Tanya H 4/15/21 Tanya H 4/15/21

4 Things to Know About Cerebral Palsy

Whether you know a lot about cerebral palsy or you know little, something that many of us can find common ground in is its misunderstood nature by large quantities of the population. It is not something that really gets spoken about unless you talk about or look up information on it for a specific reason, which means that the general public can often be left in the dark.

This piece will discuss some of the things that would be good for you to know about cerebral palsy, whether you know someone who has it or not.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy (CP for short) is a condition affecting movement and coordination, with each individual’s symptoms being unique and varying in severity. It is the most common motor disability found in childhood and continues to affect 1 in 345 children.

There Are Different Types of Cerebral Palsy

Did you know that there are, in fact, four different major types of cerebral palsy which are all categorised by how it affects the body and how exactly the brain is damaged?
These four different types are spastic, athetoid, ataxic, and mixed type.

· Spastic cerebral palsy is one of the more common types and affects walking, reflex ability and stiffness.

· Athetoid cerebral palsy shows symptoms by inducing muscle fluctuation, which includes floppiness in the legs and arms, posture issues and eating problems.

· Ataxic cerebral palsy affects speech and can cause issues with tremors or shakiness and walking positions with feet further apart.

· Mixed type cerebral palsy is a mix of symptoms from the different types of cerebral palsy. Parents of those with cases of mixed type would do well to speak to a cerebral palsy specialist about this.

Cerebral Palsy is Most Commonly Caused by Brain Damage

Cerebral palsy can be caused by avoidable brain damage that has happened before, during or just after birth.

A failure to carefully monitor both mother and baby throughout pregnancy and birth and a failure to provide timely, and appropriate, medical intervention can lead to oxygen deprivation resulting cerebral palsy.

For those who believe that their child’s CP could have been prevented, help is at hand. Contact trusted cerebral palsy solicitors for professional legal advice.

Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis is Often Made 1- 2 Years After Birth

Cerebral palsy is often not diagnosed immediately, and it can take a couple of years for symptoms to be fully noticed in a child. If symptoms are mild, they are often missed initially, whereas, in some babies, there are signs from birth up to six months, such as going stiff or feeling floppy in your arms.
It is important to remember that those with cerebral palsy can live long and happy lives, with the right support in place including a range of therapies, care, specialist equipment and adapted accommodation.

Tanya H 4/9/21 Tanya H 4/9/21

The vitality of contraceptives

Photo by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition on Unsplash

According to research, family preparation, which includes planning, delaying, and spacing births, has been related to better birth results for infants, either directly or indirectly, by good maternal habits during pregnancy. Other than the main aim of avoiding conception, contraception strategies have a variety of advantages. Contraception lowers the risk of pregnancy-related morbidity and death, reduces the risk of many sexual diseases, and may be used to manage a wide range of menstrual signs and disorders. Couples need to consider and focus on the techniques used to perform contraception as it is imperative in determining the conditions and state of their sexual health.

Contraceptive drugs

Contraception is a crucial process, and hence a great deal of care is to be taken to choose and select the optimum contraceptive technique. Doctors and medical researchers strictly emphasize the usage of genuine contraceptive pills to limit the rate of pregnancy. To observe their efficacy, it is advised to use them regularly. Hence, people should procure these medicines easily via local drug stores that casually sell these vital drugs in bulk quantities. That is alarming as recent medical researchers confidently quote that a sharp rise in drug misuse cases has been recorded. To overcome these pressing issues, online medical stores and pharmacies are doing a commendable job. One such example of an online store that initially accepts a 90-day prescription and then delivers the products after verifying the prescriptions is the 90-day Meds. Its commitment and dedication to reducing the rate of inflating drug abuse in society are exceptional.

We will now be discussing the vitality of contraceptives and the reason for which it is preferred.

1. Reduces the risk of pregnancy-related issues

Young women are particularly vulnerable to complications during pregnancy. They will use contraception to postpone bearing children until their bodies are completely capable of supporting a pregnancy. It will also help older women who are at risk of becoming pregnant avoid becoming pregnant. By preventing unintended pregnancies, contraception decreases the need for abortion. As a result, illegal abortions, which are among the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, are reduced.

2. Reduces the risk of teenage-pregnancies

Young women can avoid premature pregnancies that can have a detrimental effect on their marriages and ambitions by using contraceptives. Early labor will also put the baby's welfare in jeopardy. Teenage babies are more likely to be underweight before and after pregnancy, putting them at a greater risk of neonatal mortality.

3. Produces Healthy infants

Infant mortality rates – the percentage of babies who perish in their first year of life – are higher when pregnancies are too soon together or timed incorrectly. Contraception allows women to schedule their pregnancies so that the infant has the best treatment possible before and after delivery.

4. Reduces the aggressively increasing population

The use of contraception delays population growth. That is critical because overcrowding places a strain on the environment, the economy, and public services like education and health.

5. Regulates the process of menstruation and reduces period pain.

Hormonal birth control methods can help to balance hormonal variations that occur during your cycle. That can assist with frequent or excessive bleeding, as well as other menstrual problems. It can also assist with the effects of a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), such as acne and excess hair. Although multiple birth control strategies operate in different ways, most of them will make cycles lighter and more stable. Menstrual pain is cited as one of the reasons that women continue to use birth control pills. Ovulation is prevented by hormonal birth control. Your uterus does not feel the intense contractions that induce cramps during ovulation when you don't ovulate. Hormonal birth control can also help relieve discomfort during menstruation if you have painful periods.

Conclusion

To conclude, contraceptive measures are vital and essential for many reasons that have been highlighted above. However, you need to consult your doctor and then proceed.

Tanya H 4/9/21 Tanya H 4/9/21

Enhance the quality of your life with these essential supplements.

The world is suffering from an unquenchable thirst, the thirst for success. The majority of the people are running mindlessly in a rat race to achieve the perfect job and the perfect lifestyle. However, all of this comes at a cost, the cost of well-being.

The race:

The world has glamourized the hustle culture so much that taking a break seems like a crime. One is supposed to work 24/7 and stay busy to attain the ideal life. Amongst all this, people often forget to take care of themselves.

The importance of eating the right food:

The current lifestyle has turned the eating habits upside down; most of us are running solely on junk foods. Our bodies are full of sodas, fast food, and candies. The reason is that most of us are not aware of the side effects of the food consumed; fast food is full of trans fats that are exceedingly harmful to the human body and contain no significant nutritional value. Consequently, people are getting sick every other day. Our bodies require vitamins and minerals, and when the dietary needs are not fulfilled, the body gets weak. To overcome this dilemma, one should develop a habit of taking additional supplements to make up for the body's lack of nutrition. Now, the idea of incorporating supplements into the diet seems attractive but is also expensive. If money is the concern, PricePro Pharmacy discounts are here to become your best friend; they offer amazing deals that can help you save a few bucks.

MUST HAVE SUPPLEMENTS:

VITAMIN D:

Did you know you can absorb Vitamin D? Sunlight is the best source to fulfill your body's need for Vitamin D. However, our exposure to sunlight is limited due to our lifestyle, which results in a deficiency. It is essential for bone health, and available as an injectable as well as a pill, you can use either of the forms based on your preference.

2. COD LIVER OIL:

Without a doubt, cod liver oil can be regarded as a magical supplement. It is full of various nutrients essential for the body and is beneficial for the heart, skin, hair, etc. The benefits are endless, and there is no harm associated with the intake of cod liver oil.

3. ZINC:

Zinc is a mineral that helps boost the immune system. Not only is zinc beneficial for boosting immunity, but it also helps in retaining the quality of your luscious locks and achieve flawless skin. Moreover, it increases the rate of wound healing.

CONCLUSION:

Supplements are essential but not a necessity. Experts suggest that before reaching out for supplements, it is necessary to satisfy the body's nutritional needs such as minerals and vitamins through food. During the constant hustle of life, one should not forget to prioritize their health as there is no more considerable wealth than a safe and sound body. Therefore try to spare some time from the busy schedule and focus entirely on health.

Tanya H 3/16/21 Tanya H 3/16/21

5 Secrets to Create a Welcoming Home

Your home should be a soothing space where you can retreat at the end of the day and enjoy some much-needed family time. You also want your living space to give off a welcoming atmosphere when you invite guests into your home. Luckily, there are several simple ways to make your house more comfortable and inviting. Here are five secrets to create a welcoming home:

1. Focus on your entryway

Your entryway is the thing that welcomes guests into your home, so you need to make a good first impression. Start by decorating our entryway with wall art, mirrors, or photo frames. Use lighting to create an inviting atmosphere and make sure that your home’s entrance is clean and free from mess and clutter. You could also light a candle to create an inviting ambience and welcome guests into your home with a beautiful scent.

2. Choose an inviting colour palette

Your interior colour palette will have a big impact on the overall atmosphere and feel of your home. Colour has the power to influence different moods, and certain colours can help you create an inviting atmosphere. Warm neutral shades tend to be most effective at creating inviting home decor. You can also use home accessories like blankets and scatter cushions to add a splash of colour and interest. Soft textiles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere in your home. Take a look at this article by House Beautiful for ideas of warm and welcoming colour palettes for an inviting home.

3. Maintain a comfortable temperature

You must maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. The last thing you want is for you or your guests to be shivering with cold or sweating from being too hot. According to ovoenergy.com, “the ideal home temperature is between 19 and 22℃.” Keep your thermostat set at this temperature to make sure that guests are comfortable while visiting your home. You might want to consider updating your heating system and radiators if they are worn or outdated. Upgrading to a modern heating system will make it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature in your house. It will also reduce your energy usage and slash your monthly utility bills through energy-savings.

4. Add natural elements

Natural elements like plants and flowers will bring life into your home and help you create a more inviting living space. There are dozens of ways to add natural elements to your home and create a greener space. You could experiment with different house plants or display fragrant bunches of flowers around your house, for example.

5. Provide comfortable seating

When family and friends visit, you must have enough seating to accommodate each guest. Think about your seating layout and make sure that furniture is placed at a comfortable distance from each other. For instance, having a large distance between you and your guests will not create a welcoming atmosphere, so try to create an intimate seating area. You can make seating more comfortable by providing guests with cushions, throws, and a side table.

Tanya H 3/9/21 Tanya H 3/9/21

5 Things You Can do to Keep Your Dog Healthy

One of the most important responsibilities of a dog owner is supporting a healthy lifestyle. This might seem like a challenging thing to do sometimes, but there are some simple and effective measures you can take to ensure that your dog is healthy.

Here are some of the things you can do to extend the life of your dog:

Exercise

Just as it does with humans, exercise promotes the mental and physical health of your furry friend. This can be as simple as taking the dog for a walk or even playing fetch on the lawn. Unfortunately, many dog owners find themselves skipping these activities. Life can get busy, but it is your responsibility as the dog owner to take your dog for a walk once in a while. And when the weather is restrictive, there are always things that you can do indoors to keep your dog active.

According to PetMD, exercise helps to tone the muscles, help the body and the metabolic system to function as needed. It is, therefore, essential to keep your dog active for good mental and physical health.

Feed your Pet a Balanced Diet

Feeding your pet with the right amount and type of food is the key to helping them maintain a healthy weight. Apart from maintaining a healthy weight, a well-balanced and nutritional diet is essential for the heart, mind, and general health. Additionally, it is important to ensure that your pet has access to clean water and keep an eye on the number of treats you give them. The food that you give your dog must include fiber to avoid digestive issues like constipation.

Dogs can sometimes have a food intolerance that can result in gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. This is quite common, but a dog poo consistency chart can help you determine the cause of any change in the poo color and consistency.

Dental Hygiene

Your dog’s dental hygiene is an important part of its general health, this means that it should be part of your daily routine. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the most common dental problem in canines is periodontal disease or gum disease, which progresses with age. Gum diseases can lead to life-threatening issues like kidney disease, heart disease, and pain. The bacteria from the illness can get into the bloodstream and cause damaging problems. Ensure that your dog gets its teeth brushed every day to avoid such problems.

Vaccinate them

Get your pet vaccinated against possibly deadly illnesses like rabies, parvovirus, panleukopenia, and distemper.

Grooming

Grooming a dog entails trimming its nails, brushing them a couple of times, and giving them frequent baths. Grooming is an excellent way to monitor any changes in the dog’s fur or skin, for example, dry skin, bald patches, or even dandruff.

Keeping your pets healthy can reduce depression, anxiety, lowers stress levels, and improves their overall heart health. To maintain a healthy lifestyle for your dog, you have to buy the right dog food, vaccinate them, take them for walks and maintain good dental hygiene.

Tanya H 3/4/21 Tanya H 3/4/21

5 Factors to Consider Before Getting a Kitten

A curious kitten can make a delightful addition to the family. They are, of course, a long-term responsibility and you should think carefully before making a decision. Kittens need a loving home environment and your family, plus other pets, need to be on board. Make sure you can provide them with the best life possible. This includes a safe space, plenty of food, toys, and attention. Don’t forget you’ll need to budget for your furry friend as well. Here are five factors to consider before getting a kitten.

Your home environment

Find out whether your home is a suitable environment for cats. Cats need space to explore, hide, and play. Ensure you have enough room for them to have some time to themselves. You also need to consider whether you’re going to let your kitten outside or not. If you are, factor in the neighbouring streets and traffic.

Your other pets

If you already have pets, speak to your vet for advice. Dogs and cats can get on just fine. Older cats may not like their territory being invaded at first but will eventually get used to it. To make sure you look after all your pets introduce the new kitten gradually. Be very vigilant during its first few meetings with your other dog or cat. It’s normal for them to not get along at first but hopefully, they will learn to live together in harmony.

Your budget

Factor in the cost of owning a cat. Cats don’t tend to be the most expensive of pets but you will need to budget for food, toys, accessories, vet bills, and pet insurance. Another expense to bear in mind is installing a cat flap. You need to make additions to your home so that your kitten can go outside and explore whenever it wants.

Your free time

Kittens are very playful and need a lot of attention. If you don’t have the time to provide this then maybe an older cat would be better. In order to keep them entertained, get them a few of the best cat toys to play with. Choose a varied selection. This may include balls, toys on strings, and also larger items such as scratching posts and trees. Create a zone for your cat to play and hide in. Your kitten will get bored or lonely otherwise.

Your clean space

Kittens are notoriously naughty so say goodbye to your clean space. At first, you may have to deal with little accidents on the carpet while they get used to their litter tray, and scratches on the furniture. Kitten-proof your home in advance by choosing the best sofa fabrics for pet owners and this way you can protect your furnishings. Once trained, which won’t take long, cats are very clean animals. The only thing you need to worry about is hoovering up excess fluff. A kitten can make the ideal companion for children or adults. Be sure to consider the impact it will have on your lifestyle first.

Tanya H 3/1/21 Tanya H 3/1/21

Keep Your Teeth Healthy This Lockdown

BRUSH TWICE A DAY

With another lockdown to contend with we now know a little bit more about what to expect and what the challenges are going to be. For one thing we tend to eat a lot more and also eat a lot more unhealthy foods. This is partly boredom and partly winter.

It's more important than ever to ensure that you and your family are brushing your teeth at least twice a day during lockdown to make sure there are no unnecessary trips to the dentist on the horizon. As well as brushing two times a day, ensure you brush for around two minutes. Additionally, by visiting your dentist every six months, you can stay on top of any potential dental issues and ensure early intervention if needed. Dentists like Ironwood Pediatric Dentistry are there to provide comprehensive dental care for families, making sure smiles are healthy.

REMEMBER TO FLOSS

Flossing your teeth is often overlooked. We sort of know it's a good idea but don't tend to see any immediate results like we do with teeth brushing. But flossing is also important and needs to be taken seriously. Flossing around thirty minutes before brushing is most effective.

When you floss before brushing your dislodge some of the food bits between your teeth that can cause the creation of plaque. Since plaque leads to tooth decay, toothache, and the loss of teeth, it's the last thing you want for you or your family.

DENTAL ALIGNMENTS

Lock down might be a suspension of work and social activities but it is good for some things. Dental alignment is one of them. Since you won't be socialising much, and your children won't be going to school you have months to play with.

If you or your children have crooked teeth that affects your self confidence now could be a good time to look into having them aligned. Braces these days are very discrete and in some cases completely invisible. Contact your dentist to find out what can be arranged in the next few months.

TEETH WHITENING

Teeth are very sensitive to particular food that cause discolouration. These foods are things like tea, coffee, and wine, exactly the sorts of things we consume more of when working and living at home most of the time. During lockdown you need to pay attention to the whiteness of your teeth.

A good tooth whitening toothpaste is recommended to maintain white healthy teeth. These products vary in strength and won't suit everyone. Test out a variety of toothpastes to see which one works for you the best. The other way you can whiten your teeth is by reducing stain causing food consumption.

TOOTH FRIENDLY DIET

When it comes to the health of your family's teeth you need to ensure they consume a diet that supports tooth health. That is a diet low in refined sugar and natural sugar. If you or your family consumes high sugar food like sweets or fruits, make sure you brush your teeth shortly afterwards.

Sweets and fruits not only contain highly corroding sugar they also contain certain acids that can be harmful to the enabling of teeth. For best results brush teeth around half an hour after eating these food items, this will effectively remove the acid covering.

Tanya H 2/3/21 Tanya H 2/3/21

Common Skincare Mistakes

Getting your skincare routine correct can really transform the way you look and feel. Having a skincare overhaul can help you to overcome the skin’s typical problems such as blemishes and fine lines.

However, for persistent issues with blemishes, you may want to consider going for some professional acne treatment to get the help you need to bring your skin back to life.

If you feel as though your skin needs a boost, then keep reading about these comment skincare mistakes and what you can do to put them right.

You Use The Wrong Stuff For Your Skin

It’s important to choose cleansers, toners and moisturisers that suit your skin type when it comes to choosing your skincare products. For example, if you have oily skin, then using an oil free moisturiser helps to keep your skin hydrated without clogging up your pores. On the other hand, if dry skin is your problem a moisturiser that is rich in oils is what you need to fully rehydrate and keep your skin glowing. Using products that are formulated specifically for your skin type it helps to give your skin the treatment it needs.

You Don’t protect Your Skin From the Sun

We all enjoy sitting in the Sun from time to time. However, the exposure to the Sun can be extremely harmful. It can cause dry skin that is prone to premature ageing. Most importantly, however, failing to protect your skin from the Sun can increase Your chances of developing certain skin cancers. Be sure to always use and SPF on your face, even if you go outside and there is no sun. The good news is that SPF can be found in many moisturisers and make up products. Your chances of developing certain skin cancers. Be sure to always use and SPF on your face, even if you go outside and there is no sun. The good news is that SPF can be found in many moisturises and make up products.

You Don’t Include Your Neck In Your Routine

Many people ignore the neck area when they are thinking about their skincare routine. It’s just as important to take care of the skin on the neck than it is the skin on her face. Ignoring this can lead to premature signs of ageing in the skin. It’s important to keep your neck nourished. Using intense moisturiser on your neck can promote the production of collagen in your skin which enhances its elasticities and keep you looking and feeling younger. Using serums in addition to moisturisers are even better.

You Don’t Make Time For Your Skin

If you leave the house in the morning without giving yourself time to digest your breakfast, or if you go to bed soon after eating then you suffer with indigestion. Rushing for your skincare routine is like this, if you just put products on your skin without giving them time to absorb then you will not feel the benefits of the product you’re using. Take things slowly and let them be work their magic.

Tanya H 2/3/21 Tanya H 2/3/21

How to Stop Negative Talk

Negative self-talk can break down your confidence, increase the likelihood of anxiety, and impact your relationships too. We have an inner critic, and sometimes that little critic can make us produce our best work or keep us on track.

Other times the little critic gets fed too often and becomes much harder to deal with.

Negative self-talk can bring us down pretty quickly, and it can begin to be directed elsewhere too.

What do we mean by negative self-talk?

The problem with negative self-talk is it can take many different forms. It can even sound gentle and grounded, or it can sound aggressive and mean.

I am so terrible at everything.
Why am I like this? (in a none joking manner).
I can’t do this; I am not good enough.

They all seem mild, but they are the many building blocks that can build a negative self-talk cycle.

You might even notice that you sound very much like the teachers and parents who perhaps told you that you couldn’t do something before.

What can negative self-talk impact?

The short answer is that it can impact everything. The longer answer is that negative self-talk can impact everything from your job to your relationship. Here is how can why that impact happens:

Perfectionist

There is perfectionism, never getting anything done, and there is negative self-talk. The latter is where you believe that since you cannot be perfect, you shouldn’t do it at all because great isn’t good enough.

High-achievers tend to do so well because they aren’t concerned with perfection; they are concerned with getting the job done to the best of their ability and moving on.

Relationship

When you begin to verbalize the negativity, it will take its toll on your partner. They can only support and encourage you for so long. Sometimes the negative talk gets redirected to them too. Before you know it, you might be facing a future without your current partner, discussing assets and ancillary relief.

Breakdowns of relationships can be challenging to deal with, and they can further impact your negative emotions.

Limited progression

If you believe that you cannot do something, you most likely will not be able to do it. Negative self-talk can cause us to become our own barriers in life. If you always wanted to start a small business but talk yourself out of it, you will never achieve it.

Want to progress in your career but feel like you are unworthy? You will never put yourself forward.

Catch and Throw

The simplest way to start putting an end to your negative self-talk is by catching the thought and throwing it away. Then replace it with a positive one.

The more you do this, the more often you will break the cycle that is damaging you.

Every time you have a negative thought, ask yourself, ‘who told you that?’ - and almost all the time, you will not be able to answer who because no one has said it!

Negative self-talk is damaging but can be combated when you recognize the damage it can do and how you can stop it from happening.

Tanya H 1/20/21 Tanya H 1/20/21

Perks Of Renting An Apartment Abroad

Renting an apartment is a way easier option in international cities than buying. You need to spend some whopping amount to buy an apartment, and this becomes too difficult for those individuals who have currently moved in. Moreover, purchasing a flat is the last option when you have decided to stay in place till your retirement. Many do not understand that there are some hidden benefits of staying in a rented place and those are as follows:-

You enjoy flexibility

The first and foremost thing that you can do is revel in flexibility. You get the freedom to live in different places, try out new apartments, make new friends, move into the next neighbourhood and so on. For instance, you want to move from London to Wirral, you can do it with ease without facing any hassle. You can rent an apartment in the Wirral peninsula through Wirral homes and get the best choices and deals.

You get quality apartments

Secondly, you get access to quality-homes and choose what fits your budget and lifestyle. If you have meagre income, you can choose single bedroom unfurnished apartments. If you are well-off and want to shift with your entire family, you can find a proper house with two bedrooms, private garden and other basic amenities. The choices are vast, and you can get almost anything of your range!

You can hop in different locations

Some jobs require travelling from one city to another. In such cases, you have the only option of renting a house and staying for the contract period. Moreover, you can settle in one place that offers you less price. You can check the locations nearest to your office and universities and settle for the one that falls within your budget.

You can have better budgeting

You know exactly what amount you need to pay to the landlord. Before signing the agreement, you will know if maintenance cost or additional charges are involved or not. Basically, the landlords pay all the renovation and repair costs, which save you a lot of bucks. When you purchase a house, you need to take care of all the payment and other unexpected costs that keep cropping up now and then. If your homeowner takes care of all the extra charges, you have nothing to worry then!

Apart from these, there are several advantages as well like, secured deposits, less financial responsibility, fixed tenure, fixed rent each month and more. However, you got some major reasons why you need to stick to renting and how it gives you less financial stress. Moving abroad is a tough thing to do, but finding a budgeted place still tops the list.

The best you can do is contacting agents who can help and guide you to find a suitable apartment as per your status, finance and location. wirral.co.uk is an apt portal to get in touch with professionals dealing in this industry for decades. Stop fretting and start house hunting!

Tanya H 12/28/20 Tanya H 12/28/20

Why Parents Need To Give Up Smoking for Their Children

While most people who smoke think that they are only harming themselves, things change drastically when you become a parent. Anything you do or any decision you make has a huge effect on your child’s future. As a parent, you aren’t only living your own life, but you are also responsible for the life of your children. You might think that your smoking habit won’t have any effect on your child, but you might walk into your home to find him holding a cigarette in his hand.

Effects of Smoking on Children

Parents who smoke cigarettes in front of their children not only send the message that smoking cigarettes are okay, but they can’t even teach their kids to stay away from cigarettes as it will be hypocritical of them. So, their smoking habit can end up being very harmful to their child. If you have tried quitting smoking but haven’t gotten very far, you can quit by using alternatives and learn how you can do it through e-cigs for example. Nonetheless, here are some of the negative effects of smoking children in front of your children.

● Smoke from Cigarettes Can Harm Children

You might have heard about second-hand smoking and its adverse effects on a person. Now, imagine living your whole life with someone who smokes and suffering from negative effects just by being around them. If young children are exposed to cigarette smoke, they are more likely to develop conditions such as asthma, allergies, or infections. They can also be hospitalized for a breathing problem, which is something that no parent would wish upon his child.

● If You Smoke, Your Children Can Also Adopt the Habit

If you regularly smoke in front of your child, he will think that smoking is not such a bad habit. Regardless of how much you tell him to stay away from cigarettes, he might be drawn towards them at least once in their life so that he can try them out. To make sure that it doesn’t happen, you should make your home a smoke-free zone until you don’t get rid of this habit so that at least you are not doing it in front of your child.

● Your Children Will Always Be Worried About Your Health

As you know, smoking is the main cause of a lot of diseases such as cancer or tuberculosis. If you are a heavy smoker, your children will also be worried about your health. You don’t want your children to spend every waking minute of their day worrying about your health when, in fact, they should be having fun and enjoying their lives.

How Quitting Benefits the Whole Family

Now comes the hard part of quitting smoking. I know that it isn’t as easy as it sounds, but I’m sure that when you put your children into perspective, the job will become a lot easier. If you weren’t able to do it for your own sake, you should think about your children and their future and try it again. With so many therapies and smoking alternatives being developed, you will find that giving up on smoking isn’t as hard as it used to be.

Once you finally give up on it, you will see that you will feel less stressed out about your own health or the health of your children. The odds of your developing serious conditions or diseases will be highly reduced so that you can start living a healthy and long life with your children. At the end of the day, from the moment you give birth to your child, you only live your life to serve as a memory for your children.

Tanya H 12/23/20 Tanya H 12/23/20

Knowing When It's Time To Get A Family Pet

Have you been considering getting a family pet lately, but you’re not sure if it’s the right time? This is a struggle that a lot of people face because it’s never easy to know if it’s going to work out or not. There are a lot of different variables that need to go into making this decision, and you’ve got to take your time when making a choice. Pets are for the long term, not just for a little while and this is something that a lot of people tend to forget. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at how you can know when it’s time to get a family pet, so if you would like to find out more, keep reading down below.

You Feel You’re Ready

The first way that you will know it’s time to get a family pet is because you feel ready for one. If you truly think that you and your family are ready to bring another being into the family, then it’s as good a sign as any that now is the time. If you’re in any way unsure however about whether or not you’re ready, then it’s not your time. There is always next month, next year and others after that, so it’s not like you are going to be in any major rush to get one.

It might be the case that your family simply isn’t ready for the responsibility of having another being to look after right now, and there is nothing wrong with that. It happens, and as long as you can recognize this then it’s okay. However, it might also be the case that you do feel as though you’re ready, and this is okay too. If everyone is on board and looking forward to this new addition, then why not?

Everyone Will Chip In

Have you spoken to your family about who is going to do what when it comes to the new pet? Different animals have different needs, and once you’ve decided what pet you would be getting, you need to talk about responsibilities. For example, when it comes time to walk your cat or dog, who is going to be responsible for this on what days? It’s not fair for one or two people to do everything to look after the pet, and then the rest of the family just come in for the cuddles or whatever. Everyone has to do their fair share, and until you are all in agreement as to what this is, then your family isn’t ready for a pet.

If it helps, you can make a rota that tells everyone what their job is and when. Making sure that everyone understands this is essential before you make the purchase, so be sure.

Pets can cost a lot of money depending on what you get. You are going to have to pay to purchase the pet, then it might need vet visits, vaccinations, toys, food, insurance and a whole manner of other things. If you have found yourself quite tight for cash right now, then it may be a good idea to wait until you are in a better position. We know that you are going to want to give your pet the best life possible, and you won’t be able to if you are constantly worried about money.

Work out how much it’s going to cost you per month to keep the pet of your choice, and this way you will know if it is doable with the finances. Of course, just because the finances work out, doesn’t mean that you should automatically get a pet!

You Can’t Stop Thinking About It

Finally, if you can’t stop thinking about what it would be like to add a new member to the family, then it’s time for a pet. Expanding your family is always going to be a joyous occasion, and if it’s something that you can’t get off your mind, then maybe it was meant to be. You’re not going to constantly think about something that you don’t want or don’t think you’re ready for, so you can use this to guide you if you want. You’ve just got to make sure that everyone else in the house is on board with the plan first.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now have a better understanding of how you can know when it’s time to get a family pet. Make sure that you’ve thought this through thoroughly before making a final decision, otherwise there could be consequences!

Tanya H 12/14/20 Tanya H 12/14/20

Gift Ideas For Your Dog This Christma

Dogs don’t see Christmas in the same way that humans do, but it’s totally normal to want to include your dog in Christmas celebrations. If you’re thinking of buying your pooch some Christmas gifts to enjoy ripping open this year, then take a look at these amazing gift ideas for your dog this Christmas.

A new bowl set

Dogs love to eat, so why not spruce up their eating experience with a new dog bowl set for their food and water? If your dog is prone to knocking their bowls over in excitement, then why not opt for a bowl with bottom suction to prevent loss of food and water, and also save you from cleaning up every five minutes?

Swanky new collar

While your dog might not appreciate a new collar like you do, over time collars can become frayed and lose their durability, meaning your dog’s collar could snap when you’re out walking and potentially put your dog in danger if they run off. Look for leather dog collars for durability and style.

Updated tag

Not all dogs have tags, and essentially they are used in case the dog ever becomes lost. A tag will usually have some form of contact details and their name so that when your dog is found, they can easily find you. Why not have a new tag engraved for your dog with a clever and funny message? Something to make you, and anyone that might find your dog in the future smile.

Lots of squeaky toys

All dogs love squeaky toys, and whether your dog is more boisterous with their toys or gentle, they will love something new to squeak around your house. Finding a durable squeaky toy will prevent your dog from tearing apart their new toy and potentially choking on the squeaker.

A new bed

Like all furniture, your dog’s bed will deteriorate over time, whether that be down to regular washing, or simply old age! Treat your dog to a new comfortable bed to snuggle up and fall asleep on.

Special chewy treats

Treats are a wonderful way to enforce obedience in your dog! However, there’s nothing wrong with giving your dog treats - in moderation - just because you love them! Why not find some nutritious chewy treats for dogs so that you can show your dog just how much you love them!

An adventure

Finally, all dogs love it when it’s “W A L K” time, and you know only too well that a longer walk means a calmer and more content dog when it comes to settling down at night. Why not take them somewhere new to explore with vast space to run around and wear down some energy? If your dog loves swimming, why not choose somewhere with a lake they can cool off in? Either way, a new and exciting place to sniff and run around will be a perfect treat that your dog will love! Don’t forget to take some toys to play fetch with!

Tanya H 12/9/20 Tanya H 12/9/20

Could Owning a Holiday Home Be More Practical Than You Think?

When it comes to buying property, most of us struggle enough to own just one home. Whether it’s saving up for a mortgage deposit or just the idea of making large regular payments, owning a home is tough and takes a lot of work to accomplish. Since owning a home is so difficult, you might find that owning a holiday home is the farthest thing from being practical.

But you might be surprised to find that owning a holiday home can be more convenient and practical than you might think.

There are a number of reasons for this too. In this post, we’re going to explain why owning a holiday home is more practical than you think. Hopefully, by the end of this post, you’ll be more open to the idea of purchasing a holiday home.

There are countless locations for you to invest in a holiday property

One of the great things about buying a holiday home is that you have countless options to pick from. Whether you look for an apartment for sale in Singapore or a rural house in France, there are plenty of locations for you to invest in. This allows you to pick a place that is best for rental income, or you can choose a location that is special to you.

You’ll find lots of options for purchasing a home

In addition to the local itself, you’ll typically be given lots of different options when purchasing a home. For example, there are lots of apartments for sale if you’re looking for something small and inexpensive. However, you could also purchase a large house if your budget allows for it and you want to maximize the amount of space you’re getting for the investment.

You can rent out your holiday home when you aren’t using it

One of the great things about owning a holiday home is being able to rent it out when you’re not using it. If you’re going on holiday, then you can ensure that you have nobody renting your home during the period that you want to take a vacation. However, for every other day that you’re not actively living in the property, you can rent it out with the help of managed services. They’ll typically charge a fee for their services, but it’s a great way to ensure that your property is looked after.

It’ll offset your holiday costs, but it can limit where you go for a break

Since you’re making a bit of profit from your holiday home when it’s not in use, it’ll offset the costs of your own holiday. In some cases, you could be earning enough to fund a long holiday every year.

Short-term lets actually make more money than long-term lets

One of the benefits of owning a holiday home is renting it out, but did you know that the majority of short-term rentals actually make more money than long-term lets? Since most people will be renting out your property for holiday purposes, it means that you can get by with just short-term rental periods.

But let’s not forget the ongoing costs and maintenance

While the costs of maintaining a home aren't extremely high, it’s useful to keep these costs in mind to ensure that your home is properly taken care of. These costs should be considered as part of the ownership cost of a holiday home. Despite the extra fees, you’ll find that owning and looking after a holiday home can be more practical and affordable than you first thought.

Hiring a property management service can help, but it’s going to cost you

If you’re finding it difficult to manage your property, or if you’re simply too far away to manage it, then you have the option of hiring a property management service to help you. These services will do everything that you typically do. This includes tidying your holiday home, making improvements, repairing things, and even communicating with tenants. It’s highly configurable and will save you a lot of time and money in the future.

Your income isn’t going to be as stable as you think

Lastly, don’t invest in a holiday home if you’re purely in it for the profit. There are much easier ways to make a profit without having to purchase and manage an overseas property. You should only invest in a holiday home if you enjoy the country that you’re investing in and have plans to go there frequently for your holidays.

Tanya H 11/13/20 Tanya H 11/13/20

Ways to save money without compromising your lifestyle

There is one thing that the global pandemic has brought to the fore, and that’s how precarious job security is and how we need to reconsider our finances. While there is financial support from Government it often doesn’t cover what people need or it takes a while to reach those who are in need of it.

Prevention is often better than cure, so budgeting and looking after your income and outgoings will stand you in good stead. Also, encourage healthy spending habits in children is another great way of educating them about finances and how to handle their money should the unexpected happen.

As well as increasing your income by selling items you no longer use or raising money, you can also make small changes to your spending habits, which will have a huge impact on your finances. However, they may seem small, but doing each will add up to a significant saving at the end of each month.

Why not try these simple tips each month and see how much further your money goes?

· Socializing: It’s wonderful to catch up with friends, especially those you haven’t seen in a while. This often means going to a coffee shop or restaurant. Instead, why not opt to make a picnic and catch up in a local park? This way, you will have the perfect opportunity for a natter and have something delicious to eat and drink without splashing out too much cash.

· Decluttering: A tidy house is a sign of a tidy mind, they often say! Declutter your home also affords you the opportunity to sell off unwanted goods. This is a win-win situation. You get a lovely tidy home, and you get to raise some cash too.

· Avoid convenience food: It’s perfectly reasonable to use convenience foods, and it’s especially helpful if you get home from work late and don’t have the energy to cook. However, making from scratch often means you can cook in bulk, and it’s cheaper. You could batch cook at the weekend and freeze items you can then reheat in the oven or microwave.

· Home-made lunches: It is so easy to nip to the sandwich shop for a pre-prepared lunch. Try making them and home the night before work. There’s nothing like having home-made soup at work on a cold and wet winter’s day!

· Saving: As soon as your paycheque hits your bank account, place a percentage in a savings account. This gets you in the frame of mind of saving, but also you can decide beforehand what you want to save for. Call it that too, as it motivates you to keep saving.

· Cash: When you pop to the shops for milk, only bring the amount you need for milk. More often than not, people spend way more than they intended when making a trip to a corner shop. If you don’t have the cash, then you can’t spend it!

· Bills: Pay bills on time to ensure you don’t receive a late payment fee. Also, set up direct debits to pay for bills as companies often offer a discount if you pay this way. It’s a great way of saving money.

· Consolidation: Consider combining any debts into one payment, you could also opt for no guarantor loans or researching the best deals around for any finances you do have, including credit cards.

· Clothing: Too often, we purchase items that require dry cleaning. Stay clear of these clothes by checking the washing label. It will save you money on dry cleaning bills.

· Transport: Car sharing is a great way of cutting down on the costs of transportation. Similarly, you could opt to walk part of the journey and get public transport the rest. This will improve not only your health but also your cash flow too.

· Bank charges: Check your account and see if you have been charged for items that you should not have been. Keep a close eye on your account to ensure it is always in good health, and you know exactly what is going out at all times.

· Loose Change. There are times when loose change is hanging around our purse, wallet or in our bag or pockets. Start saving this change, and before you know it you will have an amount which you can use for a special treat for yourself or a loved one!

· Wait before buying: Don’t buy on impulse. Note what it is you want and think about it for a few days. If you still feel the same about the item it’s then that you buy it. If it’s clothing, ask yourself what it will go with that is already in your wardrobe, will you wear it at least 30 times, and do you have something similar already. These questions will stop you from making an impulse buy, which you may regret later on.

· Move suppliers: No matter what the item, you can ring up your current suppliers of gas, electricity, phone, TV, Broadband, and ask for a better deal. Be prepared to change to another company if they don’t offer you a discount. It pays to shop around these days.

· Store own brands: Non-branded goods are equal if not better than some branded food. Do a test taste and see which ones you and your family are happy with. These are often so much cheaper and will save you a lot of money on your grocery bill.

· Preloved: If you do need to purchase something, why not choose preloved? Buying items that no-one else needs is a great way of saving money on the cost of new.

· Cancel memberships: once upon a time, it would have been a gym membership that people needed to cancel to save cash. However, there are so many monthly subscriptions these days from TV networks or music streaming, to name but a few. Check that you still use these memberships and cancel if you don’t.

These are just some of the little ways you can save money each month. Are there any other ways you can think of?

Tanya Hindes 9/17/20 Tanya Hindes 9/17/20

Tips To Help Your Children Through School

Helping your child through school is something many parents want to do to ensure they get the best education possible. School can spark a lot of intrigue for children in different areas whilst for others, they don’t discover their passions until leaving school. Education can help to encourage exploration of potential avenues that they can go down as they grow up. Here are some tips to help your children through school.

Support Them With Homework

Homework is certainly an important part of your child’s upbringing. It’s essential for them to understand how to work on questions by themselves and without the presence of a teacher. It’s good for you to assist them when they need it, but homework is a good opportunity for teachers to assess their ability to complete assignments. This will all be influential on how they handle exams such as the midterms, which you can find more information on here: https://www.goodstudyskill.org/what-are-midterms-in-school/.

Try to support your child when it comes to their homework and rather than giving them the answers, then try to encourage them to think through the question and perhaps give helpful hints and tips. They should get to the answers naturally themselves, and a teacher will usually spot if the work has been heavily influenced by a parent simply giving the child all the answers. Don’t forget to remind them, that as long as they did their best, that is all they can do.

Ask How They’re Feeling

School is a stressful time, and there can be a lot of turbulent times for your child in finding themselves and what they want to do in life. It’s worth looking at some tips to manage children's everyday stress so that they can get the most out of their school education. Make sure you take the time to ask how their day was and how they’re feeling when they don’t exactly seem like themselves.

Teach Them That Failure Is A Good Thing

We see failure as a bad thing usually, but it’s important to remember that those failures only end up making us stronger. They help to dictate what we do next and how we get back up from what has knocked us down. It’s an important life lesson that’s worth sharing with your child because they’re likely going to find that they have many failures during classes and things that happen in school. Teach them that it can be a good thing, and it can help them in the future.

Fill Their Spare Time With Fun

School takes over a lot of their younger years, and so it’s important to fill their free time with as much fun as possible. Take their mind off of upcoming exams by doing things around the home as a family or taking some day trips out to treat them. There can be tough periods at school and letting them know that you are there for them and to provide them with that much-needed time out is essential. So try to fill their spare time with as much fun as possible!

Helping your children through school is certainly important, and so it’s good to use these tips to make sure they have a pleasant experience no matter what.

Tanya H 8/4/20 Tanya H 8/4/20

Do You Really Have A Good Nighttime Routine?

A nighttime routine is integral to getting a good night’s sleep, and even when you’ve redesigned your bedroom to truly suit the way you sleep, if you’re not feeling ready for bed when you climb in, it’s still going to take ages to fall asleep!

So, in the interest of ensuring you’ve got a good night’s sleep on the cards, and you will for at least 5 of the 7 days out of the week, make sure to keep in mind the potential nighttime routine improvements below. You deserve to have a good night’s rest, and with a tiny bit more effort, you might actually get some!

Photo by Camille Brodard on Unsplash — Photo by Camille Brodard on Unsplash

Pamper Yourself a Little

Do you know how to pamper yourself? Because you’ll need to pamper yourself before falling asleep! Go and light some candles for a good scent to swirl in your bedroom. Take a nice hot bath or shower, to help your muscles relax and your skin to feel refreshed. Turn the light’s down low and let your eyes get a little heavy as a result. Just go all out to ensure your body feels good before you get into bed, and you’re going to have a much healthier nighttime routine as a result.

Settle Your Stomach

Your digestive system might go a little wild at night. After all, your body has the chance to work through anything you’ve put into it throughout the day, and that big dinner that took hours to cook is going to be still working the last drops through your gut. And for that reason, you may want to make settling your stomach a part of your routine.

A bath could help make your body relax, both inside and out. Rubbing your belly a little, when you climb into bed at night, could do wonders for the muscles. Even some cbd gummies for sleep could be a big help here; all in all, if you’ve got a nice hot drink to sip on for 20 minutes before bed, or even just something small and soothing to chew on, you’re going to find bedtime a lot easier to get on with.

Prepare for the Morning

You should have a lot more time now than you do in the morning, and because of that, your nighttime routine should think about your future self, and how they’re going to feel rolling out of bed at early hours! So adjust your nighttime routine to prepare for the morning ahead as well.

Get your outfit out, whether that be business casual for work or your gym clothes. Pack yourself a healthy lunch ahead of time, to ensure you’re not eating canteen or fast food on your breaks. And most of all, get the coffee or tea prepped!

A good nighttime routine puts you first, and makes sure you’re feeling healthy and happy after a good night’s rest. Be sure to change up your routine if it’s not quite right at the moment, simply because you deserve to!

Tanya H 7/24/20 Tanya H 7/24/20

What To Do If Your Furry Friend Goes Missing

Photo by Alvan Nee on Unsplash — Photo by Alvan Nee on Unsplash

Most of the time, your dog will sit by your side dutifully, following you around wherever you go. Sometimes, though, he or she will go absent without leave, and you’ll be left worried sick. Where the heck have they gone? And will you ever find them again?

For those of you with tags and tracking apps, hunting down a missing animal is a walk in the park - often literally. But if you’re not quite that high tech, how on Earth do you go about finding them?

An Ounce Of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Cure

If you’re reading this and your dog hasn’t gone missing yet, take note: prevention is much more valuable than cure. Ideally, you need a collar to go around your pet with their name and address engraved on it. If you don’t know what we mean, visit Doggie Solutions - they have some examples.

You should also consider getting your pet microchipped, especially if you own a thoroughbred. Some specimens can be very valuable, meaning criminals might deliberately target your dog.

You should also make sure that your dog can’t escape from wherever you’re keeping it. Check for gaps under your gates or low fences that could be jumped over.

What To Do If The Worst Happens

If the worst happens and your pet really does get lost, then what?

Sometimes pets go missing despite your best efforts, and there’s not a great deal you can do about it. They might slip out if you leave the front door open and unattended for a few seconds.

First, take a look along their usual walking routes. Dogs will usually retrace familiar steps they’ve made in the past, following scent trails. They’re most likely sniffing around outside your home, in which case you can usually find them pretty quickly.

If you have trained your dog to come to you, start calling for them or using a whistle. If they’re in the area, they’ll immediately begin making their way back to you.

Second, if you really can’t find them after an hour or so, call up your local animal shelters and give them the details, including the name on the tag. Even if you can’t find your pooch, somebody else almost certainly will. And when they do, they’ll bring them to people who can look after them, like shelters.

The Center for Lost Pets is a great place to register if you’ve lost your dog. If anyone finds them, they can go onto this site and get your contact information to arrange a pickup or drop off.

If that doesn’t work, you can leave signs up around your neighborhood. Somebody, somewhere, has probably seen your dog.

Don’t Lose Hope

Dogs are hardy creatures and can usually look after themselves without any outside intervention for weeks. Strays, for instance, live out their lives on the streets. Even if it’s been several days, don’t give up hope. Eventually, the dog will turn up. If you find it after a long time, take it to the vet for a health check.

Tanya H 6/22/20 Tanya H 6/22/20

How Covid Has Changed Our Beauty Routines

There have been many changes that we’ve had to get used to during lockdown. A slower pace of life, shortages in foods that we need and a lack of beauty regimes that we love to treat ourselves to.

We live in a world where we are very conscious of our vanity and it often defines who people are, even though it shouldn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.

There have been many changes that we’ve had to get used to during lockdown. A slower pace of life, shortages in foods that we need and a lack of beauty regimes that we love to treat ourselves to.

We live in a world where we are very conscious of our vanity and it often defines who people are, even though it shouldn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.

However, when these luxuries are taken away, it forces you to find alternatives and wonder perhaps why you once relied so heavily on other people and habits. Here are just some areas that we now might have changed our ideas about moving forwards.

Hair

It’s without a doubt been the treatment that people have missed the most since everything suddenly ground to a halt. Although it’s only aesthetic, it’s been really hard for some people to cope without having their regular hair cuts.

For many it’s a treat that they look forward to, whether it’s just a cut or whether it’s a colour treatment. A whole nation has been learning to trim, cut fringes and not manage to ruin their hair with home dye kits.

Some have realised that they can manage without visiting the hairdresser and some have learnt to cut their families hair as well. It’s also given people the chance to grow out hair styles and embrace their natural grey.

Photo by Analia Baggiano on Unsplash — Photo by Analia Baggiano on Unsplash

Nails

If you’re someone that is particular about getting your nails done by a technician every month, then you will have found it difficult to accept your nails as they are.

A lot of the time it’s about convenience and paying for someone to do your nails is far easier and less messy than doing them yourself. It’s a treat and a little luxury that many women like to afford themselves.

This break away from the norm might have spurred you on to invest in a kit, so that you can do your own acrylic or gel nails. It’s also been a good time to let your nails breathe and strengthen from continuous treatments over the years.

Aesthetic treatments

It goes without saying that there are treatments and regimes that we will always want to have. If you fancy having lash extensions, a face peel or some fillers, then you will still want to be spending money on these treatments that are performed by professionals. The same applies to getting dental treatment carried out to correct any issues that you have with your teeth and you can find out more about how you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted by consulting a specialist in dentistry.

Skincare

The way we care for our skin has changed and a lot of this is largely down to the fact that many people have chosen not to wear makeup while at home. Whereas once they would be wearing full makeup to go to work, they now might only be putting on some makeup for carrying out a zoom call. However, it’s been a game changer for many people and actually quite liberating. The result of this is that we'll see much more of a focus on products that make us look fresh, healthy, alert and awake - rather than made up.

Tanya H 6/3/20 Tanya H 6/3/20

Out Of The Frying Pan & Into The Fire: Protecting Your Health During Eased Lockdown

Many will breathe a sigh of relief now that the lockdown measures in the UK have been lifted somewhat. As of Monday 1st June, Brits can once more visit friends and family outside of those in their own home. They can hang out with up to 6 people (albeit outside in a public space or private garden). While we may not be able to hold our loved ones close safely just yet, the fact that we’re able to set eyes on them at all will come as a great relief to many. But make no mistake, we’re not out of the woods yet. And as we try to reconcile our yearning for human contact with the necessity of keeping ourselves safe, we all have a balancing act to master. Matters aren’t improved when everywhere we look we see people flouting social distancing and failing to take precautions. Many, especially those who have been shielding, may feel like they’re going out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Photo by Bára Buri on Unsplash — Photo by Bára Buri on Unsplash

Here we’ll look at how to protect every aspect of your health during eased lockdown…

Get proactive about dealing with stress

These are unbelievably stressful times, and the current confusion and frustrations over the government’s perceived mixed messaging (not to mention the financial strain placed on many households) can’t be helping. Stress can be every bit as damaging to our health (even fatally so) as the COVID-19 virus, so we need to get proactive about dealing with it. It’s time to stop making excuses and start exercising even if gyms won’t open for some time. It’s time to start considering the benefits of taking CBD oil or mindfulness meditation. It’s time to put down your smartphone when you know that the constant stream of data is doing you more harm than good.

Mask up

Masks are uncomfortable, awkward and obscure that beautiful face of yours. But we need them! There has been an unbelievable amount of mixed messaging surrounding masks, but in light of new reports the general consensus among the scientific community is that even homemade masks can prove effective in preventing the spread of the virus. If you’re desperate to return to your old way of life, yet can’t shake the nervousness that comes with being in public spaces, wearing a mask can prove effective in keeping you (and those around you) protected.

Keep washing your hands

Just in case you’ve been slacking off on this front, this is your reminder that washing your hands is the most effective weapon in the battle against COVID-19. Soap and warm water destroy the outer layer of lipids (fats) surrounding viral cells quite literally tearing the virus apart while you wash.

Stay social, stay safe

Finally, being isolated from the people you love can be seriously detrimental to your mental health. And let’s face it, video chat just isn’t the same. By all means attend garden gatherings and barbecues. By all means spend time with the people you've missed. Just say safe and maintain social distancing no matter how much you may want to hug your friends and relatives.

We’re on the home stretch. The above tips will hopefully keep you healthy and happy until COVID-19 is a mere memory.