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Things You Can Do That Will Improve the Quality of Your Life

As we all already may have figured out, the decisions we make can have a huge impact on our lives in general – which is particularly true when we have any kind of disability. Of course, this goes for all the individuals in the people in the world, and every day and our every move can have an impact on the quality of our lives, so be sure to keep on reading if you want to learn about things you can do to improve it.

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

Invest your time in a hobby you love

Our hobbies play a very important role in our lives, making them more meaningful and fulfilled, which is exactly why you need to invest your time in a hobby you love. So, if you’ve always loved to read but you haven’t had time for it lately, it’s about time you changed that and started reading your favorite book once again. The same goes for any other hobby such as painting and pottery, which you can take up or resume any time in your life. On the other hand, hobbies such as gardening are more time consuming and require more dedication, so make sure you understand every aspect of that and to be well informed before you decide to take it up.

Start saving your money

Photo by Elliot Banks on Unsplash

If there’s something that’s a little bit out-of-range financially, but you’ve always wanted to have it, now is the perfect time to start saving for it. No matter if that’s a brand new bass guitar or a big-screen TV, trust us when we say that nothing is too expensive when you want it so bad for a long time. All you need to do is to devote a small section of your bank account specifically to that one thing and start setting aside a small portion of your paycheck for that thing. You can do it either on a weekly or a monthly level, but remember one thing: if you set aside only $50 a month, you’ll have $600 by the end of the year. That’s quite amazing, isn’t it?

Surround yourself with friendly faces

Our overall attitude inevitably has a big impact on the quality of our lives, and the influence of people around us is just as important. This is why surrounding ourselves with friendly faces is crucial, and it’s particularly true if we’re living with a disability. So, if there’s anything that prevents us from feeling our best at the moment, we should start thinking about the ways to overcome that obstacle. Finding a disability support worker who can help us out whenever we need it is one of the options. These people could have experience in domestic assistance, nursing services, social support, personal care, and many other fields. In addition, meeting with friends more often is highly important and relationships we build throughout our lives make us up as individuals and are essential for our wellbeing.

Make a list of everything you’re thankful for

Sometimes, we all need a little reminder of how lucky we actually are, which is why making a list of everything you’re thankful for should be your next task. This is absolutely essential, no matter if you’re a man or a woman, disabled or not – practicing gratitude is a fantastic way to boost your spirits and help you instantly feel much better and more energized. So, take a pen and a piece of paper and start writing down everything you’re thankful for. It’s the small things that count most, and the sooner you realize that, the better.

Spend more time in nature

Last but certainly not least, spending time outdoors, breathing the fresh air and enjoying the wonders of nature is another amazing activity that can improve the quality of your life. Cycling in the woods nearby is a great idea, as well as taking a long walk around your neighborhood. Having a picnic is also a good choice, so pack a cozy blanket, some healthy homemade snacks, a bottle of water, and your favorite book, go outside, and appreciate nature. Just relax, soak it all in, and you’ll see a fantastic improvement shortly.

There indeed are a lot of wonderful things that can improve the quality of your life, and these five are definitely the best ones out there. So, if you want to change something for the better and live your best life, all you have to do is to stick to our tips and guidelines. Once that’s done, you’ll undoubtedly make your dreams come true.

Measuring The Out Chairs Is Essential To Get It Properly Covered

You will have to consider a whole lot of things when you want to buy covers for your outdoor chairs. This will make your investment high yielding as well as ensure that your outdoor chairs are well protected against the environmental and natural elements, especially during the winter months.

As it is, it may be an overwhelming task to consider the types, the material, the color, and most importantly the size of the covers to ensure it fits onto your chairs well. Measuring the garden chairs can be the most difficult part of all because chairs cone come in different shapes and styles.

Some may have straight back while others may be inclined and
Some may have larger seats while some be designed for a single person to sit.

All these factors will really make it difficult for you to determine which particular type of chair covers you should buy and especially how exactly you can measure the chairs.

Tips to measure

All outdoor chair covers are designed to fit in a large variety of chair shapes, sizes, and styles. In order to ensure that you get the correct size of the covers and a good snug fit, you should measure your chairs by following these tips and instructions:

Start with measuring the height of the chair. This is actually the straight line from the top of the back of the chair to the ground, whether the back is straight or inclined.
Next, you should measure the width of the chair. You can do this by measuring the back of the chair from one end to the other. Make sure that it is a straight line.
Follow it up by measuring the depth of the chair. This is measured from the front of the seat of the chair to the backrest of it.

This will give you the exact measurement of the chairs in your garden that you want to cover properly to protect it from the natural elements and the harsh sun rays that contains harmful UV rays.

Tips to buy

Ideally, the chair covers will come with a set of unique strap and buckle system. This system will ensure that the cover is secure on the chair and will not be blown away in a stormy or windy condition.

Though you will get a lot of cheap covers on the market that may seem very enticing to buy these are not usually worth spending your money.

All cheap covers are highly unlikely to last long, not even to the first winter because these are made from low-quality materials.
These cheap materials may not be waterproof as well which is the prime requirement for outdoor chair covers.

All these will eventually cost you more than you save. Therefore, always choose the expensive ones, preferably the branded ones to make your investment worth.

Look for the range of outdoor chair covers and select the right one for your type of chair. Give some time to it and research well to protect your garden furniture and make it look best for a long time to come.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun Every Day – Follow These 5 Steps

Even though the majority of people enjoy spending time in the sun, the truth is that a large number of them don’t take proper care of their skin in order to protect it from the sun on a daily basis. If you’re one of those people, too, look no further because we’re here to help you out! Here are five essential steps you should take, so check them out!

Keep your skin as hydrated as possible

You’ve probably heard it a million times, but let us say it once again – keeping your skin as hydrated as possible is an absolute must, so don’t wait any longer and find the best moisturizer for your skin type. If your skin is normally very dry, you should opt for thicker creams that will lock the moisture in and keep it nourished all day long. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, you should certainly go for lightweight serums and gels that will instantly absorb into the skin, without making it greasy and sticky. Serums with hyaluronic acid are a good way to go as this ingredient prevents moisture loss and boosts your skin’s natural moisture content.

When in doubt, re-apply sunscreen

We can’t emphasize enough the importance of sunscreen during hot summer months, but you know what? Applying sunscreen simply isn’t enough, and that’s because it gradually wears off – especially when you’re spending a lot of time in the water, at the beach, or by the pool. Well, this is exactly why you need to reapply your sunscreen a few times a day – every two hours if you aren’t swimming, or immediately after you go out of the pool or the sea. As for the amount of sunscreen you’ll need, a teaspoon will be more than enough for the face, whereas a shot glass is fine for the body. Just stick to this rule and you’ll do a great job!

Treat skin issues caused by sun exposure

In case you weren’t aware of it, the sun can harm your skin in more ways than you can imagine, and sunburn is the first and the most obvious of them. Did you know that the sun can also speed up the process of aging by damaging the elastic fibers that keep the skin firm and allowing wrinkles to develop? Besides that, spending too much time in the sun can result in brown spots which are also known as melasma. These can be treated in numerous ways, and you should know that you can remove brown spots easily if you start using products that contain fruit acid, lactic acid, and kojic acid. These will do wonders for your brown spots caused by the extensive sun exposure!

Eat your SPF

Yes, we know that it sounds a bit silly, but trust us when we say that there are particular foods that can prevent sunburn. First of all, we must mention foods rich in vitamins C and E, so make sure to incorporate these into your everyday diet. For example, one serving of strawberries has more vitamin C than a medium orange, whereas avocados are rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from free radical damage. On the other hand, sweet potatoes feature a specific kind of vitamin A called beta-carotene which will shield your skin against the sun. Just eat them this summer and you’ll see what we were talking about!

Soothe over-exposed skin properly

You haven’t really listened to our tips and you managed to get your skin burnt by the sun? Unfortunately, the damage is done and there’s nothing you can do to fix it, but the good news is that you don’t have to suffer in pain. There are so many amazing, super soothing balms and creams that can reduce redness and inflammation while speeding up the process of recovery at the same time. All you need to do is to apply those cooling balms generously onto your sunburnt skin as soon as you notice the first signs of a pink glow. This is the best way to soothe your over-exposed skin without any pain!

Protecting your skin from the sun has never been easier – as long as you’re sticking to our tips, of course. So, if that’s your ultimate goal this summer, all you have to do is to follow our guidelines and you’ll make it happen, without a shadow of a doubt!

Random Gift Ideas for Your Husband

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

Smartwatch

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

Jacket

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

Book on making cocktails

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

Boots

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

Whiskey

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

Dashboard cam

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

Wireless charging accessory tray

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

Soundbar

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

Leaf blower

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

Bike

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

Doorway pull-up bar

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

The Health Benefits of Green Tea

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

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

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

Which compounds make up green tea?

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

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

Green tea can improve your brain functioning!

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

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

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

Make green tea your newest obsession.

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

Latest Celebrity Workout Trends

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

Step up to the barre

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

Private and tailored

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

Have a machine do it for you

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

Get the stress out

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

Yoga

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

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

Healthy Habits – 5 Simple Steps to Improve Your Overall Health

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

Keep your drinks sugar-free

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

Commit yourself to a physical activity

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

Reconsider your choice of protein sources

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

Get enough rest

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

Choose fresh over-processed foods

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

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

How To Monitor Your Kids Without Spying on Them

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

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

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

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

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

Get to know their friends

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

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

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

Have an honest discussion

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

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

Be their friend

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

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

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

Talk about the media

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

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

Consider monitoring programs

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

The bottom line

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

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

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

3 Survival Tips for Moving Your Elderly Loved One

Making the decision to move your elderly loved one is never easy. They’re going to be attached to the home where they’ve spent most of their adult lives.

Whether you’re moving your elderly relative to another family members home or to a senior housing community these survival tips are sure to make moving day run smoothly.

Plan the Move

As with any other move you want to make sure you have the entire move planned.

I’m talking about from the organizing, packing, repairing, cleaning, and unpacking.

The moment the moving becomes something that’s happening, you should get quotes from a few moving companies, such as Hudson Movers, so you can budget.

It can help to write everything down in a notebook and important dates on a calendar to make sure everyone involved knows what needs to be done and what the current status is.

Ask Other Relatives for Help

Don’t think you can handle the entire moving alone? Maybe you overestimated the amount of time you could dedicate?

Whatever the reason, go ask your relatives for help.

In the case of parents, siblings and cousins are great options. Alternatively, see if your spouse and the kids wouldn’t mind donating a few hours to help you.

They could have a clear schedule to help and in return, it would help take some of the pressure off you.

Decide What to Do with Their Home

Deciding on what to do with your elderly relatives home is something that needs to be determined the moment it is time for them to move.

Maybe you want to renovate it and rent it out. Maybe some other relatives want to move in. Perhaps it’s time to sell it to be able to afford their expenses.

Whichever options you may be considering make sure to discuss them with your elderly relative, if possible, and other authoritative family members.

Keep in mind, you just don’t want to have the house sitting empty or it could lead to squatters setting in or even vandalism.

Make Sure They Have Keepsakes

It’s not easy on your elderly loved one to move. Their new location will probably be a downgrade, which means they’ll have to leave a lot of their belongings behind.

Therefore, if possible, allow them to pack a personal bag that contains some of their memories throughout the years. If they can’t pack their own bag, take a few minutes to put together some keepsakes for them that you’re sure they wouldn’t want to be without.

Conclusion: You Can Survive Moving Your Elderly Loved One

Moving at any point is going to be stressful and not something that you’re looking forward to. With these tips, moving your elderly loved one should go smoothly and it won’t feel like such a burden for you.

Have you ever had to move an elderly loved one? If so, what made the moving process go the easiest?

A New Mom’s Guide to Using Breast Pumps

Being a new mom can be both exciting and scary. There are many things that you must learn as you navigate through all the do’s and don’ts of parenthood. One of the first things that every mom takes on is breastfeeding. After all, breast milk is dubbed as the “superfood” for a reason.

However, every once in a while, you will be unable to breastfeed your baby. You might think that you will always be around 24/7, but eventually, reasons will appear. You may have to go back to work or perhaps your little one is unable to latch on properly. The good news is, you can use a breast pump to collect milk and store it for future meals. Because you can create a stash of milk, your baby will not have to skip this nutrient-filled food.

There are 2 types of breast pumps, electric and manual. Manual pumps are less expensive than their electric counterparts and are travel-friendly because they don’t need an outlet to work. Electric breast pumps, on the other hand, take no effort to use and are more efficient in expressing milk. But if you’re worried about portability, according to CuteLittleDarling.com, you can now find an electric breast pump that is rechargeable. What this means is you can also take your unit with you wherever without worrying for a power source.

When Can You Start Pumping?

Some moms immediately start pumping right after their baby is born. The reason for this is because pumping can help encourage their milk supply. If the child is born premature, his/her mom can start early on pumping as well.

However, do note that it is crucial that you have established breastfeeding first before bottle feeding. This usually happens around your baby’s 4 to 6 months of life, and after this, you can pump in between your feeding sessions. The back and forth expressing of milk in breastfeeding and pumping allows you to drain your breasts more efficiently and prevent engorgement.

If you have to leave for a long duration, you can start pumping 2 to 3 weeks beforehand to get more comfortable. Pumping this early also lets you collect enough milk for your baby.

When is the Best Time to Pump?

The short answer is during the day, or better yet, in the morning. Your breasts are going to be naturally fuller during this time, which can help you pump more efficiently. If you are interchangeably breastfeeding and pumping, you can do your session an hour after you breastfeed your baby in the morning. However, you can also pump during the evening if this is more convenient for you.

Some moms even use a manual pump type called a milk catcher. Pumping using a milk catcher is also called passive pumping because it only catches the milk from your breast as you breastfeed with the other. Passive pumping is an efficient way to avoid wasted milk and expand your stash.

Speaking of expanding your milk stockpile, pumping every 2 hours in-between breastfeeding can also help in increasing your milk supply. Milk production works in a supply and demand scheme, which means, to maintain your production level, you have to keep your demand.

If you’re not with your baby, you can pump at the same time with his/her breastfeeding session. This way, you can keep your milk supply level high. If you are replacing missed breastfeeding sessions, it is best that you pump every 3 or 4 hours similar to a baby’s milk demand.

How Long Should It Take Using the Pump?

The duration of each mom using a pump will vary individually. Some women only need 15 minutes to express the right amount of breast milk, while some take twice the time. Once you notice that your breasts feel drained and the milk flow is slowing down, you can stop your session.

As we have said earlier, you can pump every 3 or 4 hours. This takes a total of 8 to 10 times a day and usually gives you more than a thousand milliliters of milk. Pumping for this duration can boost your milk production and allows you to drain your breasts with milk efficiently.

How to Prepare for a Pumping Session

It is essential that you feel relaxed and comfortable before pumping. Some people even suggest thinking of your baby as it contributes to stimulating your body to produce milk.

You can also massage your breasts before (and during) pumping or put a warm compress on them to stimulate milk let-down. Besides these methods, check if you have the perfect flange size will make pumping more effective and comfortable.

How to Use a Breast Pump

Each model may have a specific direction unique to it, which is why it is best to read its manual first. However, some general things that you must know in using a breast pump involve the following:

Check if you have the right flange size. You can also moisten the flange itself with water to create a good seal.
Your nipple must be in the center of the flange before you start pumping.
Start with a low suction level. Most pumps on the market mimic a baby’s suction rhythm, which involves 2 phases; stimulation and expression.
After each use, make sure that you clean your pump. Closed system pumps are easier to clean because it has a barrier between the pump mechanism and the collected milk.
Pay attention to the pump parts that are in contact with the milk and your breast. Clean and scrub them with hot water and liquid soap and then air dry. You should also check if the unit you have is dishwasher safe to save time.

How to Store Breast Milk

First, fill your milk bottles only three-quarters full. The reason for this allowance is because frozen milk can expand. You should also never freeze milk in large quantities as they will be difficult to thaw.

You can store freshly expressed milk for as long as 4 hours in room temperature. Keep in mind that they must be away from any sources of heat. If you put your milk in the fridge, its lifespan can last up to 4 days. But if you want a longer preservation period, you can opt to put your stash in the freezer for as long as 6 months. Pro tip: Label each milk bottle to keep track on which you should use first.