Rebecca Alston, Author at Mamas Like Me

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.

Itchy Scalp Remedies For Natural Hair

Itching to know the real deal?

Scratching your head is normal. Some unconsciously do it, but it can be a different story for others. An itchy scalp, or scientifically known as scalp pruritus, is a common issue for both men and women. Although it is normal to experience it at least once in your life, constant scratching may have other causes. Here, we will take a look at how hair loss and stress are connected to an itchy scalp and its causes.

What does itchy scalp mean?

Most people tend to experience both – an itchy scalp and hair loss in their lives. It’s common to lose roughly 50 to 100 hair strands a day. Although both conditions are different from each other, some suggest that there is a link between the two.

Some hair conditions such as fungal infections, allergic reactions to hair products, and inflamed hair follicles can cause your scalp to itch and possibly lead to hair loss.

Scarring on the scalp can also cause severe itching since the scar tissue damage the nerve fibers found on the skin. Repeated scratching can lead to temporary hair loss, bleeding, and scabbing. The good news is once the scratching stops, the hair will eventually grow back.

Hair loss is more prevalent in men compared to women. Women would feel their hair thinning, losing volume. Men, on the other hand, experience bald spots and receding hairlines. To help prevent this, you can use certain hair care products that will reduce the itch and strengthen the development of the growing hair follicles.

The deal with stress and anxiety

Most studies indicate that stress and anxiety don’t directly lead to an itchy scalp. Sometimes, stress can make your current scalp condition worse or cause a severe effect on the hormones, affecting your organs.

Stress and anxiety are related to an itchy scalp through heightened skin sensitivity.

In this period, your scalp comes in contact with a lot of bacteria, germs, fungi, and chemicals. Your reaction to those factors is increased.

People also experience over-sensitivity when under a lot of stress. This means, when you are anxious, you are more sensitive to certain feelings. It’s possible to feel an itch on an otherwise light skin tingle for a person with anxiety.

Causes of itchy scalp

Dandruff

One of the most common causes of an itchy scalp is seborrheic dermatitis, or more commonly known as dandruff. The two main factors that contribute to developing this condition are the overproduction of oil and Malassezia.

Overproduction of oil makes the skin red and greasy. The glands become inflamed and you experience itching, flaking, reddened skin, and yellow or white scales.

Meanwhile, Malassezia is a type of fungus that is naturally found in the skin’s oils, and when it grows abnormally the skin releases more oil than usual. This increased secretion can lead to seborrheic eczema.

Some potential causes of dandruff include the overgrowth of yeast on the skin, seasonal changes, and stress. Common medications that will help treat dandruff include anti-dandruff shampoos with keratolytic, such as salicylic acid or coal tar, haircare products with pyrithione zinc, and antifungal creams.

Allergic reactions

An itchy and flaky scalp can be tell-tale signs of a reaction to hair care products, like the new product you are trying out. The best solution is to immediately stop using the suspected product. Shampoo residue left on your scalp can also make your scalp itchy hence, it’s recommended to use all-natural hair care products. Rinse it well during your shower.

Meanwhile, another possible cause is contact dermatitis, which is common among people who dye their hair. The culprit could be the ingredient called para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and it’s best to stay away from it. Also, avoid using products that contain synthetic fragrances and harmful chemicals to reduce the chance of having allergic reactions.

Psoriasis

This is an autoimmune disease where the skin cells grow ten times faster than normal. This results in the skin producing red patches covered with silvery scales. About 50% of people with psoriasis experience their scalp flaring up. You will notice reddish patches, dandruff-like flaking, silvery-white scale, and a dry scalp. This can be mildly or intensely itchy.

The best way to relieve the itching is to use medicated shampoos or other treatments that you can purchase without a prescription.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema that can develop on your scalp. It can cause redness and itchiness. It is treatable with creams and treatment medications hence it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for options.

Natural hair remedies for itchy scalp

Some causes of itchy scalp demand medical attention. It’s best to see your dermatologist if the symptoms last longer than a week or include sores and intense itching that interferes with your daily life.

Meanwhile, here are some ways to help relieve an itchy scalp using natural ingredients.

Apple cider vinegar – has great antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. Dilute it in warm water and use it to rinse off your shampoo. This is can also alleviate dandruff.

Organic coconut oil contains lauric acid that helps the skin absorb oil and soothe itchy scalps caused by eczema.

Peppermint oil – peppermint is known to have a cooling effect but also reduces dandruff. Dilute it with another oil, such as olive oil, and gently massage it into your scalp before shampooing. You can also use peppermint tea when you rinse your shampoo.

Tea tree oil – tea tree oil has antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. However, it can irritate the skin, so remember to dilute it and use it sparingly.

Add around 10 to 20 drops of tea tree oil to a gentle cleansing shampoo or mix it with good olive oil and apply it directly into your scalp. Research shows that tea tree oil can help treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

Meditation can help reduce stress and be effective at eliminating itchy scalps caused by anxiety and eczema. One study found that meditation relieves itching by providing a coping mechanism and a sense of control.

Conclusion

There are various causes of an itchy scalp. Occasional hair loss happens when you constantly scratch the scalp, damaging the hair shafts and follicles. Stress can be a factor but not a direct cause.

Meanwhile, certain skin conditions can irritate the scalp. You can choose natural remedies to help soothe and relieve the itchiness. If the itchiness doesn’t go away and you experience pain and sores, it’s best to see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

7 Fun Home Activities That the Whole Family can Enjoy This Summer

Summer is here, which means that it’s time to enjoy and relax under the sun. It’s when people want to bond with family and friends more and do all sorts of fun summer activities. However, not everyone can go out to travel as freely yet. Even if you can travel freely, you might still want to spice up the summer days that you spend at home.

Well, don’t worry. There are plenty of things to do that will help you and your whole family enjoy the summer. With these fun activities, you won’t have to worry about missing out this summer, even if you spend some of it at home.

All you need to enjoy this summer entirely you can do your at-home is by some ingenuity and creativity. Here are a few home activities that will be fully enjoyable to do in the summer even though you’re at home.

1. Backyard picnic

Who doesn’t love a picnic filled with good food while surrounded by family and friends? What’s great about a picnic is that you don’t have to do it in a park or somewhere far away to be able to enjoy it. The heart and soul of a good picnic would be the food, your family and friends, and enjoying that meal on a cloth lying on the grass.

You can easily organize a backyard picnic so that you don’t have to go to a park. It’s a great way to change the pace for a little bit if you don’t have much time traveling to the park. All you need to do is prepare food the way you would if you are going to a picnic destination. Don’t forget the picnic blanket, of course.

It’s a great way to get some fresh air going while enjoying some snacks and having a slow but leisurely time with your family.

2. Gardening

Gardening is an excellent home activity that you and your family can enjoy, and it comes with a reward. There are plenty of skills and lessons that you can learn when you take up gardening. It makes you more aware of the environment as well as sharpens your biology skills too. It would be a gratifying activity to do with your kids.

Another great reason why you should be gardening is that it’s an eco-friendly summer activity. You can even enjoy watching your plants grow over time with minimal daily commitment. It can even help you sweat a bit.

If you plant vegetables or herbs, you can even get to use whatever you grew into the meals that you serve for the family.

3. Movie night

Summer activities don’t necessarily mean that you have to be out and about basking in the summer sun to enjoy it. Sometimes, summer nights are just as good as summer mornings. It all comes down to what you do with it. One example of a great way to make the most out of your summer nights would be to organize a movie night.

A movie night is a great way to be kind of a couch potato this summer but with a fun twist to it if you make an effort. You can even play pretend with your kids and create a ticket for whichever movie you’re going to see. Make sure that whatever you watch is something that everyone will enjoy. You can also try alternating who gets to choose the movie to watch, so everyone gets a say.

4. Game night

Another excellent home activity that you can fully enjoy even on summer night could be a game night with you and your family. Nowadays, there are all sorts of video games that you can play with family and friends that aren’t too difficult, even for people who don’t know how to play video games. However, you don’t have to play video games if you don’t want to.

There are plenty of board games out there, but you can buy and use them during game night. Board games are an excellent way to bond with family while also getting into some light ribbing with one another. There are all sorts of genres of games that you can try out there, including board games.

5. Water games

Nothing says summer more than having some fun splashing around and playing with water in some way. If you don’t want to go to potentially crowded resorts or beaches, you can still enjoy some other games while at home. You’re just going to need some additional equipment that might make it easier for you to organize water games at home.

You can create all sorts of outdoor obstacle courses that center around the use of water. However, if you don’t want to do a sport out of it, you can get in an inflatable pool and enjoy some meals, maybe some barbecue by the poolside.

You can even simply get some water balloons and a water gun and run around and play with each other with it.

6. Karaoke

Whether you know how to sing or not doesn’t matter when it comes to karaoke night. Everyone from great singers to tone-deaf people can enjoy a bit of singing. It’s an especially great activity to do if you don’t have any kids will you so you can add some drinks to go along with your wild karaoke night.

It’s not every day that you can sing to your heart’s content with your full voice, and a karaoke night helps you get all of that out there. Of course, you need to have some equipment as well. Make sure that you have mics with you.

7. Arts and crafts

Arts and crafts are an excellent home activity that is fun to do, particularly if you have kids in the house. Arts and crafts can help boost your children’s imagination and creativity skills while also improving their motor skills. Plus, it is always a good idea to spend some time with your kids in an intimate fashion, such as creating arts and crafts.

Having fun at home isn’t as depressing as you think it would be if you are creative and put some thought into it. It can be more fun than going out because you can focus on bonding with your whole family.

The home activities on this list are fun, but there are so many more that you can do this summer with your family even though you’re stuck at home. This summer, make it your mission to try at least half of the home activities on this list so that you can spend some time fully bonding with your family.

Complete Body Detoxification: 7 Effective Ways To Do This Naturally

The human body comprises the physiological processes and the mental pathways that govern vital functions. Almost every process induces the accumulation of certain toxins at the cellular level. Also, you need to follow a clean and nutritious diet to get rid of the toxins and detox your body. Start with including a detox drink in your daily routine to flush the harmful chemicals away. Along with this, you might want to reduce the alcohol intake and modify the dietary sources to bring in more nutrients. Such measures might help you rejuvenate, recycle, and get the toxins out.

1. Reduce Alcohol Intake

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Most people tend to drink alcohol at meals or during celebrations. If you’re on your detox journey, you might want to watch your alcohol intake. Alcohol undergoes metabolization in the liver and transforms into acetaldehyde. Also, the latter is carcinogenic and comes under the category of harmful toxins. With excessive alcohol consumption, the toxins accumulate in your liver and impair the metabolic pathways. Not to forget, the toxins can affect your fat breakdown abilities and cause deposition of adipose tissue.

You must refrain from drinking too much alcohol to accelerate the metabolism and cleanse your organs. Instead, you can try detox drinks that aid in removing toxins from your liver.

2. Prioritize Sleep

Do you stay up late and binge-watch the Netflix series more than usual? Lack of sleep is the biggest hurdle in your detox journey. You must prioritize sleep and target at least 7 to 8 hours of rest time daily. This is because sleeping accelerates your body’s recovery and regeneration powers. Also, it increases the rate of detoxification and removes toxins faster than before. Try creating an ambient sleeping environment and limit your screen time to facilitate melatonin production.

3. Stay Hydrated

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Hydration is essential to cleanse your body and promote vital functions. Also, it aids in proper digestion and might slow down the accumulation of toxins in your cellular pathways. Your body releases wastes in the form of carbon dioxide and uric acid that require frequent cleaning. Hence, you need to load up on the water content to promote cleansing, detox, and efficient removal of wastes from your body. Aim for around 2 to 3 liters of water daily to meet the daily metabolic needs.

4. Consider Detox Drinks

Apart from proper hydration, you need other sources of detoxification as well. Try the detox drinks such as azul tea that promote flushing out of the water products and induce well-being. You can know more about azul tea here. Some drinks like warm lemon water, green tea, and cinnamon drinks can increase the rate of cleansing. Also, detox drinks contain ample nutrients that lead to holistic health and wellness. You must start the day with a detox drink of your choice to kickstart the metabolism. Long-term usage of detox drinks may beat lethargy, help you overcome aches, and enhance the quality of your skin.

5. Consume Antioxidant-Rich Diet

Did you know the toxins in your body initiate an oxidative reaction that deteriorates the vital organs? If your goal is to stay salubrious, you must follow an antioxidant-rich diet to beat the oxidative damage. Vital functions may cause a build-up of free radicals that cause oxidative damage and distress. In such cases, the antioxidants present in your diet reduce the levels of free radicals. Along with this, the diet helps ward off inflammation and protects your vital organs. Some foods that can be of help, in this case, are berries, avocados, and dark chocolates. Include the foods in your diet to nourish the cellular processes and cleanse the waste.

6. Go Herbal

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If you’re into herbal therapy, you can facilitate the detox processes using the same. All you need to do is find the herbs that lead to faster cleansing and toxin removal. Also, you can try herbal teas like chamomile, lavender, or burdock for proper detox. Start your mornings with a cup of hot detox tea to rejuvenate the body. Along with this, you may try herbal supplements like tinctures, pills, or oils to accelerate the removal of waste products. Don’t forget to research more about the detox herbs and ask an expert before diving into the therapy.

7. Enhance Physical Activity

Almost everybody knows the importance of exercise and physical activity. But, not many people follow a consistent workout routine. Apart from muscle development and fat breakdown, exercise also increases the removal of waste from your cells. You must work out for at least 30 minutes daily to cleanse your system and stay in shape. During the workout, your body experiences anti-inflammatory effects that slow down the accumulation of toxins. All these factors play a major role in flushing out the harmful debris and maintaining top-notch vital functions.

The Takeaway

For all the fitness buffs out there, detoxification is a process that ensures proper vital functioning. While carrying out the basic processes, your body is likely to accumulate debris like urea, toxic gases, and other waste material. Hence, you need to adapt to the measures that increase toxin removal. Start with drinking more water and limit the alcohol intake in your daily life. Along with this, regular workout and herbal therapy also show promising results in the detox world. Make sure to follow the steps in the long term to avoid possible relapses. Not only will it rejuvenate your body, but it also strengthens your mental health.