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Dating versus Courtship

Dating versus Courtship: Which is right for you

The 21st century has become a time-period for human beings in which they are frequently stressed or exhausted in all aspects of their lives. Everywhere around us, we see more and more young people and even some more mature adults becoming indecisive when it comes to the choices they make- whether it be personal or professional. One of the more personal issues that dominate the lives of individuals in their quest to find their ideal soulmate, a companion with who they can cherish moments, good or bad, joyous or miserable. In this regard, choosing between dating or courtship can often decide whether you want to be happy and content for the rest of your life, or end up being alone and sad. In this article, we refer to countless reviews of Elite Singles in the USA, our field studies about what individuals think about Courtship and Dating and find out the right options for you in your quest to find an ideal companion for yourself. Dating versus Courtship: Which is right for you: What kind of an individual are you: From the outset, we would like to point out that we are not here to pass judgments, neither are we here to tell you that one is better over the other. Our purpose is to educate you on the pros and cons of each, in context to understanding who you are as an individual. The first question that one needs to ask oneself is what kind of an individual am I? People are different; they are different in terms of their values systems, their beliefs, their religious identities, their professions and their family upbringings amongst several other important things. Dating or Courtship is strongly associated to how one is as an individual. Courtship: A Strong and Everlasting Commitment! Acclaimed American author Joshua Harris states, “Courtship is a commitment, it’s a promise not to play games with another person’s heart.” We will try to decode what courtship means and stands for in the 21st century. Courtship is considered by many as a commitment to marriage, as a foundation stone for a period that precedes the institution of marriage. These are heavy terms, and we would request you not to be pressurized by the same. Some individuals look for security, they look for a relationship where they can be secure and focus on their work, their careers, and continue being the good family boy or girl they are. We find that in societies where religion, church and family members play a crucial role in an individual’s life courtship is a much-acknowledged method of being with someone from the opposite sex. There is often a belief that courtship can be a dull, humourless and less attractive proposition when it is compared with ‘dating’ or a drastically modern phenomenon like ‘open-relationships’. However, that is definitely not the case, as many critics of Courtship would like to point out. In our reviews of Elite Singles in the USA, we have found that Courtship is definitely very much in vogue, and is becoming quite a hit with many professionals, entrepreneurs, and other career individuals who are revisiting a strong ethos of family values and security as they try to navigate their future. Most of these individuals had bitter experiences with regard to dating, as they kept feeling insecure, anxious and depressed in terms of the relationship and their partners. They also spoke about how this area took up so much of their lives that they were unable to concentrate on their careers, family, hobbies or any other elements of personal development. Dating- Fun, Adventurous and Full of Life! American supermodel Denise Vasi was asked about her views on dating, and we feel that what she said beautifully sums up the feeling of dating. She stated, “Dating is fun. It’s light…there’s the interesting, text messaging, flirting, There’s no weight…” People should ask themselves the question that if Courtship was the best concept of modern relationship that had ever been evolved (and we know courtship preceded dating historically), why did society feel the need to evolve and strengthen the concept of dating? To answer the same, we feel that in comparison to courtship, dating is perceived by many as a freer method to express oneself in a relationship. Freer does not necessarily mean ethically wrong, and we should consciously remove the stigma that many projects in terms of dating- dating is a thing of vice. Human societies have progressed to a level of development that has complicated lives in unforeseen ways. Individuals are too invested in their careers, be it a start-up entrepreneur, or a Wall Street finance executive. They seek companionship, but they also highly value their personal space. Such individuals look for companionships that are light, easy and without a lot of fuss or pressure in terms of an impending marriage. In our reviews of Elite Singles in the USA, a lot of respondents frequently told us that dating gives the individual the chance to figure out more about who s/he really is. When there is freedom, there is clarity; there is less influence from strong and powerful institutions like the Church or the family. However, most of them stated that more importantly when a relationship ends when you are dating someone, the psychological effects of the same on you and your family members, the extended circle is comparatively less as compared to when a courtship ends. Which One is Right For You- Courtship or Dating? Borrowing from the age-old proverb- one size does not fit all, we would want to say that at the end of the day it is up to the individual to analyze himself and his personal traits before undertaking a serious courtship or a dating experience full of freedom. Both the concepts have their pros and cons, and we would suggest you think carefully and assess all the factors and resources at your disposal before selecting one or the other. In our reviews of Elite Singles in USA, we found that a lot of people started with dating and were successful in converting the same into courtships and happy married life. On the other hand, we also found some who had heavily invested in courtships see their marriages fail apart, and are now happily exploring dating options in their life. Read Also: Taking A Break From Your Relationship Top 10 Reasons Why Everybody Over 18 Should Have A Will

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effects of technology on the brain

12 Mind-Boggling Effects of Technology on the Brain

The effects of technology on the brain are very real, and very polarizing. Many people love the potential value that technology can have on our ability to function in the world. Others have the idea that the effects are negative and limit us in many ways. The reality is probably that there are good and bad effects. In any case, side-effects of technology on our minds are worth looking into so we can be aware of them and notice ourselves being affected. Here are a few interesting ways that technology is affecting human minds. The Effects of Technology on the Brain: We'll touch on a few of the negative and positive effects to give you a well-rounded idea of where we are at in relation to technology. There's no doubting the value of unlimited information, but it's difficult to deny the addiction and change in social behavior that technology can bring. Let's get started. 1. Our Taste Buds Can Respond Differently to Food: Once upon a time, the dinner we prepared for ourselves was a welcome meal that we took for what it was. Research has shown that people who scroll through images of meals on Instagram and Pinterest before they eat actually enjoy their meal less. The idea is that the perceived value of the food online diminishes how you feel about your own food by comparison. 2. We Can Relax About the Small Details: Our ability to access unlimited practical information at a moment's notice frees up a lot of time for us to relax and enjoy what we're doing. Things like directions, hours of a store, and more are all things that we would sweat once upon a time. Those details are now guaranteed to be available at all times, so we don't need to think about them until we need them. 3. Our Memory Could Be Diminishing: Our brains are complicated and adaptable to the way things are changing. When we notice an area where we can free up more room to think about other things, we do so. What we're talking about is the need for us to remember trivial information. Little things like directions, phone numbers, historical facts, actors' names, and more are all things that our brains know we can look up on our phones. That means we don't have to set space aside to remember those things, so, more and more often, we don't remember them. We just pull out our phones and look the information up. 4. Social Development: The overwhelming presence and use of social media is a brand new thing in the scheme of human development. Within the last decade, children have gone through adolescence with benefit and harm of social media on their lives. The self-consciousness of a virtual self is a new thing, and we have yet to fully grasp how it will change people in the long-run. 5. Lesser Concern for Safety: One of the overwhelming benefits of technology on our brains is that we are now more comfortable with our safety. As technology advances, our physical and financial safety improves. Studies have shown that the absence of this kind of stress is greatly beneficial to the health of our brains. 6. Sleep Disruptions: A lot of evidence suggests that the light emitted from our laptops, smartphones, and tablets sends conflicting signals to our bodies. Our circadian rhythms are thrown off, with our bodies taking light as a message to stay awake. You may have noticed that it's difficult to get to sleep after a long night of using the computer or extended cell phone use. 7. Attention Span: Information comes to us quickly and we can consume it fast, too. There aren't a lot of pieces of the modern technology puzzle that require people to sit and think, focus, or pay attention anymore. Seeing as we are regularly using technology, it means that we are regularly not developing longer attention spans. 8. New Forms of Identity: One interesting change that technology has brought is the ability to construct an identity through the technology you possess. One clear example of this is the split between Mac and PC users. Things like Nixon watches and other items can help a person to express how they feel as a person. 9. Self Help: Interestingly, the problems or stressors that are sometimes caused by technology can be solved by it too. Take anxiety, for example. The anxiety related to excessive social media use could be partially treated by applications or information found online that is intended to treat anxiety. 10. Improved Decision Making: While parents everywhere are concerned about the impact of first-person shooters and similar games on their kids' brains, evidence suggests that such games could have benefits on cognition. Vision and decision making skills are improved in some cases when individuals spend a lot of time playing games like first-person shooters. 11. Memory Formation: The use of phones in situations that previously were absent from technology has a potential effect on our formation of memories. While we're swiping away, life goes on around us. Our concentration is situated on the screen, distracting us from the sensory information that converges to form concrete memories. 12. Interconnectedness: Subcultures and groups of like-minded people have the ability to connect on levels that were never thought possible in the past. One group of people who like a specific film can have hours and hours of discussion with a similar group across the world. Not only that, but those groups can expand outward, recruit new members, form friendships, and that group will create subgroups. The point is, people are interconnected to others in the world who share their interests and beliefs. Jump Onboard and Be Mindful: The effects of technology on the brain are very real, and sometimes it's difficult to tell what is helping and what's hurting. In most cases, the value of an effect will depend on the person. Technology is here to stay, though. Everything from interviews to paychecks is handled online, and we have the information to keep you informed and on top of things. Read Also: 6 Ways To Promote Healthy Brain Top Bad Habits That Hurt Your Brain Power 3 Reasons Why Online Degrees Are Better

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Heart Disease

Effects of Anxiety on Heart Disease

Stress and anxiety have become serious problems that people are facing in modern times. Researchers have proved this that anxiety has the connection between heart disease and many other health issues. This issue has become prevalent enough that should raise an alarm and make all of us think of efficient ways to keep anxiety under control. In this article, we are going to talk about the effects of anxiety on heart disease and why you need to do all you can to stay relaxed and avoid stressful situations. Effects of Anxiety on Heart Disease: Heart and general health monitoring apps: It’s strange to consider that applications that are meant to help people keep track of their health could actually be more harm than good. According to many physicians, apps could lead to unnecessary anxiety and there is plenty of evidence to back this up. The evidence comes in the form of the close relation between anxiety and heart disease. When people are constantly checking their apps and seeing heart rate spikes, their anxiety levels are going to rise. If they are monitoring their heart rate and other vitals all day long, they are going to start worrying about things that they would normally not even notice. This alone is a serious problem. The use of various health apps is a good idea in some ways. But it proves to be problematic for those who suffer from anxiety. No application should ever diagnose any kind of heart disease or potential issue (in fact none of them are actually capable of true and accurate diagnosis!). But many of these apps do attempt that and they even warn users of possible serious conditions. The best way for apps to be effective and avoid raising alarms or making assumptions is for them to be strictly used for heart rate monitoring, but even them, they can cause unnecessary anxiety. Studies that link anxiety and depression to heart disease: Washington University conducted studies that shed light on the connection between heart disease and patients that experienced anxiety and stress. It was determined that the number of patients who experienced anxiety is more likely to suffer from other heart-related conditions as well. While these studies are not conclusive, they do raise concerns. It has been widely documented that people who suffer from stress and anxiety are going to deal with health issues more often. Experts believe that untreated blood pressure is a factor: Leading cardiologist Simon Stertzer has previously discussed how high blood pressure is one of the factors that contribute to heart disease. This is definitely something that many heart patients worry about and their concerns are justified. The heart is a very complex organ and everything that happens in our bodies affects it in one way or another. Poorly treated blood pressure problems are often going to lead to heart disease, but blood pressure problems have also been linked to anxiety, so there is an obvious concern and anxiety seems to be right in the middle of the problem. Critical factors that predict the risk of heart disease: Heart disease continues to be a very common topic of discussion for many reasons. This a huge health concern all over the world, but it also continues to be a mystery in many ways. Fortunately, more discoveries are being made all the time and other treatment options are also available. This article from Digital Authority Partners covers some of the most important and critical factors that predict heart disease (with a very cool infographic!). This includes age, social and economic factors, lifestyle factors and environmental pollution. It’s important to note that stress and anxiety are always considered lifestyle factors. It seems like people are learning to live with stress and anxiety now and that is a very bad thing. Most people admit that they feel anxiety and stress all the time, but they have learned to live with those feelings. They feel that they have this problem under control but their anxiety is causing all kinds of health issues. Learning to relax is going to be essential to fight anxiety. The main causes of anxiety: There are many causes of anxiety in modern times. Some of the most common and relevant include drugs, alcohol, caffeine, thyroid hormone problems, and certain medications. Then you also have the stress of life, with everyone being so competitive and time management being such a big deal, people are more stressed out than ever before. This is often going to lead to anxiety. Keeping your body healthy with a good diet and exercise is always going to be an important thing to consider. If you feel your dietary habits are bad and you are living a sedentary life, you might want to make some changes as soon as possible. How to get rid of anxiety: Anxiety can be very difficult to handle for some people. The problem can be so serious that they require medication just to function properly. If you feel like you are experiencing anxiety, you might want to look for ways to start dealing with it naturally. Practice breathing exercises: This is a great way to relax and to lower your anxiety levels. You could learn this by practicing yoga. There are many benefits to Yoga, but lowering anxiety is your priority in this case. Exercise often: Being active and exercising outdoors is always a great way to get rid of stress and anxiety. A large number of individuals claim that their anxiety levels are much lower after they workout. Get rid of junk food and sugars: It seems almost unavoidable to eat food that is bad for us sometimes, but the more you avoid sugars and general junk food, the better your body is going to perform. Anxiety and stress are also linked to bad dietary habits. Final thoughts: The more we learn about anxiety, the easier it becomes for us to figure out how to deal with this problem. Knowing that your heart is greatly affected by anxiety should be a warning sign that everyone needs to keep in mind. This knowledge can help prevent serious issues with heart-related problems. Read Also: Art Activities For Stress Relief How Martial Art Can Help You Stay Fit And Healthy Ways To Emotionally Deal With Chronic Illness

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Company Job

Finding Your Dream Career: 5 Useful Tips for you to Research about a Company before You Apply

Working out of necessity is what mostly everyone can relate to; working because you love your job is rare. If you are looking for a change, a different job, something that makes you feel useful and joyful, you need to research the company before you apply. If you research a company through an online site like Hush, you will get to know many things about that business. You will learn about the salaries as well as the office hours and what is expected of you as an employee. Best of all, research will give you an idea of whether you will fit in and like the position or not. Below are 5 useful tips to help you research a company before you apply there. This could help you find your dream career. 1. Go to The Source When researching a company, always go to their website. This is where you will find the "About" section. Read this part carefully as it will tell you how the company came into form and why. You will want to read the "Who-is-Who" section of the website as well. You don't have to commit any of this to memory, but you should know who the top people are in the company you want to work for. Also, read over the “Mission - Vision Statement” because this is where you will find out what the company stands for and why. 2. The Company's Competitors When looking at a company you are considering applying for, look at their competitors as well. Unless the business is so unique it has no competition, there is always another company who is doing the same thing. You would want to know the reason behind the opposition so you can discuss possible ways to improve the business if you get the job. Knowing what others are doing and either doing the same or better, is always a plus to the bosses. 3. Network Find an employee list and see if you know any of them. If you do, great, you can talk to them and ask how they like the job and the company. If you don't know any of the employees, ask your friends and family if they know anyone who is working there or had worked at some point. Talking to former and current employees will give you an "insider’s" look at how the company treats their employees. If you live in a smaller town, you could find an employee much easily. Getting a firsthand account of the working conditions allows you to make more informed decision on whether or not you want to work at this company. 4. Business Reports Not every company is featured in a nationwide magazine, but a lot of cities have local business magazines. Check at the public library, or online, and find out if the company you are researching has ever had an article written about them. Even the local newspaper could have a write-up or two about the company you are considering. Try to find any and all media, both good and bad, about the company to help you make a better decision about working for them. 5. Charity Through the company's website, you may be able to discover if they support a certain charity. A company that shares its wealth is worth taking a second look at as a possible employee. Armed with information, you can wow the interviewer and hope to become the next employee of the month. Read Also: Don’t Get A Second Job: 10 Unconventional Ways To Make Money Discuss With Your Web Designer And Explain What You Want Before Starting The Job Do I Have Enough Super To Retire: Considerations Before Leaving Your Job

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Marijuana Urine

Passing A Marijuana Urine Drug Test- How To Pass Pee Narcotics Tests

Most people who have a job, have taken a drug test. Prior to the mid-80s, it was just about unheard of, employers believed more in lie detector tests for pre-employment. Since drugs have taken over society, it is imperative for companies to give drug tests. They aren’t only for pre-employment, but usually, companies test their employees randomly after being hired. Of course, there are employees that aren’t on any drugs unless they are prescribed to them. Then, some employees choose to quit the use of illegal drugs because they don’t want to take the chance of losing their jobs. Then, you have those employees that just don’t really care if they lose their job. If an employee is hurt on the job, they are immediately tested at the hospital. However, any other time that they are drug tested, they use one of the many ways that exist to pass the test. If they didn’t use one of these alternatives, they would literally burn a hole in the cup. Usually, the random tests are announced, that way everyone can be ready just in case their name is chosen to actually be tested. There are several different ways to do a drug test. The urine drug test is the most common. How long a drug can be detected in urine varies with each drug. Saliva tests are basically more recent drug use, it usually only detects the last few days. Blood tests determine drug use at that very moment. Then, the test that truly tells the tale is hair follicle tests. They tell which drugs have been used for up to 90 days. Honestly, with marijuana or cannabis, the question of how long it stays in your system depends on your usage. The THC in the drug stays in your system longer because of the way it stores itself in your body. One single use can show for three days, while a regular smoker can take up to 90 days to get out of your system. Cannabinoids that break down from the THC are lipids, which means they store in a person's fat cells, not blood. Hence, why they don’t show so easily in a blood test. They can excrete through urine, but since they are fatty molecules, they are usually cleared by stool. So, how do you pass a urine drug test after smoking marijuana? Well, common sense says that the best way is to not use marijuana in any way. However, if you insist on continuing use and needing to pass a test, there are several ways to do it. The next way to pass a urine drug test is to get someone who doesn’t use drugs to P for you and then try to sneak it in today testing facility. Remember, the urine has to be 98.6°F, which is a person's normal body temperature. This is the most effective way, but only if no one is watching you. Also, you can buy synthetic or fake pee. Make sure that it has Uric Acid in the ingredient when you buy it, some labs test for it, to make sure it is real. It usually comes with a heating pad so you can make sure it’s the right temperature. Since the THC is stored in fat cells, doing exercises that help burn fat can help get rid of the cannabinoids. Don’t do any of the exercises the day of the test. Green vegetables are full of iron and other vitamins and minerals. These can help to get that metabolism going, which will make it easier to burn fat. Be careful listening to your friends about how to pass a urine test. There are more stories than there are remedies and it would be horrible if you went through a bad experience and still failed the test. First of all, do not drink bleach, it can kill you easily. Don’t chew denture cleaner, pretty sure all you are going to do is puke! Other things that just aren’t going to help you pass a urine test for THC are cranberry juice, vinegar (you are NOT an Easter egg), creatine, zinc, Goldenseal, and Niacin (although this is nature’s best antibiotic). Drink lots of water for a few days before the test. This could possibly dilute the urine enough to get went to have a light level below the level that makes for a positive test. Be careful to not drink too much water, it will show diluted urine and send out red flags that you were trying to hide something. No matter which process you choose, be sure to stay hydrated, eat properly, exercise and don’t smoke anymore in there I want to chill after the test. Casual smokers are easier to detox or mask then heavy smokers. Another way to pass a urine drug test is Sure-Jell. It’s the easiest and cheapest when compared to other things that are ingesting to pass the test. Just makes a pack from the grocery store we had a 32-ounce bottle of Gatorade. Drink out of it three or four hours before test time. Be sure to P3 or four times before the test also. There’s a one day detox that comes with pills, liquid, and fiber. It has vitamins, and minerals and herbs, making it all natural. It dissolves in your system, get rid of the THC and can’t be traced in any way. The one specific for the person with a higher THC level comes with six capsules that are taking 12 to 24 hours before the test. They drink 20 ounces every two hours, it will take effect went to five hours later. Be careful because it wears off, so you have to time it just right. Learn More I will tell you what beats all of these concoctions, try delaying the test. Most drugs can’t be traced after a few hours in blood or saliva. So, if you could Delay it for just a day, your results could be different. When you think you've read, all you should get a home test and take it to check the results. This way, if your chores didn’t work, you’ve got time to try another way. Every person‘s chemistry is different, so it might work for your friend, but not work for you. Also, it couldn’t hurt to educate yourself. Eight minutes won’t get you anywhere, but knowledge might get you off the hook. Each state has different drug testing laws that dictate how both applicants and employees can be tested. Read Also: Marijuana Addiction Treatment: 5 Steps To Avoid Relapse How Does Recreational Marijuana Affect Your Sex Life Is CBD Oil & Edible Treats Safe For Pets – Dogs & Cats

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Quebec’s Education System

Cégep 101: Everything You Need To Know About Quebec’s Education System

It is mandatory in every education system to establish a primary and secondary program for all children in the state. However, there are differences involved in the system when talking about tertiary education. A unique feature of the education system in Quebec is the implementation of a transition program that serves as a bridge that students should take after finishing high school and before entering the university. Essential Things  You Need To Know About Quebec’s Education System This pre-university education is publicly funded and provided by institutions called CEGEPs, which stands for Collège d'enseignementgénéral et professional. Typically, it is considered a general and vocational education system. Everything You Need To Know About Quebec’s Education System College: One should not confuse it with a university education since it should be taken before being admitted to a bachelor’s program. This pre-university program, which they term as college, is established to compensate the required 12 years of studying to be admitted in a university or a post-secondary institution. This is because Quebec is the only province in Canada that allows the student to graduate from high school even after 11 years of studying in compulsory education. There are several CEGEPs institutions, one of which is CEGEP Garneau Formation Continue. These institutions offer several college programs: 1. Pre-university education program: This program has a 2-year duration. It aims students to prepare for the lessons taught in the university that will, later on, guide them to get the Diploma of College Studies. It also fills the required knowledge that will be helpful in pursuing university studies. which are not included in the secondary curriculum. Students who take this program path usually attend the university, skipping the first year, and often considered as a sophomore. They might also earn extra credits or a higher standing upon enrolling in the university. Courses taught in this program are geared towards what the students will choose as their major in the university. 2. Technical training program: This extensive training program is designed for three years. The objective of this program is to provide knowledge and expertise to students that will enable them to work after completion and will make them ready for employment. Students from this program are expected to enter the job market after graduation. Courses taught under this program are specialization courses which depend on what students want for their future careers. Completion of this program also provides graduates with a Diploma of College Studies. Some of the programs under this are: Theater Nursing Electronics Computer Science Programs involving construction and building infrastructures Future careers of the students who completed this program are HVAC technicians, actors, IT specialists, computer technicians, and others. 3. Short term technical training program: This program is a shorter version of what is mentioned above. Around 500-1000 class hours are allotted for these short term programs. It also aims students to be equipped in the professional world after completion of their program. The only difference of this program to the technical program is the absence of a core curriculum. Adults can also take it as an additional knowledge for their chosen careers. Some programs under this category are: Real Estate Marketing Upon completion of this program, students are provided with Attestation of College Studies. University: Before one can be admitted to a university, a requirement needed is the Diploma of College Studies. Students who are under the pre-university and technical training programs have the privilege of continuing education in the university. The system of tertiary education in Quebec is similar to any universities in the world. The interesting feature of university education in Quebec is that one can complete a bachelor’s degree after three years, compared to other universities that usually requires four years the least. This is because of the pre-university programs that they have. Upon receiving a college diploma, the student can have the choice to pursue a master’s degree, which usually lasts for 1-2 years, and a doctoral degree, which is 2-3 years in duration. Universities in Quebec also offer some non-degree programs, which are usually short courses. Completion of these short term university programs will give the students specialized certificates and diplomas. Conclusion In general, the educational system of Quebec provides outstanding advantages to its students. It offers educational excellence, great environment, and infrastructure and technologies which make it certain that the province is providing its people a high-quality education. There is an increased number of international students studying in Quebec because of these factors. The unique features of Quebec’s educational system were strategically implemented to ensure that all CEGEP institutions produce highly competitive and outstanding students that will, later on, be future leaders and successful individuals that will strengthen the economic standing, not just the province, but the country as well. Read Also: 4 Emerging Trends In The Education Sector Academic Writing For UK Students – Why It’s Important?

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Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana Addiction Treatment: 5 Steps to Avoid Relapse

As told by science and modern research, marijuana addiction is a chronic illness, and like any other chronic disease – hypertension, diabetes, asthma – long-term treatment is needed. However, marijuana addiction always has a possibility of relapse. The relapse rates of substance use disorders are between 40% and 60%, which are highly comparable to other chronic medical conditions. However, don’t be under the impression that relapse can’t be prevented just because it's common. An alcohol or drug relapse can quickly waste a lot of rehab work and can also be fatal. But don’t worry. If you’re struggling or if you know someone who’s struggling to avoid a relapse, then continue reading this article to learn about the steps you can do to prevent it from happening. Marijuana Addiction Treatment: 5 Steps to Avoid Relapse: Stages of Relapse: You should know that relapse does not happen overnight; it’s a process. For you to understand how to avoid relapse, you’ll have to know its three stages. Relapse begins a few weeks or months earlier before it reaches its final stage. Here are the three stages of relapse: Emotional relapse – In this stage, your mind does not consider using marijuana again. However, your behavior and emotions are setting you up for a possible marijuana relapse. Here are some signs of an emotional relapse: Poor sleep and eating habits Isolation Anxiety Defensiveness Intolerance Mood swings Anger Mental relapse – It this stage, your mind will be torn about the dos and don'ts. There will be a part of you that wants to use marijuana, but there’s also a part of you that doesn’t. In the early stage of mental relapse, you’d idly think about using it again, and this gets worse as the mental relapse continues. The signs of mental relapse are: Lying Fantasizing Thinking about relapse Glorifying past use Hanging out with friends that use Physical relapse – In this final stage, you’d be physically using marijuana again. Some people only use once after realizing that they’ve made a mistake and try to focus again on recovery and moving forward. Unfortunately, there are others that will continue to use. In such a case, getting help is the best option. Avoiding Relapse: Here are 5 steps to avoid marijuana relapse: 1. Know and identify how to manage relapse triggers: Relapse triggers can be anything. They can come from a similarly scented substance or simply just being with people that use. The triggers can also be a specific place, person, or emotion. These things can make you crave, think about, and use alcohol or drugs. You can easily identify these triggers with the help of therapy sessions. A relapse therapist can teach you effective ways to cope up with triggers, keeping you away from drugs or alcohol when your cravings are fortuitously triggered. There are treatment centers in Los Angeles that provide recovery services, such as Nexus Recovery; these services can help you identify and manage relapse triggers and monitor your progress. Here are some tips to manage or avoid triggers: Change your daily route and avoid passing through places that cause a trigger. Keep a list of people you can call when you’re feeling triggered. Practice relaxation techniques. Avoid triggering situations such as becoming stressed, lonely, tired, or hungry. 2. Follow a healthy lifestyle: Avoiding relapse needs long-term commitment, and this commitment includes building a new and healthier lifestyle. This can be a long and difficult process, but making significant lifestyle changes has been seen to decrease the risk of relapse. These lifestyle changes include learning and utilizing healthy coping methods for mental pressure and negative emotions, recognizing and managing mental illnesses if any, and promoting positive activities such as meditation, exercise, and art. Here are some healthy lifestyle ideas: Avoid having too much caffeine or sugar. Plan and prepare healthy snacks and meals in advance to avoid becoming hungry. Write a journal and keep track of your mood and daily thoughts. Be active. Engage in sports or work out. Drink plenty of water. Practice gratitude. Find a new hobby. 3. Use appropriate medications: With the ever-evolving addiction research, the development of medications that help patients to avoid relapse and manage their cravings was made possible. These medications, such as buprenorphine and methadone, when adequately used under supervision, can significantly decrease cravings and relapse urges. For some, taking these medications is the key to their relapse prevention and recovery. Talk to your doctor about taking such medications. 4. Undergo long-term treatment: Just like any other chronic disease, your recovery will not be quick and easy, especially when recovering from substance abuse. Doing two months of therapy or medication will not guarantee that you’ll not start using it again. For better long-term results, getting involved in an intensive treatment within a suitable period of time will surely help you. Participation and engagement in long-term addiction treatments have been known to help decrease the risk of relapse. A study involving more than a thousand patients found out that relapse rates decreased for patients who had continuous treatments, aftercare, and support group engagement. 5. Get a support group: It’s essential to know that going through the process alone may not provide desirable outcomes in recovery. Keep your supportive friends, loved ones, and family close. Do your best to surround yourself with people who really care for you and people who don’t use drugs or alcohol. A crucial factor in your road to recovery is social support; it can significantly help you to recover fast and resist relapsing. Here are some tips on how to create a good support network: Engage in recovery groups – You can search the Internet for marijuana recovery groups near your area, such as Marijuana Anonymous. Find a sponsor – A sponsorship is one recovering person sharing and talking to another recovering person. You will attend recovery group meetings regularly, discuss issues on the recovery, and work on recovering together. See a mental health or addiction counselor. Closing Thoughts: If you're under treatment or recovering from substance abuse, you should be realistic and understand that a relapse can occur anytime. However, you should also do your best to avoid it by following these steps. In addition to these, always make sure to work with your counselor or therapist in developing an effective relapse plan. By following this plan in case of a relapse, you will be able to minimize its negative consequences. Read Also: How Does Smoking Weed Affect The Society How Does Recreational Marijuana Affect Your Sex Life

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Traumatic Brain Injury

Ways To Protect Against A Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury, or commonly referred to as a TBI, is a serious brain condition usually caused by a hard impact to the head and neck. When a TBI happens, and if it is a severe case, it can cause damage to the brain as well as dysfunction to the brain. However, there are ways to prevent a traumatic brain injury. Keep reading to learn the different ways you can prevent a TBI from happening to you or someone you love. There might be instances where you or someone you love can be in an accident whose fallout can be a TBI. In such an instance, you need to hire the best legal experts that can help you get to fight your personal injury lawsuit. If you are going up against someone that is hell-bent on proving their innocence when in fact, they are guilty, you need to get legal experts from Butler Law Firm. Their best attorneys will be able to gather the evidence that is required to prove negligence and help you build a solid personal injury case. Wear Your Seat Belt: This should be common sense for everyone. Putting your seatbelt on when getting into any type of vehicle should always be the first thing you do when sitting down in the seat. Wearing a seatbelt can prevent TBI's and other injuries by 50%, according to The Shepherd Center. Always put a seatbelt on as soon as you get into the vehicle to prevent any type of injury in case of an auto accident. You should also make sure to place your child in a car seat or booster seat, depending on their age and height, and buckle it up. Don't Drive Under The Influence Of Anything: Whether you are drinking, taking drugs, or even under the influence of prescription medication, such as pain medication, you shouldn't be driving, period. Alcohol, drugs, and prescription medications can all impair your ability to do anything, and this includes driving. They can cloud your judgment making them unsafe to consume if you are going to get behind the wheel of a car. Don't Use A Cell Phone While Driving: Using a cell phone, whether talking on one or texting on one, is the main distraction while driving. Although many people do this on a daily basis, it is not safe at all. The reason for this is because using a cell phone makes you distracted and when you are distracted while driving, you are not putting all of your attention on the car or the road you are driving on. Just to be safe, no texting or talking on a cell phone while driving so you can prevent a serious injury, such as a traumatic brain injury. Wear A Helmet: You don't have to wear one while driving a vehicle but if you are operating a motorcycle, you will need to wear a helmet. In some states, it is a requirement to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle. Whether it is required in your state or not, you should always wear a helmet to ensure you are safe from a TBI. Any of the tips above can help prevent you from suffering from a traumatic brain injury. You will want to do whatever it takes to prevent one from happening because they can cause serious problems and damage to your brain, causing you to not be able to do hardly anything for yourself anymore.No one wants to live like that so keep the above tips in mind when operating any type of vehicle or motorcycle. Read Also: 5 Things To Look For In A Personal Injury Lawyer The Effects Of Drinking And Driving Under The Legal Age Of 21

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Maryland

Best Places to Visit on the Coast of Maryland

If you’re heading to the east coast, Maryland is a wonderful option. Featuring an abundance of coastlines along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, it’s hard to go wrong with the Old Line State - especially if you’re looking for a vacation destination on the water. Also known as the Free State, because it didn’t pass laws in support of Prohibition, the state is home to over forty state parks, with seven of them featuring waterfronts. If you’re headed to any stretch of Maryland’s coastline, here are some of the top places to see. Explore Inner Harbor: One of the best places to visit on Maryland’s coast for its sheer volume of exciting options is Inner Harbor. Popular with sightseers of all ages and interests, Inner Harbor is located in Baltimore and has a variety of dining, shopping, and tourist destinations. If history is your thing, you’ll love exploring a wide range of military ships, including the USS Constellation, the last warship built exclusively for sailing by the Navy. Inner Harbor is also home to the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center, which showcase dolphins and other aquatic wildlife and a planetarium, respectively. You can see the city from new heights when you climb The Top of the World Observation Level and take in sweeping aerial vistas of the coastline and city. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll find plenty of options in Power Plant Live!, which offers bars, food, and events in a converted power plant. There’s so much to do at the Inner Harbor, in fact, that it will be useful to have your phone with you, not just to navigate—but to decide what to do! You may want to keep your phone open to the Harbor’s page on the city’s website, which has a list of activities. Additionally, many of the attractions have apps designed to enhance the visitor experience. To that end, you will want to make sure your phone is in great shape. You’ll find plenty of AT&T stores in Maryland where you can make updates to your phone or purchase a new one that has more options so that you don’t get overwhelmed by all your options! Experience History at Fort McHenry: Were you aware that Maryland plays a key role in many pivotal moments from US history? One such moment was the composition of the “Star Spangled Banner.” America’s National Anthem was inspired by a battle during the War of 1812 at Fort McHenry in which British naval forces were successfully fended off by American troops. Now given the sole distinction of both a National Monument and a Historic Shrine, Fort McHenry is a must-see destination for history buffs taking a trip to Maryland. While you visit the Fort, you’ll have plenty of ways to engage with histories, such as interactive ranger talks during the changing of the flag, multimedia presentations that contextualize the Fort’s role in American history, and a variety of museum exhibits. With so much to offer, you can easily spend half a day at Fort McHenry, making it a great option for your itinerary. Dine in Style at Fells Point: Aside from history and museums, it wouldn’t be a trip to the East Coast unless you were able to enjoy delicious, fresh seafood. Maryland has plenty of seafood to offer, and one of the hippest places to dine is in Fells Point. This waterside neighborhood has dozens of restaurant options along its cobblestone streets offering fresh oysters and crab straight from the Chesapeake Bay. Popular options range from One-Eyed Mike’s, a gastropub, to Thames Street Oyster House, offering a finer take on seafood. No matter what restaurant you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the vibrant energy of Fells Point. Known for its rich history, coastal cuisine, and wealth of museums, Maryland has plenty to offer tourists. Check out some of the sites above, and you're sure to have a great time! Read Also: 10 Best Coffee Places In The US 4 Best Destinations In Western United States

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Funeral Home

Amid The Grief, Pick The Right Funeral Home

When you have lost a loved one, the pain, the vulnerability and the sorrow you feel at that time are overwhelming and indescribable. As a result, planning the funeral becomes a real struggle. The planning process itself already carries a sense of defeat and evokes a deep dark hole in the heart. Therefore, when you are looking for funeral homes, it's easy to feel dazed and lose yourself only to make the mistake of choosing the wrong funeral home and end up overspending for substandard funeral and cremation services. While funeral directors will always try to make the process as simple and as comfortable as possible, it helps to know how to choose a funeral home without overpaying for funeral services.   Know How You Want To Say Goodbye: To kick-start funeral planning, it is imperative that you know how you want to say your final goodbyes. Did your loved one have a plan for the funeral? If so, this will make things easier. There are various funeral and burial options available. Knowing what you want will help you express your wishes and give the deceased one last peaceful send-off. So, do you want a celebration of life or a day or mourning? Some of the options provided by funeral homes include: Traditional funerals Cremation A celebration of life funeral Green or buried under a tree funeral Funeral Costs: When dealing with the loss of a loved one, it's hard to be an excellent shopper. However, knowing the cost of funeral services before you start looking for a funeral home is a great strategy to save money - especially, since there is extreme price disparity between different funeral homes. Sometimes, even in the same region, the price difference can be thousands of dollars. To help cover the cost — at what is often an emotionally challenging time — plan ahead and shop around to make the process as affordable and stress-free as possible. Choosing A Funeral Home: When you know how much you can expect to spend on funeral and cremation services, it's time to pick a funeral home. Often, people who choose big-box funeral homes think that they will get excellent services, but they could end up disappointed. You'll want to do your homework before you choose to get your feet wet. After all, amid the tears, you want to work with someone who is friendly, sympathetic and considerate. Always opt for an experienced funeral home that will strive to go above and beyond when making the necessary arrangements for the celebration of the unique life of a loved one. In most cases, people rarely think about funerals. As a consequence, when they lose a loved one, not only do they have to deal with grief but also have to make funeral arrangements for the first time. Besides, funerals aren't events that one can get used to. Even when the funeral is a celebration of life, things can get tough, and people can easily get caught up in the emotional upheaval of losing a loved one. So, pick a well-reputed funeral home to not only lighten the burden but also prevent you from scrambling. Read Also: 7 Important Tips For Planning An Outdoor Event Fact Or Fiction? 10 Intriguing Past Life Stories That Will Give You Goosebumps

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Real Estate

You Need to Know the Pros and Cons of a New Career in Real Estate

Will a career in real estate work for you? It can be an exciting and challenging career change. Deciding on whether or not a real estate career will work for you depends on your personality. You will discover a new level of independence at work and there will always be new challenges. Before you dive in, consider some of the pros and cons of a career in real estate. Pros of Becoming a Real Estate Agent: 1) Money – Real estate agents work on a commission. Whenever you sell (or help your clients buy) property, you earn a percentage of that sale. Given that property is usually the most expensive purchase and investment the average family makes, that’s a large chunk of change. There’s no salary cap. If you can find a way to make a million dollars on commissions, there’s no one to put a cap on your earnings the way there would be in a salary job. 2) You’re Your Own Boss – Working as your own boss, you’ve got an unprecedented level of freedom to come and go as you please and vacation when you want. 3) Excitement – Real estate agents are constantly on the move. They’re always out there meeting new people and making new deals. If you’re the type to get bored at a desk job where every day feels the same, a real estate career will shake things up. 4) Knowledge & Experience Pay Off – The more you know, the more you sell. If you love to learn new things and experience more, it’s a career path that will pay off. You will have the chance to become an expert, not just on a neighborhood or types of property, but how to work with people and make sales. Cons of a Real Estate Career: 1) Getting Started – The flipside of working in a commission-based industry is that it takes time to get started. If you’re working for yourself, there’s no one to pay your salary when you’re not making sales. It will take time before you can find clients and make sales, so be prepared financially to survive until you get the ball rolling. Many people start off part-time until their careers develop. 2) You Need Discipline – The downside to working as your own boss is that you need discipline. No one’s going to make sales and put money in your pocket if you’re spending all your time at the beach. 3) You Need to Know when to Take a Break – For others, the problem might be the exact opposite. If you’ve got a workaholic streak, you’ll need to discipline yourself to put the work away when it’s time to rest and recharge. Find a way to disconnect from your job and relax. Real estate can be an incredibly rewarding career if you’ve got the personality to thrive in an environment where you’re independent and constantly meeting new challenges. Earning your real estate license is something you can do quickly and cheaply. With online real estate schools like RealEstateU, it doesn’t take long to start getting your real estate license. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert in homes or home renovation. Your ability to tell whether a home has hard or soft water will not determine your success as an agent. The ability to work with people, work hard and go above and beyond for your clients will ultimately matter much more! However, the more knowledgeable you are in all facets of real estate, the better you will be at ensuring your clients make educated, long-term decisions. Once you sign up for online real estate classes, you’re free to complete them at your own pace. They will prepare you for your state real estate license exam, and most states require you to complete the courses before you try writing the exam. With online real estate courses from real estate, you get all the resources you need to succeed at your exam, including video/audio lectures, a 200-page PDF textbook, and lessons from top real estate experts. Get started on your career change today. Sign up for online real estate classes and be your own boss. Read Also: How Many Jobs Are Available In Real Estate Investment Trusts Is Computer Software Prepackaged Software A Good Career Path? What Are The Three Components In The Youtube Ecosystem?

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RV lifestyle

Rv Lifestyle: Are You Dreaming Of A Life On The Road!

If you think that the RV lifestyle will cost you a fortune, think over! Somewhere, perhaps in a magazine or online, you see a photo showcasing the fascinating RV life; the picture rimmed with dollar signs. Just include the high cost of RV gas, and the expensive, luxurious lifestyle awaits for you! Well, it's no denying that the RV style is skyrocketing. From Millennials making up 38% of campers with 31% of general campers, everyone is saying YES to the life full of adventure on the road. However, for all those, who is still thinking to plung in RV lifestyle, questions like ‘how much money does it take to become a river’, or is the RV quite sumptuous’, will remain the same. So, whether you have just started the hunt for an RV or is back in the market for a new or used RV, here are some suggestions on how you can start with the RV lifestyle; First, Ask Yourself What You Exactly Want: The in-depth analysis of the RV lifestyle depends on someone’s personal preferences, you can start by thinking about what you want for your RV. Drill down to the questions like who, what, when, how, why and where. Also, don’t forget who you are going to take along with you. For instance, you are planning a camper to take your family on an RV vacation. You plan on enjoying fishing in peaceful, recreating the old moments. However, before you go to make sure your family is also ready to be on vacation. Consider Things Like: What is will use your RV and how often you are going to use? For how long you want an RV? If you are changing your RV, ask what different things you want in your new RV and what has to be the same. Also, consider the variable for RVs Do you want things like solar panels, RV furniture, and awnings in your new RV? At what time in the future you want your own RV? Where are you going to keep your RV? Does the RV compliment your other hobbies and the things you want to explore? Do you want to take fishing gear or bicycles with you? Second, Check Everything Before Buying! Exploring RV is quite fun! So before sticking to one, make sure to check out key areas. Also, don’t forget to check the working of RVs on the road. The Cost-Cutting Tips In RV: For shorter stays like between destination parks, travel to closer destinations and stay longer. You can cut the cost of gas and diesel by staying longer at one location. Also, the RV lifestyle is quite a casual affair with casual clothing. You can travel in jeans, shorts, shirts and hiking boots with no fancy and extra clothes. For some destinations, you can pack jackets, knit caps and umbrellas. Food is another controllable thing if you are using the RV’s microwave. Also, park your RVs where you want to play; if you love enjoying outdoors, park your RV in national parks or forests to get access to photography, hiking and exploring. How Much You Need To Adjust Your Spending On RV? Let's say; you have a costly repair, then beat one place and reduce your fuel costs. You can also boondock on public lands, eliminating the cost of camping Since you can easily adjust your spendings on RV, you can easily live on any budget on the RV. Moreover, if you overspend, you can cut back the budget with ease. Read Also: How Can Critical Thinking Help In Your Daily Life? Top 10 Reasons Why Everybody Over 18 Should Have A Will

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