Category: Lifestyle

The Links Between City Living and Better Health

For years, the prevailing wisdom has been that living in a city is bad for your health. Why would anyone choose to live in a crowded, noisy urban environment when they could stretch out in the suburbs? Although it’s true that the suburban lifestyle is attractive in many ways, it may not be as good for you as you have been led to believe. A recent study conducted by the University of Oxford and the University of Hong Kong found that obesity rates are lower where the population is denser. In addition, people who live in cities socialize more often than those who live in places with lower density.

Based on these findings, the impact of urban living on overall health should be easy to determine. City dwellers typically walk more because everything they need is close to them. This results in lower obesity rates than in suburban and rural areas where sprawl forces most people to drive everywhere. Plus, being surrounded by others means city people spend more time socializing. That can have significant mental health benefits. Overall, this study concludes, living in urban areas isn’t as harmful to one’s well-being as the consensus seems to believe. There are many reasons why humans have chosen to live so close to one another throughout history. Even though technology has made it possible for us to live farther apart, that distance may be damaging to our health. For more details about how living in a city can mean a healthier lifestyle, see the charts on the accompanying guide.

Let Your Hair Do the Talking – Most Popular Hairstyles and Hair Tips for 2020

2020 has been an interesting year mixed with successes, failures, emotions, and so far, absurdities on a global scale. While everyone is grappling with what the year has given us, the masses are still holding on to what the future presents.

And for this piece, instead of looking at health and politics, we’re focusing on something the 2020 woman is concerned about – hair and style.

Despite 2020 not offering many opportunities to slay publicly, hair trends and tips have still cropped up to define what the year should look like for the modern woman. In this piece, we’ll go through the most interesting of these hairstyles and hair tips that will rock the rest of your year. So, read on.

Short Hair Is Getting Popular

With everyone under lockdown, keeping those long locks kempt is becoming quite an issue. Thus, more women are leaning towards short hair.

And even without considering the lockdown, celebrities had already started building a short hair trend as early as the year started. Most notable of them were Karlie Kloss and Kaia Gerber who donned super-chic, super-short hairstyles at the beginning of the year.

However, short hair doesn’t mean that the blade has to cut everything. You can try Bob cuts, which are the more popular short hair alternative. The classic bob is very versatile, sleek, and looks sophisticated.

Embrace Natural Texture

A common 2020 hairstyle theme is texture. More and more women are starting to embrace their natural locks and thus showing off their natural texture in any hairstyle they wear. This means that we’ll be seeing less of over-styled, super-sleek hair.

Instead, hairstyles will be having more natural texture – whether it’s curly or relaxed and tousled. That’s why classic Bob cuts, for instance, are getting popular.

This means that for 2020, heat tools should be used less often. And if you do, they should accentuate your natural texture instead of suppressing it.

Try Deep Waves and Curls

Long hair is still a popular hairstyle in 2020. Specifically, more women are leaning towards deep waves and curls. The main reason for this is, deep waves are easy to make, maintain, and can work even with thin hair complimented with hair extensions.

Deep waves only need hairspray and a wand to make. The wand creates the curls or waves while the hairspray gives the hair some hold. For ladies with thin hair, these deep waves perfectly add volume to your hair. All you have to do is run a brush through your hair once the curls are done.

Bold Roots for Depth

Color creates depth. And for 2020, bold roots are what you need for healthy-looking and voluminous hair. The best part is, this trick requires minimal effort from you.

Bold roots add more interest to your hair color. All you have to do is let your roots grow naturally as they would. The natural bold color of the roots adds the much-needed depth and edge to your hair and hair color.

And since trying this look requires little maintenance, bold roots are great for the year since most salons are not open or operate within restrictions.

Warm Hair Colors

Warm hair colors should be your colors of choice for 2020. That means no more Icy Platinum Blonde dies on your hair. Instead, warm blondes, mahogany spice balayage, and auburn highlights are the new trendy tones.

These colors don’t require much upkeep, which makes them perfect for 2020 where movement is mostly restricted. These colors also grow out nicely if you use techniques like face-framing highlights. Plus, they brighten your looks too.

Alternatively, you can go for solid colors instead of highlights – which ruled most of 2019. These single-process colors also require less maintenance, thus fewer visits to the salon.

Things You Should Know about Arthritis

What exactly is arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease that results in joints’ inflammation, making it challenging to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. There are almost 100 types of arthritis, the most common ones being rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA).

Causes and symptoms of arthritis:

It is essential to recognize the signs of arthritis during the early onset of the disease so that timely treatment can be given. The faster you take treatment, the greater the possibility of living a pain-free life. One of the clearest indicators of arthritis is when you cannot move your joints freely, i.e., your movement is restricted. Even though arthritis is mostly seen in older people over 65 years of age, it doesn’t mean that younger people are immune to this disease. If you find swelling in your joint, it is better to consult a doctor immediately, irrespective of how old you are.

An excess of weight puts stress on the knees while walking or doing any other physical activity. Therefore, overweight or obese people are at a higher risk of arthritis. Also, medical research found arthritis more frequent in women than men. In women, the absence of hormone estrogen after menopause makes the cartilage weaker to protect it from inflammation. Biologically, women’s joints go through more movement than men and have lower joint stability. This results in a higher risk of joint injuries, thus increasing the risk of arthritis in females.

In most cases, the symptoms increase in intensity slowly. However, they could appear overnight too. With redness, stiffness, and swelling as the symptoms of arthritis, they are particularly painful in the morning hours. When it comes to RA, you may also see a loss in appetite and fatigue without reason. If you do not take treatment for RA, it can also lead to joint deformity.

Causes of arthritis

The cartilage that is a flexible connective tissue in our body plays a vital role in providing a protective cushion to our joints. Without that protection cushion between two bones, the bones cause friction against each other, causing immense pain and inflammation. So, naturally, joints become vulnerable to wear and tear when the cartilage tissue breaks down, causing damage as well.

In the case of RA, the immune system attacks a soft tissue named synovium, which creates a fluid for the cartilage enabling smooth functioning of joints. If not provided with timely treatment, it can cause total damage to the joint and cartilage.

Diagnosis and treatment

Indeed, arthritis cannot be cured, but that doesn’t mean treatment cannot help the condition. You can do in such a situation to receive proper treatment aiming at a better quality of life. Many a time, people who experience the above symptoms are clueless on how to go about it. Usually, it would be just wiser to visit a general physician and let him or her direct you to a specialist, if you indeed are suffering from arthritis. While, if your symptoms are severe and painful, it is better to get it confirmed by a rheumatologist. The earlier you start the treatment, the better are the chances of keeping the symptoms under control.

This disease can be diagnosed with imaging scans like X-ray, MRI, or CT to get a clear picture of joints and cartilage conditions. Then, the doctor would determine the kind of arthritis you have, through blood tests such as anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide), RF (rheumatoid factor), and ANA (antinuclear antibody).

The severe pain that comes along with this disease is why arthritis lowers the quality of life. So, if you manage and keep the pain in control, it can be effective in improving the quality of life in arthritis patients. Typically, treatment methods in arthritis provide pain relief to a large extent and strengthen the joints for better functionality.

Treatment

You can choose any of the treatment options available or combine one with the other in consultation with your doctor. Mostly, what works for one person may not work for the other. You can look at any of these options here:

Many high- quality researches have shown that CBD oils can be able to help lessen and control the symptoms of arthritis, for example, relieving the associated inflammatory pain. CBD extract is available as an oil, cream, or gel that patients can easily apply to the skin of the areas affected by arthritis. For a more in-depth understanding of this method, you can read this article.

  • Medication: Drugs are the most effective and used method of treating arthritis. While analgesics like hydrocodone or acetaminophen decrease only pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and salicylates decrease both pain and inflammation. However, salicylates should be taken carefully in combination with blood-thinning medications. One can also take advantage of over the counter drugs available for arthritis.
  • Supporting devices: Icing the joints frequently with ice packs or using heating bags can also help in instant pain relief. Alternatively, doctors also suggest using walkers or walking sticks to keep pressure off joints.
  • Surgery: One of the most effective treatments used by arthritis patients is knee replacement or hip replacement surgery. The total knee replacement surgery is also known as arthroplasty. In this surgery, the arthritic bone is replaced by a prosthetic one.
  • Healthy lifestyle: It is also possible to control arthritis by leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Regular physical therapy can help manage the pain by strengthening the muscles around the joint. A weight loss regime to maintain your weight can reduce the pain. The diet of an arthritis patient should be healthy and contain antioxidants. Foodstuffs like walnuts, fresh fruits, and vegetables should be taken instead of processed foods, dairy products, and junks.
  • Recent studies also point towards the advantages of a gluten-free diet for people with arthritis. In the long run, a healthy lifestyle can slow down the progression of osteoarthritis and keep the intense pain related to it.
  • Physical activity: Exercises like hamstring stretches or any exercise which focuses on quadriceps, hamstring, and glutes can be beneficial for people suffering from osteoarthritis. One of the most comfortable physical activities for arthritis has to be swimming, as it doesn’t pressurize the knees or joints. However, it is necessary to take ample amounts of rest in short intervals as well.

While surgeries and medicines can be quite costly, leading a healthy lifestyle can be a better option in the long run. Arthritis cannot be cured totally, but treatment still can do a lot better when it comes to intense pain and further deterioration of joints.

Common Causes of Injuries Outside the Home & How to Protect Your Children From Them

Leaving the home, whether to run errands, buy food or bond and have fun with our families should be innocuous and safe. It should not put us in danger. We shouldn’t expect an injury to take place. Unfortunately, injuries outside of the home, in public places do happen and they are actually quite common and widespread. As parents we have control over the safety conditions of our homes, but when we leave our homes, we have to trust that the owners of those properties and spaces maintain them so that our families are safe. In most cases property owners, including the state and the government uphold this responsibility well, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes things can go wrong and people can get hurt. One of the best things we can do is learn some of the causes of these accidents and the types of conditions that create them. That way we can take the necessary preventive measures to protect ourselves.

According to California legal experts and lawyers, The Barnes Firm, slip and fall injuries are some of the most common causes of hospitalization in the US and in some cases, they can be fatal. Most people don’t know how to go about navigating this injury when it happens. The best thing you can do is find a great legal firm that can assist with the entire process. One of the steps in this process is identifying the types of environments these injuries happen in so that you know how to file your claim. Here are a few causes of slip and fall injuries.

Neglected Premises

When you’re in public areas, keep an eye on the environment and know what to look for and stay away from to avoid injury. Not all injuries are preventable, because by their nature, accidents aren’t something we plan for. There are however, certain places that are more dangerous and can lead to slip and falls. For example, places that have irregular floor surfaces can cause injuries, along with damaged carpets, poor lighting, wet floors and poorly maintained surfaces. Slip and fall injuries can also take place in locations where there are renovations and construction happening, potholes in the road, and cracks in the pavement or due to rain and snow making the ground slippery. In this  case, it can be proven that the owners of the property where negligent and didn’t do the required maintenance to uphold public safety.

Distracted Parties

One of the most common causes of accidents and injuries these days is being distracted by gadgets. People who are on their phones while their driving, won’t be able to sufficiently pay attention to everything happening, making it more likely that they will hit someone or something. This is why mobile phone use is considered a road safety risk. Pedestrians are no different. If you’re walking in public areas on your phone you might be so distracted that you can’t pay attention to your surroundings, and in situations where you have to react quickly, you might not be able to react fast enough. Also listening to music in earphones or headphones is something we have to do carefully. If the volume is too loud and we can’t hear what’s happening in the environment that can also be a hazard.

Temporary Negligence

Some injuries are caused by temporary obstructions and obstacles in a specific environment. For example in a supermarket or retail space, poorly packed racks and shelves can lead to a slip and fall injury. This is why it’s important the store management prioritize a well-kept and orderly shop floor. If you go into a store that has things lying around, it might be better to choose a more orderly location in order to prevent any mishaps. Another example of temporary negligence is being in a restaurant space where a beverage has been spilled on the floor. If the spill isn’t cleaned up in time, that could lead to a customer getting hurt.

Slip and fall injuries are considered quite common. The unfortunate thing is that many of them are preventable if property owners were more responsible and took care of the environments that the public use and move around in. In order to make our communities and local areas safe, everyone has a part to play including business owners and managers. When that responsibility falls short, people can get hurt. We won’t always be able to control the occurrence of these injuries, but we can learn what to look for and make sure we steer clear of it. That way we can make the time spent outside of our homes as safe and as well-maintained as the places we’re responsible for.

 

5 Games to Play on Your Labor Day Camping Trip

Getting geared up for your big Labor Day camping trip? In addition to the regular camping essentials, you’ll want to be sure to take the time to plan for some fun games and activities that you and your group can play together while enjoying the great outdoors. So as you pack your tent, sleeping bags and camping stove, consider which game supplies to pack that will help you make lasting memories this Labor Day. Take a look at our top four games to play on your Labor Day camping trip!

1. Classic Campfire Games

It’s hard to beat the classics! You know which one’s I’m talking about- Telephone and group storytelling are campfire games that never get old and can provide hours of fun. With Telephone, you sit in a circle and one person begins by whispering a sentence into the ear of the person on their right. They can only say it once, and then that person whispers it into the person at their right. It goes around the circle until the person at the end says the sentence out loud, and you see how close it is to the original sentence. 

With storytelling games, one person begins by saying “Once upon a time” and the next person says the next sentence. You go around the circle, each person sharing one sentence at a time, and see what kind of story you can put together! Be sure to bring your Jack Wolfskin outdoor clothing to help you stay warm- these games are likely to keep you outside late into the night.

2. Cup Games

Do you have a stack of red Solo cups with you? There are plenty of games you can play using plastic cups. You might consider the cup stacking game and see who can stack their cups the fastest. Another fun game is called Catch That Ball. To start, make sure everyone has a cup. One person starts with a ping pong ball in their cup, and you have to pass the ball to each other using only your cup. See how long you can go without the ball being dropped! And of course, there is nothing more classic than Flip the Cup. Face a tabletop, and while holding a cup, flip it onto the table so that it’s sitting face up.

3. Charades

No matter where you are, charades is always a doable and extremely fun game option to help pass the time. It’s doable with two people, but can also be fun when done in larger groups with people split into seperate teams. Have everyone write things out on slips of paper that can be acted out and put them in a hat or bag. The first person draws a slip of paper and has to act out what it says for the group. It could be fun to choose a theme of things to act out. You could prompt everyone to write things down that have to do with camping, or maybe the specific area where you’re camping. You could also come with a list ahead of time to simplify the process and get right to the game!

4. Card Games/Dice Games

If you have some extra space in your pack, it’s not a bad idea to sneak in a few decks of cards or a handful of dice. Whether you’re bringing some basic face cards or going with something more specific, such as Uno or Phase 10, these kinds of games are great for groups and can easily make for a fun night together. Do some research ahead of time to see which kinds of card and dice games will work well for your group size and come with some ideas of things you all can play together.

5. Sports

Since you’re outdoors, finding an open field shouldn’t be a problem. Sports like flag football and baseball should be fun and easy to play for larger groups of family and friends. Be sure to plan ahead and take the proper equipment with you. Small essentials like bat tape and extra knee pads can make the game fun and comfortable for those playing. Flag football is easy enough that you’ll just need a ball and enough flag belts to include everyone. 

The best part about camping is being able to spend quality time with loved ones. No matter who you’re with — games are a great way to have fun with each other, have some great laughs, and make memories.

Raising a Child: a Guide for the Modern Parent

At times it feels like we, as parents are failing. We doubt our judgments of raising a child. “Are we doing it right?” We ask ourselves. We are not sure of the answers. Well, the good news is there is no one to raise your child. So, if you think that someone is doing it better than you, just know that it is not a competition. They are raising their children their own way, and so should you. There are, of course, some dos and don’ts when it comes to parenting a child. The world has always been a scary place, so it is up to the parents to make sure that their children are well equipped to deal with the pressures of society. Here in this article, you will get guidance for a parent on the basic rules of parenting. 

1. Health: Health comes first. And your child’s health should be your first priority. No matter where you are, what work you are doing, you should ensure that your child is in safe hands. Your child is never too young to have insurance of her own. Various health insurances cover your children’s health as a benefit of your own insurance. Make sure you know all the information. While we are on the topic of health, it must be mentioned that you need to practice healthy eating habits for your children, so that they don’t get sick as much. 

2. Education: Your child should have the best education possible. So, it is up to you to decide which school he or she is going to go into. If you invest well in their education it will later benefit them immensely. Education is always a safe investment. While at home you must engage your children in various online learning programs. This process will keep the curiosity alive. They can read leveled books online. These books are designed for them to increase their cognitive skills. Kids can learn basic life skills from these books; it can also boost up their vocabulary. 

3. Technology: The world is evolving faster than we think. The world is becoming more and more technologically advanced. So, if we do not give lessons to our children on being tech-savvy, we are basically holding them back. Kids should be introduced to various new gadgets and forums. They should have practical knowledge of things and how things work. 

4. Affection: Kids should receive plenty of affection from both the parents. They should learn to love others and be loved. Children who do not receive enough affection in early life tend to grow up with disorders of their own. You may allow your child to have a puppy or cat of their own. This will teach the kids how to take care of others and also how taking care of someone can be difficult. It will incorporate in them a sense of discipline. It is important for a child to be disciplined in life in order to achieve success. 

5. Bullying: Make sure that in school or at home, your child is not subjected to bullying. No one should verbally or physically assault a child. If someone bullies him, he should feel free to talk to the parent about it. Make a welcoming environment so that your child can talk freely. Also, observe your children’s behavior from time to time. If you feel that they are being physically violent in their conduct, you should talk to them. You can also make an appointment with a child psychologist if need be. 

These are some of the basic fundamental steps of parenting. It has been mentioned already, that there is no one proper way of parenting. So, do the best that you can for your children. Don’t forget to love them unconditionally. Love is the key ingredient of good parenting. 

Troubled Child and Teenage Years: a Guide for Parenting

We all know that a teenage child goes through some behavioral changes. It is natural and nothing to worry about in general. But if they are showing extreme signs of troubling behaviors, it might be worth reflecting on. The first thing you’ll notice is how they are not close to their family members anymore. They’ll mostly keep it to themselves and spend time locked inside their own rooms. They might lose weight and develop an eating disorder. There might be drastic changes in their physical appearances. Their withdrawal from the public society and isolating themselves with their close circle of friends can be signs that something is not right. Here, we are going to discuss the ways a parent can prepare themselves to handle a troubled teenager with care and love. 

1. Therapy: There might be things your child cannot express fully. Or something might have happened in his or her life to make them traumatize. They might be dealing with extreme anxiety and/or depression and don’t know how to verbalize those things. In such cases, therapy can work wonders. They might actually learn how to open up to their family members and how to solve their mental health issues. If needed, doctors can prescribe medicines so that the children can function better in their day to day life. 

2. Drug: Many a time we don’t know it but our children may get involved with life-threatening drugs and illegal substances. They’ll be so addicted to the substances that they can go at any length to get their hands on them. Many times we see that these troubled youths end up behind the bars. Parents no doubt will come to their rescue. For details regarding bail bonds and finding the right bondsmen visit- https://acmebail.com/locations/vista/. Information such as this should be kept handy.

3. Create Structure:  A lot of the time it is seen that the troubled child belongs to a broken family or has to move around a lot. He might not have a proper address so he never knew what it felt like to have a set of friends to grow up with, to share the pain and sorrow with them. He does not know how to deal with his life. So, as a guardian, it is up to us to create a healthy routine for them. if they are to go to school every day, they’ll have to maintain certain protocols. Rules and disciplines are good for them. Encourage them to exercise daily as physical exercise can uplift one’s mood. 

4. Talk: As a parent, it is your duty to understand your child well. You should love them unconditionally. You must provide them with a sense of protection. They should feel comforted while talking to you. When they start opening up instead of advising them right away, practice active listening. It is a skill that all caregivers should learn. Active listening is when we try to hear what the other person is saying without judging them. 

Excessive anger and acting out can never be healthy for a child. When you feel that things are getting out of your hands, try to consult physicians and counselors who know how to deal with such situations. The goal is to provide the child with a happy and healthy childhood. So, we should always remember that mental health is as important as physical health for every human being.

Best Flowers to Send for a Birthday

This year, popular birthday flowers are the trending socially distant gift. When you can’t celebrate with your loved one in person, flowers are a wonderful way to send a piece of yourself. They may also cheer up the home of somebody who’s been there more than usual over the last few months. 

However, not all flowers are appropriate for a beautiful birthday bouquet. Some flowers are a suitable gift for certain people but not for others. For example, you probably wouldn’t send your sister-in-law red roses, which are commonly seen as romantic. 

So let’s talk about the best flowers to send for a birthday, based on your relationship with that person. 

Best Birthday Flowers for Your Wife or Girlfriend

While you’ll probably get to see your wife or girlfriend for her birthday, a bouquet is still an excellent gift from a well-raised gentleman. Your best bet is to buy her favorite type of flowers. If you don’t know her preferences, here are some popular birthday flowers for a girlfriend or wife. 

Red Roses

Red roses will always be a classic romantic gift. Whether it’s a single long-stem rose or a massive bouquet, it’s hard to go wrong with red roses for your loved ones. 

Lilies

For something a little more unique, give your significant other lilies. They represent passion, royalty, purity, and rebirth. They make such a statement that you might send them to your partner’s work – even if they work from home.

Orchids

Potted orchids are a wonderful choice. Not only do they bring a taste of the tropics into your home, but they can outlive cut flowers. This way they will remind her of your love for several months. With proper care, they can live indefinitely – just make sure to keep them away from cats! 

Here are 15+ More Ways to Make Happy Family Memories beyond your spouse’s birthday.

Best Birthday Flowers for Him

Giving birthday flowers to men has become increasingly popular, especially if it’s somebody you can’t see in person right now. If you’re worried about sending flowers that appear too feminine, here are some popular birthday flower choices for men. 

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are bright and sunny without feeling overly feminine. That makes them an excellent choice of birthday flower for the men in your life. 

Tropical Flowers

In a time where travel isn’t recommended, tropical flowers can remind somebody of a past vacation or encourage them to think about a future trip. 

Plants

If you feel like the man in your life wouldn’t appreciate flowers, consider sending them a plant, instead, especially species good for sleep. They liven up any indoor space without feminine connotations, clean the air from toxins and CO2, and brighten the atmosphere any day of the week. 

Do you need more ideas for the special man in your life? 

Read this guide: Random Gift Ideas for Your Husband 

Best Birthday Flowers for Mom

If your mom is in quarantine because she has underlying health conditions, it may not be safe to cut a cake with her in person. In your absence, a bouquet can show her how much she means to you and that you regret not being able to visit her. Here are some of the most popular birthday flowers for mothers. 

Peonies

Not only are peonies magnificent, but they have a lot of meaning, too. They represent honor, wealth, beauty, and romance. OK, so you aren’t romancing your mom, but you can honor her with gorgeous peonies. 

Carnations

Does any flower say “Mom” better than the carnation? In general, they signify distinction, love, and fascination. However, every color has a different meaning. 

Roses

Roses will never go out of style as birthday gifts. Avoid giving Mom red roses, since those denote romance. Instead, choose pink, which means love, gratitude, and appreciation. You could also go with cream roses that represent thoughtfulness, or white roses that stand for purity.

Roses - Flowers for birthday

 

Best Birthday Flowers for Your Sister

Birthday flowers are an excellent choice for your sister, especially if you live far apart and don’t get to visit each other very often. If you aren’t sure what her favorite flowers are, here are some popular choices for sister birthdays. 

Gerbera Daisies

Gerberas symbolize cheerfulness and are able to lessen everyday stressors. That sounds like the ideal birthday gift for a sister!

Tulips

With meanings like abundance, royalty, charity, indulgence, and love, tulips make amazing birthday presents. They’re also available in a rainbow of colors to suit anybody’s taste. 

Traditional Daisies

Daisies represent purity, beauty, and innocence, making them perfect for sisters. They also symbolize childbirth, motherhood, and new beginnings, which is perfect if your sister has kids.

Check also: 6 Alternative gift ideas everyone will love 

Best Birthday Flowers for Friends

Of course, you can’t forget your friends’ birthdays! Since preferred flower types may not come up in discussions, here are some classic favorites that would be ideal for your friend’s birthday. 

Lilies

The elegance of lilies can’t be overstated. Available in a variety of colors, they’re perfect for showing your friends how much they mean to you. 

Carnations

While carnations are commonly given to mothers, they’re also perfect for friends. With a rainbow of colors providing various meanings, there’s a carnation color for each friend’s birthday. 

Tulips

Tulips have been popular for centuries, and they’ll always be a great choice to celebrate a friend. Try a mixed bouquet of tulip colors for a vibrant gift. 

Remember the Personalized Card

Regardless of whom you’re sending birthday flowers to, make sure you include a personalized card with your sentiments. That personal touch is more important than ever during these uncertain times, so don’t count on the flowers to say everything you feel. 

Life is uncertain in the best of circumstances. You never know if or when you will have another chance to tell somebody how much they mean to you. So, be sure to use the card to let the birthday person know how you feel about them. 

It’s Leg Day! 4 Calf Stretches to Include in Your Warm Up

Getting ready for leg day? Make sure you don’t pull a muscle! Click here to learn some great calf stretches to incorporate into your warm-ups.

If you’re skipping out on one part of your workout routine, it’s most likely your leg training.

To some people, warming up the calves is an afterthought (although it shouldn’t be). Sometimes, we get too focused on training the muscles on our upper halves, or our “mirror muscles” that we neglect our legs, but did you know that doing this could actually jeopardize your results?

Our legs deserve some love. Next leg day, include these four essential calf stretches so that you can warm up the right way and get the most from your workout.

 

1. Wall Stretch

Regularly stretching your calves can help alleviate tightness, discomfort, and pain. By adding the Wall Stretch to your routine, you’re actively allowing your leg muscles to decompress which allows for better movement and flexibility.

First, stand arm’s length from a wall and put your right leg forward, then place your palms on the wall. Reach your left leg away from your body and slowly press your heel to the floor.

You’ll hold this position for 20 seconds before repeating with your right leg. Once you’re finished, you should already feel the relief in your calf.

 

2. Downward Dog

This classic yoga pose is more than just a way to rewind and reset. To begin this stretch, stand with your feet together and then bend over, bringing your hands to the ground while keeping your legs straight.

Inch your hands forward until your body makes an “A” shape, then push your heels to the ground. Hold this position for 20 seconds! You should feel a deep stretch in your calves if you’re doing it right.

 

3. Band Stretch

These leg stretches require a resistance band, but if you don’t have one, a hand towel will suffice.

First, sit on the floor and stretch your legs out while keeping your ankles connected. Then, loop the resistance band or towel around one foot while holding each end with your hands. Pull gently on the band or towel so that your toes are reaching toward your chin; you’ll feel the stretch in your calves!

Do this on the other side and repeat for however long you’d like. This stretch is great for people who have extremely tight muscles and are looking to increase their range of motion before working out.

 

4. The Heel Drop

If you’re trying to bulk up some muscle on your legs, this stretch is a good option for warming up your muscles before you begin training. You’ll need a step (I use a stair-step!) or a box that will support your weight.

Start by standing on the edge of the step with your feet together. With your toes on the edge, put your weight on one leg and let gravity gently drop your heel toward the floor, but don’t step on the floor. You’ll feel the pull of the muscle instantly.

Repeat this on either side for as long as desired. It’ll warm your legs up for whatever training you choose to do next!

Trying to achieve that powerful muscle physique on your lower half? Check out this post furthering explaining how to train legs!

 

Calf Stretches Yield Stronger Results

Including your legs in your workout warm-up is essential to achieving desired results in both health and aesthetic aspects. If you want to balance your fitness, add these calf stretches to your routine and start seeing (and feeling) a difference now!

Did you find this article helpful? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our posts about all things health and fitness.

How to Keep Your Yards Protected from Your Dogs

Pets have always been said as human companions. Right from the very beginning, it was considered that we need a dog to learn sharing, unconditional love, and most of all loyalty. The idea of having a dog always meant early morning strolling, loads of energy, sniffing, and hair all around. Right after getting the dog the training begins, he has been taught to be best in behavior, but when the training goes wrong or if not up to the mark we might become irritated and think about giving up. But here’s where we go wrong. 

Your dog might be at his highest of energy or maybe he’s an aggressive dog, and you’re already fed up with him turning your place upside down, or you have a lot of work on your head but are not able to concentrate due to your super active dog. There is nothing to be worried about as we’ve come up with answers to your problems. Want to know what it is? A Dog Mesh. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1 what exactly is a dog mesh?

Dog mesh is basically a wired fence that is used to keep aggressive dogs or large dogs controlled and stay put with non-aggressive dogs, keep them away from your yards or let you do your work with all of your concentration.   

Q2 From where to buy the dog mesh?

There are numerous online sites available for buying your perfect dog mesh. Click on the link below to go to ‘Critter fence’ and you’ll find the best quality and multiple options available for you.

Q3 How to install the dog mesh?

There’s nothing you need to worry about as the ‘Critter face’ allows you to be tension free and offers installation from the experts. So, say no to worry.

Q4 How do we know which dog mesh to opt for?

Generally, there’s a basic thumb rule if you think your dog is a bit aggressive then it’s advised to go for thicker dog mesh whereas if your dog is non-aggressive then it is fine to go for thin one too. 

Q5 Does this site only offer mesh for Dogs?

No, Critter fence offers various kinds of mesh for your dear pets and it covers for most of the animals.

Q6 What kind of all kinds of mesh is provided?

Critter fence offers broad categories of fresh one is poly mesh and the other is metal mesh. Both are meant for different purposes. 

Worrying about the house, yards or kitchen has been the most common problem found amongst the parents of pets and generally, they don’t know how to choose or what to choose as a dog mesh so you can always count on ‘Critter fence’ as we come with more than 30 years of expert advice and offer great quality products and services. Opting with mesh has always shown the positive and happy result amongst the buyers. 

HAPPY AND ENJOYABLE PETTING!