This post has been contributed by Sheila Zhou. Hormones are chemicals secreted by glands that relay signals from cell to cell, and they play a vital role in triggering how your body is feeling and functioning. Hormones affect different organs and are responsible for causing physical symptoms and altering your mood, metabolism, reproduction, energy levels and physical appearance. The human body consists of various types of hormones but for women the main sex hormones are oestrogen and progesterone. Studies prove that women experience hormonal ups and downs at every age and stage of their lives. These fluctuations vary from pre-menstrual i.e. premenstrual syndrome (PMS), peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms. Although all females have the same hormones, the experiences when it comes to symptoms can vary from person to person. According to Sheila Zhou, expert Scientist at USANA Health Sciences, leading producer of high quality supplements, “Hormones for women during their menstrual cycle can either be your best friend or your worst nightmare. Too little or too much can affect your skin tone and weight, or make you feel extremely irritable and tired.” These experiences of hormonal fluctuations can be challenging to deal with. To avoid them, Ms. Zhou shares her expert recommendations for balancing your hormones naturally: 1. Have a nutrient rich diet At any stage of your life eating well-balanced meals is important for good health. In order to achieve optimal nutrition, your diet needs to consist of a balance between clean proteins (beans, seeds, wild caught fish), healthy fats (coconut oil, avocado), antioxidant rich vegetables (broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes) and healing spices and herbs (cinnamon, turmeric). Sometimes, despite having a rich nutritional diet, your body can feel far from optimum, and that is when the benefits of taking health supplements come in. Some natural botanic extracts such as soy isoflavones, black cohosh, dong quai, licorice and chasteberry help support women’s health during menopause, providing relief from a variety of menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes. Soy isoflavones has also been shown to support bone health in menopausal women. 2. Avoid or limit the use of endocrine disrupting chemicals and opt to use natural skincare Endocrine disrupting chemicals are unnatural chemicals found in man-made products, such as plastics, toxic household cleaning products and pesticides. Endocrine disrupting chemicals are extremely harmful to your body because they alter your balance of hormones, therefore triggering changes in the way it functions. Avoiding or limiting your use of household products with these chemicals will prevent these harmful toxins from entering your system. Even though you don’t ‘consume’ these chemicals, endocrine disrupting chemicals can be absorbed through your skin, meaning you are exposed when any of these products come in contact with your body. By opting for preservative-free skincare and hair products such as USANA Sense range of products, you are eliminating the risk of disrupting the amount and type of hormones being produced. As you age, many females tend to use more anti-aging beauty products to iron out all facial imperfections. The downside to using anti-aging cosmetics is that some beauty products contain harmful chemicals. Instead of going to the cosmetic aisle however, try taking grape seed extract supplement instead to achieve that healthy age-less glow. Proanthocyanidins in grape seed extract not only helps with improving skin-aging appearance but assists in overall cardiovascular health as well. 3. Get more sleep and interval exercise Regulating a sleep cycle at 7-9 hours a day is essential for hormonal control, especially as cortisol (the stress hormone) is regulated at night. Cortisol helps your body respond to stress appropriately and prevents your body from getting sick. When your body is alert your cortisol levels increase. Sleep deprivation also increases the level of cortisol in your body and makes you more prone to developing diabetes or obesity.So getting adequate amounts of sleep prevents fluctuations in hormones and prevents your cortisol levels from increasing too drastically. Getting more exercise is another significant way to balance our hormones naturally. Interval exercise releases hormones needed by the body, reduces stress levels, enhances immune system and regulates metabolic function. To view the full range of USANA Health Sciences nutritional, weight management and personal care products visit www.usana.com. USANA Health Sciences was founded in 1992 in the United States by microbiologist and immunologist, Dr Myron Wentz. The products are backed by an accredited team of scientific experts and USANA has been awarded a 5-star rating for its nutritional products – the highest of any available in Australia in the Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements (4th Ed) by Lyle McWilliam, an independent Canadian biochemist.
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This post has been contributed by Laura. Unless we’re unlucky, we all grow old. In a life full of uncertainty, this is a fact. Have you heard the quote, “Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many”? We cannot prevent old age, but we can ensure we live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible. As we get older, many changes occur in our body. Our skin becomes more fragile, and we are prone to wrinkles and age spots. We lose bone density and muscle mass and feel weaker as a result. Our body shape changes, as does our hair and nails. None of these changes are welcome. The aging process relies a lot on our genes. However, there are several lifestyle changes we can make to prevent premature aging. Stop Doing Things That Are Bad For Us We all have bad habits. We all do things that are not good for us, even though we know the risks. As we age our bodies heal at a slower rate. If you indulge in unhealthy habits, now is the time to change. 1. Quit Smoking If you have smoked for several years with few or no consequences, you’re lucky. Smoking is one of the most detrimental habits we can pick up. Apart from a range of serious diseases, it can also cause death. Quitting could be one of the kindest things you ever do for yourself. 2. Reduce Processed And Sugary Foods Eating a balanced diet and getting the right nutrients can improve energy levels and mental agility. It can also prevent age-related diseases. Eat enough fruit, veggies, protein, and healthy fats. Reduce your intake of sugar, processed foods, and alcohol. The right diet will make you feel healthier and more vital. 3. Stay Out Of The Sun The sun’s harmful UV rays can damage the skin and cause premature aging. Stay out of the sun as much as possible. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and cover up exposed skin. Always wear sun lotion with an adequate SPF, even on cloudy days. 4. Get Some Exercise Keep your body fit and active by ongoing physical exercise. This need not be vigorous. Walking, swimming, and gardening, etc. is all fine. Getting enough exercise will prevent your joints from becoming stiff. It will also give your heart a workout and keep your muscles active. 5. Cut Out Excess
Depending on your circumstances, a few treats here or there won’t harm you. In fact, they may help in terms of your mood and happiness. Use common sense. Make healthy choices for most of the time and reward yourself with a few treats. Seek Help As we age, our ability to do the things we used to do decreases. There is no shame in this. It happens to everyone. Getting help from family and friends will assist you to live independently for longer. If family and friends are too far away, you could always consider in home care. Packages can be tailored to your specific requirements, allowing you to choose the services that will help you. Living with confidence in your own home, with the right support is important to many people. Many people in their later years report that they have enjoyed their old age. By making healthy choices and seeking assistance, they are able to keep their independence. And they can sit back and enjoy their lives and their families. This article has been contributed by Sheila Zhou, Scientist at USANA.
Last year the number of flu cases in Australia was up by over 50 per cent, causing many to claim this winter will be our worst flu season ever. However ‘cold and flu season’ is actually a myth, as the virus lives through every season, whether it may be summer, autumn, winter, or spring. According to Sheila Zhou, expert Scientist at USANA, and leading producer of high quality supplements, “Without knowing or realising it, every day our immune system is fighting a battle against colds and flus. Colds are considered a mild illness in comparison to flus because their symptoms are easier to decipher and battle. A cold will give you a runny nose, sore throat or watery eyes, while the flu won’t let you get out of bed, makes you ache from top to toe and gives you a severe headache.” Whether you catch a cold or the flu it is important to know what we need to do to keep our bodies away from sickness. To understand how to help keep our immune system strong and healthy, Ms. Zhou explains her expert tips through the acronym “ARMOUR”: A - Always exercise regularly. This is crucial as physical activities may help release bacteria out of your lungs and airways, reducing your chances of getting a cold or flu. R- Remember to take an immune boosting supplement. Reishi and Shiitake mushrooms are known to enhance immunity and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen vitality. Reishi and shiitake Supplement helps keep your immune system strong and healthy, and assists with immune cells to work more efficiently even under stress! M- Must get enough sleep every day. Lack of sleep can cause an impaired immune system. Sleep is one of the key factors that help keeping immune cells healthy that our body needs to fight sickness. O- Over analysing everything will only lead to stress, so do your best to avoid it. Stress weakens the immune system and can lead to chronic conditions including diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. U- Understand the importance of getting regular medical check-ups. Visiting the doctor regularly for an annual check-up will keep you updated on the health status of your body. Medical check-ups will show what your body is lacking and help you make an informed decision to address any potential health concern. R- Remember to eat a healthy diet filled with fruits, veggies and whole grains. Eating the right food with a balance of all essential vitamins and minerals will help keep our immune system strong and healthy. Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Use only as directed. Always read the label. To view the full range of USANA Health Sciences nutritional, weight management and personal care products visit www.usana.com. USANA Health Sciences was founded in 1992 in the United States by microbiologist and immunologist, Dr Myron Wentz. The products are backed by an accredited team of scientific experts and USANA has been awarded a 5-star rating for its nutritional products – the highest of any available in Australia in the Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements (4th Ed) by Lyle McWilliam, an independent Canadian biochemist. This post has been contributed by Laura. Maintaining a healthy body and mind is a vital part of life for just about anyone. What’s more, there are many different aspects to it. So many, in fact, that it can be difficult getting the balance right. Trying to keep your body in peak condition can be a real challenge. Nonetheless, it is a challenge which we all need to take. Staying in shape is a matter of getting various elements right, and in the right kind of balance. For many people, this is the learning curve of an entire lifetime. But that is fine - the main thing is that you do everything in your power to achieve it. One of the main elements to getting this right is ensuring that you get the proper intake of nutrients and minerals. For many people, this is beyond their everyday knowledge. However, learning some basics about these and what they can do for you is a fine idea indeed. With that information, you can work on trying to incorporate the right things into your diet. And with that will come a much healthier, happier way of being. Let’s look into this in a little more detail now. Eating Right We all know the importance of having a balanced diet. But how many of us know what that balance should look like. In fact, it goes far beyond the main food groups. That is one important level, but it is only one level. To achieve the right balance, we also need to look at the nutrients in the food we are eating. But what nutrients are necessary, and how can we ensure that we incorporate them properly? Potassium is a main nutrient which is both essential and - in today’s world - in short supply. Most people’s diets do not contain anywhere near enough potassium. This is unfortunate, as it is a useful and vital substance which helps to boost the immune system. Potassium is what keeps our heart beating, no less. It is literally something we cannot live without. If you increase your potassium consumption, your blood pressure will lower dramatically. This in turn will mean that you are much less likely to develop osteoporosis, diabetes and heart disease. Your muscles’ functioning also relies heavily upon your body having the correct amount of potassium. So how do we get this vital nutrient into our bodies? Fortunately, there are some basic, everyday ingredients which contain plenty of the good stuff. Potatoes, bananas and spinach are all good sources of potassium. The next most essential has to be fiber. This regulates the digestive system throughout its entire process - so it really is vital. Most diets are lacking in fiber these days, but getting it back in is simple. Sweet potato, or pretty much any root vegetable, will provide you with a good amount of fiber. Though it may sound disgusting, checking your excrement is the best way to ensure you are getting the right amount of fiber. Supplementing While not always necessary, supplements can help a great deal. This is particularly so if you are in the early days of regaining control over your health. There is a supplement for just about every nutrient and mineral available. One key point is to be careful when you are choosing your supplement. You want to ensure that you are getting what you need in the right amount, and with the right balance. Do your research. There are many differences between curcumin and turmeric, for example, though both might be helpful. Look into what those differences are before you make any decisions. Done right, supplementing can give your immune system a real boost. Just be sure not to replace any real foodstuffs with an overabundance of supplements. As with anything, balance is the key. Reducing Unnecessary Intake It’s not just about what you do take in, however. If you want to get the right nutrients in your system, you need to think about what to avoid, as well. There are certain common bad habits which you would probably do well to avoid, or curtail. A couple of the big offenders are caffeine and sugar. These two are a common sight, with sugar being particularly prevalent in modern diets. But the truth is, they give you very little in return for their consumption. It might be worth considering cutting them out altogether. Or at the very least, think about cutting down. Caffeine interferes with your hormonal production, and as such it is best avoided. Similarly, sugar is empty calorific content. Nutritionally speaking, sugar is pointless! Even if you can’t cut it out entirely, make sure to take steps towards reducing your sugar intake. You are bound to feel the difference in no time. This post has been contributed by Peter Minkoff. There are thousands of people in Australia that consume at least one or more dietary supplements every day. It all starts with an occasional usage, which over time turns into an everyday necessity for supplements. These food supplements include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, herbals, botanicals and other products. They also come in many different shapes and forms, such as tablets, capsules, powders, drinks and energy bars. Similar to many other types of food we consume every day, food supplements also have a positive and a negative effect on a human body. Let us familiarize with the subject from the basics. Know the label Before you start using food supplements, you should get to know what they represent, and what their primary usage is. All products which are labeled as dietary supplements carry a Supplement Facts panel, which lists its content and the amount of active ingredients per active serving, as well as any additional ingredients. Every manufacturer suggests the serving size; however you or your doctor might go for a different amount if it is more appropriate for you. Either way, get to know the products which you are thinking of using before you actually start using them. The effectiveness of food supplements Depending on your nutrition schedule and nutritional variety, your body will or will not get enough of the required vitamins and minerals. In case it does not, there are some supplements which can help you get adequate amounts of needed nutrients. But, supplements cannot completely replace the essential nutrients your body needs, which is why you should well organize and balance your diet. Some supplements are beneficial for overall health and for managing certain health conditions; calcium and vitamin D are very important for keeping your bones strong and reducing your bone loss, while folic acid will decrease the risk of birth defects. Also, omega-3 oils will help cure certain heart diseases, and their full effect is still being tested out. But, there are those that could have a potentially negative effect on a human body or interact with other medications. Listed below are some of them: -Vitamin K: Even though it is very helpful, vitamin K will prevent your blood from clothing and cause wounds to open and bleed severely. It is not recommended to take it in case of a serious injury or after surgery. -Vitamins C and E: These antioxidants are something every human body needs; however, they are known to reduce the effects of certain types of chemotherapy. Make sure to avoid taking them if under chemo. Most people think that by simply consuming supplements, they will replace all essential nutrients found in their diets. This is the most common mistake happening everywhere. Vitamins are not food, and should never be taken in exchange for it. Supplements are catalysts in the body, and in order to do their job, your body needs food. Add vegetables and fresh fruits to your diet to reduce the need for supplements. However, if you are being too busy working and your workout time is limited, make sure to use fitness supplements in order to fill up the gaps created by missing ingredients. Dose yourself accordingly, and know that taking more than enough will not contribute towards your health. Remember that vitamins cannot replace your diet, and that for them to have their effect, your body will require food.
Bottom line is that food supplements have great effect on a human body, only if combined with proper diet and different types of nutrition. In most cases, these will not have any negative effects; however there are a few situations where food supplements can have a side-effect on your body. Always consult with your doctor, especially if you have a health condition and learn more about these supplements before you start using them. This post has been contributed by Mathews McGarry. Trends, even those regarding nutrition, are constantly changing. What you think is healthy today, may be invalidated tomorrow. Surprisingly, you may find yourself reading about universally accepted nutrition facts, which have turned out to be untrue. In this article, you will learn about certain items in your refrigerator or storage room that aren’t necessarily healthy for you, even though you have been told they absolutely are. Gluten-Free Diet Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, whole grain foods, and oats. When people that suffer from celiac disease consume this protein, it attacks and damages their small intestine. When left untreated, the side effects of this disease can cause anemia, bone pain, diarrhea, and skin rash. Gluten is also unhealthy for those that simply don’t feel well when consuming foods rich in gluten, even though they do not suffer from a specific disease. Gluten doesn’t offer any exceptional nutritional benefits, but the risk of going completely gluten-free (or canceling out any foods that you are accustomed to eating) may cause other nutrient deficiencies. Other important nutrients, such as magnesium, fiber, calcium, iron, and zinc, are also low in gluten–free products. On the other hand, many foods being marketed as “healthy and gluten-free” contain high amounts of cholesterol and saturated fats. They are also more expensive – 242% more on average. Keeping up with a gluten-free lifestyle means consuming fish, lean meat, low-fat dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and gluten-free grains. Paleo Diet The paleo (short for Paleolithic) diet, also known as the Stone Age or Caveman diet, consists of foods that were consumed by the Paleolithic people 10,000 years ago. It means you can eat whatever you can hunt or find in nature – fruits, vegetables, fish, and lean meat. Also, eggs, olives and coconut oil, nuts and seeds are allowed. However, humans have expanded their diet during the course of time and adapted to it. This means that the paleo diet can be limiting; for we should also consume other foods to incorporate all necessary nutrients that Paleolithic people didn’t have back then - whole grains, legumes, and reduced-fat dairy products. An important factor, regarding any healthy diet, is to avoid starvation or creating a nutrient deficit. Whatever you consume, make sure to spend it also. Make sure you exercise daily, rely on your natural fat burners, and enjoy protein rich products, like EHP Labs Oxyshred for example, which has been an energy-saver for me, in order to add some extra energy to your day. Milk We have always been told that milk and dairy products are good for us. Today, some nutrition experts say that is not an essential part of a healthy diet; it may even increase the risk of ovarian and prostate cancer. Truthfully, milk is good for your bones and it is rich in calcium and potassium; which serves as a counterbalance to sodium and helps in maintaining a healthy blood pressure level. Walter Willett, who has a dual doctoral degree in medicine and philosophy, is the head of the nutrition department at the Harvard School of Public Health, and is also the professor of epidemiology, says that milk is a recent evolutionarily addition to the human diet and that we don’t have a nutritional requirement for it. He also states that we shouldn’t avoid consuming 1-2 cups of milk a day, or give up on it completely, but that it is not essential for our health. No final answers regarding this topic were reached, and dairy products surely cannot be labeled as toxic. Coffee You don’t have to fear coffee. Some common myths are that coffee makes you feel stressed and unable to sleep. It is also said that it can be addictive, causes cancer, and contains no health benefits. Drinking 2-3 cups a day won’t harm you, as coffee is high in antioxidants. The absorbed caffeine is flushed from the body in 4-5 hours after the intake, so it shouldn’t affect your sleep. Coffee drinkers are less likely to have dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and there are less stroke suffers among them. But, it does block the production of adenosine, a natural stress reliever, making us feel more stressed. Junk Food The junk food industry affects us with aggressive marketing on a daily basis. Even though some from the chain restaurant industry claim that their food is healthy, the results of consuming these fast-foods can be scary. Additives from this type of food will trick your brain into eating more than you need, leading into over-consumption and even into addiction. They are low in healthy nutrients like fiber and protein, but are high in cholesterol, sugar, and numerous artificial ingredients. There is a a study published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology that has some interesting facts. According to this study, 48% of analyzed fountain soda drinks contained fecal bacteria and Escherichia Coli was found in 11% of the drinks. Motivate yourself to avoid unhealthy food. Think about all the reasons why it will be good for you and slowly start moving towards a healthier diet. Not all ubiquitous beliefs are true. Think about the types of food you consume daily and question yourself – is it really that healthy as they say? Do your research and see what changes you can make to your diet; the aim is to achieve balance. Even though a certain food may seem healthy, it can actually disturb the balance of your body. This post has been contributed by Emma Lawson Coffee is pretty much dominating the world of hot drinks. People believe it helps them stay awake, it tastes good and comes in variety of tastes and sizes. Everybody seems to have forgotten about tea, which is healthier than coffee and brings about many other benefits. Tea keeps you Awake Longer You can hear people saying that tea contains less caffeine than coffee, and that is simply not true. In both of the drinks there is the same amount of caffeine but the difference is actually in the duration of the effect of caffeine in your body. Since both tea and coffee are stimulants, they can wake us up quickly, but coffee has a much bigger depressing effect, since it can reduce your energy levels. With tea on the other hand, the rush of caffeine will last longer and you will not experience a quick drop in energy levels. So, to successfully get through the work day without feeling exhausted, drink more tea. More Antioxidants People have started going crazy over antioxidants which truly are beneficial for our bodies. And yes, there are plenty of antioxidants in coffee, but in tea there are actually much more of them. This simple ingredient keeps our skin fresh and youthful and makes us feel fantastic and more alive than ever. And if you switch from coffee to green tea, your body will be filled with this magic ingredient. You should try out many different green teas and their antioxidants, and the best place to start is with green matcha tea from Australia, which is tasty, healthy and brings you energy and joy. Great for Losing Weight Lately, research has shown that green tea has proven itself to be a great aid in losing weight. Researchers are still not completely sure if it is because green tea kick starts your metabolism or because it is a good substitute for soft drinks in order to quench your thirst, but green tea sure performs miracles on your body. Additionally, unlike coffee, this drink is practically calorie-free, which means less bad and unwanted calories in your tummy. It is good for Your Teeth Probably the best way to see the difference between green tea and coffee is right on your teeth. If you drink just a cup of coffee you can notice a slight discoloration. Not to think about the consequences that numerous cups of coffee can do to your mouth. Green tea on the other hand does nothing. If you drink a reasonable amount of tea every day, you are getting enough liquids, fluoride for the teeth, antioxidants for your body and no yellow stains. Helps minimize stress Another benefit of the green tea that will all need is reduced stress. It is known cross-culturally that drinking plenty of tea with your friends, family or even alone is a great way to relax and stop thinking about your problems. There is no clear scientific evidence behind this fact, but the anti-depressing and stress-reducing effects that green tea gives us are clearly remarkable. So, whenever you feel stressed or down, make yourself a warm cup of tea and your mood will significantly improve. Even though you like the taste of coffee so much, consider switching to green tea. The only thing you can get from this change is a much better state of your body. Your skin will look fresh and young, your smile will be brighter than ever, and you will simply have more energy for the everyday situations you are facing. This post has been contributed by Laura. Health is important to us. Finding your balance by your own means is the best way of achieving it, too. That is, if you can. It’s great to be mindful of your own health but take a look at your immediate environment. Look at the others around you. If you feel like you should do more to aid others in their discovery of their own health, then you should. There are ways you can make a positive impact in the life of others. From advocating to doing it directly, we’re going to look at how to help others achieve health while being mindful. Be kind As said, health is important. But health doesn’t just depend on how good your heart is, how young your skin is. It’s also a state of mind and being at peace with yourself. That’s why we take a very dim view on the shaming tactics used in a lot of pushes for health. It doesn’t work. Negative reinforcement like this only sets people further back in the long run. Whatever you do, don’t shame those you’re trying to help. You’ll only hurt them instead. Keep a happy, healthy home If it’s your family you’re worried about, then you’re able to do a lot more to keep them healthy. First, provide a happy home. Be open and sharing and willing to listen, even about your health regimen. Create a fulfilling family life. Whether that means taking trips every weekend or getting a dog. There’s also a lot you can to make sure your family is active and eat well. So long as you do it together, the chances of success are a lot higher. Invite your friends Indeed, togetherness is the key to making any effort in spreading good health around yourself. You don’t want to push people to be more active or eat better. You want to invite them. Friends might be a lot more keen to join in on an exercise if they do it with you. Shared experiences make for great bonding. Bonding is positive reinforcement for just about anything. Make it your work Of course, all your efforts towards spreading health doesn’t just have to be to those you know personally. If you’re really passionate about making people better, then perhaps you should consider it as a career. Whether it’s getting educated as a dietician or enlisting in a senior first aid course. We need more professionals helping our citizens to get better. Becoming one of them can be your most fulfilling life choice yet. Be an advocate
If you’re currently on your own journey to health, then being an advocate is one of the best, most positive ways to spread it to those around you. Whether it’s blogging or hosting videos, advocate the changes in your life. Make people aware of the positive impacts of what you’re doing without preaching. If you have the knowledge, you can even give advice on how people can do what you’re doing. Just remember, whatever it is you’re doing, keep it positive. We have enough would-be health drill sergeants already. This post has been contributed by Diana Smith Owning a pet for many means that they have to spend a lot of time on grooming them and cleaning up after. Though, pets, are members of the family, and they deserve to be loved as much as anyone else, but, you will have to make sure that everyone in the family understands it. Nevertheless, when choosing one, you must look into a number of things, especially how useful they can be. Pets and Children Growing up Together It is best to get a pet for your family as early as possible, even more so if you have children, as it will be great for them as a companion. Moreover, most pets will be a good influence on children growing up, as they will be amazing at showing compassion and unconditional love. Then again, pets will be great to have as a friend when you child feels down because those furry friends can help improve the mood in the long run. Finding the Right Pet One of the biggest problems of owning pets will be to take into account if you have an allergy or not, as some will find it difficult to live with a small addition to the family with recurrent sneezing. Luckily, there is a plethora of breeds you can choose from in order to find the most suitable pet for your home. Make sure to find a pet which will be able to live in your surrounding, as some might need a bit of extra care you cannot offer them. Then again, size and grooming of your new friend could be problematic as well, which is why you should not get a bigger pet than your home can support. Improving Social Behaviour and Overall Mood Your pet can be more than just a simple family member, they can act as a therapist for you if you find yourself suffering from depression. They can help you start socializing more and have your feelings in check. The only thing you will have to do for them is to love them back in return. On the other hand, whenever you go for a walk, it will feel better and you might even get a boost in your self-confidence. Nonetheless, owning a pet could help find friends, if you find it hard to meet new people to get acquainted. Take Care of Your Pet Your new pet will be a big responsibility you should not forget about any time soon. Moreover, you will have to make sure that they have a place to sleep, a corner to claim their own, and to have plenty of food and water. On the other hand, they will need to be cleaned regularly, and for that reason, you should invest in only renowned brands for treating certain ailments. Bravecto is an excellent choice if you find that your pet has fleas, and if you want to get rid of the pests without having to change anything too drastically and harm your pet in any way. Think of a pet more as a family member that needs more care than just a simple animal that will be there to entertain you. Moreover, it will be great if you provide a warm and loving home for your little furry friend, as they will not need a lot of maintenance, but can offer a lot in return. Everyone in your household can benefit from having a pet around, as the overall feeling and atmosphere will be lifted and full of joy. Bear in mind to take good care of your pet if you want to be around for a long time. This post has been contributed by Diana Smith Shifting to natural options for cleaning is finally becoming an imperative with the rise of eco-conscious ideas. Not only are they natural and free of nasty chemicals, these methods are money and time saving as well. I’ve selected my favourite tips for simple and Earth-friendly hacks that take family health into consideration. Ovens and baking soda A mixture of water and baking soda cleans the greasy ovens without the complex chemicals and the extra trouble with the self-washing programme. The paste is to be made and placed at the oven’s bottom side and left there to do its magic for a few hours. After that, all that is left is to wipe away the dirt and reveal a spick and span oven surface. Microfiber cloths This material works miracles and pleases the home budget, even with the plain cleaners, let alone with natural kinds. You’d probably need a standard set of microfiber mops and cloths that quickly make their way into daily use. The whole house (minus the toilets) can be efficiently cleaned using only water and this material. To avoid mix-ups, appropriate a colour to every room, as these come in variety of tints. Versatile vinegar with a lemon one the side Take an empty jar and add some (preferably organic) lemon peels and add some white vinegar in undiluted form. Leave it up to two weeks, and sieve the vinegar to employ as a house cleaning agent. Use water to dilute it for window cleaning, floor mopping or as a surface disinfectant. Dishwasher grand cleaning To finish the dishwashing task with minimal effort, fill up a dishwasher safe bowl or a similar container with two cups of plain vinegar and place it on the top row of the dishwasher. Proceed with running a hot washing cycle on an empty machine. This will masterfully freshen it up by soaking in the foul smells and leave it unblemished too. Garbage disposal clean-up After a certain period, a garbage disposal can start to give off a foul odour if you’re using it frequently. These are the means to battle this problem: Shove a lemon half in the garbage disposal. Let it grind with running water for ten seconds Alternatively, freeze citrus peels in ice tray with water or vinegar and put these to grind for the same time slot. Lastly, put half a cup of baking soda combined with one cup of diluted white vinegar and let it be for ten minutes, then rinse with water. Green air freshener Take a midi size cooking pan and heat 4 cups of water with natural, aromatic ingredients to infuse some of my preferred combos: 1 lemon sliced, 2 tbsp rosemary with a hint of vanilla 1 orange sliced, 1 tbsp cinnamon and a bit of cloves or nutmeg 1 lime sliced and a tiny chunk of ginger root - variation of lime with 2tbsp thyme Shower head full rub To finally clean up a clogged shower head fill up a plastic bag with some white vinegar and wrap it around the aperture so that it is soaked in liquid. Allow it to stay that way for twelve hours tops, then take it off. You’re free to enjoy your shiny, spotless shower head now. Do a spring clean To keep your home in a pristine state, it takes more than cleaning the surfaces. The good old overall sweep and waste removal is just the thing we need to manoeuver the household more swiftly. My friend Chloe recently moved in to a new house that was a bit of mess and hired a rubbish removal company to get rid of the broken furniture and some old tables. Leave it in the hands of professionals and tick it painlessly off your list. Natural and chemical-free techniques for thorough house washup have been here all along. Take our tips and select your fit. |
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