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Clean Beauty

Posted by Beth Shaw on
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Health & Wellness
Clean Beauty

Ever wonder what ingredients are lurking in your everyday beauty products? It’s no secret that beauty companies fill their products with emulsifiers and fragrances that are harmful to the skin, yet America doesn’t seem concerned enough to do anything about it. In fact, the last time the FDA passed a law on the regulation of beauty products was when congress passed the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act in 1938 and it hasn’t been changed since. According to a study done by the Environmental Working Group “22% of all cosmetics may be contaminated with cancer-causing impurities.” It is way too frequent that big name products are being recalled and taken off the shelves due to the discovery of cancer causing substances, making it now more important than ever to educate ourselves on clean beauty and the ingredients involved in our favorite beauty products. With such a vast influx of knowledge and technology over the past 80 years, it’s time for America to catch up on the latest health and clean beauty discoveries in order to Make America Healthy! 

Beth Shaw, founder of YogaFit Training Systems and host of Make America Healthy radio show on Voice America, challenges her listeners to educate themselves on the ingredients used in their everyday beauty products and urges them to consider natural alternatives. On her latest episode titled “Clean Beauty” Beth invites clean beauty experts Funlyao Alabi of Shea Radiance, Stephanie Morris from Beauty Counter and Ashley Jo from ASTECC to offer their expert advice on easier and cheaper ways to transition into clean beauty alternatives. Don’t sacrifice your beauty regime and listen to your clean beauty experts! For anyone starting out in clean beauty, our guests recommend undergoing a gradual transition, allowing your wallet and hormones to have time to balance, making it an easier transition into clean beauty.  

From haircare products to face and body skincare, there are a lot of ingredients involved in the typical beauty care routine. One of the easiest ways to test your favorite beauty products for toxic chemicals is by logging onto the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database where they have already tested the big names brands in skincare and rated them on a toxicity scale from one to ten. Funlayo Alabi, founder of Shea Radiance, advises to stray away from anything over a level 3 on the toxicity scale. You can also download the EWG’s Healthy Living app for easier access. 

Not only do we have to worry about the skincare ingredients in our own cabinets, but Ashley Jo of ASTECC reminds us to be cautious of the products used at the spas and therapy centers we visit. Ashley works to inform spas and practitioners on harmful ingredients and natural alternatives. Some things may seem out of our control, but when it comes to clean beauty, simpler ingredients are always the best way to go. 

With so many health crises occurring in America and around the world simultaneously, it is now more important than ever to take your health into your own hands. The ingredients we topically apply to our skin are just as impactful as the ingredients we put in the foods we eat. Transitioning to a clean beauty regime is a small and easy step towards reaching your whole health goals. Thanks to YogaFit and Stephanie Morris from Beautycounter, you can receive a 30% discount on all BeautyCounter products by visiting BeautyCounter.com/YogaFit and entering the code CleanForAll30 at checkout. Furthermore, if you are looking to advance your whole health, YogaFit Training Systems is offering 15% off your first yoga training course when you enter the code Voice22 at checkout. There is never a time like the present to invest in yourself and your health by taking advantage of these awesome deals! 

Latest Trends in Supplements

Posted by Beth Shaw on
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Health & Wellness
Latest Trends in Supplements

 Plant medicine has been utilized worldwide for thousands of years. Plants have essential nutrients that you cannot get from other foods. The vitamins and minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants in plants help keep your cells healthy and your body in balance so that your immune system can function at its best. Unlike industrial medicine, plant medicine is a more healthy and natural way of preventing and fighting off diseases.

With grocery stores overflowing with GMOs and produce lacking in nutrition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet alone seems almost impossible. Due to the increase in malnutrition nationwide, dietary supplements and plant medicine are more popular than ever. But with so many different brands and trends, it can be difficult to decipher what’s right for you. Instead of undergoing your own trial and error process, let the experts lead the way!

In the new hit podcast Make America Healthy, featured on VoiceAmerica, Beth Shaw and her special guest discuss the top health hacks and dietary supplements trending around the world today. In her episode titled The Latest Trends In Supplements, Beth welcomes Julian Mitchell, Co-Founder of Life Cykel, and Catharine Arnston, Founder of EnergyBits, as they talk about their new plant-based supplements, vitamins, and more! 

As the founder and CEO of YogaFit WorldWide, the world’s largest yoga training school, Beth Shaw, is dedicated to creating a healthier world for generations to come. Always looking for new dietary supplements to incorporate into her health routines, Beth was excited to hear about all the amazing health benefits included in algae and decided to try EnergyBits’ supplements for herself. After taking their VitalityBits for just one week, Beth was delighted to notice the increase in energy and overall vitality for life that she gained. Using the perfect combination of two different types of algae, spirulina and chlorella, VitalityBits offers vast amounts of nutrition, beauty, and energy benefits that you are unlikely to receive from a traditional diet. Being that algae is the most alkaline, chlorophyll, and protein rich food in the world; adding it to your daily supplement routine is an easy and effective way of helping you reach your health goals. 

A huge fan of plant medicine and the healing powers of mushrooms, Beth Shaw was excited to hear from Julian Mitchell on the benefits of Life Cykel’s supplements. One of their most popular dietary supplements, Lion’s Mane Liquid Extract, provides consumers with a cognitive upgrade in the areas of focus, memory, articulation, mental clarity, and creativity. While you can enjoy lion’s mane mushrooms eaten raw, dried, cooked, or steeped for tea; Life Cykel’s liquid extract maximizes the health benefits of these mushrooms and is as simple as taking a few drops under your tongue or drinking it in water.

If you are looking for easier ways to incorporate plant medicine into your diet routine, tune into Make America Healthy on Voice America live every Wednesday at 5 pm Easter time. Beth Shaw has made it her life mission to bring health to the masses. Join Beth and her expert trainers at YogaFit.com and sign up for your first yoga training course where you will receive 15% off your first training session using the code VOICE22 at checkout.

A Resilient You: Practicing an Effective Continuity Culture at Home & Work

Posted by rstapholz on
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Business
A Resilient You: Practicing an Effective Continuity Culture at Home & Work

Join me Thursday, Sep 1/22, at 1pm EST!

I talk with award-winning IT, Continuity, Resilience, Risk and Security professional and noted resilience expert, Modebola Olowu. Modebola talks about personal resilience and how we can cultivate a practice the will work effectively at home and in the workplace.

We touch on subjects such as:

1. What is resilience and the difference between the workplace and home,

2. Characteristics of personal resilience?

3. The art of Kintsugi? (This is a great analogy for resilience and I urge everyone to go find your gold!!),

4. Cultivating Resilience,

5. The Me Strategy,

6. The Proactive Strategy,

7. The Community Strategy,

8. Crises and their Opportunities, and

2020-10-29 - YOUTUBE - Banner.jpg9. Way’s to identify opportunities in crisis (e.g., change your perspective, find the ‘loophole’ etc.).

It’s clear that Modebola is quite passionate about personal resilience, and it comes across during our discussion. With allot of resilience talk focusing on technology, processes, and systems, Modebola teaches us how to take a step back and look at ourselves…our gold.

Enjoy!

3 Essential Herbs With Powerful Health Benefits

Posted by rstapholz on
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Health & Wellness
3 Essential Herbs With Powerful Health Benefits

Since ancient times herbs have been used and consumed for their medical benefits. Consuming herbs daily may help to prevent health problems, diabetes, and cancer. There are many types of Botanical Medicine available that can help with a number of ailments. The easiest way to have these essential herbs in your house all the time is to grow them in your garden. In this article, we have discussed the top three essential herbs, their history, and the benefits of using them. 

1. Echinacea 

Belonging to the daisy family, Echinacea is a flowering plant whose big, magenta petals unfurl during summer. It is predominant in eastern and central North America, and its parts (roots, stalk, and leaves) are often used for medicinal purposes. 

The Traditional Uses of Echinacea

Traditionally, this herb has been used as a remedy for skin irritation, toothaches, snake bites, arthritis, bowel pain, seizures, and cancer. Nowadays, it’s a home remedy utilized to prevent or alleviate flu and the common cold. Also, it’s commonly used to accelerate wound healing. It is also rich in compounds that are known to alleviate pain and inflammation and also has antiviral and antioxidant properties. 

Research also shows that using this herb has the potential to prevent upper respiratory infections. However, these studies are still in the infancy stage and more research is needed to determine the plant’s efficacy in preventing or reducing the duration of a cold. 

Preparation

Echinacea can be found in the forms of tea, tincture, and capsule. However, there is no recommended daily intake of the herb. To prepare Echinacea tea:

-Put its contents in a mug

-Boil water and pour about 8 ounces into the mug and allow it to steep for no more than 15 minutes

-Strain to remove the plant contents and serve. You can use stevia, honey, and other natural sweeteners for flavoring. 

Considerations

Echinacea is known to be hard on the digestive system, which can lead to stomach upset. According to experts, you should only use the herb on a short-term basis as continuous use can affect both the liver and the immune system. 

Before using Echinacea, ensure you consult your doctor as it may also interact with medications, especially those that affect the liver. Also, if you are allergic to herbs in the daisy family, like daisies, marigold, and ragweed, there is a good chance you may be allergic to Echinacea as well. 

2. Garlic 

Native to central Asia, garlic is a perennial plant famous for its flavorful bulbs. Nowadays, it is grown in almost every part of the globe and it’s valued both for its medical properties and cooking purposes. 

The Traditional Uses of Garlic

People have been using garlic for over 4000 years. Traditionally, it has been used to prevent infections, lower blood pressure, treat liver disease, colic, intestinal worms, tuberculosis and alleviate fevers. 

Compounds found in garlic are known to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. According to studies, it can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and lower blood pressure. It can also be effective in preventing some forms of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer when it’s consumed either raw or cooked. 

Preparation

As we all know, garlic can be consumed both raw and cooked. Also, it can be used in powder form to season meats, stews, soups, and vegetables. You will also come across garlic supplements in the form of tinctures, oil, and capsules. The recommended daily dose of garlic varies depending on how you use it. A few examples include: 

– Up to five grams of raw, fresh garlic 

– Up to 1 gram of dried garlic powder

– Up to five mg of garlic oil

– Up to 2,400 mg of liquid garlic extract

Important Considerations for Garlic Consumption

If you are looking to supplement with garlic for its medicinal properties, it is advisable to consult a healthcare expert first. Garlic is known to increase the risk of bleeding and shouldn’t be consumed if you’re taking blood thinners. For a similar reason, you should take huge doses of garlic before dental procedures or surgery. 

3. Ginger 

Ginger is a herb with a leafy stem, characterized by yellow-green flowers. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is native to Asia. Ginger is a versatile spice found from the underground stem of the ginger plant and is used all around the world, mainly in foods and beverages. 

The Traditional Uses of Ginger

This herb has been used extensively all over the world in numerous traditional medicines. Over 2 millennia ago, it was valued so much for its medicinal properties that a pound was about the same equal to the cost of a sheep. 

Ginger was commonly used as a remedy for ailments like pain, nausea, and vomiting. Nowadays, it is classified as a herb, medicine, and food, a distinction it has earned over the centuries. 

When it comes to ginger’s medicinal properties, it’s popular for its ability to alleviate nausea. Studies show that ginger helps alleviate nausea and vomiting for pregnant women and those undergoing surgery. 

Thanks to the herb’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s also an effective pain reliever. According to one study, ginger helped alleviate pain and improved mobility in osteoarthritis patients. 

Preparation

As earlier mentioned, ginger is a versatile herb that can be used in varying forms including fresh, dried, powdered, candied, and pickled. It tastes peppery and has a strong and spicy smell. 

There are many ways to consume ginger, including putting it in your tea. You can buy ginger tea bags at the supermarket or make them at home using fresh ginger. When it comes to consuming fresh ginger, ensure you peel the skin using a vegetable peeler. 

Important Considerations

This herb is known to be safe when consumed orally as a dietary supplement and also when used topically on the skin. Its side effects are usually mild and include heartburn, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea, especially when consumed in huge doses. 

Although consuming ginger when pregnant is generally considered safe, it’s best to consult your doctor before using it to alleviate pregnancy-induced nausea or vomiting.

The 7 Psychological Benefits of Students Eating Breakfast

Posted by rstapholz on
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Health & Wellness
The 7 Psychological Benefits of Students Eating Breakfast

According to research, breakfast consumption yields not only one but a range of benefits for young, developing brains. It particularly improves cognitive learning and academic performance, which in turn positively influences several other domains of life.

Here in this post, we shall uncover the top seven psychological benefits for students who consume quality breakfast consistently.

What is Quality Breakfast?

Before we hop onto the benefits, let us acquaint ourselves with the bone of contention, i.e., quality breakfast. So, what exactly qualifies as a quality breakfast?

Quality and healthy breakfast should comprise a balanced amount of nutrients. Some of the essentials include:

  • Whole grains
  • Low-fat dairy
  • Lean protein
  • Vitamins and minerals

Whole grains can be acquired from foodstuffs like cereal, muffins, bread, and bagels. Nuts, legumes, eggs, and lean meat are excellent sources of protein. Meanwhile, milk, cottage cheese, low-sugar yogurt, and natural cheeses are good sources of low-fat dairy. Vegetables and fruits can help acquire an ample supply of vitamins and minerals.

Note that when we list the above, we do not mean consuming one foodstuff per day or breakfast. An ideal breakfast for a college or school-going breakfast should be a combination of all the nutrients listed above. Or at least a combination of most.

For students, preparing such demanding breakfast meals can be hectic and so we recommend opting for readily available healthy foods. For example, you can rely on the Kosher bread basket for your whole grain supply and organic Greek yogurt for your low-fat dairy supply.

#1. It improves physical performance.

When we skip on the first meal of the day, we train our bodies to utilize the reserves of energy. Although this scenario may appear to be nice for some for a few days, it is bound to go downhill. That’s because this is an unhealthy approach.

According to a study skipping your first meal of the day may make you obese and lethargic. It may even make you prone to lifelong health problems like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Hence, breakfast consumption is necessary to maintain overall good physical health and performance. About how this is psychologically beneficial, read on to figure out.

#2. It improves mental health.

No breakfast means reduced energy levels. And reduced energy levels mean fatigue and irritability. Consistency in both these domains means constant distress and damaged mental health. Do you see how this chain only leads to the worst?

For that very reason, consuming breakfast is an absolute must for learning minds. With increased energy levels and lessen fatigue, students will not feel burdened when faced with a new challenging concept. Instead, they will have the right state of mind and stability to cater to their curiosity.

#3. It improves emotional health.

A study found that students who regularly consumed breakfast were likely to be less emotionally disturbed and distressed. It tends to reduce stress as your mind feels energized enough to tackle what life throws at it.

Moreover, beginning the day with a satisfying and fulfilling breakfast also helps lower mood swings. With a happy stomach and energized cells, you can take on the day positively and happily.

#4. It increases retention rates & enhances focus.

A healthy breakfast is known for improvising short-term retention. With the right nutrients supplied to the brain, it does a better job at both absorbing and retaining newly learned information. Plus, the surge of energy brings clarity, and you can focus properly.

#5. It improvises eating habits.

As mentioned earlier, skipping breakfast can mean unhealthy weight gain or weight loss. That’s because when we deprive our body of the energy refuel that it needs right when we wake up, it asks for more food later in the day. So, you may lose some weight in the first few days. But if it becomes a habit, you will gain weight too quickly and in unhealthy ways.

Hence, it’s essential to consume a healthy breakfast. It will keep you fulfilled and satisfied until lunchtime (particularly if it includes a good supply of fiber) and consequently, ensure good intervals between each meal.

#6. It helps with stress levels.

Be it a primary level student or a Ph.D. level student. Stress is a common aspect of life. And it is often leading and dominating life. A healthy breakfast can help tackle this well. It improves mental health and emotional health. Thus, bringing about stability in our behavior and focus. It improves overall performance. And using this, when students can keep up with their schedules and due tasks, it reduces the stress.

#7. It assists with brain development.

Along with enhancing moods, breakfast also helps with brain development. Roxanne Sukol MD says that when we supply our brain with the nutrients it requires, it uses them to build blocks of life, i.e., necessary proteins, enzymes, brain tissue, and any neurotransmitters. Hence, a good breakfast can practically help you develop your brain and achieve your maximum potential.

Final Words

Summing up, a healthy breakfast can improve the overall health status of a student and help improve their performance in academics and life in general. It could be a real game-changer for those who feel arrested by lethargy.

How To Get Organized With Your Medications

Posted by rstapholz on
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Health & Wellness
How To Get Organized With Your Medications

If you have to take a lot of medications, then it can be quite challenging to be organized. There would be days where you have a lot of tasks and you feel overwhelmed and it would be quite helpful if you didn’t have to stress about taking the right types and amounts of medications.

So, in this post, we will look at a couple of ways that you can get your medications organized so you can always ensure you’re taking the best care of your health.

Purchase A Pill Organizer

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to get your medication organized is to use a pill organizer. You can easily buy this at any pharmacy or check out our personal selection. In most cases, these pill organizers have about 7 or 8 compartments that are labeled. Each compartment is for each day of the week with an extra compartment as a spare.

This is a great way to keep your medications on track so you know exactly what to take on each day of the week. It is especially helpful if you have to take different medications on different days.

Create Reminders & Set Alarms

If you usually forget to take your medication every day at the same time, then you should put an alarm on your phone so that you’re reminded to do so. The vast majority of mobile phones have reminders and alarms that you can use. This will help you to remember exactly when to take your pills, regardless of where you are.

Create A Schedule

One of the easiest ways to remember to take your medications is to make it a habit to take them at the same time, every day. So, for example, you can make this time in the morning, before or after breakfast.

Alternatively, you can take your medications right before bed after brushing your teeth. When you have a schedule, it will make taking your medications a habit that you automatically remember every day. It is also a great strategy if you don’t want to completely rely on your phone alarm.

Get your prescriptions online by QuickRXRefill for an easy way to order prescriptions.

Store All Medications In One Area

Make sure that you store all of your medications and prescriptions in one area that is dry and safe. This area should also be secure so they don’t easily get lost or even damaged. This will make it more likely that you’ll take them when you need to.

If you travel frequently, then you should consider using the Deluxe Pill Organizer since this will keep all your pills together in one place that you can keep with you, wherever you travel.

Create A Checklist

If you need to start taking a new medication, then creating a checklist is a good idea. When you have a list that contains all of the medications you have to take as well as the quantities, times, etc., this is very helpful for yourself and your doctor. Your doctor would be able to easily see what medications you’re taking, the quantities as well as how often you’re taking them.

This will ensure they don’t prescribe additional medications that negatively interact with the pills you’re already taking. It will also be a great way to get your medications organized so that you don’t get confused or forget what you’re taking or need to take.

Speak To Your Doctor

If the medications prescribed to you by your medical professional are confusing, be sure to have a chat with them to see if there are any simpler alternatives. However, remember that your pharmacist can also help as they are a part of your healthcare team. If you have issues, be sure to also talk to your pharmacist as they can likely assist. They’d also be able to assist in creating a medication checklist to keep you organized.

Your Dirty Car Could Cause Serious Health Problems

Posted by rstapholz on
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Health & Wellness
Your Dirty Car Could Cause Serious Health Problems

A recent study showed that dirty cars are breeding deadly germs, bacteria, and bugs like E Coli, MRSA, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus. All these germs and bacteria were found on steering wheels, gearing knobs, door handles, car mats, and under the seat.

This study also showed that 60% of car drivers eat food in their dirty cars. Eating food in a dirty car can lead to food poisoning, nausea, vomiting, and other serious infections. We clean our rooms daily but we forget to clean the cars that we use daily for commuting.

Many health experts advise that we should clean cars daily and especially the interior of the cars as we spend a lot of our time inside the car. To help you out on how to clean your car interior, here are a few tips that you can use every day to keep your car clean.

1.      Look Under That Seat!

This is the first thing to do if you want your car to be clean and welcoming.

Get rid of all items that don’t belong in your car such as bottles, toys, wrappers, coins, etc. As you won’t be able to vacuum those items, it makes sense to get rid of them beforehand. In fact, you should look under all seats to see whether there are some surprises for you in there.

In order to make your life easier, you may want to use a car trash can to throw your empty coffee cups, cans, and sandwich wrappers. It’s easier to empty this trash can as needed instead of picking your trash from the floor or from under the seats.

2.      Shake Your Floor Mats Out Every Now And Then

This is the easiest thing you can do to make your car look cleaner with barely any effort. There’s no need for further explanation on this one. Invest in Ford Fiesta car mats here.

3.      Vacuum-Up That Popcorn!

If you’re like most of us, you do eat popcorn and Cheerios in your car. How many of those do you think you’ll find on the floor?

Thoroughly vacuum everything: the seats, the floor, the mats, the carpets, the trucks, the door panels, and the dashboard. If you have a detailing brush, use it to clean the air vents. There’s going to be a lot of dust, so make sure you have your vacuum cleaner ready to suck it up!

4.      Wipe Down And Polish All Surfaces

If car cleaning wipes are too expensive for you, consider using baby wipes to remove dirt and grime. In fact, you should be storing one pack of wet wipes in your glove compartment to have it handy whenever required. This will make it very easy for you to address all spills just as they occur.

After you wipe everything carefully, spray a small amount of polish onto the plastic surfaces and buff them with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid electrical parts.

5.      Give Your Vehicle Back The New Car Smell

Everyone adores the new car smell. You can enjoy it even in an old car, provided that you use the following recipe.

Homemade Carpet Freshener

  • 2 cups of regular baking soda
  • 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil

Find a container with a shaker lid. Put the baking soda and the essential oil inside. Cover the container and shake it well. Then, let it sit for 24 hours.

Sprinkle this solution over your carpets and allow it to act for 20-30 minutes. Vacuum everything up and enjoy the results

6.      Clean Those Cup Holders

Many car owners overlook cup holders. This is why they fail at making their car look clean. In order to clean the edges of these cup holders, use some Q-tips and some water or cleaning solution.

7.      Make Your Own Window Cleaner

A little vinegar (half cup would do), mixed with one cup of water and 1/4 of alcohol will make the least expensive, eco-friendly window cleaner.

8.      Easy Stain Removal

You can clean seat stains with a solution of water and vinegar in equal parts. Just apply it to the stained area and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Wipe it thoroughly with a wet cloth.

Gas Safety: Common Health Hazards of Gas Heating & Their Precautions

Posted by rstapholz on
2
Health & Wellness
Gas Safety: Common Health Hazards of Gas Heating & Their Precautions

Winter season is approaching again, and necessary preparations must be made by its arrival. Several homeowners depend on gas heaters to make the cold and harsh weather bearable. This is because the appliance and its fuel are affordable in many parts of the world, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t carry its own risks.

Risks Associated with Gas Heaters

However, gas heaters are dangerous to use in case of carelessness. If your gas heater isn’t set up correctly, gas leaks can occur, which can cause suffocation. As the gas they use is highly flammable, a small spark can create a big explosion to destroy your home.

Another risk is that your gas heater can emit toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide into your room either because of improper servicing or the gas burner got damaged. If gas heaters aren’t connected to proper ventilation systems, these gases can spread throughout your home and deteriorate the health of all household members.

According to the CDC’s report released in 2014, an average of 420 deaths occurred yearly in the time period 1999-2010 due to unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. To keep yourself and your family members safe from such tragedies, you must know the danger signs and precautionary measures while dealing with gas heaters. Below is a comprehensive guide.

1)   Indoor Air Pollution Due to Gas Heating

Do you feel dizzy when sitting near your gas heater? Chances are that it’s releasing toxic gases into your room, polluting your indoor environment. A gas heater gives heat by burning natural gas or LPG.

If the natural gas isn’t combusted properly, harmful pollutants are released that can bring adverse effects to your health. These pollutants are carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.

A.     Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless poisonous gas thus frequently called a silent killer. As this gas is less dense, it spreads throughout the house easily. When in low concentration, it can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and even confusion.

People facing health complications such as asthma, chronic illnesses (heart or lung diseases), etc., are at greater risk of facing severe effects. Pregnant women are more vulnerable as they can lose their babies due to prolonged exposure.

Symptoms become severe with longer exposure, which includes vomiting, fainting, brain damage, irregular heartbeat, etc. A person can die within 5 minutes of exposure to a high concentration of carbon monoxide.

B.     Nitrogen Dioxide

Another by product produced by a gas heater is nitrogen dioxide gas. This harmful gas has a reddish-brown colour and gives off a sweet-sharp smell. Its symptoms include irritation in the respiratory tract, eyes, nose, and throat.

Exposure to NO2 for longer periods causes greater impacts on the respiratory system.

  • People suffering from asthma may become prone to lung infections or asthma attacks.
  • Longer exposure to higher concentrations of NO2 can result in a person getting acute or chronic bronchitis.
  • Children are vulnerable to attaining respiratory infections.
  • Inflammation of the airways.

C.      Prevention

If you feel any of the above-mentioned symptoms while the gas heater is running, follow the below-mentioned necessary precautions:

  • Turn the gas heater off and open the windows of your house immediately.
  • Evacuate your loved ones, pets, and staff from the premises.
  • Call or rush to a nearby hospital to get examined for carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide poisoning.
  • Get your gas heater serviced by a licensed gas safety engineer.
  • Check for blockage in ventilation pipes.

Look for the following signs to recognize inappropriate venting of a gas heater:

  • All members of the household feel sick when the gas heater is running.
  • People feel flu-like symptoms diminishing when they move out of the house.
  • Excess condensation on windows indoors.

2)    Leakage of LPG or Natural Gas

Gas heaters run on LPG or Natural gas, both of which smell like rotten eggs. If you notice this kind of smell while using your gas heater, it indicates a gas leak. Gas leaks are responsible for numerous deaths due to suffocation or explosions. You must make sure to switch off the gas supply in case of leakage.

A.     Deadly Fires or Explosions

As you may know, both LPG and Natural gas are highly flammable. A small spark can cause the gas to ignite, giving us fire and heat. However, if the same gas leaks into any one of your rooms, that can result in harmful consequences. The gas can easily spread across rooms, and then turning on or off a switch can cause those rooms to catch fire or may even cause an explosion.

B.     Asphyxia Or Death from Suffocation

Gas leaks can be fatal if high concentrations of LPG spread into all parts of the house. This can cause members of the house to suffocate due to a lack of oxygen.

Breathing in high concentrations of this gas can cause asphyxia (lack of oxygen). It causes difficulty breathing, slow pulse rate, and even losing consciousness. If left to worsen can result in death.

C.      Prevention

If a gas leak occurs in your home, remember not to turn on or off any kind of electrical switches. Then follow the precautionary measures below.

  • Switch off the gas supply from your gas meter or the gas cylinder.
  • Turn off your gas heater.
  • Open all doors and windows of your house.
  • Evacuate all household members.
  • Call Emergency services if anyone is having symptoms of asphyxia.

Schedule an Appointment with a Gas Safety Engineer to prevent gas leakage and related hazards. A professional gas safety engineer can inspect your appliances for safety & diagnose problems.

Getting it serviced annually will help you to safeguard household members from health hazards such as asphyxia or carbon monoxide poisoning. A gas safety check cost ranges from £30.00 to £150.00 depending on the number of gas heaters used.

Ensure that you use a gas heater in an area of proper ventilation. If the ventilation system of your house is blocked, get it serviced by a professional.

You’re Ready to Make Your Home Safe from Gas Hazards

It’s important for people to know the risks and hazards of gas heating to protect themselves and others from mishaps. If you notice any gas leakage, get it investigated immediately and check for symptoms of long-term gas exposure. The above-mentioned precautionary measures discuss how you can watch out for these health hazards and take the necessary precautions to keep your family safe.

5 Tips To Ensure Healthy Gaming Practices

Posted by rstapholz on
0
Health & Wellness
5 Tips To Ensure Healthy Gaming Practices

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized gaming addiction as a mental health disorder. As a parent, you may feel worried about the behaviors your child experience around online gaming. You may also find it hard to create a healthy gaming balance for your kids. To help you out in this difficult situation, here are 5 tips to help you create a healthy gaming balance for your kids.

  1. Establish Limits

A Mott poll has recently revealed its shocking findings that most parents aren’t aware of the extent of their children’s gaming habits. Parents that know their children are gamers have reported that 54% dedicate three or more hours per day to gaming. Only 13% of gamer parents believe their child spends more time gaming than average, while 78% believe their child plays video games equivalent to that of peers. It is fine to have some level of gaming time and partake in some online gambling games so long as it is done with caution.

The poll also reveals that teen boys are twice as likely to spend their time gaming than girls. Meanwhile, parents of teen boys also admit that their child can spend three or more hours gaming in a given day.

It is important that parents limit screen-based entertainment for their teens to no more than two hours per day. Parents should actively limit their child’s playing time as not doing so may significantly impact other areas of their lives.

In order to successfully impose limitations on gaming, parents should not leave gaming consoles and systems in the bedroom. Most importantly, gaming expectations should be made clear from the start so teens aren’t left in the dark. It is also crucial to remove all tech gadgets from the dinner table. The idea behind controlling gaming habits is ensuring that teens don’t sacrifice schoolwork, spending time with friends, and interacting with family for gaming after school.

*Parents may also choose to hide gaming equipment in an effort to control negative gaming behavior.

  1. Disallow Violent Games

The jury is still out whether violent video games provoke teens to commit real-life violence, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Research has found, however, that teens who play violent games often end up lacking empathy and are more prone to handling weapons than those that don’t. As such, parents should help teens find fun alternatives to violent games.

There are non-violent alternatives to favorite games out there. For example, if a teen loves playing Minecraft, letting them only play creative mode versus survival mode will help reduce exposure to violence. Teens may love fantasy or strategy games filled with violence, but Common Sense Media can help parents find alternatives to these games.

It is crucial that parents are involved in their teen’s gaming behavior, but aren’t restricting to the point of suffocation. For example, parents may wish to see their children while they’re gaming or simply ask about the things they’re exposed to in the game.

About four in ten parents do their best to restrict video game playing. Usually, parents of teens aged between 13 to 15 will check maturity ratings on games to ensure they’re safe for their children.

  1. Know To Look For Signs Of Trouble

Parents need to constantly look for key signs of trouble that their teen is spending too much of their time gaming. Excessive gaming may often impact other areas of a teen’s life such as a lack of interest in other hobbies, less sleep, unfinished homework assignments, and less time spent with friends or family.

It is not uncommon for teens to play video games anywhere from four to eight hours, but this alarming habit often yields plenty of other problems. Apart from the non-stop sedentary nature of gaming, teens may gain weight, academics can suffer, and a lack of sleep may result in unhealthy behavior. It is important as a parent to act quickly at the first signs of trouble. Whether pulling the plug on gaming or asking for professional help, it is necessary to seek assistance in some way.

  1. Gaming With Parents

The ‘can’t beat them then join them’ mentality can do wonders for parent-teen relationships. Some parents may turn gaming into a whole family affair and that does allow a certain sense of control into the environment without becoming overbearing. When adults engage with their children using technology, it becomes a gateway to other interests and forms of communication.

Too much gaming is bad for any one person, but it can seriously impact the life of a teen. Parents should actively seek out ways to make gaming a relationship-building activity versus one that negatively impacts the life of their child. In fact, inviting other friends over for gaming sessions can make it into a social gathering. Many teens develop “online friendships” with gaming buddies, but this may make it hard for them to connect with others in real life. They should have the ability to separate their gaming activity from their friendships. A modern problem is that teens are having trouble communicating their thoughts and feelings as they’re too attuned to online interaction. Physically gaming with friends can help address this widespread issue.

In a hospital setting that treats mental health issues as a result of excessive gaming, virtual reality is employed. By giving teens video games and virtual reality, it teaches them to interact with peers once again.

  1. Create Alternative Solutions

Parents that have participated in a recent gaming study have revealed that they do actively try to limit their teens’ gaming time. From enforcing a time limit to encouraging other healthier hobby alternatives, most parents are aware of what their children are doing.

What many kids don’t understand is that video games are created with hooking people in mind. This means they always give some type of “reward” or “incentive” for spending more time gaming such as cool new weapons or a better score. Many studies and books have been written about the psychology behind gaming, and video game creators take advantage of this. Teens with attention problems or mental disorders are especially at risk for developing excessive gaming habits, which is why parents need to pay attention.

The best way to limit video games is to hone other interests. For some, this may be sports or group activities, and for others, it may be art or computer coding.

Preparing for Your Magic Mushroom Journey- Practical Advice from Psychable

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Health & Wellness
Preparing for Your Magic Mushroom Journey- Practical Advice from Psychable

Psilocybin (also known as magic mushrooms) is a natural psychedelic substance that can be used for spiritual and therapeutic purposes. Psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of therapeutic use and have been used by indigenous cultures for thousands of years. Magic mushrooms are gaining popularity in the Western world, with many people seeking out how to take psilocybin in order to experience its hallucinogenic effects and to benefit their mental health.

Psilocybin mushrooms are currently listed as a Schedule 1 drug and are illegal in the United States and most other countries, but continued research on its health effects may eventually change that status.

Organizations like Psychable and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) are not only focused on spreading awareness and advocating for the decriminalization of psychedelic substances like magic mushrooms but also aim to share information that focuses on harm reduction strategies. One important harm reduction strategy is to ensure that you are adequately prepared for a psychedelic experience. It will help ensure that you are safe and will reduce the likelihood of experiencing a bad trip. We’ve compiled some practical advice from Psychable about how best to prepare for your own personal journey with psychedelics.

Find a Safe Place For Your Magic Mushroom Trip

The first and most important thing you need to do to prepare for your experience with magic mushrooms is to find a safe place where you feel comfortable.

Many people choose an outdoor setting for their magic mushroom experience. Getting outside and connecting with nature is a strong reminder that we are a part of something larger than ourselves. An outdoor setting is often the most popular choice for taking magic mushrooms because it can lead to powerful spiritual experiences.

If you choose an outdoor setting to experience magic mushrooms, consider choosing a place that is far enough away that you won’t encounter distractions. You may want to find somewhere where you can go on a hike or sit quietly and enjoy the views of nature. Having a sober sitter or guide accompany you on your trip is important so that you don’t put yourself in danger around water or roads. You should also make sure that someone knows where you are and how to find you in case of an emergency.

If you choose an indoor setting, a good place would be your own home. Home is typically a comfortable and familiar place where one feels in control. To a certain extent, you can control the environment by altering things like indoor temperature or lighting. You can also control the environment by doing things like diffusing a comforting scent, like lavender, which could help reduce any pre-journey jitters or anxiety.

Your Safe Place Includes People, Too

Finding a safe place also includes making sure you are comfortable with the people you are surrounded with. Especially if this is your first time trying magic mushrooms, it might be helpful for you to have a guide or sober sitter who has experience with taking shrooms. This should be a person you trust and who is committed to staying sober throughout your experience.

Decide if a Psilocybin Retreat is Right For You

Because psilocybin is still illegal in the United States, many people opt to attend magic mushroom retreats, which are often held in South America or other countries. Retreats are held in countries where psilocybin is legal, which makes some people feel more comfortable since they aren’t breaking any laws by partaking.

Magic mushroom retreats are often held in beautiful, tropical settings where the surrounding beaches and lush greenery bring to mind a sense of calm, peace, and closeness with nature. Packages may include lodging, healthy meals, individual check-ins with facilitators or sitters, and guided preparation activities. While this option may not be feasible for all people, for those looking for a holistic wellness experience and who want to focus on their overall mental health, it may be a great choice. You can search for magic mushroom retreats here. 

Prepare your Mind and Body

Once you are sure you have a safe and comfortable setting, you should prepare your mind and body. This means doing things like getting enough to eat and enough sleep the night before to help with any fatigue or tiredness that comes from traveling if you are going to a retreat somewhere away from home. You also want to make sure to have a good, healthy meal and drink plenty of water. These are all good habits to incorporate into your life anyway!

You’ll want to make sure you have supplies handy that you may need throughout the experience. Here is a list of some things to consider having on hand:

  • Plenty of water or electrolyte heavy beverages (like coconut water) to keep you hydrated, as you may experience fluctuations in body temperature.
  • A notebook or journal and pen so you can record your thoughts and experiences. You may want to come back to these at a later date to fully process your magic mushroom experience.
  • A playlist of calming music. You should choose music that is personal to you and aligns with your taste. If you are using your phone to play music, consider turning it on airplane mode to reduce distractions.

Consider What You Want to Get Out of Your Experience With Magic Mushrooms

It’s important to know what you want to gain from the experience, but also to have realistic expectations. Are you going on a journey for healing? Exploration? What do you hope will be different in your life after your experience with the drug?

If your goal is simply relaxation and introspection, just knowing that should help prepare your body and mind more effectively. But remember that it’s okay if nothing happens- different psychedelic drugs work differently on certain people. Rather than going into the experience with a certain set of expectations, try to approach the experience with curiosity and accept whatever the experience has in store for you.

If you’re going on a journey for healing, then it’s important to be mindful of that intention. If there are unresolved emotions or trauma that need processing, know that your brain may be about to relive some unprocessed emotions, which can be both an intense and positive experience at the same time. Many people find it worthwhile to have a trained therapist help them process and integrate the experience following the journey.

##Understand the Risks of Taking Psilocybin Mushrooms

Psilocybin mushrooms are not addictive but they do carry some mild risk of adverse reactions.

It’s rare for someone to have adverse reactions after taking mushrooms; however, it can happen. The most common adverse reactions are nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. You can reduce your chances of experiencing these adverse reactions by starting with a small dose. How much you take can make a difference in what the effects will feel like.

Take special care to not consume other hallucinogens or drugs while on shrooms, as this can put you at a higher risk of having an adverse reaction and may change the effects.

For more information on how to take psilocybin mushrooms, check out this article.

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