Sometimes, a child will have a hard time keeping a single bit of information in their mind while they are doing something else. If this is the case, they could have issues with their working memory.

Working memory refers to the use of information stored in one’s short term memory. It is an important skill that kids use when they are learning and is vital for following directions with multiple steps.

These are some things that you can do in order to help improve your child’s working memory.

1. Encourage Reading

When a child takes part in active reading strategies, they are likelier to have an easier time forming long term memories. Active reading strategies include not only taking notes and highlighting like most students do, but also speaking aloud and answering questions about the material that they are reading.

2. Visualization Skills

When the child is reading something, have them pause and ask them to imagine the scene in their head and describe it to you.

As an example, ask them to set the table for a few people and ask them to picture it in their head. Have them draw this, and then describe it. As time goes on, they will be able to describe a scene without drawing it.

3. Memory-Boosting Foods

Healthy fats, like those in fish, contain omega-3 fatty acids. These foods help improve memory for both short term and long term future.

One serving of fish per week has the ability to reduce a decline in memory by about 12%. The ideal serving is 3 ounces of fatty fish one time per week, at least. If fish is not an option, you may consider the pill form instead.

See Also: 7 Great Foods to Boost Your Brain Power 

4. Ask Them to Teach You

Teaching another person involves being able to make sense of information and then mentally organizing it, before being able to say it aloud.

When your child is learning a new skill, ask them to show you how to do it. They should be able to explain the process to you.

5. Play Games Using their Visual Memory

There are a ton of matching games that can be played, or you can use something simple like a magazine or newspaper. Have them circle a certain word as many times as they can in one minute. Reading billboards on the highway and license plates on cars is always fun.

6. Break Information Up into Smaller Blocks

It is a known fact that information is easily remembered when it is broken up into parts, like phone numbers and social security numbers. When a child needs to be given directions, either write them out or give them one at a time. Writing assignments can be given using a graphic organizer so that the child will be able to remember what is going to be asked of them.

7. Play Cards

When playing card games like Uno, Go Fish, or Crazy Eights, the child will have to not only remember the rules of the game, but will also need to remember which cards they are holding and what the other players could have. Have them help shuffle and deal the cards as well, and eventually they will be able to explain the rules and start a game all on their own.

See Also: 10 Tips to Develop Both Sides of Your Brain

Our working memory is what is used when you solve a math problem in your head, or successfully follow directions with multiple steps. If you believe your child is having problems with their working memory, it is never too late to begin implementing these suggestions that are great for the whole family.

 

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If you’ve never seen naturopathic physicians before, you’ll likely feel overwhelmed and even intimidated by the experience. They offer a different kind of treatment approach compared to what you’ve been used to. They can even let you see your health and its importance in a different light.

However, although they treat their patients in a different way, it doesn’t mean that they are less effective. They are as good, or even better, than your conventional medical doctors.

In case you’re wondering why, here are some of the best reasons why we should have more of them.

1. They allow people to be more proactive about their health

Conventional medical practitioners can tell you what you need to do to be healthy, like quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet and exercising. They can also give you a long list of what you need to avoid in order to become healthy.

Unfortunately, these things are easier said than done. People experience a lot of obstacles when it comes to changing their lifestyles which greatly affect their capability to comply with their treatment.

This is exactly where naturopathic physicians are great at. They have the right training for lifestyle counseling to help their patients make adjustments that will work for them. They ask their patients’ concerns and customize an approach to overcome the said concerns.

2. They break down vague symptoms

Most physicians treat medical conditions based on the cluster of symptoms they present. This means that they are likely to use the same treatment plan for all their patients who exhibit the same symptoms.

Although the approach works on some people, there are patients who end up experiencing prolonged discomfort and treatment time because the root problem is not addressed properly. Naturopathic doctors go beyond lab results. They aim for specific assessment tools, such as food sensitivity tests, to figure out exactly what’s wrong with their clients.

3. They are focused on prevention

As the old adage goes, prevention is always better than cure. Naturopathic doctors educate their patients about the how they can properly take care of their health. Because they encourage preventive measures, their patients end up saving a lot of money from medicines they don’t really need or procedures they won’t really benefit from.

These doctors are also a great resource when it comes supplements and vitamins. They can help people discern what products can really help them and which ones won’t. Since there are a lot of tempting products that stem from false advertising, it’s a good idea to find someone in the ‘Web’ whom you can trust.

See Also: 10 Habits That Can Prevent Heart Disease 

4. They promote non-invasive treatments

Instead of relying on drastic medical procedures to cure their patients’ medical concerns, they create customized plans that include nutritional coaching, counseling as well as acupuncture. Since their treatment plans aren’t invasive, they aren’t as risky and pose minimal to no threat to their patients.

5. They encourage therapeutic relationships

When you are comfortable with your health provider, you’ll find it easy to ask questions and raise concerns. Aside from this, having a good and trusting relationship with your naturopathic doctor can also encourage you to take more control of your health. He can act as a support system and resource person so that you can feel empowered about changing your lifestyle and habits.

Naturopathic doctors can also help you build a relationship with your own health. They can make you be more aware of what’s happening in your body. They teach you how to watch out for and even listen to it so that both of you can work on your health and wellness.

 

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Everybody wants to be strong, powerful, and invincible. This applies to one’s personal life, family, and career. Who wouldn’t want to become such a person?

Here’s a list of fun and surprising ways to help you achieve all that. I hope this list helps you to become truly strong within and without.

1. Stop caring what people think

Caring about others’ opinions is one of the biggest obstacles to success. No matter how confident you think you are, if you have a fear of people’s thoughts, you won’t go that far.

To feel strong, you need to stop worrying about whatever it is that people think of you. They will have their thoughts either way. It’s up to you to either get affected by them or not.

2. Never miss an opportunity

Be cautious and focused. Never let yourself miss an opportunity even if you don’t feel ready. You may never feel ready so don’t let yourself pass up any opportunity. The outcome will be you feeling good about yourself and never having regrets that held you back.

When it comes to these golden chances, you can’t just sit and wait for them to show up magically. You need to take some action and create them.

3. Find time to workout

Yes, working out is not just going to make you physically feel strong, but it can also improve your mental health. Don’t be lazy. Workout regularly. Invest in your body, in your strength and most importantly, boost your confidence.

4. Follow your dreams, not others’ dreams for you

If you listen to what other people think you should do because it’s the best option in their point of perspective, it does not mean it’s the best one for you. Focus on your dreams, and on the things you want to do. The only way for you to succeed and feel powerful is if you do what you love.

See Also: 16 Excuses that Prevent You from Going After Your Dreams

5. Learn from your mistakes

We all make mistakes but there are two kinds of people in the face of their failures. The first is the person who feels hopeless and gives up. The second is the person who tries over and over despite what everyone says until this person finally achieves success.

Which person will you be?

Take the failure as an opportunity and an experience you can learn from, even be thankful, rise and move on. Don’t let it get the best of you.

If you manage to think of your failures as an experience, not setbacks, you will feel strong and unstoppable.

6. Start meditating

Meditation is perfect for you because at the end of the day, you need some quiet time to relax and be able to process your day and your thoughts. Meditation will not only improve your mental strength, but throughout the day, you will feel a lot more focused and in control of your mind and thoughts.

If you start meditating, you will stop worrying too much and not waste energy on unimportant things.

7. Stick to the goals you set for yourself

Never lose sight of your goals. Always have the big picture in mind. You will feel even better during your struggle when you see results starting to show.

Forget about doubts and fear. Find your purpose and your ultimate goal, and strive for it.

See Also: 4 Sure-Fire Ways to Motivate Yourself to Reach Your Goals

8. Improve your body and verbal language

Start caring about your appearance. Try to work on your posture, and the way you walk, stand and sit. Care about the way you talk and interact with people. Try to give the best of you.

It may be hard to believe, but body and verbal language have a significant impact on other people and how they see you. There is no doubt that improving your verbal and body language will also make you feel confident about yourself.

9. Pack your bags and go travel!

Start perceiving the world as your book. Would you want to stick to one page? Of course not. You need to travel. Not only to enjoy, but also learn and see many amazing places.

Gain some experience, meet new people, and acquire new ways of thinking. It will make you proud in the long run because eventually as you get older, you will be left with all these unforgettable memories.

10. Stop watching TV and playing games

How can virtual games even make you feel strong? They can’t. You need to stop wasting your time doing things that don’t improve you. You are just wasting your life on something that is not even real.

There are oh so many things to do with that time. Go workout, travel, start a new hobby, learn coding, whatever. Be productive, not lazy.

11. Invest in your wardrobe

There is nothing a brand new, tailored suit can’t fix. You need to dress smart and look sharp. And it’s not just about the way you will look. But, you will feel strong and be more confident if you dressed up to your potential.

12. Get a new haircut

Believe that getting a new haircut, and doing it more often, can affect the way you feel. People will see you as someone who cares about his image. And change cannot hurt you, but only improve you.

13. Lead a healthy lifestyle

Start to eat and drink right. Not just for your overall health, but eating healthy can also improve your performance.

You will be more energized, concentrated and focused. Feeling strong and in shape will put you in a much better mood. Trust this.

14. Work your optimum

Give 100% of yourself in everything you do. Work your ass off. The results will be inevitable, and they will make you proud. They can motivate you to push yourself even more and more.

15. Listen music

But not just any kind of music. Listen to motivational music. It will keep you psyched, pumped and make you feel ready for whatever is that you are doing. It will make you feel unstoppable. Do it while working, exercising, and traveling. Feel the difference.

16. Do new things every day

Don’t waste your day by doing nothing. Use the free time you have to try some new stuff no matter what it is. It doesn’t have to be something huge or too important. It is a way to reduce the risk of being lazy and waste the time you can’t take back.

17. Wake up early

We know it can be hard sometimes, but why oversleep? Wake up early and seize the days. If not anything else, you will for sure get an extra couple of hours to prepare for the day and organize your day.

18. Get your adrenaline high

A dose of adrenaline can never hurt. Adrenaline is amazing and getting a thrill once in a while can make you feel strong and energized.

It is a great opportunity also to face your fears. You will end up feeling more energetic than ever. So, our advice is for you to face your fears and get a rush of adrenaline.

19. Train yourself to observe

Observation is a crucial skill if you want to succeed in whatever. You need to learn it. Observation has mental power. Not just because you see everything around you, but you see the actual truth, and you see things for what they are.

20. Don’t be afraid of embarrassment

Embarrassment is an obstacle. Being embarrassed makes you feel uncomfortable and act like you normally wouldn’t.

It also affects your interaction with people and keeps you from trying new things. To feel strong, you need to stop fearing embarrassment and embrace it.

21. Make sure to have the last laugh

The fact that there are people in the world who are not at all ambitious and have boundaries is true. Not only do they not have any dreams of their own, but they laugh at others’ dreams also.

You shouldn’t listen to anyone laughing or making fun of you while you are trying to do the impossible. These people don’t have any mental drive or imagination and creativity whatsoever.

Don’t by any means let them get to you. Stick to your plan, and later prove them wrong. Let them laugh at you now, but keep the last laugh for yourself.

22. Show appreciation for your loved ones

Never take for granted someone’s love for you. Having the honor to be loved is a unique thing. Express your love and deep appreciation for the ones who are beside you and believe in you. You don’t know for how long they will stay.

Being loved can make you feel strong. So take love, and give love.

 

The post 22 Winning Ways That Will Make You A Stronger Person appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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The growing trend of female enterpreneurs is happening all over the globe. In the last decade, we have noted numerous faces who have created benchmarks for the rest of society.

Some famous names in women tech startups include:

1- Amy Baxter
2- Adi Tatarko
3- Kathryn Minshew, Alexandra Cavoulacos, and MelissaMcCreery
4- Clara Shih
5- Desiree Vargas Wrigley
6- Halle Tecco

And the list doesn’t seem to come to an end.

These women tech entrepreneurs not only paved new roads, but their startups have inspired and motivated many other aspiring women and people around them to pursue careers of their choice.

According to figures shared by Forbes, approximately ten and a half million women in America run their own business. The report further shared that they add around 3 trillion dollars to the economy, giving jobs to approximately twenty-three million people.

And it’s not just the economy benefitting from their hard work and subsequent achievements. Let us have a look at a few points which discuss the challenges female enterpreneurs face, and how they become silent motivators in the process.

1- Changemaker

A women as an entrepreneur brings a change in her family and the society. Her endeavors inspire others around her to take the initial step, breaking the taboo that dictates entrepreneurship as a masculine activity.

Also, a major portion of their earnings find their way back in the economy in the form of nutrition, health, and education. This is especially true for a woman who likes to spend a major portion of time into human resources.

2- Inspiration

When a female entrepreneur begins her journey, she has to experience many hurdles. These hurdles eventually prevent many to even try working in their expertise field.

However, those who succeed subsequently manage to overcome this masculine dominated business world (perception) and thus become a source of inspiration for many around. Additionally, the ability to balance work and family life brings women far ahead of male entrepreneurs.

3- Realizing expertise

Most of you might agree that a woman has been handling the domestic finance sector since a long time ago. This directly implies they are better in managing things in comparison to men; especially monetary ones. With someone taking the initiative, other women around realize their potential, thereby giving them life wings to fly.

See Also: 8 Reasons Why Women Are Better Than Men at Business

4- Crossing hurdles

A report shares that businesswomen begin their startup with only half the capital of male entrepreneurs. In addition, they only have a third of a probability of accessing equity financing through Venture capital or Angel investments.

Knowing this, we can regard successful women enterpreneurs with even more respect as they are able to breach these obstacles and achieve success regardless.

See Also: 5 Women Entrepreneurs Who Failed Before Becoming Millionaires

5- Lack of mentors

Irrespective of what you do and the stream you belong to, you always need someone to guide you or to bring out the best in you. However, it has been observed that women entrepreneurs face a distinct lack of mentorship.

Because of this lack, female enterpreneurs find different avenues to learn. An extra mile to travel, they have to learn and execute numerous actions and steps on their own as they build their businesses. Mistakes, while very educational, are of course time-consuming and delays expected output.

6- Support Network

In one of its reports, INC shares that 48% of female entrepreneurs lack network availability to support. Despite a massive increase in women enterpreneurs recently, to an extent, the field is still ruled by the big boys.

Sadly, there are also still people who perceive technology and enterpreneurship as a male province. The same group of people eventually creates a scarcity of support network for a women tech entrepreneur. This results in a tough time for women trying to learn, understand and complete the whole business process.

Conclusion:

When a woman reaches the peak of tech entrepreneurship, she has undoubtedly traveled through a long road with many hurdles and obstacles. However, once she reaches the mark, she not only succeeds in achieving her goals but has paved a way for many others to give their expertise a try. She not only creates a business, but she molds her society and her family.

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Looking for a new job in today’s economy is like trying to find a needle inside a haystack. We’ve all been there at some point. Sending out dozens of resumes, hoping to land that job that seemed like the right fit, coming up short, tweaking your CV, and then repeating the same process. And how about those jobs where you were almost the perfect candidate, but you lacked one or two skills which were required by the employer?

The thing is, why you should definitely reach out to potential employers and apply to as many jobs as you can, that is not the only thing you should be doing with all this free time on your hands. You can view it as an opportunity to invest in yourself. So what should you do? For starters, here are 5 things you should start doing today in order to advance your career and increase your chances of landing that job you’ve dreamed about. Keep on reading.

1. Expand Your Skill Set
The more you know, the more interesting you will be to recruiters and potential employers. Even you feel like you’ve mastered all the skills which are relevant to your industry, it never hurts to go back and update your knowledge, especially if you are looking for a job in an extremely dynamic field, such as IT, where changes happen on an almost daily basis. Also, you should look beyond your area of expertise and learn a new skill that will help you stand out from the crowd of other candidates.

Learning how to build a website in WordPress, for instance, is something that can come in handy no matter what you do, and it’s not rocket science either, since there are plenty of free tutorials online on how to do it. Stuff like coding, photo editing, or design can also become a more than welcome addition to your CV, so take time to check those out, as well. You can even build your own online portfolio website, and showcase all of your skills.

2. Improve Your Speaking
Many people forget how important it is to be able to verbalize your ideas and thoughts in a clear and succinct manner. While it’s not something you can put on your resume, the ability to speak in public can benefit your career in more ways than one. For example, you may be required to hold a presentation for your colleagues or potential clients, and the effectiveness of your presentation will not only depend on the quality of your PowerPoint slides, but also the way you communicate your message to your audience.

In such cases, your speaking skills can help you build credibility and good reputation in the industry. Since speaking is not a technical skill, it is a bit more tricky to learn it. But, apart from checking out some of the free courses on it, you should also choose different topics, and record yourself while talking about them. And yes, in the beginning, you will cringe at hearing yourself speak, but it will also provide you with an insight into what aspects of your speech you need to improve.

3. Invest into Building Your Online Presence
We’ve already mentioned how you can improve your chances by building your own online portfolio site, but there are other things you can do. Building a LinkedIn profile is an absolute necessity nowadays, since most companies find their employees online. Make sure that your profile is as complete as possible. But, LinkedIn is not the only social network you should pay attention to.

Your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other account can mean the difference between you receiving a job offer, and the recruiters choosing someone else for the job. Pay attention to what sort of stuff you post online. The same goes if you have a personal blog. Speaking of which, having another blog where you will demonstrate your knowledge of the industry is also something that will grab the attention of the recruiters.

4. Build and Maintain a Network of Contacts
Sometimes, it is not just about what you know, but who you know, as well. You should use your free time to build a network of contacts that will become one of your options when looking for a new job. This applies both to your online contacts, such as those on LinkedIn or Facebook, as well as those offline. In addition to adding new people to your contacts, you should also check up on those which have been there for a while.

Get in touch with your former colleagues, people you went to college with, or former clients by sending them an email or a message. Let them know how you’ve liked the project they’ve just completed, or congratulate them on something from their personal life. That way, you will get on their radar, and they will be more likely to think of your if their boss or one of their contacts is looking for someone with a skill set similar to yours.

5. Research Companies You Would Like to Work for
Instead of just sending out as many resumes as possible, research the companies you are interested in. Find out when and how they are hiring, what skills they are looking for, and whether you would be a good fit for their organization or not. You can focus on developing those skills which are sought after by them and similar companies.

By knowing more about the companies you are interested in, you can also predict if they are going to be hiring anytime soon or not. For example, if they are expanding, or if they have bought another company, they will most likely start hiring new people. And once they do, you need to be ready.

Conclusion
Just because the right job is not there yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to improve your chances of finding one. Use these helpful tips to advance your career today. Good luck!

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Simply put, overworking is bad working. Separate estimates suggest that stress costs American business $300B per year, with sleep deprivation alone costing $63.2B in lost productivity. If you’re working for yourself, it may be tougher to make that decision to slow down – but you will feel the benefits more acutely.

Health-wise, researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered that people who practice relaxation methods such as yoga have far more active ‘disease-fighting genes’. Other approaches to relaxing such as meditation or deep breathing can help you to enjoy lower blood pressure, better immunity, and healthier hormone levels.

Clearly this is beneficial to you, to those you care about, and to your working life.

Getting into the habit of mini-relaxations

If you’re a workaholic or you find yourself in a difficult period, it can be difficult to set the time aside for such pursuits. In fact, it may be more effective both now and in the long run to create a subtle shift in your lifestyle rather than try to lever in hefty new commitments.

It can also work out cheaper to make wiser decisions in your daily routine, instead of investing in expensive solutions that may be short-lived if you find they don’t suit you.

So let’s take a little look at a few such changes you can easily make.

Breakfast time relaxation techniques

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it’s not just about what you eat – it’s about your whole attitude.

Tumble out of bed on the third ‘snooze’? Grab a jam-sodden toast from the kitchen as you rush out of the house? These are the kind of habits that will set you in motion for more of the same.

Quick fix gets piled upon quick fix until it all comes tumbling down.

Getting up earlier than is absolutely necessary takes some practice, but after a few weeks you’ll swear by it. It means you can take the time to do some stretches, which will get your metabolism going and those happy-hormones flowing.

Making breakfast should be a ritual, a craft. Make yourself a proper filter coffee, and sniff it deeply before you drink. Eat some fruit and oats for some proper morning fuel. Do something nice for someone you live with.

See Also: 8 Positive Morning Routines to Transform your Day

Tips to help you relax on your lunch break

After a hard morning’s work, you may find your shoulders have risen up around your ears, your palms are sweating and your brain is throbbing. What’s worse, you still have a ton of work left to do in the afternoon. The solution that four out of five of us default to is to work through lunch.

Bad idea.

It is difficult to be creative when you’re staring at the same computer screen all day long. Give yourself a break: Take a walk to help you digest your lunch and to get some more of those exercise-induced endorphins pumping.

Doing something different each lunch break can help to stop the week feeling like one meaningless blob. Instead, you have “that day I went to the museum” or “that day I had a coffee with an old friend.”

If you’re stuck for ideas, follow your local art gallery or library on Facebook – they will advertise free events that are taking place in your town. It could be a lunchtime concert or a pop-up book sale: the important thing is to get some fresh air and sunlight.

And if you really can’t get away, at least take five minutes to tidy up your desk – which can be an effective reboot for the mind.

Relax after work and into the night

Home-time.

While you should make sure to leave your desk promptly, don’t be in such a rush to get back indoors. Walking home slowly can be a great opportunity to catch up on some exercise and to clear your head of the day’s thoughts before you rejoin your loved ones at home.

If it’s too far to walk, take public transport rather than driving. Okay, the train can be a pain, but so is getting stuck in traffic – and at least when you hand the driving duties over to someone else, your hands are free to read a book or call a friend.

Once you’re home, there are plenty of ways to relax. A bite of chocolate is scientifically proven to help you de-stress, and eating a good meal that you take care to prepare for your family can also help you to re-engage with the real world.

See Also: 8 Ways to Make Family Meal Times More Fun

Listening to classical music can improve your sleep, immune system and stress levels – as well as marking out your home as a safe refuge from the hustle and bustle of the office, be it a commute away or next door in your study.

It can be simple and cheap to make these little adjustments to your everyday life, from morning until night – and if reading up on stress-busting feels a bit too much like hard work, have a read at this infographic, which shows at a glance how this can be done and offers 50 ways to incorporate mini-relaxations into your day.

 

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Why would your dear old faithful heart get a heart disease, right? I feel as immortal as you do, trust me. But, my daily patients and recent statistics published by the American Heart Association, the CDC, and the NIH show that heart diseases represent the leading cause of death in the United States.

With a death toll of 375,000 people a year in the U.S. and causing 17.3 million deaths per year on a global level, heart disease is a problem which shouldn’t be taken lightly. Cardiovascular diseases don’t discriminate based on age, gender, or race and researchers all over the world are making incommensurable efforts to minimize their incidence. But there are at least 10 behaviors we can change to silence this merciless enemy.

According to medical specialists in the field, the best way to lower the risks of developing heart disease is getting the right information and implementing preventative lifestyle changes. Adults and children are vulnerable alike to coronary issues.

Therefore, we will further discuss the ten personal habits that can prevent heart disease for all age groups.

1. Quitting Smoking and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoking

Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoking represent health issues medical experts all over the world are trying to deal with. There is an enormous amount of research data linking smoking and second-hand exposure to coronary diseases and stroke, cancer and chronic lung and respiratory problems.

According to the NIH, quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to second-hand smoking can lower the risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke in just a few years.

See Also: 4 Surprising Ways Tobacco Use Is Harming More than Your Health

2. Managing High Blood Pressure

Hypertension (known as High Blood Pressure) is considered a “silent killer” affecting over one billion people worldwide and around 33% of American adults. Unfortunately, the underlying causes of hypertension cannot be fully determined, and its symptoms are so discrete that they are overlooked by 14% of American adults. Measuring your blood pressure at home is one of the first steps you can take to prevent a coronary heart disease, because the higher the BP, the greater the health risks.

You need to take into account a pressure threshold of 115/70 mmHg to start worrying. The risk of developing heart disease, such as Dysmetabolic Syndrome X, doubles for each ten mmHg increase in systolic (the large number) and five mmHg increase in the diastolic (the small number). Investing in a high-quality arm BP measuring kit and learning to read it at home is a healthy and wise decision, especially if you have a family history of heart diseases or advanced age.

3. Keeping a Balanced Diet

A heart-healthy diet lowers your risks of developing coronary heart diseases, directly influencing your cholesterol levels (one of the most dangerous known associates of heart disease) and your blood pressure. A balanced diet for adults and children alike should focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains rich in fiber, fish and fish oil, nuts, and seeds.

Of course, saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium should be avoided. Meat eaters should be careful to choose the leanest cuts possible, and all group ages should lower their sugar intake. If you have no idea where to start, here’s a marvelous suggestion.

4. Regular Physical Exercise

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the risk factors of heart diseases. Therefore, regular physical exercise should become a part of your daily lifestyle. Researchers recommend at least 2 ½ hours of moderate-intensity exercise in adults or at least 1 ½ hours of intense workout every week. If you cannot follow this schedule, then 30 minutes of low-to-moderate physical activity and muscle strengthening exercises a day should keep you in shape. Children should benefit from at least 1 hour of physical activity every day.

5. Cholesterol Control

We all know we deal with good cholesterol and bad cholesterol (LDL) – the latter being responsible for clogging our arteries and leading to heart disease and stroke. Cholesterol control is usually achievable through diet and exercise, but they are not always enough.

A cholesterol screening is recommended for children and adults alike. If your blood tests positive for high LDL, you may need to follow a medication therapy to lower those levels. Ask your doctor to regularly perform a cholesterol screening and prescribe you the proper medication if necessary, but I highly recommend these nine wonderful ways to reduce those pestilent levels of stress.

6. Weight Maintenance

Given the fact that 69% of adults are either overweight or obese, weight control should be taken seriously especially since it is associated with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems and sleep disorders. To clinically lower the risk of heart disease, keep an eye on your Body Mass Index. The higher the BMI is, the higher the risks of developing one or more associated illnesses.

According to the AHA, maintaining a weight loss of 3-5% of your total body weight can significantly decrease your risk of high BP, type-2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.

7. Lowering Sugar Intake

Introducing fruits and vegetables in your diet is not enough to prevent heart diseases. Lowering your sugar intake, however, adds up to all the other preventative measures that make a healthy lifestyle. If you understand that the heart disease death rate in adults with diabetes are two to four times higher than in adults without diabetes, then you will understand that sugar intake is an issue that cannot be overlooked.

A sensible and smart diet, exercise, and weight loss are the first steps to take to prevent diabetes. However, diabetes tests and screening are mandatory – your doctor can catch early the diseases’ onset and help you keep it under control with the proper medication.

8. Keeping Stress at Bay

A few decades ago people considered stress to be a special type of illness. Today, it is a constant part of our lives and represents one of the many causes which lead to heart diseases in young people (30’ to 40’). Long-term stress usually translates into heart rate increases, BP increases, sleep and eating problems – which in turn may damage your artery walls.

Keeping stress at bay is not easy, but specialists recommend you master stress relieving methods (breathing exercises, meditation, self-development therapy) and engage on a daily basis in activities which make you feel good. Stress has devastating consequences on our bodies, minds and quality of life, so keeping it in control is the smartest lifestyle choice one can make.

9. Keeping Your Sleep Disorders in Check

Adults and children alike suffer from sleep apnea – a condition described commonly by snoring and choking during sleep. The pauses in breathing that occur in sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, stroke and heart diseases.

Don’t take your snoring complaints from your family lightly and go see a doctor to help you manage sleep disorders, especially if you are past 35 years of age.

10. Staying Informed About Heart Disease

Ignorance and misinformation probably killed more people than all types of cancer in the world. To preserve your heart health, keep yourself updated with reliable medical information offered by specialists in the field. Ask for a family anamnesis to understand your heritage and your risks, get annual blood tests and screenings and don’t disregard any health issues you might experience.

Understanding the prevalence of heart disease, knowing its signs and contributing factors and embracing a healthy, happy, tolerant lifestyle are some of the most important measures to take against the cruelest killer in the world.

So smile as often as you can, embrace the differences in others, keep curious, do a good deed, surprise someone today with a shower of generosity, make this second, this hour, this day count! Regret, worrying, holding on to the past and those heavy-on-your-heart regrets, don’t do a thing for you or your loved ones. Move on, learn from your mistakes, pick a healthy habit now and show strength by sticking to it. It’s not easy, but nothing important ever is in the beginning!

Good health and good luck, my friend!

 

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One of the most underrated human body parts is the mouth, although gum inflammations, cold sores, and cavities are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to “poor oral health.” Dental hygienists consider gingivitis – the bleeding of gums when brushing and flossing – to be a very mischievous oral health issue.

Gingivitis is easy to treat, reversible and not damaging to the bone and teeth structures if prevented and properly kept under control. If ignored, gingivitis can turn into a periodontal disease which, in turn, is no stranger to heart inflammation. According to specialists in the field, the link between gingivitis and heart disease is inflammation.

Gum disease affects more than half of all Americans aged 30 and older. This fact, while extremely serious, also seems to be overlooked, because few understand that untreated gingivitis can lead to a world of pain and severe health consequences. Fortunately, there are many natural and home products with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties.

How can you heal gingivitis and gum diseases using natural remedies until you manage to see your doctor? Here are some tips and tricks from experts in the field.

1.  Salt

Salt is a teeth-whitener as well as a proven remedy for gum disease. It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties helping you reduce inflammation and preventing bacteria to further take over your mouth. Salt draws mouth abscess infections out and reduces the risk of developing plaque. If you experience gum swelling, bleeding, or bad breath, use salt to alleviate these gingivitis symptoms.

• Make a solution of warm water and ½ tablespoon of salt. Stir properly until the salt is dissolved. Thoroughly rinse your mouth with the liquid twice a day until the inflammation is reduced.
• You can also mix some salt into coconut oil and create a paste to rub your gums with. Coconut oil is one major natural remedy used in oil pulling routine for alleviating gum diseases. Salt will kick-start the oil benefits in case your gum diseases is more severe.

See Also: 10 Easy Ways to Whiter Teeth Without Spending Too Much

2. Garlic

It may be unpleasant, but chewing garlic can be used both as a preventative measure for oral health and as an herbal remedy to fight against gingivitis. You can ask any dental hygienist, and he will tell you that garlic has scientifically-proven health properties when it comes to gum diseases.

There are many ways to use garlic as a gingivitis healing agent, but these are dental specialists’ top favorites:

• Chew a few garlic cloves every day.
• Rub garlic cloves directly against the affected gums: you will notice quick relief from inflammation and discomfort.
• Make garlic toothpaste. Crush garlic cloves until you get a paste and use it instead of your regular toothpaste. Bbrush your teeth with at least two times a day until the gingivitis symptoms are gone.
• Mix garlic with turmeric and use as toothpaste. Turmeric has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric can also alleviate pain, eliminate plaque and stop bacterial infections.

3. Baking Soda

When it comes to baking soda, it seems that dental hygienists shook hands with cosmeticians and decided that this common home product is, in fact, a miraculous remedy used to treat various issues from gum disease to cold and flu.

See Also: Cheap Cleaning 101: Use Baking Soda

As natural remedies for gingivitis go, some dental hygienists swear by baking soda. The product has an antacid feature that regulates the pH of your mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

• Mix ½ tablespoon of baking soda in a little warm water to make a paste and brush your teeth with it at least three times a week until the gingivitis symptoms are gone.
• You can use the same paste to massage your gums with (for at least two minutes) – repeat 2-3 times a week.

All these products can be easily found around the kitchen so there is no reason for you to ignore gum disease symptoms anymore. They can be used not only as remedies but as a preventative adjuvant for oral health.

What you should not disregard, however, is that you still need to consult with your doctor and get a dental check-up at least three times a year. It is true that dental hygienists stand by these home remedies, but this is not a good reason for you to ignore the signs and symptoms of an unhealthy mouth.

 

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Developments in technology mean you can travel the world AND hold down a full-time job. These days, we don’t necessarily have to choose between one thing or another, but can have it all! Yes, full-time job included.

Whether you are working for a technology company or in academia, all you need is a little planning, the right kit and the drive and you can work on the go. Now, here is an interesting thing – the whole world could be your office! To many it may seem like a dream to work and travel, to set your own schedule and to use your hotel (or the Starbucks) as an office.

However, sometimes it can be trickier than you may think. First, you have to work and stay motivated and driven, though there may be distractions and things that are trying to get your attention. Secondly, you have to set your own schedule, and there is nobody there to tell you what to do and when to do it. However, working AND travelling is, in fact, a growing trend. It can be rewarding and exiting and it will add to your quality of life. Here are five tips on how to work remotely and stay efficient:

1. Find the right job

First, you have to find a job (and an employer) that will allow you to work wherever, whenever. This may appear to be difficult, but nowadays we have all of the technology and infrastructure that will allow you to work on the go, so there is nothing that really stands in your way.

Remote working will allow you to work anywhere in the world, whilst still being a valuable employee for the company. Though, it is still not a rare case that employers see remote working as a let off. Some of them may see it as a way for their workers to get out of responsibilities. Each day more and more HR managers and recruiters change the point of view: they are starting to see it as a way to attract the best staff, to recruit flexible, digitally savvy employees. Now, we have reached the stadium where demographic is irrelevant to getting the best staff for your company, which is exactly why each day more people outsource.

More and more remote full-time positions are offered each day. Should you wish to travel and keep your full-time job, now is the right time to do it.

2. Master the technology

Obviously, you will need a laptop, a phone, and a few tools to keep you alive. Make sure you have these even before getting a remote job. Other hardware and software may come in handy. Make sure you expand your knowledge of platforms, apps, and tools to keep you on the right track while you are on the go. This will make your full-time job and traveling much easier!

See Also: 10 Productivity Musts for Freelancers

3. Keep updating your skills

According to Jake Jorgovan at Milo the best way to work remotely around the world is to add value to the organization for which you work. Due the massive developments in technology over the last decade or so one does not need to be physically present to add value to your company. You can work from home, work remotely anywhere in the world and add a huge amount to your quality of life.

Some skills, e.g. copywriting and marketing, do not require physical presence to perform the role. If your skill does require you to be in the office, you can do one of two things: learn a new skill or go to the office.  Jorgovan talks of how he retrained as a web designer to allow him to work on the go. As well as this, you want to familiarize yourself with online networking, and with recruitment sites that offer full-time job positions, such as Jobrack.eu if you are in Eastern Europe. Finding this type of a full-time job opportunity will allow you to work remotely and travel all around (full-time too).

4. Have the right kit.

In order to work you need the correct tools to make sure you do the best job you can.  There are tons of apps that can make your life and job easier. However, if you want to mix these two, here is the survival kit for you:

• Well, of course – a laptop (and make sure that it is light enough)
• A cellphone (and make sure that it is unlocked), allows you to use your phone wherever you go.
• A Tablet (and make sure you have this if your laptop’s too heavy)
• An Ethernet cable, in case you can’t get WiFi (and make sure you do not forget it)
• Positive Can-Do Attitude (and make sure not to forget this one!)

5. Do the work!

Of course, one issue with not having a 9-5 office job is that you may have a lot of distractions. The beach? The cold beer? The museum? All three? Or perhaps your dog is desperate to go chase that neighbor’s cat … again.

Without someone to keep you motivated, it can be a big bone to chew on. However, do not fall in despair! Joining an online community is the smartest thing you can do! You will feel more connected to a group and take advantage of the perks of being a digital nomad.

See Also: 14 Problems Freelancers Usually Face

Forbes reckons that this may even become the norm, with freelancing growing at an average rate of 3 percent a year. Of course, we all want to travel the world. Quitting your full-time job to travel the world is like having a pair of pink glasses, to be honest. It may not be the most realistic prospect. In the end, it’s your work that pays for your hotel rooms, your flights and the numerous pumpkin spice lattes! The tips above can allow you to make a success of being a travelling freelancer and set your office peering over the azure blue of the Mediterranean!

 

The post 5 Ways To Travel The World While Keeping a Full-Time Job appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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Just as accessorizing an outfit can make or break your look, the furniture choices you make affect the way your home, work establishment or office design is perceived. Enhancing the living or working space is essential, especially with furniture that complements the visual appeal of the area as well as its functionality.

Great furniture choices can do everything from making a small room look larger to transforming even the simplest building into a grand and beautiful space. Of course, the biggest challenge lies in finding stylish and contemporary furniture on a limited budget.

With that in mind, we’ve put together some tips that will help with this process.

Choosing Between Various Types of Furniture

You can choose between classical and modern styles that reflect your personality, and fusion contemporary designs are also making a splash in interior décor these days. Whether for your own home, a swanky office, an elegant banquet or a grand hotel, these eye-catching variations on standard designs will help set your space apart.

For functional cafeteria, school, restaurant or office furniture, a few styles that are in fashion today are simple and widely used in commercial spaces around the world. These indoor and outdoor furniture designs can easily be adapted for small or large groups of people and are quite easy to maintain.

If you’re looking for high-quality hospital furniture or multi-purpose pieces to set off any other space, don’t worry. Finding cheap furniture that’s also built to last is easier today than it’s ever been before!

How Can You Furnish Your Space with Limited Funds?

If you’re looking to dress up your space on a budget, here are the top 10 tips to keep in mind:

1. Start with the core pieces – Focus on the most important pieces for any space first, e.g. a sturdy bed for a bedroom or an executive desk and chair for an office. The rest can come later, but core items should be a priority.
2. Understand the materials used – There are many kinds of wood, plastic, glazes, fabrics and other materials that are used to create furniture. Invest some time in learning about how they work and what they cost, so you can pick the right ones.
3. Simple contemporary furniture works – Fancy embellished pieces tend to cost a lot more than their unadorned counterparts, and typically fit into any design scheme with ease. This leaves you a lot of room to get creative.
4. Search for cheap furniture online – Look for deals available online, since websites do not have the same overheads as furniture stores and can offer better prices. Don’t shy away from checking out used furniture either!
5. Opt for multi-purpose designs – Multi-function home and office furniture is a huge trend, growing in popularity every day. Sofa-cum-beds and stools that double as end tables are great for compact spaces, and will save you a bundle.
6. Accessorize, customize or DIY it – You can keep your investment minimal by buying plain pieces and adding your own creative touch to dress them up. Colorful cushions, a splash of paint, trendy doorknobs… the possibilities are endless!
7. Wait for items to go on sale – If you’ve been eyeing a gorgeous dining room set or the perfect garden seating, you’ll find that prices drop drastically if you wait till “sale season” when furniture stores sell old stock at huge markdowns.
8. Same piece, better deal? – Furniture manufacturers often sell products through different retailers, who mark up the price as they choose. Shop around a little – you could find the same item at a fraction of the price at another store.
9. Amp up your negotiation skills – Price mark ups on furniture are normally huge, so you may be able to get a better deal if you haggle a little. If you can’t get the price lowered, try for a freebie, discounts on delivery and installation, etc.
10. Shop in the international market – A sourcing agent can be invaluable when you’re buying furniture, especially in bulk. Shop from low-cost markets like China (the price difference justifies shipping costs) by hiring a China sourcing agent to help you find affordable, high-quality items.

See Also: Easy Decorating Tips for Bachelors 

Think of your limited budget as a challenge rather than an obstacle and you’re sure to have fun hunting down the best stylish furniture for the space you’re decorating.

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