Author: Rebecca Alston

How to Prepare for Any Kind of Medical Treatment

 

Any medical treatment and procedure, no matter how routine it might be or not, can cause stress. This is a perfectly normal thing, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. All of us have to go through that once in our lives, and even if it is not the most comfortable thing, we can get through it. However, there are ways to prepare for these kinds of medical treatments, and thus help yourself get through this whole process in a faster and perhaps more effective way. But what does actually preparing for this medical treatment mean? How can one prepare for surgery or another type of procedure?

 

Talk with your surgeon

One of the most effective ways to make yourself feel comfortable about the whole situation is to talk to your surgeon. The doctor(s) who will be handling the situation should be very helpful, and they will gladly answer all of the questions that you might be having. They will do anything they can to show you that you are in good hands and that there is nothing to worry about. This is not something that they are doing only because of you – this is a win-win scenario, as it is the doctor’s advantage to make you comfortable and relaxed before the surgery. In order to prepare for this, make sure to write down all the questions you might have. 

 

Do your research

 

If you are reluctant to talk to your surgeon at this point, or if you don’t feel prepared enough to do so, then you might want to do a bit of research online. Bear in mind that googling your symptoms and the process of the surgery might not give you the right information, so it is always good to find reliable sources. You can search and find if your doctor has an online journal or any videos or articles that you might find helpful. If not, you can always turn to other doctors who do, and go, for example, through the journal of Dr. Timothy Steel who is a pro in spine and brain surgery. You might find very helpful articles and videos on such websites, and this is one of the best types of research you might be conducting for your own health. 

What the recovery includes

Since we all love to see what the future has in store for us, it is quite logical that we need to know what the recovery of the medical treatment or procedure we are undergoing includes. Is it some time spent in bed, or does it mean going to the doctor on a weekly basis for a check-up? Be as it may, make sure to ask your doctor about such issues. Not only do you have to know what to expect from your condition in the future, but this is also a great way to learn what you will be doing and thus plan out your recovery accordingly. A detailed recovery plan will also help you out in having your mind at ease, which is crucial in such situations.

 

Be positive and surround yourself with positive people

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

On a final note, it is very important to cut off any negative influences in your life. The medical treatment might not be serious, but a human mind can make anything more severe than it actually is. This is why you need to surround yourself with positive people only and always hope for the best. Negative feelings will not get you anywhere while staying positive can give you that boost in morale that you might need to get through the medical treatment and the recovery process. 

Everything’s in your head, the whole preparation process. You need to be optimistic, to have all the information and details in your head and to hope for the best. Knowing these things, as well as knowing all the risks and disadvantages, will only put you in advantage to get through this. Good luck!

Random Gift Ideas for Your Husband

Your husband’s birthday is coming up or he’s just been promoted and you want to get him something to show how much you appreciate his presence in your life. It’s said that it’s much easier to buy a present for a man than a woman, but that really doesn’t have to be the case. Men are known to be very specific, with a particular taste when it comes to gifts and getting them something they’ll really love can be very difficult. That’s why you have to consider a wide range of gifts, be it from BuyersImpact.co.uk or any other site, and to help you choose the best one we’ve prepared the following suggestions.

Smartwatch

Many men simply love gadgets, partly because they find them useful, partly because they see them as toys for grown-ups. Whatever the reason, a smartwatch is definitely worth considering. You can choose from a wide range of products, but make sure it has an option to track heart rate, activity, and sleep. Not only will your husband love this new gadget, but he’ll also be able to monitor his health condition better.

Jacket

If your husband loves spending time outdoors, he most certainly needs a jacket that will protect him from the elements, but allow him to feel comfortable at the same time. Even if he prefers staying at home, he is bound to need a waterproof jacket occasionally, so think about getting him one.

Book on making cocktails

Cocktails have been extremely popular for quite a while now and your husband might like to learn more about how to make them. Find a book he could use to learn the art of cocktail-making and let him enjoy the newly acquired skill. If you yourself love cocktails, you’ll be able to benefit from this gift as much as your beloved husband.

Boots

Although shoes and boots are considered much more popular among women, men are paying much more attention to their footwear than ever before. Depending on how often your husband goes out and for what reason, you can opt for a pair of sturdy hiking boots or some much lighter for casual strolls in the winter. Just make sure you know what kind of boots he likes and that you get the right size.

Whiskey

There aren’t many gifts more masculine than a bottle of whiskey. If your husband is a true appreciator of this fabulous drink, make sure you get him a bottle of whiskey he hasn’t tried before. For example, take a look at this Nikka whiskey offer if you want to surprise him with a drink that comes all the way from Japan.

Dashboard cam

Men are known for their love of cars, so any gift that has something to do with their four-wheeled possession is usually a good choice. With a good dashboard cam, he can record his journeys for fun or in case of a jolt of any kind, refer back to the recording to analyze the situation.

Wireless charging accessory tray

If your husband has made the switch to Qi-enabled electronic devices, he’ll definitely appreciate an accessory that would allow him to charge his favorite gadgets at home or in the office. Such trays come in various shapes and sizes and you’ll definitely find one that he’ll be happy with.

Soundbar

Another gadget, which can upgrade his TV-watching experience, is a soundbar. It produces high-quality sound, which is very important for the overall experience. Most soundbars come with wireless connectivity, while some even have voice assistants built-in.

Leaf blower

Keen gardeners will love this gift, while those who are not so crazy about working in their yards will surely appreciate the help. Find a cordless leaf blower to allow your husband to roam around the yard freely and fell proud of the job he is doing.

Bike

Chances are the last people who bought your husband a bike were his parents a long time ago. Show him that you care about him by getting him a nice bike that he could use to commute to work or exercise. Shop assistants should be able to help you choose the right model and size if you tell them your husband’s height and weight.

Doorway pull-up bar

One more gift that should help your husband stay fit and healthy is a pull-up bar that can be installed in the doorway. It will give him a chance to squeeze in a workout at home just before going to work or in the evening.

The Health Benefits of Green Tea

If you haven’t been hiding under a rock, then you’ve probably read or heard about the benefits of drinking green tea for your diet and overall health. Green tea has been used for centuries as a healing herb that can protect your digestion, prevent cancer, and calm anxiety. Mostly used by the Chinese as a healing drink, green teas come in all different varieties nowadays.

Tea, in general, is used to soothe us when we’re sick, keep us warm in the winter, and can even protect against certain viruses, accelerate digestion, and aid menstrual cramps. Green tea, however, has special properties that make it even more of a healthy addition to your diet.

Many researchers and enthusiasts would say that green tea is by far the healthiest beverage you can drink. Most of this is owing to the high number of antioxidants, and the natural ways in which drinking a cup a day can improve several aspects of your health and body. You won’t want to go back after you see how green tea can help you stay on the right health track.

Which compounds make up green tea?

The reason that green tea is so good for you is that it naturally contains certain compounds that stimulate parts of the body and digestive system in very positive ways. For example, one of these nutrients is called polyphenols. These specifically act to reduce inflammation in the body and can even work toward preventing cancer. If you have a history of cancer in your family, or if you suffer from chronic pain or any other ailment that includes inflammatory side effects, think about implementing green teas into your diet.

Other healing properties in green tea include catechins. These protect free radicals from spreading in the body. They also have a whole range of positives. Catechins act to protect the cells from damage by eliminating free radicals that could potentially hurt existing cells. Free radicals are responsible for any adverse side effects in the aging process and the spread of diseases.

Green tea can improve your brain functioning!

Some more good news about green tea? It doesn’t just help your body in staying healthy. It also helps your brain! Green tea does contain caffeine, which allows the body to stay alert (and doesn’t have as much as caffeine, which can have negative effects on the brain).

Beyond caffeine, green tea also has an amino acid called L-theanine, which acts in crossing the blood-brain barrier. L-theanine increases the flow and activity of neurotransmitter GABA, which also works to calm anxiety. It also increases dopamine! You can be so joyful while sipping your tea.

L-theanine appears in several different products besides teas, like Zach Attack Supplements, which also helps the digestive system for the better.

Make green tea your newest obsession.

Just like “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” a cup of green tea a day can drastically improve brain and body functioning. If you don’t believe us, try it yourself! You don’t have to worry about staining your teeth through frequent tea consumption as you can always get teeth polishing by the cosmetic dentist in Alhambra.

Basement Home Office Every Working Mom Deserves

The basement is usually the space most people don’t use on a daily basis, except for storing their junk. But, if you want to make this space functional and give it a purpose, you can convert it into a home office. This is something all working moms need, especially when they’re chasing deadlines. Most of us prefer working from home and feeling comfortable while trying to solve complex work-related issues. But, working from home also means you’ll have to deal with so many distractions – from your kids to the TV, and everything in between. This is one of the biggest advantages of the basement because it’s secluded and your family won’t be able to interrupt you while you’re working. So, how can you turn your basement into every mom’s perfect home office?

Inspect the space

Many homeowners have serious problems in their basements so it’s important to deal with potential repairs in the beginning. Check the insulation and waterproofing because these two issues can cause serious damage, especially if you redo the space before moving into it. In addition to that, flooring and ceiling are also a major risk if you haven’t been taking care of your basement properly. 

Mold spreads quite easily in the basement, so keep that in mind as well. Since you’ll be spending lots of time here, you need to think about your health and take care of any potential leaks that can cause mold. Even if you get everything fixed, invest in an air purifier just to make sure the air quality is at the highest level.

Insist on comfort and practicality

No matter how big your home office is, you need to remember that comfort is the key to productivity. That means you won’t be able to work unless you invest in some comfortable and ergonomic furniture. Think of it as a necessity for your health because all working moms are exhausted all the time, so sitting for hours in improper furniture might not be good for them.

For starters, think about adding a spacious desk that’s practical and functional. In addition to that, you’ll want to pair it with a suitable chair which will turn into the center of your workspace. If you want, you can even add another cozy chair where you can take a break, read something, or meet your business associates.

Basement entrance

If you don’t have doors on your basement, you need to think about investing in one. There are two possible problems if you opt for an open concept. First, your family will always be interrupting you, thinking you’re free to hang out and spend time with them. Secondly, you’ll be surrounded by so much noise that you won’t be able to focus on your work.

By adding doors, though, you’ll create a designated space which you’ll use only for your work and nothing else. You can always use practical barn doors that will add a stylish note but also serve as a practical room divider. If you have a big basement, it will also allow your family members to use the space without getting in your way.

Think about the lighting

 

The main problem when it comes to the basement is the lighting, especially if you want to give this space a new purpose. You can try sectioning the space and adding different types of lighting which will allow you to have plenty of light wherever you need it. Create one big source of lighting on the ceiling and use that as a primary source that will cover the entire space. 

In addition to that, think about all the parts of the basement where you’ll need light – your desk, the storage area, the reading space, etc. – so don’t be afraid to maximize the lighting when you need it. in the end, be sure to create multiple lighting sources, just to ensure your office is properly illuminated.

Projects like this one will help you utilize the free space you have in your home and make it functional. Having a home office in your basement will give you all the privacy you need in order to get all of your jobs done without interruptions, so it’s definitely an idea worth looking into.

House and Garden Maintenance This Fall!

We all love spicing up our living space and introducing new design features into our kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living rooms, but what about the exterior space? If you’re lucky enough to live in a house with a garden instead of an apartment with no outdoor area, you have to maintain it as well. This sounds like a lot of work, but it actually isn’t. It’s all about finding the right projects that will mean the most to your family in the future, and that’s it. So, if you too are looking for ways to show your exterior space some love this fall, here are a few ideas you should take into consideration.

Fix the curb appeal

Even if you’re not the biggest fan of exterior renovations and updates, you just have to show your curb appeal some love and care. After all, this is what people notice first when coming to your place, and that’s something that could help you make a better first impression. A well-maintained front yard goes a long way, and achieving this goal really isn’t as hard as you may think.

What’s even better is that you have so many options to choose from when spicing up your curb appeal. From planting new flowers and plants to designing a new driveway, you can do basically whatever you want, and it will probably work like a charm. Once you’re done with the front yard, you can focus on your home, and boost its appeal a bit too. Repaint the front doors, replace the windows, add a new mailbox, and install some new lights. These projects don’t require too much time or energy but are quite efficient and practical.

Declutter the backyard

After you’re done with the front of your home, you need to do the same with the backyard as well. Declutter and trash removal is the first thing you have to do. But, since this is the space where your entire family hangs out, including your kids, making them a part of this project isn’t such a bad idea.

What you need to do is give them specific tasks and show them how to do them. First, remove all the bigger things you don’t need here – old appliances, outdated furniture, trash cans, etc. – and then move onto the smaller stuff. Things like your gardening tools and sports equipment don’t belong in the backyard, so either throw it away or store it in your garage. Finally, ask your kids to take care of their toys and other possessions. This way, they’ll appreciate this space even more than before and really consider it their own.

Fix the façade

Now that your outdoor space is spotless, you should shift your attention to the exterior of your home. Fixing the façade is the first thing to do, especially if your home is old or a bit shabby. Fortunately, this isn’t a hard project, and you could probably do it on your own. Even if you have no contracting skills, all you need is some paint and a few friends who could help you out.

Repainting the façade is almost the same as painting the interior walls in your home, so even a layperson will be able to get that done. Still, you might want to look into some reliable scaffolding rental options and thus access all the corners of your façade more easily. These things are quite helpful and could make your job much simpler, so get prepared first and be sure to find amazing scaffolding.

7 Lovely & Affordable Home Renovation Projects

Are you looking to give your home a fresh look? Or are you thinking about getting a minimalist cloakroom suite? A home renovation project can be just the thing: with the right project, you can make your home look amazing without spending a ton of money.

Besides, the right home renovation project can be fun. Here are 6 that fit the bill.

1). Paint Makes Everything Fresh

If you’re looking for a relatively simple, beautiful, and affordable home renovation project, one of the best places to start is a fresh coat of paint. This is because the magic of paint is to make everything new: with a fresh coat of paint, old and shabby becomes new-looking, crisp, and clean.

The beautiful thing about this approach, too, is that it can be applied to both your interiors and your exteriors. Whether you’re looking to make your bathroom, living room, dining room, or exterior look fresh and new, paint is the way to go.

As Colorado-based painters Teaberry explain, “a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the look of your home.”

It’s easy to see why they’re right: so many of our design problems with older houses have to do with the décor, i.e. awful wallpaper, questionable choice in paint, etc.

You can even hire painters to help you at very affordable rates—this may be important if you’re worried about stains, or if there’s a challenge reaching the area you’re looking to paint.

2). Brand-New Bathroom

There are some surprisingly interesting ways to make your bathroom over, and you can find budget-friendly ways to do practically all of them. We’ve already talked about paint; how about tile?

With tile, if you’re trying to save money the most obvious way to do it is to limit the areas you plan to tile. Instead, focus on specific areas that are especially obvious to the eye and important, i.e. the floor.

What’s more, do you really need tile all the way up and down your wall? Why not one horizontal strip, followed by paint? For that matter, if you must tile an entire wall and you like a more-expensive tile, why not do one strip of the more-expensive tile and use it as an accent against a much cheaper tile?

Another good way to go with a bathroom is updating the fixtures. We’ve talked before about renovating your bathroom for safety, and that can be an important part of this. Instead of a granite countertop, invest in updated light fixtures, sink faucets, racks for the towels, and drawer pulls, as well as rounded edges, skid-proof mats, and other things.

3). Classy Crown Molding

Have you ever noticed how much some rooms look like the inside of a box? If that describes a room in your house, the answer may be crown molding.

Crown molding is simply trimming for the edges of your walls and ceilings. It’s visually more interesting than looking at the inside of a box, as it were.

Crown molding is very cheap, and all you really have to do is very carefully measure how much you need, cut it, and install it. This is a weekend project at most—it’s likely that you will only need a few hours to complete it.

4). Get Creative With Your Closets

Do you have a closet that’s always full to bursting with clothing and other stuff? Try organizing it. Closets are remarkably easy to optimize.

Getting creative with closets can start with something as simple as a proper set of drawers, one that’s large enough to accommodate everything you need it to. You don’t have to stop there, though: try some elegant, attractive baskets, and maybe some nice hooks to hang things on.

You can also paint the interior walls of your closets to make them look more interesting. Get creative, and see what your closet looks like as a result.

5). Book Tree Shelves Are Amazing

Want to know what’s better than a bookshelf? Try a book tree shelf, an object designed with shelves positioned like the branches of a tree.

Not only is it functional, it provides a visually-interesting way in which to store your children’s books and/or toys. They’re available online at quite reasonable prices, but you can also make your own. You can also hire a tree service like Sacramento professional tree care.

6). Trade Blinds for Blackout Curtains
Blinds have become common in many homes, but if you’re in the mood for adventure, try blackout curtains. They add an air of mystery, they won’t break the bank, and they’re also great for helping you sleep.

7). Create A Remodel Plan

Once you establish a list of your remodeling needs, it is important to then create a plan complete with estimates. You should make note of every detail down to the fixtures, furniture, paint, and hardware needed for each room. It’s also important to include appliances in your remodeling plan. New appliances come with the cost of the initial purchase as well as delivery and installation fees, so it’s crucial to note how that could potentially affect your budget. By making a list of everything you want or need for each project, it allows you to calculate the cost and see how it aligns with your budget. If you prefer using technology, mobile apps like HomeZada make it easy to manage your home improvement project details and budget. They also store financial records, which you can use if you decide to sell your home down the line.

Make sure to speak with contractors about your remodel to receive professional advice. Connecting with top-rated electricians or plumbers in your area is smart if you want to accurately assess the cost and needs of your project. By bringing in two or three professionals, you will have a thorough idea of the project and how it will be completed, with the security of knowing the job will be done right.

Honorable mention

When designing a kitchen remodel, there are the obvious things to think about – countertops, backsplash tile, cabinet hardware, etc. And while those are all very important aspects of the design, the real pièce de résistance is the cabinetry. It’s not only essential for storage and functionality, but it’s usually the largest factor (and expense!) in any kitchen and can make or break the overall design. – Tip by Mackenzie Wood for Bandd Design‘

Conclusion

Home renovation projects can be amazing opportunities to improve your living space. The right project can be remarkably doable, not to mention affordable and a great deal of fun. Try any of these 6 projects, and see the results for yourself.

Latest Celebrity Workout Trends

The good news is that the world as a whole is becoming increasingly aware of how healthy our lifestyles have become. This means that we are taking our health into our own hands and trying to do something about it, starting with a much cleaner diet and exercise regime. And different celebrities are paving the way for us by sharing on social media all different kinds of exercise regimes that have been gaining in popularity over the past few years. So, if you want to train like a celebrity, here’s how to do it.

Step up to the barre

One specific kind of exercise has been sweeping the fitness world for the past year, and that is ballet exercise. It actually has nothing to do with dancing, but a lot to do with the shape of the body. Dancers’ bodies are not only very strong and flexible, but they are also shaped beautifully, and that comes from a lot of small, repetitive movements that they do in every warmup and every class. If you think you will do a few plies and call it a day, you have another thing coming, so make sure you bring a towel to wipe the sweat off your face after the first few minutes. You might notice that you are activating some groups of muscles that have never been used before, like in your feet and ankles, which is perfect for models who have to keep their balance in very high heels.

Private and tailored

It’s no secret that all of our bodies are different. And not only in shape and looks, but the way they react to different forms of exercise as well. Add on top of that the fact we’re all living different lives and have different needs and you’ve got a clear solution. Nearly every celebrity has a private trainer (or team of trainers) who creates a custom workout plan for them to suit their needs and their bodies. But you don’t have to be a celebrity to do that – just ask around in your local gym and see if there are any coaches that would like to take on a new client. These routines are usually a mix of strength and cardio, but it can also be dance classes, boxing or anything else. On the other hand, if you don’t have time for this kind of training, you should try waist trimmers.

Have a machine do it for you

Technology has been a part of our exercise routines for a long time now, but the newest innovations are machines who either help increase the work you’re doing or even do it completely for you. Take for example this amazing whole-body vibration machine which helps warm up all of your muscles and joints and simulates a stronger gravity field below you, making all of your usual exercises that much more effective. For most people, it’s something that you’d use in your gym if your gym had one, but you can also buy it for your home if you are serious about your exercise.

Get the stress out

Many celebrities, like Gigi and Bella Hadid, have said that their favorite way to blow off steam and to get their exercise in is boxing. It’s a great mix of cardio and strength, as you need to be very quick on your feet and keep moving around, as well as hit hard. Just make sure that you are working with a coach, especially when you’re starting out, to make sure you are doing everything correctly because you might literally break your hand if you do not know how to position it properly.

Yoga

Of course, save the best for last. There is rarely a celebrity who doesn’t indulge in some yoga, either every morning or a few times per week. From Ashley Graham to Felicity Jones, these celebs say that yoga is a way to build up strength, without building too much muscle mass. It’s similar to what we said about ballet, how it shapes the body in a much different way than lifting weights would. And you don’t need to have access to a personal trainer and in-house studio. There are free yoga classes all around you, you just need to find them.

This is how the celebs like to stay fit, but once again, you’re much more likely to have great results if you find what works best for you and makes you feel good, rather than copying someone else.

Healthy Habits – 5 Simple Steps to Improve Your Overall Health

It’s very simple. The way you treat your body will determine how well it will function as you grow older. Most of us are aware of this and also of what exactly we should do to keep our body and mind healthy well into our golden years. So, why aren’t we all doing what we should? Mostly because it’s much easier to reach for fast food than to cook a proper meal, it’s faster to get somewhere by car than on foot, and sitting in front of the TV with a huge bag of chips is often more convenient than going jogging. Plus, when you think of all the things you should change about your lifestyle, you can get overwhelmed. The key is to do it gradually, one small but firm step at a time. Here are five steps towards better overall health and improved quality of life.

Keep your drinks sugar-free

When it comes to hydration, it’s very important for your wellbeing. However, not everything you drink is good for you. The best choice is, obviously, plain water, and about eight glasses of it per day. If the taste of water bores you and you want something different, you can always infuse it with some fresh fruit. Squeeze a lemon or a grapefruit, or even some pomegranate for that refreshing flavor. Another option is to boil some tea, especially green tea. Whatever you choose, just don’t let it be sugary drinks, such as soda or fruit juice. Those are loaded with sugar which can lead to obesity and some even more serious health issues, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes. Even those drinks which are advertised as healthy and with antioxidant properties usually contain too much sugar to actually benefit you in any way, so try staying away from them.

Commit yourself to a physical activity

Regular physical activity keeps you fitter and improves your immune function, and that can lower your chances of getting hypertension, stroke or heart disease down the road. Also, it enhances your strength, flexibility, and stamina, allowing you to perform your everyday tasks with more ease. Exercise is also beneficial to your mental health, as it boosts your mood and your self-esteem. Therefore, if you’ve been living a sedentary life and haven’t been active for a long time, start with short walks and then keep adding distance and speed to them as you gain back your strength. Also, there are many types of workout which you could find joyful. If gym exercises aren’t your cup of tea, try yoga, dancing, or get a bike and ride it instead of driving your car whenever possible. Once you get a hang of it, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to start.

Reconsider your choice of protein sources

When you mention protein, most people’s minds instantly wander towards meat. However, there are some great options which don’t originate from animals. In fact, there are multiple vegan protein sources you can rely on for proper nutrient intake, and it’s a common misconception that vegans don’t get enough protein. For instance, soy products, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and beans are loaded with protein. If those don’t interest you, how about potatoes, spinach or broccoli? So, instead of gorging yourself on steaks and deep-fried chicken, try switching to these plant-based foods, which will most likely make you feel light and energetic.

Get enough rest

Sleeping enough is another requirement for good long-term health, but one that we often don’t pay enough attention to. This is something you should work on. Getting your eight hours of sleep is crucial for your body, and especially your brain to work normally. When you’re sleep deprived, you could easily become nervous, irritated and have trouble concentrating on anything, which then decreases your productivity. This can even lead to stress and anxiety. It’s up to you to create a routine which will have you in bed and out of it at the same time every day, including weekends, and one which won’t include you staring at your computer, phone or TV until the moment you close your eyes. The lights from those screens send your brain the signal that it’s not time to sleep yet, which can make it difficult to fall asleep. Instead, have a cup of chamomile tea and get some uninterrupted and restful sleep every night.

Choose fresh over-processed foods

Processed foods can be very tasty. Actually, that’s how they’re made. The companies who sell them want you to buy their products, so they make them so desirable to your taste buds, that you simply can’t resist them. However, these foods are usually full of sugar, or even worse, high fructose corn syrup, salt, bad fats, and various artificial ingredients. More often than not, they contain a high count of empty calories, meaning that they don’t contain the nutrients you need to stay healthy. They are the primary cause of obesity and they can damage your metabolism greatly. This is why it’s always a good idea to choose real food over the processed, especially fresh fruit and vegetables. Also, avoid eating junk food during the day and visiting restaurants that serve it. Rather make your own meals at home, from scratch. Nowadays, there are so many quick and simple recipes for healthy meals online, that you really don’t have an excuse to keep eating something which could harm you and eventually make you sick.

Nothing’s as precious as health, so invest your time and effort in yourself by following these five steps. You’ll be glad you did once you’re older.

Fun game challenge for parties

The usual fun and games are not enough to save the party. It should have a nice party game challenge to play which will keep it alive.

If you are one of those party lovers that want to have a nice time playing games and taking challenges as you take your favorite drink, then you should be looking for these fun challenges for parties. It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for a food challenge or a whole new game to keep your party rolling, the 4 hour challenge will walk the talk.

What is a party game?

Game party refers to games that are played at social gatherings. They are meant to facilitate interactions and at the same time provide a fun way of celebrating. Party games increase satisfaction and entertainment and at the same time keep the party alive.

It doesn’t matter the kind of a party you are choosing whether indoor, picnic or in large group games. You can choose a partnered game or even parlor races.

Why is a party game necessary?

Fun party games generate some kind of joy and they also create an adorable atmosphere. This means that the party game is intended to generate an adorable atmosphere that will keep people active and participating which are the core aims of every party.

The party games aim at involving as many players as possible. They also need experienced game players and beginners which make people feel happy to try it. The games are aimed at being played socially which ensures that every person in the party is involved. Party games should as well be very easy to practice for the new players to play with ease. As a matter of fact, most participants at the party are just beginners and hence they need a simpler game to keep them happy.

What are the characteristics of a good fun game challenge for parties?

A fun and an involving game challenge for the party should possess any of the below characteristics.

A nice and fun party game should be able to support a relatively large or unidentified number of players. This ensures that the game is involving and will keep the participants very active. Compared to traditional games such as card games and board games, commercial games require a lot of players for the game to be fun.

They encourage team-based play-This is another character of party games. They usually divide the players into two, three or even more parties who later play as a group.

They encourage cooperation and interaction between the involved parties. This is a characteristic that keeps it very entertaining and fun.

The game has some entertaining value for spectators. Most of these games attract a huge crowd of people who regard it as fun and entertaining.

A fun game challenge for parties shouldn’t involve the spending of real money. As a matter of fact, it just involves the use of virtual money. If the game you want to use in a party involves the purchase of some items or to pay something to play, then it’s not a fun party game.

How To Monitor Your Kids Without Spying on Them 

Sometimes, the world seems scary. Things such as global warming, crime, famine, war, disease make us want to keep our kids indoors or to hire a private investigator to follow them around all day. According to the latest statistics, more than 2ooo children are reported missing every day.

Despite these horrible facts, it’s nearly impossible to forbid your kids to play outside on the plastic playground, spend a night over a friend’s house, follow Kim Kardashian on Instagram or dye their hair. They might do all this without you knowing it. Well, eventually, you will see their rainbow hairstyle.

According to PDPlay, playing outside contributes to cognitive and emotional development, improve sensory skills, and increase attention spans in children.

Kids want to explore, become part of the community, and express their individuality. They are going to do something not very thoughtful anyway ( just like you when you were a kid). Making mistakes is part of the learning process. As a parent, you should figure out whether you want to be with them when they are in danger, or you want to be the last to know about their ‘adventure’.

Indeed, monitoring your kids is like walking on thin ice. On the one hand, it would be great to know every little thing about your children in order to help them avoid getting into trouble. On the other hand, they will never agree to you reading their diary just the way you read your Sunday paper. 

Get to know their friends

Being aware of what your kids are doing and who they are hanging out with is the first step. Most kids want to be social because that’s the way they learn and explore the world. You will not always like their friends, but it doesn’t give you the right to speak badly about them and forbid your child from playing with them.

Make sure to invite their friends to your house from time to time. Also, don’t hesitate to get to know their parents. First of all, you might be able to find friends for yourself. Secondly, being on good terms with other parents makes the monitoring process easier.

If you see that your child’s friend behaves inappropriately (swearing, stealing, lying, etc.), talk to your kid about it. It shouldn’t be a negative conversation. All you need to do is to describe the situation and ask your kid about their honest opinion. That’s how you can help your children understand where the line good and bad is and develop their critical thinking.

Have an honest discussion

If you really want to protect your children, warn them about the potential danger. For instance, small kids should be aware that their body parts are private, and no one except a doctor can touch them.

Also, tell them what to do if a stranger starts speaking to them on the street and offering something. Before you start this kind of conversation with your child, tell them that you love them, and want to protect them. It is a much better tactic than using a commanding tone. 

Be their friend

The best way of keeping track of what’s happening in your child’s life is to build trust and become their friend.

Make sure to have one-on-one time with them every day, accept them for who they are, and involve yourself in their interests. It’s important to listen to what they are saying even though you are not the biggest fan of Justin Bieber, Monster High, or League of Legends.

Also, if you want to know your child’s secrets, consider telling them yours as well.

Talk about the media

Some kids have their Instagram profiles before they learn how to walk and speak. Your child is going to have an online presence one day. Maybe they already have, and you just don’t know about it. So, before they create their first Facebook or Instagram account, let them know what they should be aware of. If your child is not even twelve, you might want to ask them for their passwords. Once again, don’t be bossy and respect their decision (in case they refuse to give you their social media account passwords).

Explain to them how they should behave on the Internet. Let them know that they should keep their personal information private, avoid sending their photos to strangers and repost when someone else misbehaves. Encourage them to think twice before they text, post, and share content. The ugly truth is that everything people do on the Internet might stay there forever and even go public.

Consider monitoring programs

If your kids go to school alone, consider installing monitoring programs. Before you do that, let them know about it. If they don’t agree to this, suggest to ‘spy’ on you as well (so that your kids are going to see where you are). 

The bottom line

If you want to protect your kids without spying on them, make sure to establish a trustworthy relationship and become their best friends. Consider inviting their friends to your house so that you can get to know them better.

It’s essential to warn your kids about potential danger and explain to them why you forbid certain things. Before they create their social media account, teach them how to behave online, and how not to develop a social media addiction. Also, consider installing monitoring programs so that you know where your kids are playing.

Parenting is a real challenge, but you should know that you are doing a great job so far!