. Many patients report instant relief from long time debilitating consequences of droopy eyelids and dry eyes. Blepheroplasty is a great option to fight this and frequently leads to patients being happier with their appearance in addition to their recently improved eyesight. 

 

PLASTIC SURGERY CAN LOWER YOUR PROSPECT OF HEART CONDITIONS 

Removing fat from the body is going to result in improved blood pressure and lower cholesterol – equally essential elements in heart ailments. The total amount of fat removed during liposuction and/or a breast reduction is relatively modest but it does help. If the individual is overweight then other methods for weight reduction should definitely be considered first and then liposuction and other surgical procedures can be considered after. Irrespective of the methods chosen, the idea of eliminating the fat cells in the body is going to have a positive influence on your blood pressure and cholesterol readings – both a massive advantage for anyone and everybody. 

 

Summer Heat Fatal for Building Workers

With summertime just days away, the Center for Construction Research and Training – also called CPWR – has issued a hazard alert about heating dangers and precautions employees can take to prevent heat-related illnesses on a slab crane. Data from CPWR reveals that 17 construction workers died in 2015 as a result of heat-related conditions.

Recognizing the symptoms of heat exhaustion (weakness and moist skin; aggravation, dizziness and fainting; nausea or vomiting) and heat stroke (confusion or tingling; dry, hot skin and perspiration stops; and convulsions or seizures) one of co-workers is vital, the alert conditions.

CPWR offers these tips for working in hot weather:

  • Dress for hot conditions. Wear clothing that are light, loose-fitting and lightweight.
  • Drink water about every 15 minutes. Do not wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
  • Don’t consume alcohol and avoid caffeine.
  • Take regular breaks. Find shaded, cooled or air-conditioned places.

The danger for heat-related illnesses is growing for employees unaccustomed to higher temperatures working with the largest cranes or drake low loaders, people working in hot and humid weather, and people who perform heavy physical labour, based on CPWR.

The hazard alert also has tips for companies, including having a crisis plan and providing training on heat-related ailments.

What is a heat-related illness?

During a heat wave, it is important to understand and be able to recognize the symptoms and signs of a heat-related illness. There are various sorts of heat-related ailments, ranging from the ones that cause temporary discomfort to the generally deadly disease called heat stroke. In most heat-related illnesses, the symptoms arise when a man is subjected to extreme temperatures.

What are the symptoms and indications of heat-related illness?

The following checklist can help you recognize the signs of heat-related disorders:

Heat Rash: Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive perspiration during warm, humid weather. It can happen at any age but is most common in young children. Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or little blisters.

Heat cramps: someone that has been exercising or engaging in different kinds of strenuous activity from the warmth may develop painful muscle spasms from the arms, legs, or stomach known as heat cramps. The body temperature is usually normal, and the skin will feel cool and moist, but sweaty.

Heat syncope: Someone who experiences heat syncope (fainting) will have the sudden onset of dizziness or fainting after exposure to elevated temperatures, especially after exercising or working from a blueprint of second storey extension designs and ideas in the heat. Like heat cramps, the skin is pale and sweaty but stays cool. The heartbeat may be diminished, and the heart rate is usually rapid. Body temperature is normal.

Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is a warning that the body is getting too hot. Those most prone to heat fatigue include older people, individuals with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment. Someone with heat exhaustion may be thirsty, giddy, weak, uncoordinated, nauseous, and perspiration profusely. Just like heat syncope and heat cramps, the body temperature is usually normal in heat exhaustion. The heart rate (pulse rate) is elevated or normal. The skin is generally chilly and clammy.

Heat stroke: Heating stroke is a serious, life-threatening illness that occurs when the body loses its ability to control its temperature. Victims of heat stroke almost always perish, so immediate medical care is essential when problems first start. In warmth stroke, someone develops a fever that quickly increases to dangerous levels within minutes. A person with heat stroke usually has a body temperature above 104 F (40 C), but the temperature may rise even higher for those outside for prolonged periods like home extension builders. Other symptoms and signs of heat stroke may include confusion, bizarre behavior, strong rapid pulse, feeling bloated, combativeness, dry flushed skin, staggering, and absence of perspiration. Delirium or coma may also result from heat stroke.

Seek emergency medical attention and always contact a GP or doctor if the symptoms of those conditions are severe or worsen with time, even if heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat syncope may all be present in moderate degrees.

Would You Like To See More Everyday Guys Modelling?

I really like the idea of more of the everyday guy modelling plus size clothing while wearing boots from shoes online in the spotlight, as opposed to the stereotypical photo-shopped model you see in the media. I hope you enjoy this article of a ‘plus-size’ everyday guy who is pushing for the idea of the word plus size to change people’s perception. Enjoy!

Do men want to see more ‘average-looking’ blokes showcasing their clothes?

Zach Miko is 6ft 6in, has a 40in waist, and is the first plus-size male model signed to a major agency, IMG, which looks after models including Lara Stone, Freja Beha and Gigi Hadid. Zach’s portfolio includes American retail giant Target and his future prospects includes the UK’s largest plus-size fashion store Your. The signing of the 26 year old, highlights how the ‘plus size’ male modelling industry is changing.

Despite the demand, there are currently no plus-size male models on the books of a major agency in the UK. Three agencies that focus on plus-size male models exist in Germany but their influence rarely extends beyond German borders (Miko is from Connecticut). In menswear, plus-size refers to XL and up (higher than a 42in chest), but can stretch to anyone very tall and well built. For perspective, 32 inch waist male models are typically used by The Guardian

Coined “brawn” by IMG (and the brother of “curve”, its female division), it marks an attempt to remove the “plus-size” moniker and, the agency hopes, presents a more realistic male body shape wearing everyday guys clothing, and not just the women’s division targeted at womens shoes and clothing.

You’ve been signed to IMG as its first plus-size or “brawn” male model. Congratulations. So far, you’ve only modelled for Target and yet your profile has blown up overnight. Why do you think that is?

There are very few plus-sized male models in the US. I think it made a splash because Target is a big retailer. But they just put me in the shoot with classically sized male models, so all the fashion blogs were like: did Target sneak a plus size guy into their site? But, yes, it has been quick. The first published sales copywriting came out in July, the first article came out in September and here we are.

Do you think people would have noticed sooner had it been a plus-size female model in the shoot?

If it was a women’s site showing off womens ankle boots, and there had been a non-model in the lineup, yeah, sure.

Why? Do you think people are less interested or aware of plus-size male models, or the lack thereof?

It’s still a very new thing. There is still no definition for it. This whole idea of “brawn” is loosely based on me.

There have been several campaigns to change the way we talk about plus-size models, in a bid to change the way we view “larger” models, including #droptheplus. Is being called a brawn model an acknowledgement of that?

I don’t find “plus size” offensive, but I think it’s the same as fat in that plus size has grown to have a negative connotation. Plus means additional, outside; it keeps pushing that label of not being “normal”. If you see the word “brawn”, you think about physical strength and power, just as “curve” suggests sexy and confident, as opposed to “big”.

Why do you think plus-size male models have yet to move into the mainstream industry?

There has been a lot of support in women’s modelling – models such as Ashley Graham and Tess Holliday have been making huge waves. Seeing someone like Graham, who would normally be shunned, was awesome. I always had my own body-image struggle. With men, there is still a lot of bravado and false masculinity to get through.

What do you mean?

You’re not supposed to care about how you look. If you have issues, you aren’t supposed to talk about it. It’s considered weak or unmasculine. Which is stupid. It’s about having feelings that make you human. I think, even now with the progression, you still have that 1950s male mentality of men being strong and emotionless.

Do you think your presence in the male modelling world will help things?

If the plus sized digital content strategy makes men realise that it’s OK to care about how you look, or even feel bad about it and want to change … I have had body issues all my life and that can make you insecure. You project those feelings onto others and that can damage relationships. It creates this vicious cycle. It could all be avoided if you opened up and said I do or don’t feel good about myself.

Is it about how you see yourself or how others see you?

I was between diets and trying to change the way I look for so long going to the physio. As an actor [Miko is a member of the T Schreiber Studio and has appeared in Limitless], I was told by every casting director that I was too big. But I think I was trying to make other people more comfortable. I have always been a big guy, I was picked on as a kid, and that’s where it came from. We live in a society where “big” and “fat” have become insults, and “skinny”, “little” and “petite” have become compliments. We have come to correlate a negative meaning with “big” and “fat”.

You aren’t exactly big, either.

Yeah. And I think men want to see a normal-looking guy modelling their clothes and even shoes online brands that appeal to the everyday guy.

But then there are issues related to being overweight or “fat” in a health sense.

I am a big advocate of health. I just don’t think you have to be a twig tobe healthy. Other people don’t have a right to project an idea of unhealthy on to you if you have this extra weight. I think labelling people who wear plus size clothes as unhealthy is unfair. You don’t know what their health is. People think I’m a slob and that I don’t take care of myself. But I do. For starters, I cycle every day. But you do start to internalise that feeling.

Unexpected Health Advantages of Wood

Believe it or not, that timber table is doing more good than you thought. Picking furniture for your home is often a matter of taste, instead of a mindful effort for your health. In fact, the health advantages of specific furniture might never enter your mind when choosing a coffee table, lounge or kitchen bench top. That may just change, thanks to a brand-new report which associates our choice of furniture to our wellbeing.

The report, launched today by Planet Ark Environmental Foundation has actually discovered there is one naturally-derived product which can really benefit your health – wood. “We know that employees are less stressed out and more efficient, students learn much better, patients recover quicker, and individuals are usually better and calmer in indoor locations which include wood aspects,” states Planet Ark’s David Rowlinson.

The report, which was released to accompany World Wood Day, intends to press the focus onto natural products when selecting furniture for your house, using research to support its claims of health gain from wood. The research study recognizes that lumber has the capability to lower one’s heart rate and reduce the tension reaction in students and employees. It also assists in speeding healing time after surgical treatment.

Plus, lumber has another benefit – when sourced properly, it’s extremely eco-friendly. “Properly sourced, accredited wood is the significant building product that helps take on climate change. Wood is eco-friendly, it takes in carbon from the environment, and there are less carbon emissions connected with its production compared with carbon-intensive products such as concrete or steel,” Rowlinson states.

There is the ecological sustainability of crafted lumber, mostly from wood’s capability to keep carbon, but most importantly, the brand-new research study is around resident health and behaviour to validate its use of lumber in structure environments like schools and online tutoring centres or tutor services.

Another research study performed by the Human Research Institut in Austria exposes the many substantial advantages of wood structures from the engineered timber walls to architectural trusses for school students. The research study was based upon 4 classrooms featuring wood construction, with psychophysiological measurements performed on 52 students from lumber classrooms and basic classrooms throughout an academic year.

Substantial distinctions were observed in the health criteria of students from the wood and basic class. Students in the wood classrooms displayed reduced heart beats, exposing decreased school-related tension levels. This research study mirrors a report commissioned by Planet Ark in 2014 which discovered that direct exposure to wood items and interiors might produce comparable health advantages to those developed by hanging around in nature.

Released in the lead up to World Wood Day on Saturday March 21, the ‘Wood – Real estate, Health, Humankind’ report checked out many research studies evaluating the health and wellbeing advantages of wood interiors in houses, companies, and locations of learning and recovery.

BVN will hire numerous new age crafted wood items from around the globe for its approaching change and addition of a 1970s concrete structure in NSW. The group will recondition and extend an old Telstra training centre structure at North Strathfield in Sydney, which has ended up being the brand-new house for the Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary School.

The task is the 2nd phase in the overall redevelopment of the structure, the very first being the fitout of the ground floor which opened in April 2015 for students in kindergarten to year 2 and their English and math tutors. The 2nd phase of the job is much bigger and concerns all the structure’s levels and its external skin. Upon conclusion, the structure will be the home of 450 primary school students and it has been allocated as a design template for the future of central city school styles.

However while renders of the completed school stand out, and its claim to be an environmentally-friendly design for adaptive reuse in the context of our growing cities is sound, it is the structure’s composition and interior surfaces that are presently making headings. The structure has been called the very first Australian school of the timber age and will be fit with a brand-new glulam and glue laminated site frame, cross laminated lumber (CLT) walls and a distinct CLT slab/acoustic ceiling system.

All signs from BVN are that it will aim for Europe to be the source of the lumber which, consisting of the shipping of products, is anticipated to considerably decrease total construct time for the task.

Time To Sip up! Health benefits of wine

It’s the completion of the year and the days are warmer and longer and there’s no scarcity of vacation celebrations, birthdays, and other celebrations. What do these things have in common? They’re all events to burst out a great bottle of yarra valley wine to share with friends and family. We understand that in big amounts, wine and other types of alcohol can cause a series of health impacts, hangovers in the short term and liver and pancreas damage in the long term. Nevertheless, the sweet spot depends on little to moderate quantities of wine.

At this level, of 1-2 glasses of wine a night, wine can have remarkable effects such as minimizing the risk of cardiovascular disease, in accordance with a research study from the Harvard School of Public Health. They discovered that this decreased danger is kept after representing differences in diet plan, physical activity and weight. Those who consumed less than one beverage every 2-3 days did not benefit from the exact same decreased danger of cardiovascular disease and those that consumed more than 3 drinks a day had actually increased high blood pressure. So, even when it pertains to wine, slow and stable wins the race.

Research from the Record of Internal Medication informs us that, even in diabetics, 1-2 glasses of wine can increase HDL levels, , the excellent cholesterol, and can have a favorable effect on their blood glucose control However, the increased in great cholesterol was just seen in drinkers of red wine and not white. Compared to white wine, the red wine group in fact reduced the aspects that result in metabolic syndrome, a cluster of illness brought on by weight problems, hypertension, high glucose and cholesterol. In addition to improving the conditions related to diabetes, wine can even reduce your risk of diabetes states the American Diabetes Association. While any wine is much better than no wine, it seems that a glass of red wine at supper is the most beneficial.

If you’re thinking about switching out that wine for something harder, think again. A short article released in the American Journal of Gastroenterology reveals that people who consumed about a glass of wine a week had a lower danger of colon cancer than those who consumed beer or other liquor. Take in more than a beverage a week and your danger of colon cancer increases considerably. It is believed that resveratrol, a compound found in wine, is connected with many of its positive health effects. Inning accordance with the National Institute on Aging, resveratrol and wine is also associated with a lower occurrence of Alzheimer’s and other age associated diseases.

There is no scarcity of places to get your wine in Australia, particularly in the surrounding suburban areas of Melbourne, such as along the peninsula or in the yarra valley wineries

How Safe Is Your Fitness Tracker? Hackers Steal Data from Fitness Tracking Devices to Sell To Companies

The new report was released by researchers at American University and the Center for Digital Democracy in Washington. This issue is concerning for those who use fitness trackers to monitor their performance during their personal fitness training regime

‘ A few of the very features that make mobile and wearable devices so promising also raise severe issues,’ report authors Kathryn Montgomery, Jeff Chester, and Katharina Kopp have actually stated.

‘ Because of their capability to collect and use big quantities of individual data– and, in particular, sensitive health data– this new age of digital tools brings with it a host of personal privacy, security, and other threats.

‘ As making use of trackers, wise watches, Internet-connected clothing, and other wearables ends up being more widespread, and as their performances end up being much more sophisticated, the extent and nature of data collection will be unmatched.

‘ These data can, in turn, be combined with individual information from other sources– including health-care companies and drug companies– raising such potential harms as prejudiced profiling, manipulative marketing, and information breaches.’

The report likewise warned of the danger of data falling into the hands of hackers and other unethical individuals.

In accordance with the Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights in Washington DC records that there were 253 health-care breaches throughout the United States in 2015 that affected 500 individuals or more, leading to a combined loss of over 112 million records.

‘ The chances for data breaches will increase, with hackers accessing medical and health info at insurance companies, retail chains, and other services,’ the report included.

‘ Even those organizations with the most kindhearted of goals– such as public-health departments, police, and research entities– can misuse and misuse health data.

‘The threats extend beyond hazards to specific privacy. Algorithmic category systems might allow profiling and discrimination– based on ethnic background, age, gender, medical condition, and other details– across a spectrum of fields, such as employment, education, insurance, finance, criminal justice, and social services, impacting not only people however also groups and society at large.

‘ Many of the damages related to the collection and processing of such data, moreover, are likely to affect disproportionately the most susceptible people in our society, consisting of the sickest, the poorest, and those with the least education.’

Companies specialising in fitness training wearables have acted fast to assure clients that their information is safe.

A Jawbone representative said: ‘At Jawbone, we completely appreciate the personal privacy of our users and Jawbone sticks to the best industry requirements when it concerns securing information and individual info. We only share user data if the user asks us to – for example to integrate with a 3rd party app.

‘We are custodians of the user’s data. We gather it, examine it, and present it back to the user with meaning. The user may provide us consent to share that information. They can download their data and take it somewhere else. And they can ask us to delete it (which we will do).

‘We also assist in users to request removal of their information from any third party apps that may be linked to UP by Jawbone.

Software Application is Mobilising the NHS

Development in health care conserves lives. Every day, across the NHS, clinical personnel are providing higher standards of care through using technology that was inconceivable a couple of short years earlier.

There is a public understanding that the NHS is locked in a time warp, beholden to a method of doing things that has not altered in a generation. But the truth is that the NHS has actually made huge progress in the development towards a contemporary, digital health service.

My business, Nervecentre Software, is one of a variety of innovative technology companies working with health centre trusts to develop new systems that are transforming the way our physicians and nurses work through agile automated testing

The mobile service not only supplies a method to record details electronically at the bedside, but assists in the coordination of care, making sure the ideal physician is with the ideal client at the correct time, with the most up-to-date info to hand. Basic as it sounds, this can make all the difference to a client who is acutely ill.

Bringing innovative innovation to front-line clinicians has actually of course been made possible by the surge of mobile phones and thanks to software application providers such as Nervecentre, the NHS has become the world leader in the adoption of mobile technology in hospitals.

To the layman, the performance benefit of enhancing communications within the medical facility is obvious, however the impact this can have on conserving lives and avoiding preventable damage is crucial. It is estimated that more than 80 per cent of avoidable damage in a health center has bad interaction as a factor. It has actually been very rewarding over the last 5 years to see hospitals embrace 21st-century innovation that can have such a considerable influence on the level of care, by assisting clinicians to communicate and coordinate much better.

In a research study at the Queen Alexandra Healthcare facility in Portsmouth, this change cut in half the variety of cases of significant, avoidable damage throughout the night-time through using mobile software to manage nurses’ and clinicians’ work.

Nervecentre innovation supported by its managed testing services has remained in usage across a variety of significant hospitals, from professional medical facilities such as Fantastic Ormond Street Health center for Children, to big intense hospitals including University Hospitals of Leicester, and up and down the nation from Cornwall to Durham. Throughout these varied health centres there is clear proof now that it is conserving lives, while assisting health center trusts make good development towards long-term sustainability.

“Thanks to software suppliers such as Nervecentre, the NHS has become the world leader in the adoption of mobile innovation in health centres”

Its use was pioneered from 2010 at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH), among the biggest acute trusts. Today more than 6,000 doctors, nurses and health care assistants at NUH use handheld devices in scientific care every day in over 80 wards. These include the majority of the in-patient wards at NUH’s two hospital websites, Queen’s Medical Centre and City Health Centre. The system has actually become without a doubt the most-used clinical system in these hospitals with tens of thousands of interactions with the software by clinicians every day.

If you are a patient in any among those medical facilities, the nurse will enter your essential crucial indications, such as temperature level, blood pressure and breathing rate, into a mobile phone while they are stood beside you. If your condition has deteriorated, the Nervecentre software application will immediately alert the most appropriate medical professional on their mobile phone without the nurse stepping far from the client. Compare this to writing on paper and paging a physician, which still takes place in more than 90 percent of the world’s hospitals.

Nervecentre embodies the innovative spirit that will allow the NHS to continue to enhance patient care. And innovations are emerging that will prevent illness, accelerate medical diagnoses, enhance security and performance, boost client involvement and more effectively manage health equipment rental in regional areas. Business such as Nervecentre will continue to make certain these technologies are put at the disposal of NHS clients as early as possible.

 

Why You Shouldn’t Automatically Flip out If You Put on Weight

It’s easy to understand that you’d feel a little annoyed if you discover you have actually gained weight– specifically if you’ve been eating well and working out regularly. However one physical fitness Instagram blogger involved in personal training courses argues that it can actually be beneficial to put on weight.

Emily Skye just recently published prior to and after images of herself to show that you can really look remarkable with a little extra meat on your bones. In the “before” image, Emily states she weighed just 103 pounds. “This is before I began strength training,” she wrote. “I was just doing cardio and I was consumed with being as skinny as I could be.” Emily says she was “starving” herself, was “really dissatisfied”, would always wear her oversized basketball hoodies and experienced depression and body image issues.

In the “after” photo, she looks super-fit and mentions that she weighs 29 pounds more thanks to strength and personal weight training and healthy eating routines. “I do not do any long cardio sessions and I consume more than I have actually ever consumed in my life,” she says. “I’m likewise happier, healthier, more powerful, and fitter than I have actually ever been.” Emily states she not obsesses over the way she looks, and consumes and exercises to be healthy, not slim.

Dani Vocalist, the physical fitness director at Fit2Go Personal Training and an advisor of the Personal Trainer Development Center, states this is a common struggle. “Most people, especially women, have a difficult time wrapping their heads around the concept that they can in fact look better in their basketball apparel or uniform of the like at a much heavier weight,” he says.

He confesses that the concept can seem unusual, but discusses it in this manner: Your body weight is made up of two classifications: fat mass (a.k.a. fat) and lean body mass (whatever else). The number on the scale is simply the combined total. “You can be 150 pounds of lean, toned muscle, or 150 pounds with a pot belly– the scale will not understand the difference,” he says.

Jim Pivarnik, Ph.D., a teacher of kinesiology at Michigan State University, agrees. “It is the kind of weight that is necessary,” he says. “Muscle packs in more than fat does.” That describes why you might observe your weight approach on the scale after you increase your exercises, however look remarkable in the mirror.

“I constantly warn customers to not put much faith in the number on the scale– it does not inform you anything significant about your physical fitness,” says Doug Sklar, a certified personal trainer and founder of New York City-based physical fitness training studio PhilanthroFIT.  It’s regular for favorable changes to occur when you alter your exercises, he says, and including lean muscle can make you weigh more, even as your body fat declines. The end result of the body transformation: You look amazing, but weigh more.

Emily discovered success by cutting back on cardio, which isn’t really the worst concept, Singer states. “Cardio has its unique advantages, however it’s not the only exercise you require,” he states. “Strength training is a non-negotiable for anybody aiming to get lean.” When you consume healthier, your body will planning to pull energy from somewhere else, he discusses. “Strength training basically informs your body ‘Hey! Do not touch my lean muscle,’ so your body is encouraged to burn fat rather,” he says.

If you’re not acquainted with weight-training, Sklar says it’s a good idea to talk to an expert, like a fitness instructor or personal trainer at your fitness center, for guidelines. “It is important to discover the fundamentals of appropriate strategy, weight choice, and the types of workouts that will best assist you achieve your goals,” he states. As soon as you have the essentials down, you can take it from there.

Professionals acknowledge that it’s a hard idea to understand, but swear gaining weigh by means of muscle is the method to go. “In a weight-obsessed society, this is a challenging mindset-shift for many people to make, however the few who make it are the ones who win,” Vocalist states.

IMG Signs First Plus-Size Male Model

It appears that the year 2016 is going to be earmarked as the year that plus size male models take over the modelling scene. First, it was Ashley Graham who became world-famous for being the first plus size clothing female model to be featured in the ‘sports illustrated’ magazine. Earlier this year, another plus sized female model Nadia Aboulhosn was also featured in another magazine, ‘Women’s Running’. Now to top it all off, there has been a very different change in the landscape with world renown model management company, IMG Models, has announced that a new division will be launching their new plus sized male division including mens boots.

Buzzfeed has been quoted as saying that IMG models have created a marketable term for the newly introduced plus sized male division: ‘Brawn’. They add that the new division encourages size diversity and positive body image, stressing the need for the conversation to extend to plus size men. Many stocky men find it very hard to find clothing that will fit them properly, so hopefully this new division for plus size men places pressure on other brands to produce more larger sizes for men.

Zach Miko is the very first plus sized male model signed up to the new division. Over the last few years, Zach has attracted a large amount of attention for being the only plus-sized male model for Target. The 26-year-old with a waist measurement of 40 inches and is over six feet tall, was quoted saying: “Being a man of size, I never imagined for a minute that this would be a possible career. Then Ivan told me about his dreams for the fashion industry: diversity, inclusion, evolution … The Brawn division is going to open up the fashion world to the everyman, showing off the new fashion in shoes online stores.”

“Women of all shapes and sizes are beautiful and confident and sexy. The conversation has changed from ‘This is what beautiful is’ to ‘What is beautiful?’ I am humbled to be able to raise that question for the men’s industry,” Miko added.

People are already talking about the brand new male plus sized clothes division The conversations online have exploded, with many males encouraging it and saying that it is about time something like this happened, and others saying that it is something that people have been hanging out for.

A Plus Size Woman was Refused to Try on XL Sweater by Walmart Employee

  • It was all caught on Camera

Recently, a Canadian women was in a state of shock when she was told that she was not allowed to try on any clothes or womens shoes at retail giant Walmart because the clothes were at risk of being stretched out of shape by her.

The plus size clothing blogger was Shiann Friesen who has a very successful Youtube channel called ShiCurves. Apparently she was taking part in something called vlogmas’ where vbloggers create a new video for every day in December. According to the Dailymail in the UK, she was carrying a handful of clothes to the change rooms when she was approached by an employee. All the clothing was in her size and not smaller. After being told she could not try on the clothes, as she would ruin them, she started recoding the conversation on her phone.

The conversation in part went:

‘Don’t try to put something on that’s obviously not going to fit, that’s all I’m asking,’ She then grabs the hangers out of Shiann’s hand.

‘Don’t stretch it. I’m not trying to be impertinent or anything,’ The Walmart employee then notices she is being recorded.

The older woman is seen in the resulting video stating: ‘Don’t try to push it.’

Shiann then puts her camera away so as to avoid being asked by the woman to delete the footage.

When she got back to her car under the street lighting, she recorded another clip where she explained how horrified she was at the woman’s behaviour. She said ‘I am honestly so taken aback right now, I am so shocked.’ She also claimed that the Walmart employee had also made some rude comments to her.

‘That was straight up discrimination!’ she went on to add.

Screen Shot 2016-02-04 at 11.59.20 am

In a follow-up video which she posted last week, she said that she told the woman that she planned on buying the sweater and womens boots anyway. That’s why she wanted to take it into the fitting room with her. Once she tried it on and told the employee that it actually fit, she was told that it was too small for her.

She then asked the employee to repeat her instructions about ‘not stretching’ the clothes with the intent on others hearing it. She told the employee that she was being discriminated against to which the employee replied that she was following company policy. ‘I asked management and it is NOT company policy at all!’ Shiann says in her follow-up video.

When it was all over, Shiann claims she went to customer service to lodge a complaint. Allegedly she was met with little action from the manager on duty.

‘All she said to me was: “Oh, I apologize, I will talk to her,” She later added in the video she later called Walmart customer service because she didn’t want to just ‘let it go’.

The story continues no doubt for this plus sized blogger……….

Read more: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3430306/Don-t-push-Female-Walmart-employee-caught-camera-refusing-let-plus-size-woman-try-XL-clothes-STRETCH-them.html#ixzz3z9hPQGwY

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Autism Is Not Always A Gift

I was reading on a blog and I came across this very well written and insightful article written by Mandy Farmer, who is a beautiful mother of a lovely young boy with Autism. I found this very moving and I just had to share this with everyone, to help educate people just how hard it is for young ones growing up with autism. I hope you find it just as interesting as I do.

Please Don’t Tell Me Autism Is a Gift

Every time I sit down to write, I often already have a positive message to end on in mind. I don’t have that today. Today I am sad, I am angry and I am coming from a place that I don’t often go: a place with walls papered by self-pity and lighting dimmed by exhaustion. We’ve all been there, but of course, we try not to live there.

I read story after story that highlights the aspects of having a child with autism spectrum disorder that are positive and uplifting. I’ve written many posts that do the same. I think these stories are important; they help spread awareness and acceptance, they celebrate our children holistically, which is great because our children deserve to be celebrated.

I wonder, though, if sometimes we sugar-coat or put a positive spin on reality to make ourselves feel better or maybe to avoid coming off as a victim. After all, bloggers who have written more negatively about their children with autism are often scrutinized and demonized. Another reason I usually stay away from the negative: I don’t want my child (or others with autism) demonized or people to think any less of him.

As positive as I try to stay, there’s a reality with which we have to contend. That reality usually gets to make a short appearance in my blog in sentences like “Of course we have our challenges” or “And even though he struggles…” Anyone affected by autism knows those phrases are emotionally charged.

But I started thinking. People outside of our household, people outside of our community, must all be scratching their heads and wondering this: If our children and their autism are so great and so gifted, why are autism parents so vocal about needing help and advocating for their children? Why would a savant be labeled “disabled” or need to receive special services from a school district?

Autism is a spectrum disorder. No two people on the spectrum are the same. Many of our children are not savants. Many of our children are not even on target with their development for their age. Many of our children will live with us for the rest of their lives.

So, please, don’t tell me autism is a gift. When my child has been screaming every 30 minutes all day long when we stay at our favourite Lorne accommodation or romantic holiday, or we have to go to the store and he screams at the checkout, the cashier telling me he’ll be OK and will be great with numbers when he grows up is not what I want to hear.

When I look into my son’s eyes when he doesn’t understand his surroundings and his anxiety and fear are palpable, there’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do to take that fear away. You cannot look into his panicking gaze as he’s shaking and cowering from everyday stimuli and tell me this is a gift or an enlightening experience, and trying to cheer them up by surprising them with kids shoes online only last momentarily..

Please don’t tell me his autism is a gift when I take his little sister to the hospital for a concussion resulting from an impulsive outburst he could not control.

When I see his older brother with tears in his eyes yet again because his little brother doesn’t want to play with him or has lashed out at him, I don’t accept that this is a gift. He’s hurting and his needs are put on the back burner every day; I see no positive in that other than I’m hopeful it will build character and instill compassion in him.

As I bang my head against a wall just trying to get my child an education like everyone else is entitled to, I wonder if outsiders know just how “challenging” it is. We are in a district in a state that won’t even provide classes for preschool children with special needs. So I found a private preschool with a small centre for autism that would take him, but he has so much anxiety about going every morning that he screams the whole way there and as his teachers carry him in. I have a laundry list of medically prescribed therapies that I have to work around the clock to access for our child. Once we finally have established providers, we drive and we schedule and usually have some type of appointment every day. These are not ground-breaking therapies that are going to have my child doing quantum physics or painting masterpieces; these are necessary to get my child to function high enough to dress himself and feed himself and to allow him to tolerate being in a room with everyday noises. They say that going away with your child to a pet friendly accommodation somewhere is good therapy, but sometimes it can really scare the lovely animals away.

And then there’s the loneliness. Please don’t tell me autism is a gift when my child and his siblings are no longer invited to birthday parties because parents don’t want one of my child’s meltdowns to ruin their kid’s special day. When I stop having friends outside of the autism community because other people don’t want to hear about autism and how it’s consuming your life, it doesn’t feel like a gift. Unfortunately as much as it consumes our lives, it consumes our conversations too. And that doesn’t make for great girls’-night-out conversation. I can’t say I blame former friends for throwing in the towel, but that doesn’t make it any less lonely. The gift that keeps giving.

I know this post will offend some, but just as my opinion is that autism is not a gift, you, of course, are entitled to a different one. For me, autism is exhausting, and I feel like every minute of every day is spent trying to break my child free from the anxiety that consumes him.

Please don’t tell me autism is a gift. My child is a gift; his autism is a disability.

How Healthy Really is Healthy?

Breakfast biscuits

That’s right, they’re biscuits … but for breakfast? Like the bikkies you soak in a cup of tea, these brand-new ‘breakfast’ biscuit varieties are high in sugar and/or hydrogenated fat and don’t produce a wholesome start to the day, leaving you feeling hungry and disappointed. My biggest issue with these types of cereals is how good are they for or kids with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder  or cancers? The major consnsus on the subject from what I have been able to gather is that sugars are ok but in moderation. (Here is a list of foods that should be avoided for ASD kids)

‘Natural’ sweeteners such as agave syrup, rice malt syrup or coconut sugar

Sugar is sugar is sugar. Whether it’s from sugar cane or another crop, excessive sugar can lead to weight gain and tooth decay. Pay specific focus on packaged foods and drinks, and foods purchased from coffee shops, takeaway stores and restaurants – they frequently include more sugar than you realize. Make sure you also pay attention to the display furniture of the products for warnings and health information before purchasing.

Healthy hamburgers

With more kilo-joules than a Big Mac, a few of the ‘healthy’ or ‘low-carb’ hamburgers out there could be contributing to your waistline when you’re attempting to get back on the healthy bandwagon. In fact, the so-called ‘healthy’ buns offered at one popular chain burger outlet include two times as much saturated fat as the standard bun alternative! Request for kilo-joule details in store and compare on your own.

Vegie chips

Also known as ‘chips’, vegie chips are just deep fried carrot, beetroot or sweet potato. Just like routine potato chips, they are still extremely high in salt and fat.

Banana bread or fruit muffins

They taste warm and buttery due to the fact that they are warm and buttery. Although they include banana or a token blueberry, banana bread and fruit-flavored muffins are generally absolutely nothing more than glorified cakes. They frequently come in big part sizes, too. If you’re going to consume a muffin or some banana bread, go halves with a good friend, or better yet make your very own healthy variation utilizing among the many muffin recipes or banana and blueberry bread recipes at livelighter.com.au

‘Healthy’ flavored waters such as vitamin waters, mineral waters or nutrient waters or sports beverages

With approximately 7 teaspoons of sugar per 500ml bottle, these are essentially classy cordial. Skip the unneeded kilo-joules and choose water rather, or instill with fruit or mint for a refreshing twist. And unless you’re an elite professional athlete you would be much better drinking water rather than electrolyte replacement sports beverages, which are usually loaded with sugar.

‘Healthy’ beer

You know the saying, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is? Apply that theory to beer which declares to be sugar-free, low-carb, natural, organic or anything else that makes it sound great for you. While low-carb beers might be lower in carbohydrates than routine beers, they’re not always a healthier choice. The alcohol and kilo-joule content is commonly really similar to basic beer. Our advice? Think about light beer– the energy you’ll conserve by minimizing alcohol outweighs any benefit a ‘low-carb’ beverage can provide. ‘

Snack bars

They may appear healthy, but in reality most bars– be it muesli, cereal, fruit or nut– are comprised of about one-third sugar and pack in more energy than you ‘d anticipate from a ‘healthy’ snack.

Flavored or low-fat yogurts

Flavored yogurts and reduced-fat yogurts are frequently high in fat and sugar. Inspect the nutrition panel and ingredients list for added sugar and high fat material. Pick yogurts that contain no greater than 15g of sugar and 2g fat per 100g. Frozen yogurt can also be a sugar trap especially when fruit syrups, lollies and chocolate are contributed to the top.

‘Natural’ lollies

It’s all in the title. Notice that a lot of confectionery using the word ‘natural’ integrates it as part of the brand or tagline, so it’s not based on their nutritional content. ‘Natural’ lollies, whether made from fruit concentrate, honey or regular sugar are still high in sugar and do not offer other dietary value.

The bottom line is this: unless you are on a fitness model diet, most things in moderation are ok. However, keep in mind that a lot of pre packaged and processed foods have hidden ingredients that you would not be aware of so always read the packet labels before consuming.

Can Clever Marketing Make You Sick?

The Christmas cheer has taken its toll. Your head hurts, your digestive tracts churn and your blood stream is 2 parts pudding, one-part honey-glazed ham and pavlova.

The only trousers that fit have actually an elasticated waistband.

As the New Year approaches you promise yourself that this will be the year of healthy living.

So you chuck out all the unhealthy food and enter search of healthy fare thinking that early intervention in your diet is better than leaving it till you hastily make a new years resolution that you never really stick to anyway.

However exactly what does that even include these days? Supermarket shelves are stacked with wholesome-sounding “breakfast biscuits, vitamin water and vegie chips”, while fast food joints are promoting “healthy burgers”.

How can you make certain that your “health food” isn’t really a fraud and your efforts to get into shape will not make you overdo the kgs?

As Australians get ready for the annual brand-new year health kick, Jane Martin, executive director of the Weight problems Policy Coalition, alerts to be careful of slick marketing dressing processed food up as healthy fare.

“Health sells and the food industry is very aware of this so a lot of foods are promoted in ways that make them look healthier than they are. When a company comes out and says a beer is sugar-free they’re capitalising on people’s concerns on sugar and it is really misleading,” she said.

“People shouldn’t have to have a degree in nutrition to be able to make good decisions about what they eat but the industry takes advantage of people and makes it very difficult for them to know what is actually healthy and what’s not.” However, it wouldn’t be a bad decision to see a Geelong physiotherapy specialist to get your body back into shape to begin your fitness regime.

Alison Ginn, dietitian and head of the Cancer Council Victoria’s Live Lighter Project, stated people should pay attention to nutrition labels.

 

“If you’re looking to eat more healthily the best products to include more of are ones that don’t actually come in packets. So try to have more fruit and vegetables, more wholegrain foods and things like legumes and lentils that are generally healthy and don’t have anything added so it’s a quick win,” she said.
Other techniques consist of requesting dressing to be left on the side when dining in a restaurant, or picking tomato-based sauces over creamy dishes.

When it pertains to “healthy” beer, she warns that if it sounds too great to be real it most likely is.

“The main thing with beer to watch out for is that it’s actually the alcohol that’s got most of the kilojoules in there so when they’re focusing on saying that it’s low-carb or low-sugar beer that may be true but that’s not really the point, it’s the alcohol to watch out for. Choosing a lower-alcohol beer would be a better option or limiting your alcohol intake altogether.”

Health groups including the general public Health Association of Australia, the Weight problems Policy Union, the Heart Foundation and the Cancer Council have long grumbled that the food market is purposely misleading consumers by marketing foods loaded with fat and sugar as healthy alternatives.

They say the present self-regulatory marketing system is not working and have actually required tighter limitations on health food claims. They also desire clearer nutritional info on product packaging, lobbying for a traffic signal labeling system.

However with fierce opposition from the food market such a plan might be a long way off.

In the meantime, when you’re browsing those grocery store racks and take away shops, how can you spot the worst pretenders when it pertains to “healthy” food?