Category: Lifestyle

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beach vacation

30 Quick Facts About Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Planning a Caribbean beach vacation with your loved ones? Ocho Rios and Negril are two of the most popular tourist destinations for travelers looking for an exotic beach vacation in the Caribbean island nation of Jamaica. Here are 30 quick facts about the beautiful coastal town of Ocho Rios, which is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches and luxury all-star beachfront resorts. Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean and is famous for its picturesque beach towns Ocho Rios and Negril. Ocho Rios is a Spanish phrase that translates to “eight rivers.” Climate: All of Jamaica, including Ocho Rios, has a tropical and humid climate throughout the year. The average annual temperature is a pleasant 26°C or 79°F. Local weather: Ocho Rios is the hottest in June (at 29°C/84°F) and the coolest in January (at 26°C/79°F). It sees maximum rain in October. Best time to visit: December, January, and May are when most tourists visit Ocho Rios. December to February, the winter season, is considered the best time to visit Ocho Rios if you don’t mind the crowds and the high prices. Else, go during fall (September to November) or spring (March to May). Population: Ocho Rios is a port town located on Jamaica’s north coast and has a population of about 10,000. Language: English is widely spoken and understood across Jamaica. Ocho Rios is known for its natural beauty of white sand beaches, waterfalls and, botanical gardens. Time zone: Ocho Rios follows EST (Eastern Standard Time). Economy: The economy of this quaint resort town survives and thrives on international tourism. Port town: The town of Ocho Rios serves as a port for cargo and cruise ships. Airport: The nearest airport is the Sangster International Airport. Other airports that accept international flights are located in Montego Bay and Kingston. Currency: Locals transact in Jamaican dollars but USD is readily accepted across Jamaica. Public library: Ocho Rios has its own town library, open all weekdays and also on Saturday. Emergency number: 119 is the number to call in case of emergencies such as fire or accident or theft. Jazz Festival: Ocho Rios is famous for its two-week annual Jazz Festival, held mid-June. Dunn’s: The stunning Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios’ most popular natural attraction, located about 2.5 miles from the cruise ship port. Post office: The local post office is located on Main Street and is open all weekdays. Courier: Use UPS for sending mail or packages faster and to avoid the crowds at the post office. The local office is located in Ocean Village. Hospital: Ocho Rios does have a clinic on Main Street but it does not have a hospital. The nearest hospital is located about 7 miles away in St. Ann’s Bay. Medication: There are several pharmacies in town and most are open all days of the week. ATMs: There are several banks and ATMs located throughout town. Things to do: Snorkeling, white water rafting, water and land sports, Bobsledding at Mystic Mountain, and exploring local markets and street-side cuisine. Places to see Sun Valley Plantation, Dunns’ River Falls, Fern Gully, Green Grotto Caves, Coyaba Museum and Gardens, Reggae Explosion Museum, Firefly Museum and Bar, Riverhead Adventure Trail, and more. Shopping: Shop at the local crafts market, shopping plazas, Ocho Rios Craft Park, and several duty-free shops. Be prepared to be pestered by street vendors to buy something and don’t forget to bargain. Getting around: The best way to get around Ocho Rios is by renting a taxicab through JUTA (Jamaica Union of Travelers Association). All-inclusive luxury vacations: Ocho Rios is home to some of the Caribbean’s best luxury beach resorts and hotels that offer attractive Jamaica all-inclusive travel deals for families, couples, as well as group travelers. Safety: Ocho Rios receives a large number of visitors each year and is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it is advisable to not venture out alone in the dark and to avoid traveling with strangers. Check the US Government’s latest travel advisory on traveling to Jamaica. National Holidays: Independence Day, Good Friday, Easter, Christmas, New Year's Day, Emancipation Day, Ash Wednesday, National Heroes Day, and Boxing Day. Water: While filtered tap water at your resort may be safe to drink, carry bottled water when going out and also if you’re prone to falling sick. Read Also : 10 Beach Vacation Packages That Will Let You Unwind Without Breaking The Bank Planning A Family Vacation As The Kids Grow Up The Top 10 Things To Do In Hawaii 2017

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skin care

How To Safely And Effectively Clear Your Complexion

One of the most common things we notice with people aside from their smile is their skin. They say that the skin says a lot about a person's health--and that is true. When our complexion is not clear as we'd like it to be, there may be other underlying problems such as hormonal imbalances, poor hygiene, or lifestyle changes we need to address. According to dermatologists, the complexion is an important part of not just our physical well-being, but it also gives us a gauge of how we perceive ourselves. Having a clear complexion helps us to: Feel confident about ourselves - we don't have to feel embarrassed about our skin condition. When our skin is clear, we feel more confident about ourselves and are less self-conscious about our appearance. Helps us in career and other lifestyle choices - when we make big decisions in life, we want to be as presentable as possible. Having clear skin also helps us to achieve well as we make big choices in our career. Gives us an overall sense of well-being - poor skin complexion is a gateway to more infections in the body. Since acne and psoriasis can also be sites of open wounds, it might be an entry point for infection. Having clear skin steers us away from this risk. As we understand the benefits of having clear skin, this article gives us additional ways to help clear our complexion in simple and effective ways. How To Safely And Effectively Clear Your Complexion 1. Drink plenty of water : As with any health problem, drinking enough water can work wonders for your skin. Most of the problems with psoriasis and acne stem from the skin lacking moisture. As a result, it can be more prone to irritation due to dryness. The dryness may create extra sebum, which in turn causes infection in people who are suffering from acne. Additionally, those who suffer from psoriasis may have difficulties curbing the skin problem when they are in dry weather conditions. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day can help supplement your skin with moisture that it needs to prevent further flare-ups. 2. Have a good skin regimen : There are some instances where soap and water on your face and body won't do the trick. You have to adopt a regimen that works for your skin. The most common step to do this is to identify a gentle wash, a toner, and a moisturizer for your skin. You can also add treatment for blemishes or flare-up spots. To help you decide better, you can ask the help of a dermatologist to give you advice on what products you can include in your regimen. The skin regimen should be consistently followed, or else you'll run the risk of having further infections. 3. Take skin medications : Aside from having a usual regimen, your dermatologist may also give your prescriptions for skin medications such as Tazorac. Tazorac is a vitamin A derivative drug which can help cure symptoms of psoriasis and acne. Additionally, you can also find Tazorac price discounts online on websites such as Singletary. You may use the Tazorac price discount voucher at participating drug stores in your area. These medications may be given if you have moderate to severe types of skin conditions. Just like your normal skincare regimen, you need to apply them consistently and as recommended. 4. Eat wholesome foods : There's a saying that goes "you are what you eat", however, the saying "your skin shows what you eat", is also true as well. Cut out junk food in your diet, as oils and other chemicals found in burgers, fries, pizza, and chips may cause you to break out with more blemishes. Too much milk and sugar can also cause skin problems as well, as they have the tendency to block out skin pores. Eat wholesome foods such as lean fish, green tea, and other healthy types of smoothies instead. These foods have skin-clearing properties that are even used as the main ingredient in some skin products. Read Also : 10 Foods For Vibrant, Glowing And Younger Skin Effects Of Sleep Deprivation On Your Skin & Good Sleeping Habits 7 Tips For People With Hypersensitive Skin

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Healthy Habits

7 Healthy Habits That Make Us Look Younger

It isn’t a weird phenomenon that looking younger is one of the things that make people feel contented. Of course, aging is a natural circumstance but there are certain habits you can cultivate to prevent your body from developing too many signs of aging such as wrinkles, and greyish hair amongst others. If you’re thinking about some of the habits that will keep your glowing complexion and make you look younger, take your time to read this article to the concluding line. Exercising the Body Regularly : Most people already know this and odds are that you’ll have heard somebody saying regular exercises contribute to their youthful appearance. One of the major benefits of regular exercises is weight loss and you know how youthful somebody can seem after getting rid of excess weight. If you can take on the minimum of 30-minute exercise daily, you’re much likely to gain many of the health benefits that will make you look younger. Brushing Your Teeth : Besides giving a good impression of your genetic health, having white teeth is one of the things that signify youthfulness. According to Oral B, people with whiter teeth can seem 5 years younger than their real ages. At least two times each day, brushing the teeth is very important and while doing this, try to wash the mouth properly to make way for the killing of germs. Regular Intake of Water : Believe it or not, drinking water regularly can add more radiance to your complexion. Scientific proof of this explains that water makes up 64% of the skin components and as such, your skin becomes thinner when your body is dehydrated or has low moisture. As a result of this, the bruises and creases on the body tend to increase. However, drinking sufficient water (about 10 cups of water daily) enables the skin to maintain adequate moisture by absorbing water from its internal layers. Then it becomes full and round, preventing dryness and reducing most of the usual characteristics that come with aging. Eating Foods Rich in Vitamin, Fiber, and Protein : To maintain a youthful body, eating protein, adequate vegetables (including fiber-rich foods) is well recommended. According to dietitians and nutritionists, foods rich in protein help to build the body and grow smart-looking hair that adds to the youthfulness of the body. On a daily basis, 56 grams of protein is enough for a man while a woman should go a little bit lower with 46 grams. Leafy vegetables like lettuce and broccoli are rich in fiber and daily intake of 3 cups of these will go a long way to stimulate a youthful skin tone. Staying Happy and Freeing the Body of Prolonged Stress : Being happy is vital to maintaining your youthfulness and more importantly, you should avoid engaging in prolonged stressful activities. Of course, prolonged stress can activate the body’s defense system and keep it in action thereby worsening the presence of skin conditions like eczema and acne. Caring for Your Body : To some people, caring for your body is the first thing required for appearing younger and in any case, your practice of looking younger isn’t complete if you’re not taking care of your body. Looks alone won’t reveal your entire identity and that’s why it’s vital that you protect every part of your body in a way that makes you feel better, comfortable and youthful. Sleeping Well : Scientific facts reveal that people who sleep regularly are likely to have more radiant skin, helping them to look younger. To give your body a healthy rest and to maintain youthful looks, it is recommended that you have a good sleep probably devoid of interruption for 8 hours. During sleep, the human body produces hormones that stimulate growth and keep the skin elastic, ensuring that wrinkles don’t appear early. Conclusion : These are some cool healthy habits you can have to look younger than your age. In addition to having these habits, you can take beauty supplements to enhance your look. These are natural food that can help you have quick results especially if you are so worried about your current look that is deteriorating every day at your age. Supplement drinks enable you to have enough vitamins that your skin need for the younger looking look. Read Also : Important Habits To Protect Your Ear Health And Hearing Effects Of Sleep Deprivation On Your Skin & Good Sleeping Habits 6 Ways To Promote Healthy Brain

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Beard Maintain

Growing a Beard: How to Grow a Beard and Maintain It

Growing a beard is a matter of choice for most men. Some consider it a matter of faith and for others, it may be a manly look, a casual look, or just a changing routine with the fashion trends. Whatever may be the reason behind it is the fact that most of the men like keeping a beard than the hassle of shaving on a daily basis. Beard is considered a symbol of "Man-ism" in many parts of the world (for some people this thing may be debatable though). Growing a beard and maintaining it is definitely a task that can only be understood by either a professional barber or a person who owns one. Most people think that growing and maintaining a beard is not a difficult task at all but the fact is that takes a lot of effort to build and maintain it well and good-looking. Many youngsters use stubble trimmers to keep the beard short and straightforward whereas others want it a full lumberjack. Growing your beard: Once you decide that you want to increase your beard then you should know that it will take a week or so to make a stubble look depending on your hair growth rate. Some will want it to keep it that way if you want a medium length or a fully-grown beard that it may take 4 to 6 weeks on average to reach to make a full form. Depending on your basic genetics, your beard may have thick and densely grown hair or relatively thin hair with hair in patches with low density. Whatever the case maybe you need to let them grow in the initial phase. Initial Phase of beard growth: While you get past the first week of hair growth, you need to keep patient and let it go further without any attempt of trimming and shaping your beard. If there is really think that there are some stray hairs, you may take care of them, but you shouldn't try to cut short or shape the rest of your beard. However, you should keep your face skin, and hair clean by using a quality face wash at least twice a day to keep away any dirt and dust which may have entrapped in the hair. Beard growing phase: From the second week onwards, you will see your beard start developing and taking proper shape. During this period, you will feel a lot of itchiness which maybe something new and painful for most of the guys. Don't fall prey to this and let it grow as this is a normal phase of growing a beard, some people make a mistake after getting irritated and shave it clean or trim it. To keep the itchiness to a minimum use facial cleaner and try to exfoliate skin for complete cleansing. Use face moisturizers to soothe your skin. Using good beard oil may also help to reduce itchiness during this growth period. Keeping your face skin and beard hair clean, and massage with a quality oil will get you through this phase of growing a beard. Your beard Style: After 4-6 weeks your beard will take its full form of a grown beard, now is the time for you to decide your style and start its proper maintenance and care. At this stage, if you want a full-length beard, you should only look to trim it slightly to maintain its proper shape or if you want it to be a medium or short length then you can get it shaved to the desired length by a barber or yourself using a good quality trimmer. You may use stubble trimmers to get it a clean, stylish look if you want to. Beard Care and Maintenance: It is a better way to train yourself to maintain your beard by acquiring some necessary tools; you may also use the services of a professional barber if you have a trusted guy within your reach. Most people prefer doing it themselves due to hygienic issues and avoiding unnecessary expenses. Regular maintenance of your beard will keep it clean and pleasant looking and will add to your style and personality. Some tips for beard maintenance: Use some of the following ways to maintain a keep good care of your beard. Use an electric trimmer or simple comb and scissors to trim your beard. Depending upon your hair growth you may need to trim weekly, every two weeks, or once a month. Make sure you can sharpen hair scissors so they do not become dull. Keep the beard clean and using facial cleansers face wash and occasionally some face masks to keep the facial skin and hair clean and flake-free. You can also use shampoo to wash your beard hair just like your head, this will be an excellent way to maintain and keep your beard clean. Use good beard oil to massage your beard; this will keep the hair healthy, shiny, and good-looking. Using a beard comb or brush keeps your beard well maintained and fresh. It also helps to stimulate the natural oils along the beard hair length which keeps them clean and healthy. Read Also: 7 Things to Know If You’re Considering a Beard Transplant  

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essay writing service

Top 7 things to take into consideration when selecting essay writing service

Due to a tight schedule and a large amount of material that needs to be studied during the year, it is not possible for the students to pull up with all the nuances of writing topic on time. If you want to order an essay, you should know that this work requires great dedication and effort. If you would like to order the composition, the saved time will be useful for the work on other projects or for your individual needs. Sometimes it is necessary to make different paperwork at once and the student procrastinates till he/she realizes that time is already over. If you relate to this kind of student, you should call a specialist in order to emphasize the urgency of your work. If you order an essay in essay writing service, you will not have any problems with marks of the attitude of professors at your University. What prevents the students to write this small but very informative work? There are different reasons: 1) Inability to compose thoughts in a beautiful and meaningful story; 2) Gaps in knowledge about a given or chosen topic; 3) Inability to plan your time, too much job accumulates on the last day. 4) Each of these issues or all of them at once can become a serious block and affect your academic performance. It can be very annoying when the overall positive picture is spoiled by a couple of words or other factors like formatting. The best option is to order essays from experts who have many years of knowledge in teaching and writing the texts according to your task. Ten years ago it was easy to pick any relevant work you liked from the Internet and do not pay money ordering an essay, but time flies, but now teachers know these cheats better than the most advanced student hackers. How to select a reliable essay writing service? How to choose the best writing assistant? Below are some pieces of advice about how to look for the best essay writing service. While looking for the appropriate writing help company, everybody should read the reviews of other users on the company websites. You have to investigate the service, paying attention to how they work, how do they write a composition, how much time they spend on writing an essay. Check out the price page and see if they can take any additional orders or not. Check their ability to complete the composition within 3-6 hours. They must perfectly fulfill the deadlines. Then, you should look for an author of your future work. You must check how impressive the writers are. Not everybody who writes an essay is a professional, but you need to look for writers who pay attention to the well-done work. Feel free to ask the community about the style and qualifications of their authors, as this will have a direct impact on the result you will achieve. 1) Strive to achieve a well-composed work. The best paperwork help services will provide you with tailor-made paperwork. They usually have a support team, write something new for every client, and they do not resell the documents written. The essays made by the professionals are well written, well- structured, have correct punctuation and spelling, and tell about all the aspects of the main theme. Besides, they should suggest free revisions. If you do not like the result, you can inquire the company to remake it. 2) Keep in mind, that the company works for you. You pay your own money for the letter service, and you might require the warranties to achieve the best result. The company should also suggest a complimentary cover, formatting, schema, and bibliography. 3) The price matters. There is no ordinary price because there are many kinds of academic work, they can be either short and without the topic specification or along with the highly specialized story. Of course, the price for a complex highly specialized dissertation, executed in a short time will differ from the usual essay on a common topic. But, don’t choose the cheapest one! If you are on the website, that suggests the lowest price for the work made during a few hours and says that they are the best essay writing service, it is the call to refresh information and look for a new writing service. You can not obtain the low priced essay and believe to get a great job done. 4) Make sure that the company will fit your writing style. You write in a particular style, in which you have submitted a written work to your educator in the past. An author who accepts your writing job should be able to correspond to your special writing style, containing some common mistakes that you can make. An author should also recognize the main body of the course material and which publications have used in the class before. Thus, they can make this material look in the same style. 5) The company must work as transparently as possible and officially. One of the key features of the essay writing service is the ability to monitor the execution of the order. If there is a personal account, you will always observe the work progress and keep in touch with the writer. The organization is a legal entity that carries out its activities in full compliance with the law. They always should provide checks for the payment on the client accounts, if necessary, they might be able to initiate an official contract. 6) plagiarism. If the text has plagiarism, it means that the quality of this work is unacceptable. To protect you from the bad marks and understand if your essay is well-written or not, you will be able to use the plagiarism checker. 7)Ensure that the company you chose suggests round-the-clock customer service. The good service provides skillful assistance round the clock and without days off. It is very comfortable because if you desire to order some writing work, you will get an answer after a few minutes. Keep in mind these pieces of advice and look for the best essay writing service!   Read More: 5 Tips for Getting a Cheap Essay Writing Service Online. Argumentative Writing – The Skills You Need to Develop. Tips for writing the resignation letter in a professional way.

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Benefits of Meditation

Five Benefits of Meditation That Will Change Your Life

Meditating has been a life-changing experience for me in many, many ways. It’s my first best addiction, second best being the use of marijuana. For a long time, I used marijuana to treat my stress and depression because it is a psychoactive drug and it has the capability to cure our mental problems such as stress and depression to a significant degree if it is used in its raw form, read this article here. However, meditation has acted as a game-changer. I no longer roll a joint when I'm stressed, I sit in the designated corner of my room for fifteen minutes, and everything changes completely. The problems seem to disappear, and I encounter this wonderful peace which replaces the feeling of unsettlement. Let me briefly tell you about the few ways in which meditation can alter your whole life. 1. Instant Dose of Happiness: My first ever meditation practice was guided and my yoga instructor helped me with it. Before I even hit the point of feeling serene and in peace, I felt happiness. It was as if a dark cloud has left the sky and it’s sunny everywhere. But it wasn’t just something I felt; there is a medical explanation for this phenomenon. Our left prefrontal cortex is active whenever we are feeling happy. But when everything is going downhill, you can safely assume that this part of your brain is dormant. Meditation can make it active, and positive emotion can flow through your body by the simple act of mindfulness. It also aids with decreasing activity in the right prefrontal cortex which encourages negative thoughts and emotions. Regular meditation can make you mindful of your day-to-day routine which can be especially beneficial for inducing positive thinking patterns. 2. Your Lifestyle Will Change: Another major change that you're bound to notice is that you'll start living a healthier life. Meditation can change your life in many ways, for example, it can fix your sleep cycle. You won't suffer from diseases like sleep apnea and insomnia anymore. You can meditate and do yoga side-by-side, so in a way; you can start working out because of meditation. Meditation promotes positive thoughts in our brain, as I have explained already. So you're likely to give up bad habits like smoking cigarettes and pot etc. It helped me get rid of pot addiction; I can vouch for the rehabilitating effect of this activity. You might as well start eating healthier meals if you practice meditation regularly. 3. It Helps Battle Anxiety & Stress: It is especially useful when you have to combat anxiety and stress. It might as well save you a trip to the psychiatrist. Regular meditation can turn you into a happier individual because it aims to reprogram your whole thought process. So, if you are suffering from anxious thoughts meditation can help you combat these thoughts very effectively. The most devastating of all effects that anxiety can have on your brain is reducing the size of your hippocampus, which is responsible for keeping your memory sharp. But here's the deal, meditation has the capability of reversing any damage that has been done to your brain, and it can even fortify your brain to combat anxiety in the future. Those who meditate regularly are less likely to be anxious. Does this explain the peaceful lives of shamans to you?   4. Age Gracefully: Meditation can lead to graceful aging. Aging is a process that every individual has to go through, and while it seems unlikely that sitting straight for minutes, even hours, it could slow down the process of aging. You can find more than enough evidence of this fact now. Meditation has the ability to slow down the aging of cells of your body. Let me explain to you the whole process. When we stress out or suffer from diseases like diabetes type 2 and dementia etc. the length of our telomeres which are the DNA caps reduces. If this process continues, the chromosomes division process could be inhibited because they no longer have any protection from these telomeres. On a cellular level, your body has now started dying. Since practicing meditation can keep your stress and other chronic illnesses at bay, you are sure to keep increasing the age of your cells thereby ensuring a long and healthy life for yourself.   5. It Helps Your EQ: Just like IQ, your emotional intelligence is measured by the Emotional Quotient, and trust me, you might survive this world without a high IQ, but success without emotional intelligence is a tough call. Since meditating more often can lead you to develop a better awareness of your surroundings, you would be able to read the emotions of others. This will give you an edge over the others, and you can succeed at many things in life by having a higher emotional intelligence level.   Read Also: 1. Easy Ways To Live A Healthier Lifestyle. 2. 10 Tips On How To Ditch The Stress And Start Living A Peaceful Life.

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Shower Cabin

Best Ways to Maintain a Shower Cabin

If you own a modern shower cabin, as opposed to a traditionally tiled shower enclosure, then the bad news is that you will still have to keep it clean.  The good news is that this is a whole lot easier than it is with old-fashioned shower enclosures, mainly due to the absence of tiling, which is just a time-consuming pain to clean.  What's more, if you go about it the right way, maintaining your shower cabin can take very little effort.  These tips can help. Wipe your feet (or put a towel down): Wandering around in bare feet can be very comfortable but it means your feet can get very dirty, very quickly, so you might want to think about cleaning off the surface grime before you step into the shower.  Alternatively, put a towel down on the shower floor and then just stick this in the wash after you've finished.  Either of these approaches will go a long way to keeping the floor of your shower cabin white and gleaming. Little and often is the way to go: Ideally, all shower users should end their shower by going around the enclosure with the showerhead in one hand and a brush in the other to get rid of surface dirt.  They should then use a microfiber cloth to remove the water.  Back in the real world, at least give the shower enclosure a quick once over to remove any residue from the products used or, as an absolute minimum, run the water over any visible deposits. Aim to give your shower a proper clean twice a week: Before you gasp in horror, this approach will actually save you time and effort over the long term.  We'll explain why as we go along.  As a minimum, clean your shower enclosure once a week for hygiene and practicality (plus it can help to extend the life of your shower).  Here are some tips on how to keep your shower enclosure sparkling. Start with the showerhead: Fill a container with white vinegar and leave your shower head to soak in it while you clean your shower.  If you do this at least every other time you clean your shower (assuming you clean it twice a week), then a short soak will be just fine. Remove suds promptly: It may seem like foam disappears all by itself if you just leave it but actually what happens is that the liquid content evaporates but the chemicals generally stay put, along with the dead skin cells and hair carried off your body in the foam.  The advantage of rinsing your shower after each use is that this will catch everything when it's at its easiest to remove.  After this, a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water will probably do the trick, especially if you use it a couple of times a week as we suggest.  If you do let the dirt in your shower cabin build-up to the point where you have to resort to a commercial cleaner, then make sure to use a non-abrasive one. Vinegar and water is the perfect cleaner for reflective surfaces: That same mixture of vinegar and water will also do a great job on the glass in your shower enclosure (and if you have mirrored tiles it works on them too).  The key here is to get all the liquid off afterward to avoid streaks so a microfiber cloth is a good investment.  Again, if you opt for commercial cleaners, make sure they're non-abrasive. Give your shower cabin doors plenty of love: Doors aren't just glass panels, they have handles, hinges/rollers, and seals as well, plus they open and close.  Handles are easily dealt with; your vinegar/water mix will keep them looking shiny.  Hinges/rollers don't typically need to be cleaned, but you could take the opportunity to give them a touch of lubricant to keep them moving freely.  The seals on the door, however, are places where dirt can easily accumulate, especially the one at the bottom of the door.  Use a stiff brush to get it off. Keep an eye out for mildew: One of the huge benefits of shower cabins and compared to traditional shower enclosures is that they are practically immune to mildew and mold due to the absence of both tiling and shower curtains, which are the main places it usually takes hold.  The only place mildew and mold could potentially attack a shower cabin is in the seams and you can avoid this by using proper sanitary silicone when you assemble the shower.  If, however, you have used ordinary silicone to assemble the shower, there is a small possibility that you may get some slight mildew or mold.  Ideally, you should take this as a sign that you should rebuild your shower using the right silicone, but realistically a simpler approach would be to apply that vinegar and water mixture using an old toothbrush and if that isn’t enough change to bleach and water and do the job again, very carefully and preferably wear gloves. Pamper your plumbing: If you live in a hard-water area then fitting a water softener to your shower can be a very good idea.  Even if you don’t (or you have fitted a water softener), taking care of your shower plumbing is still a good idea and it’s so easy, there’s really no reason not to.  As your first line of defense, put a protector over your drainage hole to trap hairs and such like.  Then pour some baking soda down the hole every time you clean your shower if you like add some vinegar or lemon juice.  If you start to notice a blockage (the water draining away slowly), then an old trick is to grind up some eggshells and put them down.  They are gentle scourers and will often do the trick cheaply and naturally.  If all else fails, then look for a good chemical cleaner.   Read More:  1. Mirror Decorating Ideas To Style Your Bathroom. 2. Home Hacks: Stuff You Can Clean in One Hour or Less.    

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Healthcare

Ensuring Quality Healthcare with Correct Diagnoses

“Every system is perfectly designed to achieve exactly the results it gets,” says Donald Berwick, M.D., president emeritus and senior fellow at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, on healthcare innovation. Toward the healthcare quality that Dr. Berwick and his fellow health professionals advocate, technology has evolved to make even the most complicated and extensive procedures possible; to better our understanding of human biology; and to enhance the delivery of healthcare services, to better human life and livelihood. Key to this is the area of diagnostics, pertaining to the screening and prevention of diseases. Outside of hospitals, diagnostic laboratories are some of the busiest fortresses against the further spread of disease. The work that goes into collecting, analyzing, and distributing samples in a diagnostics facility is nothing to sneeze at—in this area, health professionals are currently engaging in systems to save lives, one day and one procedure at a time.   Automation of Core Lab Processes: Leveling Up Your Diagnostic Technologies First off, a premium must be set on the value of correct diagnoses, as breakthroughs in the field of diagnostics indeed contribute to the future of the healthcare system. The greatest danger to an individual client is a doctor without a clear vision and careful hands; the responsibility extends to core processes in the lab, where crucial components such as samples must be handled carefully and accurately. One of these core processes is pipetting. Many laboratories no longer depend on the process of manual pipetting and have invested in automated liquid handling. The automation of this process enables compound screening methods for a number of plates and tubes to be possible all at the same time. Motion solutions such as linear stages for automated liquid handling oversee the pipetting process across the three axes of movement—upwards, downwards, or across; transferring and dispensing liquids into new containers—with levels of throughput and accuracy that make all the difference. Automated liquid handling is a reliable mechanism for so many samples, and is invaluable in closing any gaps for error—a technology that is safe, dependable even without much human intervention, and capable of high performance and output. This focus on greater productivity, at a higher level of precision, is what forwards the field of diagnostics in its pursuit of exactness, and therefore greater responsiveness to the challenge of curing and preventing diseases.   Proactive Approaches in Healthcare Given this scenario, there are tangible benefits to improving diagnostic technologies through processes such as automation. The automation of a core laboratory process, as in the example of automated liquid handling, improves the efficacy of work in diagnostics. But how does this part of the equation work to improve the healthcare situation as a whole? In truth, every advancement in health and technology is a boon to facing challenges in the healthcare system, such as increased costs of medicines and treatment, lack of continuity in the provision of care, and fluctuating quality of services. Against these, there is a constant pressure among health professionals to meet the needs of their patients, keep up with the pace of big institutions, and harness innovation against the spread of disease—all at the same time. Diagnostic facilities are just one part of this large equation in the betterment of healthcare; it may be another story in clinics, pharmacies, corporations, or in the offices of the national and federal government. But every process that can be enhanced and performed at a heightened level in this field will certainly help safeguard human life. Innovations for correct and precise diagnoses will truly contribute to the healthcare situation. In line with this, Jonathan Bush and Michael Chernew, PhD, posit on this mindset for greater innovation to happen: “If our society can seize this moment to unleash the power of innovators to create better models, which allow them to profit from removing waste and finding new efficiencies, we can put ourselves on the path to a satisfying and sustainable health care system.”   Read Also: Easy Ways To Live A Healthier Lifestyle. Important Habits to Protect Your Ear Health and Hearing.  

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baby’s room

How to set up your baby’s room

Are you expecting to welcome a new member into your family? If so, then you should definitely prepare before they are here. One of the best ways to begin is by setting up your baby’s room. Giving it a good theme, setting a decent wallpaper, getting all the furniture plays a very important role when it comes to setting up nurseries. Not only that, you have to keep many other things in mind while getting it all done. We can help you with all of this with today’s post! Read ahead to find out more! Select the right theme for yourself Before you set up your baby’s room, make sure to set up a theme. There are several ideas available on Pinterest and various other free apps that will open your mind, improve your creativity and actually help you decide what sort of theme you should go for your little one. However, make sure it isn’t too bright or shiny. You can keep the look of the room subtle and it will still look great! Know what essentials you require: Some of the most important things you require while setting up your baby’s room are cribs, changing tables, cupboards, soft carpets, a nursing chair, baby bath toys, baby blankets, toy boxes, and a nice drawer for clothing. Once you have got these things in place, you can get on with the rest such as design and styling. Great wallpaper: The first thing you need to do is begin with a good nursery wallpaper. A baby’s nursery could easily look a lot better if you get hold of a fun pattern and paper that fills up the entire room or maybe a single wall. Building on the pattern with great colors or art could improve the whole look of your baby’s room as well. Get rid of all the clutter: If there is a lot of stuff that you want to keep in the nursery, make sure to use closed storage. This helps to keep all the clutter far away. Shelves that come without doors look good but they can get messy if you pile them with a whole bunch of stuff. In this case, you can use a few baskets or boxes that will help your staff stay more organized. Invest in the best baby change baskets: A baby change basket is necessary if you are setting up a nursery for your little one. A great treasure basket can be kept in the middle of the circle so that your baby can reach inside it easily. Allow all of them to explore each item. There are several accessories available online to help style the treasure basket. Also, the best baby change baskets are available in several stores online. You can take a look at all, compare the prices and then make the final decision. Educational toys in your baby’s nursery: Having educational toys in your baby’s nursery is essential. You could hang a mobile on the crib so that your baby can play with it whenever he/she is bored. You can add some nursery rhymes and audio collections that will keep them happy. Those who invest in things like this tend to find more success in their relationship with kids more than others. Use geometric patterns: Using geometric patterns on the walls with some strong colors could be an amazing way to add some fun and spark to your baby’s room. This could be on the rug, the walls and so much more. Babies who are developing eyes will be more attracted to a contrast of high color. If you really want to highlight the appearance of your baby’s room, this could be a helpful tip! Decorating your baby’s nursery: Decorating your baby’s nursery doesn’t have to be boring. If you like finding the perfect set of curtains and bed sheets that match with the wall paint, this could actually be perfect for you. If decorating is not really your thing, don’t give yourself the pressure to create the best baby nursery. You can ask your friend to help you out or simply stick to the basics and your home will look somehow. Test all the designs: Finally, make sure to test all the designs with the help of a sample board. It will bring your wall, flooring, window, bedding, and samples together. It will help you play around with the options as well. Several baby nurseries are set up after a few trials and errors so be open to fun and some experimenting until you have achieved what you fully desire. With that, we bring our post to an end. If you have liked reading our post, do let us know in the comment section below. Also, if there are questions you have in mind, drop them down. We would love to answer all your questions in detail!   Read Also: 10 Helpful Kid Closet Organization Hacks. 8 Newborn Baby Care Tips for First-Time Parents.  

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sports bra

3 Tips for choosing the right sports bra for you

It’s been widely said that "people exercise to enjoy the quality of life.” This quote by H.  Cooper reminds me of how much people are inclined towards working out great exercises. Not only is it for men and kids but also for women. Exercising is a basic part of every person’s daily routine. Burning calories is arduous and painful yet the result is worth putting heavy doses of efforts. A proper workout experience can get ruined if the trainee is not wearing comfortable briefs. Especially for a woman, the prime importance is given to wearing a comfortable sports bra. During heavy workouts like running or jogging breast bobs (the movement of up and down) in a butterfly pattern. The best benefit of wearing a good sports bra is that it reduces the bobs and helps us to comfortably focus on our workout. Wearing an unsupported plus size sports bra can lead to many serious complications. Woman’s breast is made up of soft tissues that need proper support while workouts. Here are 3 major tips to choose the right sports bra for you: Adjustable back closure : Proper fitting of a sports bra is a must and one must check before purchasing it. Proper fitting of sports bra gives immense confidence and comfortability to women engaged in workouts. It saves us from all those awkward bounces of which every woman is conscious of.  It’s rare amongst woman to find a proper fitting of the sports bra. One will always have to make it fit through those 3 hooks there at the back. Remember that any changes in one hook give up to 1.5'' of adjustment. Sports bra having 3 hooks must be the first preference. One should never wash sports bra in a dryer because the material loses the elastic very soon. Some sports bras are not pocket-friendly due to which you will always wish them to last long. In huge markets, sports bra of different colors and prints are likely to easily gain our attention. The sports bra with strips at the back is commonly used mainly because of the fashion perspective but also because it gives desired fitting. You can prefer a sports bra that crisscrosses in the back as it provides proper support to the breast. It’s noticed that most of the women have an ideology that bra support comes from its cup. Well, it’s a myth. The truth lies in the selection of sports bra size that depends on the cup size which you wear regularly. Straps that are adjustable : As mentioned above, the back straps are adjustable so one will have to adjust it according to their comfort and bust size. There no doubt that sports bra not pocket-friendly and that we all wish that it can be used for a long period of time. Keeping that in mind here is a pro tip for you; you should never use the dryer for a sports bra as it looses the elastic very quickly. Always wash it with hand and lay it out to dry. Cups that provide privacy and good shape : Comfort is the first thought that tickles in our mind when it comes to buying a sports bra. A cup fitted bra does matter because it gives a perfect fitting. A heavy workout leads to very fast movements whether it’s jumping, skipping or running. Any kind of stretch in bust can lead to many serious issues. The customary or local sports bra cannot sustain in heavy workouts and make you feel awkward due to unnecessary movements in a bust. You should replace sports bra regularly like if you work out for three days in a week then you must have a 2-3 sports bra. But if you prefer to work out 6 times a week then you must have 5-6 of them. The plastic used in Sports Bra gets loose very easily so if you have a large chest then you must look for the bras with wide shoulder straps and back straps. Deep necks Sports Bra having deep neck must be avoided because while performing floor exercises like push-ups, there is a tendency of women getting conscious if their cleavage is viewable or not. To avoid such situations, the proper sports bra must be selected. You should visit an ideal specialist shop to buy a sports bra as they have a huge variety of sports bra collection. If you have a large chest, you need a sports bra which gives the right support. Choosing the right fabric must be the first priority because selecting a wrong fabric can lead to itching and other skin issues. Make sure that you avoid 100% cotton sports bra as they get wet once you start sweating. Make sure to keep all these important points in mind while deciding which sports bra to wear. Happy workouts!

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Healthiest

Why City Living is the Healthiest it’s Ever Been

City living hasn’t always been dubbed as a healthy choice. However, it appears things have changed dramatically in recent years. These days, city living is healthier than it’s ever been. Thanks to a dedication to getting people happier and healthier, steps have been taken to improve city life. Here, we’ll look at why it’s become a healthier option to live in the city. Companies have started to encourage healthier living : In the past few years, businesses have started to see the benefits of encouraging their employees to lead a healthier life. These days, over 90% of business leaders know just how important wellness is to the productivity of their employees. After all, the healthier an employee is, the less likely they’ll be to take time off sick. They will also have bundles more energy, making them far more productive than if they were to lead an unhealthy lifestyle. So, how exactly are companies encouraging healthier living? Well, some provide exercise classes during lunch. Others offer meditation and counseling to protect an employee’s mental health. There are a lot of ways companies are striving for a healthier workplace and it’s really starting to pay off. Cities have begun adopting green spaces and cycle lanes : The cities themselves have also become healthier. Authorities are investing in greener areas, as well as adding more cycle lanes. While the reason behind this is largely down to protecting the environment, it has ultimately led more people to become healthier. At one time, traveling by car was the way to get to and from work. However, as more awareness has been raised about the impact cars are having on the environment, more people than ever before are choosing to ditch their cars and invest in bicycles instead. The introduction of more cycle lanes has encouraged more bicycle stores such as Brompton, to open up in new city locations. If you take a look at some of the happiest and healthiest places in the world, you’ll see the majority of them use bicycles as their main form of transportation. Is it a coincidence? Absolutely not! Staying active and cycling around rather than driving, really helps to keep you, fitter, while also doing wonders for the environment. Fitness is now actively encouraged : Fitness has become extremely popular in recent years. Within cities, you’ll find a huge range of exercise classes, healthy dine-out options, and healthy activities to partake in. People, as a whole, want to get fitter. Social media has played a large role in the fitness industry boom. Fitness gurus have become extremely popular, encouraging people to get healthier and sign up for local gyms and fitness classes. So, those looking to stay fit and active have plenty of options in the city. Cities generate more social interaction : Another more indirect reason people are healthier in cities is that they experience much more social interaction than those living in the country. This is especially true for those living within an inner-city environment. Social interaction has a strong connection to mental health. Those who do not interact regularly with people, tend to be more depressed, lonely, and anxious than those who do. Of course, the more people there are to interact with, the more active you’re going to be. So, city living helps to improve both physical and mental health. The above is some of the main reasons cities have become healthier. It’s come hand in hand with environmental protection as people strive to reduce their impact on the environment. Millennials, in particular, are becoming healthier, largely down to the recent campaigns over getting fitter and leading a healthier lifestyle.

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Balance Hormones

8 Natural Ways to Balance Hormones

Did you know that every day your body is sending complex chemical messengers called hormones to regulate its systems? Often times, we think our hormones negatively, but these natural compounds are essential to the health of both men and women. The most common types of hormones include cortisol, melatonin, progesterone, testosterone, estrogen, adrenaline, and insulin. Without any of these, our bodies wouldn't be able to function properly. Hormones can impact everything from digestive health to mental health, and they are intimately involved in the reproductive cycle. As important as they are, dysfunction can easily occur at different points in the production and circulation of hormones. It is vital to understand how to combat these issues in a natural way. Read on to learn more about the endocrine system's inner workings, as well as natural ways to balance hormones. How the Endocrine System Works: The endocrine system is essentially made up of several glands that produce the different types of hormones found in your body. To name the major ones, these are the pituitary, pineal, thymus, thyroid, adrenal glands and pancreas. The testes and ovaries are also involved, depending on your sex. Understanding the basis of this system can help you understand what can go wrong, and how to promote better hormone health. Firstly, there are key ingredients that are needed to produce hormones. These include fats, proteins, and various nutrients. As well, toxins can disrupt hormones by either mimicking them or suppressing their production in some form. All and all, the entire endocrine system works in unison to promote the normal functioning of your body. Even the slightest imbalance can lead to symptoms. Signs of Hormone Imbalance: There are a few keys signs of hormone imbalance to be aware of, as both a male and female. In women, problems around the menstrual cycle are often the most obvious sign of an imbalance. Infertility, irregular periods, skin issues, and premenstrual syndrome can all signify issues with the endocrine system. Additional symptoms that can manifest in both sexes include fatigue, anxiety, depression, low libido, insomnia, digestive issues, hair loss, and weight problems. Natural Ways to Balance Hormones: With the impact that hormones can have on the body, promoting their balance in your daily routine is essential. Natural options are much more favorable than synthetic ones such as birth control or other artificial hormone medications. These do not get to the root of your health issues. They merely cover them up, and symptoms can get worse or more can occur in the meantime. As an alternative to treatments that do not get to the bottom of your problems, here are eight natural ways to balance hormones. 1. Avoid Endocrine Disruptors: Endocrine disruptors are abundant in our industrialized world. These are chemicals and compounds that interfere with hormonal processes in the endocrine system. A few well-known endocrine disruptors include BPA, dioxin, phthalates, and certain pesticides. The items we use in our homes can often contribute to our overall toxin load, and switching over to healthier alternatives can be greatly beneficial. Choose non-toxic cleaning products whenever possible, and try to avoid using plastics in the kitchen as much as possible. As well, our beauty products can also be a potential source of exposure. Use the environmental working groups website to help you pick better products for your hormones. Lastly, eating organic produce whenever possible will reduce your consumption of pesticide residue. 2. Limit Caffeine: Caffeine is a big part of most of our lives, and it is difficult to part with. But, in truth, it can have detrimental effects on our hormones. Highly-caffeinated beverages, namely coffee, can put our bodies into a permanent state of fight-or-flight by stimulating the production of stress hormones. While this may be beneficial in the short term, it can stress your entire body out in the long-term. Consider cutting back on your caffeine intake, or swapping it out entirely for drinks with lower levels of caffeine. 3. Eat Healthy Fats: Many hormones are cholesterol-based, meaning that fat is the basis of their make-up. Therefore, eating plenty of healthy fats will help your body produce enough of these hormones. Ensure that you focus on saturated fats and omega-3's especially, as our diets tend to be too high in omega-6's. 4. Sleep is Key: Sleep is the time when our bodies produce hormones and detoxify harmful substances from our body. Moreover, sleep can disrupt your mood and your blood sugars levels, both of which can contribute negatively to hormones. Try to optimize your sleeping environment by making the room as dark as possible and creating a nighttime routine. 5. Exercise Properly: While exercise is always important, extended periods of exertion can actually have negative consequences. Therefore, opt for less strenuous workouts such as weight lifting or gentle yoga when you first begin your healing journey. 6. Try Mindfulness: Stress is often at the root of our hormone problems. In the least, it can make your moods and physical symptoms much worse. To complicate things, stress is not an easy problem to 'fix'. Often times, it is anything but easy to reduce our stress levels. One option to try, however, is to implement mindfulness into your approach. It will not only help you become more aware of your body and its struggles but also to how you deal with adversity. Over time, you can begin to shift your mindset around the stresses of life with mindfulness and develop a better relationship with it altogether. 7. Consider Herbs or Supplements: Another potential way to heal your endocrine system is with different herbs and supplements. These are not a quick fix by any means, but they can provide additional support alongside other treatments. Some good options for supplementation could include red raspberry leaf, evening primrose oil, vitex, maca, fish oil, magnesium, and zinc, depending on your specific imbalance. 8. Try Bio-Identical Hormones: There are times when no amount of natural treatment through sleep, diet, and exercise help. In this case, an option could be bio-identical hormone therapy, which involves using chemically identical hormones to heal your imbalance. BodyLogicMD has an abundance of information on this topic and can help provide you the support you need. Hormone Health Reflects Overall Health: All in all, the health of our endocrine system is reflective of our lived environment. While it can be influenced partly by genetics and other factors out of our control, much of it is impacted by the way we choose to live. Therefore, by consciously choosing to implement natural ways to balance hormones, we can reap the benefits of our system working in our favor. For more information about how hormones can impact reproductive health, check out our post of the causes of female and male infertility.   Read More: Must-Have Appliances for a Healthier Life. Important Habits to Protect Your Ear Health and Hearing. How to Stay Healthy and Fit Despite a Hectic Schedule.

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