Rebecca Alston, Author at Mamas Like Me

Is It Time for Your Partner to Have a Vasectomy?

Are you and your partner happy with the size of your family? If you feel that your family is complete and you are looking for a permanent birth control option, a vasectomy may be the right choice. Let’s go over your options, and what should be thought about before jumping right in.

Vasectomy vs. Tubal Ligation

Before you start looking into vasectomies, you may want to do research on tubal ligation (otherwise known as “getting you tubes tied”). Tubal Ligation does come with risks, typically more risks than the standard vasectomy. For today, we will be focusing on the vasectomy option, which has been found to be safer in studies.

What Is A Vasectomy?

Let’s first discuss how vasectomies work. A vasectomy works to permanently disrupt the flow of sperm from the testicle to the ejaculatory ducts within the prostate gland. Because of this, a vasectomy blocks sperm from reaching ejaculated semen. Eventually, the production of sperm within the testicles gradually will slow down over time and will be reabsorbed by the body.

The Types of A Vasectomy

There are two different types of vasectomy surgeries that are usually offered by urologists. These two types are the conventional vasectomy and the no-scalpel vasectomy. Before deciding, you will want to talk to a specialized doctor to see which procedure would be a better fit for you. Dr. Howard Tay specializes in the no-scalpel procedure which can usually be done through a single opening which is unlike the conventional vasectomy in which one or two small cuts are made in the skin.

“Most men recover very quickly from a vasectomy, and even quicker with the no-scalpel vasectomy procedure,” shared Dr. Tay.

Before Getting A Vasectomy

Before you and your partner decide to get a vasectomy, it is important to know about the risks and what to expect post-procedure. As previously mentioned, vasectomies are relatively safe procedures but can sometimes lead to complications such as swelling and/or bruising, inflammation, or Infection. Here are some of the risks:

A change of mind: If you and your partner later decide that you want to add on to your family, a reversal surgery is a complicated process that is not guaranteed to work.
Failed vasectomy: While this is not common, it is possible.
Infections/complications: Infections, bleeding, growth, and pain (including post-vasectomy pain syndrome) can occur. This is very uncommon and can usually be treated with medication or a minor procedure.

While it is a common myth that vasectomies cause other medical conditions such as heart disease, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, or other health problems, this has not been found to be true. Vasectomies also don’t affect the patient’s sexual health, sexual organs, or cause pain during sex.

Before you make your final decision, you should always talk to your urologist to see if it is a safe option for your family.

How Delta 10 Is Different From Delta 8

Cannabis plants are nature’s gift to humankind, it contains innumerable chemical compounds, including a special set of compounds, called cannabinoids. We all have heard about the major cannabinoids “CBD and THC. But many are unaware of the variety of THC. There are facts regarding the legal issues concerning “THC ” but these legal issues have only to deal with delta 9 THC. However, delta 8 and delta 10 are the most noticeable. These compounds sound extremely similar to delta 9 THC; however, they are quite distinct and are not prohibited by law.

What exactly is Delta 8 THC?

Unlike its close isomers delta 9, it is not a major cannabinoid rather it is a minor cannabinoid because it is found in only small, trace amounts in these plants. It is scarce in natural hemp, and its extraction is both laborious and costly. It is known to be possessed by psychoactive properties. Although its resemblance to delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol, delta 8 THC’s psychoactive effects are significantly less effective than its isomers, which have given marijuana a negative reputation. That’s why delta 8 THC comes with much less health risk than delta 9. delta 8 also binds with the CBI receptors, quite like delta 9 to produce a euphoric uplift.

What exactly is delta 10 THC?

Delta 10 THC is an isomer of delta 9 THC and one of the more than 100 cannabinoids found in hemp. It was discovered in an accident by the Fusion farms, a cannabis company based in California, as a byproduct of a forest fire. They had brought some outdoor-grown cannabis to produce hemp extract concentrates. With the help of the forest fire, the hemp was contaminated with fire retardants.

Delta 10 THC, a rare molecular isomer of delta 8 and 9 THCs, has a very strange-looking crystalline structure that looks like any other cannabinoids found in nature. Researchers had from time to time since then been fixated with the idea of this newly found compound as being cannabichrome (CBC), until advancements in cannabinoids detecting technology led them to realize what it really was. As for its effects, it resembles its isomers delta 8 and delta 9, in spite of its psychotropic potency it is way lower than delta 9 THC and slightly lower than delta 8 THC. People often delta 10 for sale to get the best deal on the product.

These cannabinoids don’t exactly occur naturally in cannabis plants. It occurs in such minute levels that extracting it from any cannabis strain is a daunting task that needs more time and effort than removing delta 8. In many cases, the traces of delta 10 THC are so minute that chemical laboratories often mistake If for some other compound.

How different are delta 8 and delta 10 from each other?

Psychoactive properties

All THC compounds are capable of producing intoxication. The intensity of the intoxication in the cases of three compounds i.e., delta8,9,10 THC varies. It is known that delta 9 has the most intensive psychoactive properties that could lead to anxiety, discomfort, paranoia, depression, migraines, and even hallucinations.

However, delta 8 and delta 10 have significantly lower psychotropic effects than delta 9. Delta 8 THC produces a moderate, uplifting high. Aside from a moderate buzz, you may experience relaxation and a heightened sensation of hunger. Delta 10 THC, on the other hand, generates a gentler high than delta 8 THC.

Comparing the two, delta 10 increases focus, creativity, and energy, while producing a very weak euphoria, whereas delta 8 promotes deep relaxation and could even serve as a sleeping aid without the side effects of typical sedatives.

Chemical structure

The primary distinction is the position of the c=c double bond. Both delta 8 and delta 10 THCs have the same double bond, their molecular structures just like delta 9 THC- their different placement makes them chemically different.

Source

Delta 8 THC is derived from hemp. Yet, in certain hemp strains, this is not present in adequate concentration. Delta 10 THC is occasionally found in natural cannabis, and when it occurs, it is present in very little composition.

Which is better and safer for consumption delta 8 or delta 10?

It depends on which form you are comfortable with, besides the other important considerations include the onset time of effect and safety factor for your individual physiological condition. That is why it is suggested to consult a medical expert before indulging yourself in any kind of drug course. In respect to any other medical stress the individual might have.

Review

Both drugs prove to attain a lot of health benefits, but it only is an advantage when the dosages are taken responsibly with medical experts’ perception. Otherwise, it may lead to some serious side effects. These cannabinoids vary from individual to individual depending on their health condition, body weight, gender, existing medications, etc. So it is strictly recommended to consult a health specialist.

Easy Tips to Set Up a Family Budget

Running a family can be time-consuming to the extent that you hardly have enough time for yourself, let alone coming up with a family budget. However, creating a family budget is the best step to attain this financial freedom when you need fast title loans only if you want to travel abroad.

We should say that learning the dos and don’ts of setting up a family budget requires deliberate effort from you to understand its technicalities. Having said this, grab a seat and a cup of coffee as we walk you through tips on how to prepare family budgets:

1. Choose a Suitable Budgeting Tool

If you’ve been wondering what are the components of the family budget, and where you can start from, we have the answer. Start from the basics! Understand the type of budgeting tool that will work best for you in recording and analyzing your family budget.

There are currently two main types of such tools: the good old pen and paper ledgers and the second are digitized budgeting tools. If you like paper more, acquiring accounting ledgers is easy and affordable. This tool will help you track your incoming and outgoing money as it corresponds to your bank statements.

On the other hand, you can choose the easier way and get a family budget tracker online. This digitized budgeting tool will help you track your expenses and show how your credits and debits affect your financial goals. What’s more, the software they use will eliminate the need to write down and balance your sheets daily manually.

2. Factor in Your Bank Statements

Do you want to know how to manage the family budget? You need all the tools that summarize your outgoing and incoming funds. The best for you to start is with your bank statements and other devices such as receipts, loan interests, and credit card and bill statements.

After gathering all these tools, your next step should be placing them into either outgoing funds or incoming funds categories. Once you’re done, you should tally them and compare the totals from both categories. It’s common to find that your total outgoing amount is higher than the incoming amount, which shouldn’t make you too worried. You’ll see the tables turning once you learn how to make a family budget for a month and follow it to the letter.

3. Highlight Your Variable and Fixed Expenses in Your Family Budget

So, what are the elements of the family budget? Among many others, there are fixed and variable expenses. They are a crucial category that you need to bring out. Once you have the totals of your expenditure, you should subdivide this debit section of your family budget into subsections for better analysis.

These sub-categories could include fixed utilities such as water and electric bills and debts like a mortgage. Out of the many sub-sections that you can come up with for your expenses, the one you should pay close attention to is your discretionary expenditure (snacks, clothes, travel).

The reason for this is these expenses tend to accumulate quickly, and you’ll be surprised that they even surpass some of your fixed bills put together. At this point, you may be wondering how to plan family budgets and have more cash at the end of the month. The best way to achieve it is by monitoring and cutting costs in this sub-category.

4. Kickstart Your Ledger or Family Budget Program

Now when we understand what’s family budget is all about and how to plan for it, ensure that your budget categories and their totals are well prepared. After doing so, add them into your digital budget program or open them and watch as your family budget begins to gain momentum. Always remember that your immediate goal is to ensure that your income is always more than your expenditure.

With your financial numbers well laid before, you can tackle your family budget more objectively. As we said before, your discretionary expenditure could be the main game-changer. You could allocate money every month only for the necessary expenses, and cultivate a culture of not spending even a dollar more than you plan.

With less overspending, you can use the extra cash to accumulate better savings and reduce your debts. Consistency with the above steps will pay off in the long run, and you’ll be headed towards financial freedom in no time.

Conclusion

Money and budget management are not as complex as you think. Once you follow the step-by-step guide above to develop a realistic family budget, controlling your family’s finances will be much more manageable. Get a good hold on how much money you earn, how much money you owe, and where your money is going.

After this analysis, set up structures to help you cut back on unnecessary expenditures and use the extra cash to achieve your financial goals.

Do you have any other proven steps of coming up with a reasonable family budget? Kindly share with us by commenting below.

Daniel Miller is an experienced specialist in the business and financial area. Daniel has also worked as a financial advisor at a bank and provided consulting and advice about budgets, savings, insurance, stocks, retirement funds, tax advice, etc. He is currently doing specific research on the topic.

3 Ways That Personalized Books Make Kids Fall In Love With Reading

Learning to read is one of the most important things your child will ever do. Story time is the backbone of any successful day in a child’s early development, and as parents, it is our duty to engage our kids with reading as much as we can.

However, in today’s fast-paced, technologically-advanced society, enticing a child to sit down and read a book is probably a more difficult task than it’s ever been before. Amidst all the phones and tablets and laptops and video games, how can we make reading exciting for them?

For me, personalized books have been a Godsend. These are story or learning books personalized with your child’s name, and often a photo, making them immediately stand out from all the other books on the shelf. Many personalized books, like the ones available here, feature the child’s name not just in the text, but also in the pictures and illustrations. In this post, I look at three reasons why personalized books are a great way to make your child fall in love with reading!

1. Making Your Child Centre of Attention

We all know that most young children love nothing more than being the centre of attention all the time. Personalized books do a great job of accomplishing that, by putting them front and centre.

We’ve all been in the situation when our children ask to hear a story, and we know what they want is to hear some version of the classic “Once upon a time, there was a very special girl named Sarah” (or whatever their name may be of course!) Kids love imagining themselves as princesses, or brave knights – often a real test of our imagination! But with a personalized storybook, all the hard work is done for you, as they tell classic fairytale stories with your child as the star of the show.

Personalized books can also be extremely effective for the less confident child. Placing them in the story as the hero can instill them with pride and self-assurance as they read or listen to a story in which they accomplish incredible feats and save the day! In their personalized stories, they can do anything, and this knowledge can transfer over to their own lives.

Finally, a personalized book can be a really simple way to remind a struggling child just how loved they are. Maybe they’re having a hard time at school, or perhaps a younger sibling has just been born, stealing the limelight that was previously exclusive to them! In any case, their unique personalized book, focused completely on them, will surely let them know that whatever changes may happen, they’re still very special, and always will be.

2. Engaging Reluctant Readers

Numerous studies have shown how a child’s early reading ability can have a direct correlation to their overall academic performance through high school, as well as their lifelong earning potential. With this in mind, many experts recommend beginning reading to your baby as soon as he or she is born!

Despite the obvious benefits of reading, some children, try as we might, are simply not interested in it. Of course, we can’t just give up – rather, it’s our job to make reading exciting for them in some way.

Personalized books are better positioned to entice reluctant readers, particularly those who are most stimulated visually. Many personalized books feature the child’s name not just in the text, but also in the pictures and illustrations. Sometimes they are even hidden, creating a fun game for the child to try and find them!

Personalization creates a different element to reading books, making them seem more fresh and interesting than the books at school or the library.

3. A Fresh Take on Old Favorites

All kids love Disney, right? Personalized Disney books have taken off massively over the past few years. Some simply can’t get enough of Moana, Olaf, Dory and Buzz Lightyear, and digest as much of these characters and stories as their brains allow, in a variety of forms. Other children, especially in this era of the internet and streaming services, prefer to stick to just watching on TV. To them, a storybook can’t compete with a motion picture. Unless…

Personalized books offer a fresh take on your child’s favorite stories – instead of just retelling the tale on paper, they place your child right into the heart of the story, offering them the unique opportunity to visit Wonderland, the Hundred Acre Wood, Monstropolis or Pride Rock in a way they never have before.

Personalized books are not just limited to Disney though! With many companies offering a diverse range, you can be sure that whatever their preference, their favorite characters are waiting for them to join in and come along for the ride.

Setting Up an Outdoor Infrared Sauna? Here Are a Few Things You Need to Consider

Saunas have been standard gym equipment for muscle relaxing. The introduction of the infrared sauna has taken this a notch up as they offer stress relief as well as endless health benefits. If you enjoy unwinding your day by relaxing in a sauna at your own place, get an outdoor infra-red sauna. Here are a few things you should keep in mind before ordering one.

1. Check the Regulations:

Many people do not realize that even if they own a property, they cannot just put up a structure without following certain regulations. In fact, several organizations set up some rules regarding how to build in your own land. Especially the Home Owners association regulates the addition of extra structures and how they look like. Also, if your structure blocks your neighbor’s view or privacy, they may complain against the structure. In fact, failure to comply with codes may result in the forceful removal of the new structure that means your money will go down the drain. You may also need a building permit if it is a permanent structure instead of the portable one. Also, you may additionally need to pay taxes for it. Take all these into consideration before you proceed with the infrared outdoor sauna.

2. Check the Warranty Coverage:

Every infrared sauna comes with some warranty. You should check the coverage. Many have a clause included where the warranty gets void if you set up the sauna outdoors. Hence make sure to use a company that sells outdoor infrared sauna such as http://saunacloud.com with a warranty coverage of 5 years on all outdoor parts and a lifetime warranty on all indoor parts so that you can enjoy your leisure time without any worries.

3. Check If You Have the Needed Space:

It may get tempting to add a big infrared sauna to the outdoor space, but you should consider if you really have the space outdoor. A large sauna that can fit 10-12 people can use a lot of space, eating up all the outdoor space. Eventually, if you decide to sell the property, it may not look that appealing to your new buyers. A good way is to find the largest sauna at your price point to fit into the defined outdoor space. You will be surprised to know that even a small sauna can accommodate multiple people.

4. Put Some Thought into How Do You Plan to Use It:

Do you plan to call your friends to use the sauna, or is it just you who intend to use it? Are you putting one to increase your home value, or will you carry it along if you move? You should put some real thoughts into how to plan to use the sauna to decide its size, add-on, and structure. For example, if you are looking to move it, you can opt for a portable sauna. For using it in cold weather, rating an enclosed pathway between your home and sauna will help you access it easily.

Hotter is not exactly better when it comes to saunas. In fact, intense heat levels can be dangerous for your skin and body. Try out a sauna session to make sure you enjoy it without experiencing any overheating. Understand the kind of therapeutic benefits you can get from the infrared sauna and make sure it adds value to your life.

The Bottom Line:

With the endless benefits that infrared sauna provide, it makes sense to get one in your own home. Just taking care of a few things will ensure that your experience of owning one is all positive.

8 Amazing Benefits of Waste Management and Recycling

One of the most important tasks we, as a humanity, have is to provide our future generations with a healthy and bright future. However, the way things are going right now, it seems like we’re failing our task miserably.

But not all is lost just yet. While big corporations need to change their ways from the root and be held accountable for their eco-terrorist actions, we as individuals can also help preserve nature with smart waste management and recycling. So what are the benefits of these two green actions?

Improving human health

One of the more surprising benefits of smart waste management and recycling is their effect on human health. If you want to be more conscious of your health and do something good for you and your loved ones, you can make a big difference by removing waste in a responsible way.

Being surrounded by trash can harm your health in more ways than one. It pollutes the air you breathe so it can result in respiratory issues, but it also causes various mental health problems that can ruin your day on a subconscious level.

Reducing pollution

Pollution of air, water and soil that results from industrial and residential waste like chemicals, cans and plastics, can wreak havoc on the environment. By properly disposing of these materials or recycling them, we can help minimize that pollution. Instead of throwing away waste, first, consider how waste items can be used.

Stopping global warming

Today, global warming is literally a burning issue, since every year, we break heat records. Constant greenhouse gas emission feeds global warming and affects climate change. However, recycling can reduce global warming. Proper waste management can minimize the emission of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and sulfur, all of which contribute to climate change. Since the recycling process produces minimal waste, we can burn less fossil fuel and use fewer chemicals, thus producing fewer greenhouse gases.

Creating a sustainable business

When we think about environmental pollution, most of us imagine big factory chimneys and oil and gas platforms, but they are not the only ones to blame. Even small businesses and residences can help improve the situation.

The truth is that we can all do more by investing very little time and money, especially when it comes to better waste management and recycling. That’s not hard to do, especially with the appropriate garbage compactor designed for small, medium and large businesses that can make waste management fast, easy and hygienic. These machines save money, space and time and improve the hygiene of every space.

Conserving wildlife

Improper waste disposal and lack of recycling can destroy natural habitats and leave many animals without food and a home. When animals lose their natural habitat, they can disappear due to starvation and exposure. Many raw materials we used previously come from rainforests and other habitats rich in timber, minerals and water. However, if we boost recycling, we can cut back on new material needs, help preserve natural habitats and give flora and fauna a chance to heal and grow like before.

Reducing the size of landfills

Recycling has one great benefit—it reduces the strain on our environment by utilizing waste products and reducing the size of landfills. With the growing population, managing and controlling landfills is very hard. And when landfills start overflowing with garbage, nature and city inhabitants face pollution, poisoning and other health problems. Recycling keeps this pollution lower and helps decrease waste every day.

More employment opportunities

We all think that every individual is responsible for their own recycling, but in reality, an entire industry stands behind one recycled product. After you sort products at home and deposit them for recycling, they are sorted again in plants and shipped to recycling plants. Recycling processes are done by thousands of people employed in the industry. Thus, recycling creates more jobs in the community than waste disposal and provides financial stability to many families.

Cash back benefits

Even people who are not so altruistic or don’t trust scientists on subjects like climate change and global warming can see benefits from recycling. People who don’t want to recycle for the benefit of the world can reap monetary benefits. Many governments have programs that provide financial benefits to people who recycle.

Taking aluminum cans, glass bottles and plastic bottles to recycling plants can get you cash back benefits. It’s an easy way to get some extra money on the side while doing something for the greater good. Today, you can sell old newspapers, plastic products, rubber, steel, appliances, copper and cans for money.

Even with all the benefits in place, many people are still not willing to invest time and money into proper waste management and recycling. Hopefully, we will all realize just how important these processes are for the good of individuals and the entire humankind. Don’t be lazy to recycle. Once you get used to it, you’ll see how easy it can be to take good care of our Mother Earth.

Rent Out Your Home Successfully with These Top Tips

If you are considering renting out your home, no doubt you will have a lot on your mind. But if you aren’t living at your property and could do with the extra money, making the decision to rent your home could be ideal.

While the benefits of renting an unused property are plentiful, there are also some downsides to consider. If you don’t take the time to plan and prepare for renting out your property, then it could end up being more trouble than it’s worth.

To help you get going in the right direction, here are a few handy tips:

Understand the responsibility

Being a landlord is a big responsibility, and it’s important to realize that. Not everyone is cut out to be a landlord, so it’s important to consider whether you have what it takes. Otherwise, you could end up putting yourself in a bad situation.

While renting out an unused property comes with many benefits, being a landlord is hard work. Of course, once you know what you are doing, being a landlord does get easier. However, that’s not to say that things will always run smoothly, because they won’t.

Know how to be a good landlord

To be a good landlord, you will need to keep on top of any maintenance and repairs and follow the laws and regulations in place. If you don’t follow the regulations, you could end up being fined, or worse, jailed.

As a landlord, you will have certain legal responsibilities that you will need to adhere to. For example, as a landlord you must ensure that the property you rent is always safe and secure, by fitting high standard locks.

Get professional help

While renting out a property might seem like a simple task, it is actually, incredibly complex. There are so many regulations, laws and agreements that need to be dealt with, that renting out your home can be tricky.

That’s why it’s a good idea to get some professional help, to ensure that you do everything you are supposed to. While some landlords opt to hire an attorney and deal with the letting side of things themselves, others prefer to hire a letting agency, like Dubai real estate agency.

Hiring a property management services Dubai makes things easier, as you can sit back and relax while the agency deals with everything for you.

Prepare your property

Before you advertise your property, the first thing to consider is whether you want to let it furnished or unfurnished. Furnished rentals tend to bring in a slightly higher amount than unfurnished rentals. However, most renters prefer unfurnished lets, as this means they can add their own furniture.

Once you have decided on whether to let your home furnished or unfurnished, the next step is to get the property cleaned. A professional clean should include every surface being cleaned, including the carpets.

If the decor of the property is not neutral, it might be worth considering repainting. Most renters are more drawn to properties with neutral designs, as it means that their belongings will fit with the style.

If you know what you are doing and are aware of the rules and regulations in place, then being a landlord can be a great earner. However, being a landlord does come with many downsides, including having added responsibility. But even so, the pros of being a landlord, such as the extra income, far outweigh the cons.

I hope these tips help you to find the tenants you’re fishing for. Renters can be fickle, but sometimes the simplest of changes are all it takes. Take a good look at your property and start making tweaks!

Living With Fibroids- How You Can Cope Up

Fibroids are more common than you think. A significant proportion of American women have these non-cancerous uterine tumors by the time they reach middle age. They often go unnoticed and untreated because the symptoms may be subtle. For many, they wouldn’t even cause major problems, except for heavy period bleeding and pain. But fibroids may be problematic for some, and treatment becomes essential to avoid issues like infertility. However, you can learn to live with fibroids if you know them well enough and find the right treatment options. You can actually skip surgery and manage the pain naturally. Here are some facts that can help.

Manage your diet

Surprisingly, the right diet can help you cope up with the pain and discomfort of uterine fibroids. Research studies indicate that fruits like apples and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli can reduce the risk of developing fibroids. Conversely, processed foods, high-fat dairy, and red meat can aggravate the problem. Also, you must steer clear of sugar, caffeine, smoking, and alcohol to curb the risk and tone down the symptoms.

Exercise helps

Working out is great for your body, and it reduces your risk factor for fibroids too. It can also alleviate the pain and discomfort they cause. Exercise boosts the production of endorphins, the hormones that reduce pain and lift your mood. Try mild activities like walking, dancing, and swimming, and you will feel a lot better. You can even consult a trainer for a personalized exercise plan.

Look for non-invasive treatment options

Pain and heavy bleeding can make life tough for women struggling with fibroids. Thankfully, American women have access to several non-invasive treatment options for the condition. If you live in New York, you can visit a reputed fibroid treatment center nyc to discuss the alternatives with a specialist. They will assess your condition and recommend options like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) or hormonal therapy. In extreme cases, you may have to opt for a surgical alternative.

Manage your stress levels

There is an indication of stress having a link with fibroid formation, although research studies are still on. It is vital to manage your stress levels to alleviate your risk and manage the symptoms. Try relaxation techniques such as meditation, massage, and tai-chi to manage stress naturally. You can also seek relief with therapeutic options like acupuncture and aromatherapy. Good sleep also takes you a step ahead with anxiety management.

Make yourself comfortable

Living with fibroids is challenging because pain may become unbearable when you least expect it. Heavy bleeding during your period is also a common issue you may have to deal with. Find ways to make yourself comfortable when these symptoms persist. Try lying down in a fetal position as it takes the pressure off your back. You can use a hot compress over the uterine area for relief.

Managing fibroids is about dealing with the symptoms and preventing their growth over time. Consult a doctor, keep track of the symptoms, and report them to your specialist as soon as you notice anything amiss. They can recommend a plan of treatment to help you manage the condition and risks in the long run.

6 Sustainable Choices You Can Make in the New Normal

Just because the world is currently battling a health crisis, it does not mean that people should solely focus on this problem and ignore other pressing environmental issues like pollution, the degradation of ecosystems, and climate change. These environmental crises still have a profound effect on our daily lives, whether you realize it or not. While it can be difficult to enact positive changes towards sustainable living during these times, it’s something that everyone needs to contribute to if they want to do their part in saving the planet.

Perhaps the one silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it offers a chance for a “hard reset.” As you continue adopting new habits to adjust to the changes brought by this global health crisis, you can also learn to make sustainable choices in the new normal that can benefit the environment. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:

Wear a Reusable Antimicrobial Face Mask

Wearing a face mask, even if you are fully vaccinated, still makes a lot of sense, especially if you are traveling or attending large gatherings. After all, as of the time of writing this article, the United States has yet to achieve herd immunity, and the vaccines do not offer 100 percent protection. As such, you can’t be too careful when it comes to your health.

When choosing a face covering, be sure to avoid disposable masks as they pose an environmental risk. According to the research conducted by a nonprofit marine conservation advocacy organization OceansAsia, over 1.5 billion single-use face masks entered the oceans in 2020. Imagine the state of marine plastic pollution in the succeeding years if the general public will continue using disposable masks.

Instead of single-use masks, enjoy the benefits of using an antimicrobial face mask. Apart from being a more sustainable option, antimicrobial cloth masks are made with specially treated fabrics to inhibit the growth of viruses and bacteria and make them odor-resistant. Essentially, such face coverings are designed to stay clean as it keeps you safe and protected.

Purchase from Zero-Waste Shops and Delivery Services

As you shop and opt for delivery services under the new normal, make this an opportunity to support zero-waste stores and businesses working the extra mile to help the environment. Unlike the usual supermarkets and delivery concepts that use tons of plastic and cardboard packaging that end up as trash, zero-waste businesses utilize reusable containers.

For example, after you order online, such shops will deliver the items to you in mesh bags or glass jars instead of plastic bags. These containers will be collected for reuse the next time you order again, which means no packaging goes to landfill sites or gets thrown in the ocean.

Shop Locally

Another sustainable habit you can adopt as you adjust to the COVID-19 era is buying locally. When you purchase goods produced in your community, you are significantly reducing the environmental impact of your food. You may not realize it, but many of the food products you buy from the grocery stores travel thousands of miles to reach your dinner table. On the contrary, local food items do not generate large amounts of carbon footprint through air travel or long truck trips. Besides cutting down on air pollution, local markets save energy since they do not need the same level of shipping, packing, or refrigeration as with imported food products.

Moreover, local businesses are more accessible. You can easily walk or bike to the market to get what you need. Remember that you are significantly reducing your carbon emission whenever you don’t use your car to go to places.

At the very least, you should consider buying products that are made in your own country. Whether it’s USA-made antimicrobial socks, toys, bags, grocery goods, or outdoor gear, you can be sure that you are reducing your overall personal carbon footprint and helping the local economy by choosing to purchase items that are made domestically..

Grow Your Own Vegetable Garden

Since you spend most of your time at home, you can also try growing your own vegetables or backyard farming to help the environment. Just like buying locally, producing your own food can reduce greenhouse gases resulting from the burning of fuels during the delivery of non-local produce to supermarkets. Also, harvesting what you need in your garden is more environmentally sound than using your car and emitting harmful gases into the air when driving to the store.

Install Residential Solar Panels

Perhaps you have thought about installing solar panels in your home to reduce your energy bills before the pandemic. If so, now is the best time to push through with your plans since you are most likely staying at home most of the time. Besides lowering your electric consumption, relying on solar energy can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that hurt the environment. It is worth noting that the burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity is the primary cause of air pollution and global warming, even their repair is at fair price and environmentally important. Essentially, you can contribute to addressing these environmental issues by using solar power.

Use a Bidet Instead of Toilet Paper

Nobody realized the importance of toilet paper until the pandemic hit. If you are one of the many who resorted to “panic buying” for fear of running out of bathroom tissue, you may want to consider investing in a bidet. Using a bidet is more hygienic and leads to fewer cases of rashes, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections, and other medical conditions than using toilet paper. More importantly, it is more environmentally friendly.

The bidet utilizes only one-eighth of a gallon of water. In comparison, it takes nearly 40 gallons of water to make one roll of toilet paper. Think about how much water you spent on all the rolls of toilet paper you used in the past years. Not only will you save precious water when using a bidet, but you can also save trees in the process since thousands of trees are cut down every day to manufacture toilet paper.

The ideas above are just some of the sustainable choices you can make in the new normal. These changes may seem simple, but they can create a positive and long-lasting environmental impact if you and those around you start adopting them today. Keep in mind that small changes can pile up and make a big difference over time.

AN OVERVIEW OF AESTHETIC MEDICINE

In the current competitive, fast-paced world, an increasing number of people are making choices that improve their quality of life. One of these choices includes non-invasive cosmetic procedures to alter their physical appearance.

Aesthetic medicine is a subspecialty that uses minimal and non-invasive medical procedures to modify a person’s physical appearance. It includes laser treatments, chemical peels, and botox fillers, among other procedures.

Centers like the American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery offer legitimate courses to licensed medical practitioners in aesthetic medicine. They teach them complicated procedures with practical classes, providing a certificate upon completion of the course.

Reasons to see an aesthetic practitioner

Although fairly new, aesthetic medicine is an exciting medical trend that caters primarily to people who wish to minimize the effects of ageing. You can see an aesthetic medical practitioner for any of the following reasons.

Specific medical conditions

Certain diseases can change the physical appearance of people. These include obesity, cancer, lupus, and diabetes, among others. Aesthetic medicine is a popular way to manage and prevent these changes.

Corrective procedures

Traumatic injuries to the body resulting from accidents or acts of violence can result in loss of limbs or severe disfigurement. Aesthetic surgical procedures can aid a person to regain lost bodily functions. For instance, skin grafting can help burn victims who have limited flexibility in their affected limbs.

For a boost to your self-esteem

Aesthetic medicine can improve the mental and physical health of a person. An altered physical appearance can boost confidence and bring more happiness, leading to a better quality of life.

Visible signs of ageing

As the body ages, physical changes such as loose skin, wrinkles, and unwanted fat deposits will be visible, among other things. Aesthetic cosmetic procedures can effectively deal with these ageing conditions.

Major types of aesthetic medicine courses

Registered nurses, medical doctors, dentists, and other licensed medical practitioners can apply to aesthetic medicine courses. The American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery and other centers like it offer a variety of virtual-cum-direct courses in aesthetic medicine. Popular ones are given below.

Botox training

Botox is a neurotoxin that one must handle with care. The course teaches medical professionals how to identify the right facial muscles that need the injection. It is not just a theoretical course but will also allow students to put their knowledge to practice. Under the supervision of experts, they will learn how to administer botox injections safely.

Dermal fillers

In this course, students will learn how dermal fillers can deal with various facial ageing processes. They will be taught complex filler techniques alongside examining an actual patient. Drawing treatment plans, dealing with varied facial issues, and avoiding filler complications will also be taught.

Chemical peeling

A chemical peel is a highly sought-after cosmetic procedure that improves the quality of the skin. It is a complex procedure that untrained medical professionals must not attempt. It involves the facial skin being painted with a chemical solution that will cause the top layer of skin to gradually peel off. The new skin is younger and softer than the previous one.

Physical aesthetics

Under this course, students will learn about in-depth procedures done on the body. These include liposuction, reduction of skin laxity, and tummy tucks, to name a few. Aesthetic medicine has made medical procedures like these minimal to non-invasive. Practitioners of aesthetic medicine typically use laparoscopes and other such modern techniques to perform these types of procedures.

Since all of these are challenging medical procedures, it is crucial to learn them from licensed experts before giving treatments. This minimizes risk and maximizes procedural benefits.

Well-trained aesthetic specialists have a deep understanding of facial and body anatomy, surgical techniques, and medications, among other vital aspects. They provide counseling and top quality pre-and-post operative care to patients.