Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

7 Check-Ups You Should Do Every Year

There are many check-ups that are worth carrying out on an annual basis. These check-ups could help to detect problems early and prevent bigger problems later down the line. Just what types of check-ups are worth doing each year? Below are 7 examples.

Photo by George Becker on Pexels.com

Dental check-up

Seeing a dentist every year can be important for checking up on your oral health. Dental problems like gingivitis and cavities may be able to be caught early before they turn into something more severe. Treating such problems early won’t just save your teeth, but could save you a lot of money in expensive future dental treatment.

Eye test

Don’t wait until your vision gets blurry to book an eye test. It’s worth booking an annual eye test to see if your vision is still as sharp – many of us can get used to poor vision and may only notice it once it becomes severe, by which point it could be dangerous if you drive. A local optician will be able to carry out your eye test for you and send you reminders of when you need another test. 

Blood pressure test

High blood pressure can damage your arteries and heart, and yet may display no symptoms. Things like stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, smoking, and heavy drinking can all cause high blood pressure. It’s worth taking a blood pressure test every year – you can visit a doctor to do this or you can buy a home blood pressure monitor.

Vet check-up

If you have pets, it could also be worth taking them for a check-up at the vet each year. Animals are very good at hiding health problems as a survival instinct, and you may only notice something is wrong once the health problem gets severe. Your vet will be able to schedule an annual check-up – this typically isn’t very expensive and will be covered by pet insurance if you have it. 

Car safety inspection

In some states, it’s a legal requirement to get a safety inspection carried out on your vehicle every year. In other states, it’s not mandatory, but still highly recommended. Annual safety inspections are generally quite cheap and can help detect problems early – potentially preventing a breakdown or an accident at a later date. 

HVAC service

If you have an HVAC system in your home, it could be important to get this serviced annually. HVAC issues can result in poor air quality, high energy bills and poor heating/cooling effectiveness – an annual service can detect these issues early so that they can be fixed before they become more severe. 

Roof Inspection

Finally, it’s worth getting your roof inspected every year – especially if you live in an older home with an older roof. Roofing damage can often get overlooked, but such damage can cause so many problems from rainwater leaks (which could lead to expensive water damage) to heat loss (which could result in more expensive heating bills). By getting a roofing company to inspect your roof each year, you detect problems early.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

October Writing Prompts Hosted By A Chronic Voice

Every month Sheryl at A Chronic Voice host the writing prompts for those with Chronic Illnesses. Sheryl has been very ill herself and not able to do the prompts in a couple of months. We’re so glad she’s getting better.

The prompts for the month

DISABLING

ENABLING

COMMITTING

COMMUNICATING

REINVENTING

I’ve chosen three this month, Committing, Communications, and Disabling.

Honestly, I’m not committing to much but myself. I can barely walk, stand up, get up from chair or walk up the stairs. I can only sleep for around 1-2 hours on one hip and 1-3 hours on the other. I feel 70 years old, feeling bad because I make noise in pain when I do any of these moves.  I also remember granny never expressed her pain. Not even after failing two stories and cruishing both heels and anckles.

I need a break from doctors until next years just to give me a reprieve and not worry about the process of taking me anywhere. 


Over-communication is what I’m working on. It’s a fine balance between sharing and over-sharing. He’s been telling me for two weeks I needed my cane. OH NO!!!!!! Not the cane. It is associated to the time I was so sick, could hardly move around without the wheeled walker. I admitted yesterday that I would try and this morning forgot to go in my office to get it. Now that I’m working downstairs, who wants to get up and feel pain then walk up the stairs moving with a guttural voice from the pain. Not me. 

These are times relationships can get hard, one thinks they know the other is thinking and it’s not that at all. 

 

My husband keeps telling me to get out my cane. I’m a fall risk and know it, but in the scenario when I fall or out of balance the cane would only get in my way. It was around 2019 when I put my cane away and will not use it in the house, yet. Outside, I’ve been using a hiking stick but will go back to my cane for outings. 

I no longer drive or own a car, I’m closed in 99% of the time, and I feel more disabled than I ever. 

Have a great month!

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Dental Care for Adults: Why You Shouldn’t Neglect Your Teeth

It’s no secret that taking care of your teeth is essential. Not only does it keep your smile looking great, but it also significantly impacts your overall health. Unfortunately, tooth decay and gum disease are two of the most common chronic conditions in the United States. But despite this, many adults neglect their dental care. Here are some reasons why you should take care of your teeth!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The Importance of Dental Care

Most adults know that they should brush and floss their teeth every day, but many still don’t make dental care a priority. Neglecting your teeth can lead to several problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, poor dental hygiene has been linked to other severe health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. Therefore, it’s essential to take care of your teeth and mouth.

There are many reasons to prioritize dental care. For one, it’s crucial for your overall health. Good oral hygiene can help prevent gum disease, which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Additionally, brushing and flossing removes plaque from your teeth, which helps to prevent cavities. Taking care of your teeth can also help you avoid bad breath.

In addition to being good for your health, dental care is also crucial for your appearance. Having healthy teeth and gums can help you feel more confident and attractive. Therefore, if you’re looking to make a good impression, taking care of your teeth is essential.

There are several ways to take care of your teeth and mouth:

  1. It would be best if you brushed your teeth at least twice daily. Be sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste that contains fluoride.
  2. It would be best if you flossed your teeth every day. Flossing helps remove plaque from between your teeth, which can help prevent cavities.
  3. You should see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

The Consequences of Neglecting Dental Care

You’re at risk for several problems if you neglect your dental care. For one, you could develop cavities. Cavities are small holes in your teeth that occur when tooth decay is not removed. If left untreated, cavities can lead to pain and infection. Additionally, you could develop gum disease. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can lead to tooth loss.

In addition to cavities and gum disease, neglecting your dental care can lead to bad breath. Bad breath occurs when there are bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria can cause a foul smell. Additionally, if you don’t care for your teeth, you may be at risk for other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.

When to See a Dentist

It’s essential to see a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Most people should see a dentist every six months. However, if you have gum disease or another dental problem, you may need to see a dentist more often. Additionally, if you’re pregnant, you should see a dentist during your pregnancy.

If you think you may have a dental problem, it’s essential to see a dentist as soon as possible. Early treatment can help prevent the problem from getting worse. Additionally, if you’re experiencing pain, you must see a dentist. Dental issues are often treated with simple procedures, such as fillings or crowns.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Did You Know?

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. That’s one person every 2 minutes in the U.S

The two most common risk factors of breast cancer are being born female and getting older.

In 2022, it is estimated that nearly 44,000 people in the U.S. will die from breast cancer.

These number get my attention!

One of the most important appointments you can keep each year is to get a mammogram.

Fortunately, organization like Susan G. Komen spend each year advocating and educating themselves on the latest research. With them staying in top of the facts, its helps us by getting the latest information.

 

Know Your Risk

Knowing your family history is lifesaving. Talk to a doctor about your family history and see how that history impacts your risk of breast cancer. You and your doctor can create a personalized plan to monitor for signs of the disease.

Get Screened

For those at average risk, have a mammogram every year starting at age 40. If you have any signs of breast cancer, finding it early and treating it early may save your life.  

Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Living a healthy lifestyle is within your control and may lower your risk of breast cancer. Maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol intake and exercise regularly. It all matters when it comes to your overall health and risk of disease.

Need Help?

The Komen Breast Care Helpline is a free resource available for every person, including survivors, caregivers, those living with metastatic breast cancer and people who have not yet been touched by breast cancer but have questions about how to better care for themselves. The Helpline specialists and oncology social workers provide emotional support and guidance to resources and Komen’s other Patient Care Center services, such as financial assistance, access to screening and diagnostic services, and patient navigation.

Mark you calendar early every year so you can get an appointment.

Melinda

References:

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Thinking of Changing Homes? Here are Some Options

The cost of living is going through the roof these days with rising energy prices, food prices, and mortgage payments; it’s no wonder people are starting to think about alternative modes of living. The good news is there are plenty of options; read on to find out more about alternative homes. 

Photo by Melike Benli on Pexels.com

Smaller Homes 

Living in a large family home might have made perfect sense a few years ago when you took out the mortgage, but nowadays, the financial landscape looks somewhat different. The mortgage market has changed, making homes more expensive, and there is an energy crisis. 

One solution is to sell a larger home and downsize; why not move to a family-sized apartment or a smaller family home? A smaller family home is a chance to live in a new area, but it’s also a way to reduce your mortgage payments and your energy bills. It might also free up some cash.  

Tiny Homes 

If you’re feeling ambitious and adventurous, or you want to try something novel, why not consider a tiny home? Tiny homes come in all shapes and sizes; some of them have a chassis that allows you to move them around by car; others are in fixed locations with beautiful views. 

Forget about waiting all year for a family holiday and a chance to “get away from it all,” turn your everyday life into a dream life and benefit from a holiday lifestyle every day. Again, tiny homes offer plenty of advantages, such as lower energy bills, lower maintenance, and lovely vistas.   

Forget about waiting all year for a family holiday and a chance to “get away from it all,” turn your everyday life into a dream life and benefit from a holiday lifestyle every day. Again, tiny homes offer plenty of advantages, such as lower energy bills, lower maintenance, and lovely vistas.   

Condominium Living 

There are several advantages to remortgaging your home and living on a smaller scale with your family; you free up some cash that you can use to upgrade a smaller home or take your family on a special break, and you save a lot of money in general thanks to the cost of living. 

Condominiums are an excellent choice. With a condominium, you get a sizable living space for your family, friendly neighbors all around you, and services in the area, such as cleaning services, a swimming pool, and more. Find out more about Multifamily Construction today. 

Build a Home 

If none of the options above take your fancy, why not design and build a bespoke home for your family? There’s no doubt that building a home is a big project, but it has lots of advantages; creating a bespoke home means you have exactly what you want, and it’s a great investment. 

Start by choosing the perfect site for your home; since you have the option, you might as well choose somewhere that suits your family, such as a location close to schools and amenities or one with a wonderful view. Also, select the ideal architect to design and build the property.  

Move Overseas 

If you have an adventurous spirit, why not take your family overseas to live? Living overseas is not only an enriching experience for your growing children, but you can usually find some bargain properties in stunning locations. Chances are the cost of living is much lower as well. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

World Smile Day 7th (It’s never too late)

The first Friday of October is World Smile Day (October 7), a relatively new holiday with a fascinating story. Created by a commercial artist named Harvey Ball, this day came about as a response to his creation of the smiley face. Harvey worried that the commercialization of the symbol would lessen its impact. We can hardly blame him for his estimation; the symbol has been used in many different ways including clothing, comic books, coffee mugs, pins, and more. These little yellow faces are more than just a symbol, they’re a statement about the power of smiling.

HISTORY OF WORLD SMILE DAY

In 1963, Harvey Ball, a graphic artist and ad man from Worcester, Massachusetts, created the smiley face symbol we’ve all come to know. Popularity for this symbol exploded into the world of popular culture. It’s every artists’ dream for their work to be respected and recreated and few symbols have had quite the legacy that Harvey’s creation has had.

Throughout the years, the smiley face has become one of the most well-known symbols in the world. It has appeared in movies such as ‘Forest Gump’ and used as a motif in the graphic novel, ‘Watchmen.’ It’s so well-known that just by saying “smiley face”, we bet that you can see it in your mind. That recognizable yellow circle with black dots for eyes and a simple curve for a genuine and pure smile. However, the original smiley face had more of an oblong smile, a bit more hand drawn in aesthetic, taking up more space on the face than we see in modern recreations. Because of its overuse, it started to move away from its intent of goodwill and good cheer and he knew something had to be done.

In 1999, World Smile Day became an official holiday in order to regain control. The celebration aspects of the day were simple yet effective: people were to use the day to smile and make small acts of kindness worldwide. Harvey wanted to keep the smile connected to the human being. By doing so, you’d smile and in return, you’d make someone else smile and brighten up their day.

This is a day I can give support to everyday! SMILE!

Melinda

References:

World Smile Day

 

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Mollie Player

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week I highlight a new blogger, Mollie Player.

MOLLIE PLAYER

FEATS OF GREAT STRENGTH

 Self-help author and mental health counselor Mollie Player has one goal: to help people accomplish feats of great strength. These feats include: living simply, parenting peacefully, achieving personal goals, overcoming depression and anxiety, maintaining healthy relationships, increasing self-acceptance and, ultimately, achieving inner peace.

You must check out Mollie Player’s site, you won’t be disappointed.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Celebrate Life · Fun

Today in History October 9, 2022

Hi! So glad you are enjoying the Today in History each Sunday.

1936

Hoover Dam begins transmitting electricity to Los Angeles

On October 9, 1936, harnessing the power of the mighty Colorado River, Hoover Dam begins sending electricity over transmission lines spanning 266 miles of mountains and deserts to run the lights, radios, and stoves of Los Angeles. Initially named Boulder Dam, work on the dam was …read more

1992

Meteorite crashes into Chevy Malibu

On October 9, 1992, 18-year-old Michelle Knapp is watching television in her parents’ living room in Peekskill, New York when she hears a thunderous crash in the driveway. Alarmed, Knapp ran outside to investigate. What she found was startling, to say the least: a sizeable hole …read more

1963

Landslide kills thousands in Italy

On October 9, 1963, a landslide in Italy leads to the deaths of more than 2,000 people when it causes a sudden and massive wave of water to overwhelm a dam. The Diga del Vajont dam was built in the Vaiont Gorge to supply hydroelectric power to Northern Italy. Located 10 miles …read more

1946

“The Iceman Cometh,” by Eugene O’Neill, opens on Broadway

Hailed by many critics as Eugene O’Neill’s finest work, The Iceman Cometh opens at the Martin Beck Theater on October 9, 1946. The play, about desperate tavern bums clinging to illusion as a remedy for despair, was the last O’Neill play to be produced on Broadway before the …read more

1635

Rhode Island founder banished from Massachusetts

Religious dissident Roger Williams is banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony by the General Court of Massachusetts. Williams had spoken out against the right of civil authorities to punish religious dissension and to confiscate Native American land. After leaving …read more

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Fun Facts

Hi, thanks for stopping by today. I love hearing your comments each week. We learn some interesting things, don’t we?

Honeybees can get drunk on fe

It’s a common misconception that squirrels forget where they hide about half of their nuts.

People with brain damage can suffer from “joke addiction.”

Billy goats urinate on their own heads to smell more attractive to females.

There isn’t a single verified case of a snow leopard attacking a human.

Enjoy!

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.thefactsite.com/top-100-random-funny-facts/

Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health

Want To See Awards Again, Why Not Start With The Versatile Blogger Award

This is a post from 2015 about The Versatile Blogger Award. There was a time when Awards were common and then they stopped. You can start them again. If you know a blogger that fits the description I encourage you to send them the award. It’s a nice way to say you’re thinking about them.

If you’re interested in what awards are out there, you can do a WP search or look back thru my archives, you’ll have to look a ways back, maybe 2015 & 2016 because I stopped taking awards after my page was overflowing with them.

Some of the bloggers below have changed sites or taking a break from writing. This post just gives you the idea and the rules of the award.

I want to give a big thanks to Blogger One Among Many for nominating me for The Versatile Blogger Award. I appreciate how you stop by often and leave comments. What makes your Blog interesting is your free-form style and open conversation about just about everything. I urge everyone to visit https://oneamongmany.wordpress.com.

7 Things About Me

In my high school street racing days, I stood between cars to start the race.

I raced our 76′ Camaro SS at Green Valley Raceway. My husband normally drove 13’s in a quarter-mile. I drove 14’s even with the mistake of throwing it into neutral. Racing gets me high, high, high!  Our car had no back or passenger seats, and super hulk under the hood.

Driving in a NASCAR race is the pinnacle for me. I would wear my depends, you never know.

Photo by chris howard on Pexels.com

I love books, sometimes it’s nice to touch pages instead of a keyboard.

Once I am well, I plan to minister to sick/dying children, the elderly, and the homeless. I now know why I survived my traumatic life.

I love birds of prey. A Red Tail Hawk family stops by daily for a drink and bath. A highlight of my day.

I’m excited about starting The Pud’n Cup Charity. My gramps called me “Pud” all my life.

Awards are time-consuming yet your Blogs are special and I want to let you know. I want the WP family to meet you and enjoy your site as much as I do. It will not hurt my feelings how you choose to bend the rules.

Putting My Feet In The Dirt   http://puttingmyfeetinthe.com

Better Not Broken   http://betternotbroken.com

Van By The River   http://vanbytheruver.wordpress.com

Bipolar for Life   http://bipolarforlife.me

Noir      http://sedge808.com

DDDangerous.com      http://dddangerous.com

Adoption   http://caseyalexanderblog.wordpress.com

**Guidelines**    

Thank the person who nominated you.

Display Badge on your site.

Tell us 7 things about yourself.

Nominate 7-10 Blogs

SMILE REAL BIG! Each of you has inspired, educated, and entertained me, Thank you. Have fun passing the award along to your inspiration.

XO Warrior

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Self-Care

Favorite Health & Wellness Shower Steamers-Great Gift

These shower steamers are great for self-care and make great gifts. I’ve looked on Amazon and was surprised by how expensive Steamers are. Treat yourself, your friends, and to family to these favorite shower steamers.

By Irena Saro & Cyna Riley-Rank

Willow and Sage by Stampington

You will need:

1 cup baking soda

1/2 cup citric acid

1/3 cup arrowroot powder

1/4 cup kaolin clay

Bowl: Large non-metallic

Spray the bottle with water

Nitrile gloves

Silicone mold: cylinder

45 drops of rosemary essential oil

45 drops peppermint essential oil

30 drops of chamomile essential oil

Dried leaves/herbs (optional)

150 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

Dried eucalyptus leaves, crushed (optional)

Mica: green (optional)

120 drops of peppermint essential oil

2 TB. menthol crystals Mica: Agua (optional)

How to Make

Add all the dry ingredients to a large, non-metallic bowl and whisk until blended. Drop the essential oils on the dry ingredients, and stir to combine. The essential oils can create droplets, which will dissolve in the following step.

Spray the mixture with a little water and incorporate it immediately to avoid a reaction. If you don’t have a spray bottle, sprinkle water on the mixture using a teaspoon.

Put on nitrile gloves to protect your hands when kneading the mixture as the citric acid can irritate sensitive skin and nail polish. The mixture should feel like damp sand and be wet enough to hold its shape when pressed together. If using colored mica and dried herbs or flowers, add them to the mixture.

Fill the silicone mold with the mixture, and press firmly into the mold using your fingertips, paying attention to the edges. Let the mixture dry for 24-48 hours. Making shower steamers can be affected by the humidity; in a humid environment, the drying time may be longer. When they feel hard and solid, carefully peel back the mold and gently pop out of the disk. Store the steamers in an airtight container or jar, and ensure that the steamers aren’t exposed to water or moisture. The shelf life is one year.

Before use, let warm water run for several minutes to moisturize the air. It’s best to place the steamer away from the running water and the drain. Ideally, only the bottom of the tabs should be wet. You can also put a shower steamer in a soap dish. Breathe in deeply as the essential oils vaporize.

These are a year-round self-care treat. Make a huge batch and then you have some for gifts. Don’t forget your self-care, save some for yourself. 

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

World Mental Health Awareness Day 10th

I can’t of a better day dedicated to educating and advocating for Mental Health. Most of you know I have Treatment Resitant Bipolar Disorder. Taking care of our Mental Health can be as simple as taking my meds every day, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep. Most importantly is to check in with yourself daily, be brutally honest with yourself and your medical team. It took me years to be honest with my doctor because I was Hypomanic and enjoyed the high. Please remember the higher you go, the harder you fall. 

With so much going on, it’s easy to get caught up in the everyday tasks and have little time to self-check our emotional wellbeing.

World Mental Health Day on 10 October reminds us to pause and think about our mental health, and what we can do to protect it. 

Poor mental health can be prevented if we are supported to live well.  While we need government action to fix many of the root causes of mental health problems, such as poverty, poor housing and job insecurity, there are things we can do individually to help ourselves and the people we care about to have good mental health.  

Whilst the pandemic has, and continues to, take its toll on our mental health, the ability to reconnect through World Mental Health Day 2022 will provide us with an opportunity to re-kindle our efforts to protect and improve mental health.

Many aspects of mental health have been challenged; and already before the pandemic in 2019 an estimated one in eight people globally were living with a mental disorder. At the same time, the services, skills and funding available for mental health remain in short supply, and fall far below what is needed, especially in low and middle income countries.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global crisis for mental health, fueling short- and long-term stresses and undermining the mental health of millions. Estimates put the rise in both anxiety and depressive disorders at more than 25% during the first year of the pandemic. At the same time, mental health services have been severely disrupted and the treatment gap for mental health conditions has widened.

World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries. This day, each October, thousands of supporters come to celebrate this annual awareness program to bring attention to mental illness and its major effects on peoples’ lives worldwide. In some countries this day is part of an awareness week, such as Mental Health Week in Australia.

We all agree that one of the most important aspects of a ‘good life’ is our overall health. A meaningful definition of health as a ‘healthy state of well‐being’ should address the whole person, ‘the general condition of the body and mind’. Studies show that physical and mental well‐being have a major impact on one another – cancer, diabetes, chronic pain, cardiovascular or respiratory disease should not be viewed in isolation from the possible mental and emotional issues of an individual.

This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day is a critical move forward in drawing attention to the effect of long term illness on patients with major chronic disease and their families, as well as its importance to mental health advocates. Addressing mental health issues will lead to better outcomes, better compliance, and improved quality of life for people who suffer from chronic illnesses. Campaign materials will focus on proven strategies for promoting emotional and mental well‐being while living with long term physical illness, and the role of primary care in improving access for those who suffer from mental health and long term health conditions. A special call to action section has been written by seven international health professionals, intended to show us the way forward.

As we all emerge from the pandemic, it is clear that no nation was ready for the associated mental health crisis and the effect of long COVID. In addition, many health systems are ill-prepared to deal with the physical and mental health challenges faced by their populations. On top of the pandemic, the world is also struggling to cope with effect of the war in Ukraine, the consequential displacement, climate emergency and a cost-of-living crisis, all of which have consequences for the well-being of world citizens.

Rates of people experiencing suicidal ideas are increasing globally and people with lived experiences of mental health, their families and other populations continue to tell us that their mental health well-being is not always at the forefront of governments, those who pay for services or society at large. However, we can all play our part in increasing awareness about what preventive mental health interventions work.

Melinda

References:

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2022

Wikipedia

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2939461/

https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/23019781.world-mental-health-day-awareness/

https://www.wpanet.org/post/world-mental-health-day-10th-october-2022

 

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share-Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers – Refugee -1985 (Live Aid)

I’m so glad you dropped by today, thank you. I hope you have a great weekend.

Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward · Survivor

From Me To You, Don’t Give Up You Are Loved

Reposts from 2014.

I woke up weeping this morning, the reasons are never known.  I sit down to write and start to cry. Unsure of what I need emotionally, my focus turns to the computer. Today I needed to hear I was loved.

Josh Groban fills my soul, maybe he can fill you with love today.    

 

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day 7th

The trigeminal nerve is the largest of cranial nerves and consists of 12 pairs of nerves that control many functions of the face. Causes of trigeminal neuralgia range from pressure on the nerve, aging, or a disorder that wears away the myelin such as cerebral palsy. Other causes include injury or stroke.

Those with trigeminal neuralgia may experience severe pain in the face and jaw. Even slight stimulation can trigger pain. The pain can be shooting or jabbing. Before an episode begins, some sufferers experience a burning sensation. The pain may be localized or spread and may worsen over time. It can also last a few minutes or days.

While treatments such as surgery or medications may provide relief, the condition is progressive over time.

About Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)

Before we can celebrate the passing of this special day, we must first understand what trigeminal neuralgia is. TN is a disorder of the fifth cranial nerve (the trigeminal nerve) that causes chronic pain. It comes in two forms: TN1 and TN2. One can be affected by both of these types, but TN2 is typically a progression of TN1. This condition causes extreme and burning pain in the face, excessive salivation, depression, anxiety, and facial or head contortion. This pain can be triggered by routine activities such as brushing your teeth, shaving, or drinking a hot beverage; however, there is not always a trigger. An episode can occur spontaneously. TN may be caused by multiple things, such as multiple sclerosis, tumors, tangled arteries, an injury to the trigeminal nerve, or a blood vessel pressing on that nerve.

Physical and neurological examinations will be used to find a diagnosis, along with a review of patient history. In order to rule out other conditions, doctors may employ MRIs. Once a diagnosis is obtained, treatment consists of surgery, psychotherapy, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants. Doctors also recommend meditation and yoga.

A chronic painful disease which affects the trigeminal nerves present in the face. Trigeminal nerves carries sensation from face to brain.
 
Rare (Fewer than 200,000 cases per year in US)
 
Often requires lab test or imaging
 
Treatable by a medical professional
 
Can last several years or be lifelong
It is caused by the disruption of myelin present around the trigeminal nerve. Symptoms include facial pain, difficulty in chewing, speaking, and brushing. Treatment includes medication, and surgery.

Symptoms

The symptoms include:
  • Severe shooting pain that may feel like an electric shock
  • Pain or attacks activated by touching the face, biting, talking or brushing
  • Pain areas include the ear, eyes, forehead, jaw, or mouth and face
  • Over sensitivity, sensitivity to pain, or uncomfortable tingling and burning
  • Can be only one attack of pain, some may experience sharp pain every hour or every few seconds

Treatments

Treatment includes medication, and surgery.
Medication
  • Anticonvulsants: To lessen the pain and to treat trigeminal neuralgia.
    Carbamazepine · Oxcarbazepine · Lamictal
  • Anti-spasmodic medication: Relax muscles.
    Baclofen · Lioresal
  • Neurotoxins: Botox injection helps to reduce pain in conditions where tablets fail due to side effects.
    OnabotulinumtoxinA
  • Glycerol injection: Injection of a small amount of sterile glycerol destroys the trigeminal nerve and blocks pain signals.
    Glycerol
Medical procedures: Balloon compression · Microvascular decompression · Brain stereotactic radiosurgery · Radiofrequency thermal lesioning

I’m so thankful that research dollars are spent on a rare disease and I’m sure those with the illness are grateful too. 

Melinda

References:

National Today 

https://patientworthy.com/2021/10/14/celebrating-national-trigeminal-neuralgia-awareness-day/

 

Health and Wellbeing

Inflation Buster! Homemade Reusable Dryer Sheets

Inflation Buster!

Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

Willow and Sage by Stampington

You will need

2 1/2 cups water

2 1/2 cups white vinegar

3-4 TB. vegetable glycerin

Jar with sealed lid: large wide mouth

12 drops orange essential oil

12 drops lemon essential oil

7 drops lavender essential oil

7 drops peppermint essential oil

Cotton quilting squares/washcloths

To Make

Add water, white vinegar, and vegetable glycerin to a large jar. Close the lid and shake vigorously. Add the essential oils. Close the lid and shake again. Add cotton quilting squares or washcloths, and you’re done. Be sure to shake the jar and wring out the cloth before adding them to your load of laundry.

Note

Essential oils last longer in dark glass containers. Since I reused a clear jar, I store my dryer sheets in a dark place to extend their shelf life.

This is an inflation buster! When you can use a product more than one time you’re helping the planet. We can do our part for climate change on the micro level, it all adds up.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Optimize Your Smartphone for Better Mental Health

Smartphones have come to dominate our lives, we use them for work, socializing, entertainment, and more; but they can seriously affect our mental well-being at the same time. Still, you don’t need to abandon your phone, simply optimize it and live a healthier lifestyle. Read on to find out how to make your smartphone lifestyle healthier and more beneficial.

Photo by MOHI SYED on Pexels.com

Hide Social Media 

Social media can enhance someone’s life significantly, it helps people to stay connected around the world and creates a space for self-expression; but there’s a dark side to social media that most people have encountered, the tendency to compare our lives to our friends and rivals. 

Social media and poor mental health have a close correlation because the platforms are as addictive as they are harmful. If you don’t want to take some breathing space from social media try hiding the apps on your smartphone so they are less convenient to locate spontaneously.  

Reduce Notifications 

A smartphone – like an internet itself – demands your attention! Apps, websites, and emails, all want to send you a notification about the latest update. Of course, this service can be useful if you require updates for your work or social life, but it also interferes with your everyday life. 

Living with a smartphone is a game of cat and mouse in some sense, the device is demanding your attention and you have to handle this demand responsibly. One of the best ways to reduce its hold on your life is to optimize the notifications of apps, chats, and websites, to relevant ones. 

Digital Downtime 

There’s nothing wrong with having an iPhone 13 in your life but you need to know how to use it to protect your mental health and wellbeing. If you find that your digital life is starting to stress you it’s time for digital downtime. Remember, the stress hormone can be very damaging for you. 

Digital downtime involves giving yourself permission to turn off your phone for a period and live life on your own terms. It can be challenging at first but separating yourself from your device indicates your level of attachment to technology. Train yourself to find a better overall balance.    

Mental Health Apps 

Smartphones might be the source of some mental health conditions, but they can also be the solution. There is a wide range of apps to support mental health and wellbeing, so browse through them and find one that supports your life situation the best. Here are a few options. 

Betterhelp is a therapy app; when you sign up to BetterHelp you get access to a wide range of accredited and experienced mental health therapists. The app matches you to a suitable practitioner and you can contact them when you need them. Insight Timer is for meditation.  

Final Thoughts 

Smartphones are an amazing piece of technology, modern devices have the same processing power as the Nasa computers in the 1960s that sent a mission to the mood. The downside is the mental health issues that go with the amazing capabilities. So look after your mental health. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

How to change your relationship with food — and stop eating your feelings

This post was so popular I wanted to share it again. Melinda

Ideas.Ted.Com

Mar 4, 2019 /

Jenice Kim

Here are three common-sense tips to help you feed your hunger and not your emotions, from dietician Eve Lahijani.

This post is part of TED’s “How to Be a Better Human” series, each of which contains a piece of helpful advice from someone in the TED community. To see all the posts, go here.

Imagine if eating were as simple as, say, refueling a car. You’d fill up only when an indicator nudged towards E, you couldn’t possibly overdo it or else your tank would overflow, and you’d never, ever dream of using it as a treat.

Instead, for many of us, eating is anything but straightforward. What starts out as a biological necessity quickly gets entangled with different emotions, ideas, memories and rituals. Food takes on all kinds of meanings — as solace, punishment, appeasement, celebration, obligation – and depending on the day and our mood, we may end up overeating, undereating or eating unwisely.

It’s time for us to rethink our relationship with food, says Eve Lahijani, a Los Angeles-based dietician and a nutrition health educator at UCLA. She offers three common-sense steps to help get there.

1. Reconnect with your hunger.

So many things drive us to eat — it’s noon and that means lunchtime, it’s midnight and that means snack time, we’re happy, we’re anxious, we’d rather not bring home leftovers, we’re too polite to say no, we’re bored, and oh, wow, has someone brought in donuts?!?

Similarly, we suppress our appetite for a myriad of reasons — we’re too busy, we’re sad, we’re mad, nobody else is eating, it’s too early, it’s too late, we’re too excited.

Now try doing this: Eat only when you’re hungry; stop when you’re full. “It may seem obvious to you,” concedes Lahijani. Still, think over your past week: How many times did you eat when you weren’t hungry?

She suggests that we think about our hunger and our fullness on a 0-10 scale, with 0-1 being famished and 9-10 being painfully stuffed (as in holiday-dinner stuffed). She says, “You want to begin eating when you first get hungry, and that correlates with the three or a four on the scale and [to stop] … when you first get comfortably full, a six or seven on the scale.”

The reason you shouldn’t wait until you’re starving (or, 0-2 on the scale) is because that’s when people tend to make nutritionally unsound choices. If you’ve ever gone to the supermarket when you were ravenous, you probably didn’t fill up your cart with produce; you gravitated towards the high-calorie, super-filling items.

Lahijani says, “It’s also wise to eat when you first get hungry because you’re more likely to enjoy your food [and] you’re more likely to eat mindfully … When you let yourself get too hungry, chances are, you’re eating really fast and not really paying attention. In fact, one of the biggest predictors of overeating is letting yourself get too hungry in the first place.”

2. Feed your body what it is craving.

When Lahijani was a stressed-out college and graduate student, her eating took one of two forms: she was either dieting or bingeing. As she says: “Whenever I was on a diet, the diet told me what to eat,”; while on a binge, she’d eat whatever was convenient or go all out on foods forbidden by her then-diet. Developing a different relationship with food meant stepping out of those patterns. “Instead of listening to others’ opinions of what I should eat, I became silent and I tuned into my own body,” she says. “I fed my body what it was craving.”

It turns out Lahijani didn’t crave junk food. She says, “I was actually tasting things for the first time, because my mind wasn’t filled with judgment and guilt. I actually found that my body actually craved nurturing, nourishing foods like vegetables and fruits. I actually liked my sister’s kale and quinoa salad.”

3. Try not to use food as a reward or a punishment.

It’s not surprising that we do this. After all, as children, we quickly learn that rejoicing and parties come with cake, while transgressions result in … no cake. But one of the great things about being an adult is, we can establish our own associations. By all means, let’s continue to mark our birthdays with cake — or with fresh fruit and a stockpot of homemade veggie chili if that’s what you prefer. Or, celebrate in ways that have nothing to do with eating. You can set your own rules now.

When Lahijani’s fraught feelings about food eased, she was surprised to find these effects go beyond eating. “What’s really interesting is to see how making peace with food affected other areas of my life. As I learned how to listen to myself, I became better at listening to others, I became more empathetic,” she says. “As I made a point to trust myself, I became more trusting in my relationships and more vulnerable, and as I became more loving to myself … I learned what it meant to love someone else.”

Watch her TEDxUCLA talk here:

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Making Light Work Of Decluttering

Decluttering is all the rage as a concept, but it can help people live a calmer and more relaxed life. Living with less offers the chance to spend less time cleaning and tidying up, and physical clutter also leads to mental clutter

So how can you make light work of the clutter in your home? 

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Donation & Free

To get rid of large items quickly or bags of clothes, you don’t feel like sorting through donations can be the fastest route. People are often happy to pick things up quickly when there isn’t a price tag. 

Your chosen charity will benefit from the goods when people buy them, and you’ll know you did something for the planet and the people in the area. 

Only donate things in good condition. 

Yard sale

Bring the buyers to your door with a yard sale. Those who haven’t had yard sales before can feel a bit awkward just putting your items on the lawn for others to browse and buy. But some people are dedicated to buying yard sale items and selling them as a business. Reading some yard sale tips will help you make the most of the sale. 

5-5-5

This could be any number, but starting with 5 is a great place. Find 5 things that need to go, 5 things you can donate, and 5 things to sell. Do this weekly to keep the steady decluttering pace without overwhelming yourself. 

List 

It is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things that need to be cleared and removed. Making a list for each room can make the job a lot easier. You can check off a few items on the list and track where you have gotten up to. 

Short bursts 

Unless you have a team dedicated to helping you clear out the house in record time, it is more beneficial to do it in short bursts until you get to where you want to be. Doing it in short sharp bursts means it won’t become overwhelming or feel like you have taken on too much. Setting 30-minute times and selecting a goal on the list is the best way to keep progressing without taking too much. 

Storage

One thing that makes people feel like they need to declutter is insufficient storage for the space. When you have the right size and style of storage, everything will have its place – and it will look less messy. 

It can be as simple as adding extra shelving or getting roll-away storage under the bed. 

Trash

Be ruthless when it comes to your trash. Anything that isn’t for donation and likely won’t sell should make its way to the trash. Try to recycle where possible – but make putting things in the trash one of your favorite things. 

Use-by dates

Tins, jars, dried goods, makeup, and skin care have a use-by date. Go through yours and ensure that anything out or almost out makes it to the bin. This can clear up a huge amount of space. 

Read more about the benefits of a clean home: Can A Clean House Make You Feel Better? 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Deep Thoughts

In this fast-paced social media world, it can be difficult to find the time to look within or back in time. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!

Continue reading “Deep Thoughts”
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Gradina Magica

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week I highlight a new blogger, Gradina Magica.

Gradina Magica

Fii schimbarea pe care vrei sa o vezi in lume!

Translated: Be the change you want to see in the world!

 You don’t have to know Roaminaian to follow her blog, enjoy the awesome photos and use the WordPress translator.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Child Health Day 3rd

National Child Health Day is on the first Monday of every October where we show our support of children’s health, family, and those that work hard to help them. Family income is a major factor in the health of children both physically and mentally. Children from households below the poverty line have a higher obesity rate than those above it, and with the epidemic not slowing down, it’s clear that there’s more that we need to do.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL CHILD HEALTH DAY

There weren’t any facilities dedicated to the treatment of children until the mid-nineteenth-century. They were treated at home and if that wasn’t an option for families, children went to municipal almshouses just like their parents did. The understanding of children’s health wasn’t defined back then and oftentimes abandoned and orphaned babies were left in infant asylums.

By the 1860s, the problem worsened until hospitals that specialized in the care of children were developed to address the issue. There was a stigma surrounding the sick and the poor and not enough was being done to stem the tide. The early children hospitals would admit these sick and abandoned children and offer food, clothing, and more to better their health. The philosophy of these hospitals was that even if their parents made bad decisions, it wasn’t the fault of the children.

Melinda

References:

National Today

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · History

Today in History

Hi! So glad you are enjoying Today in History, it fun to learn about the past.

1985

Hollywood icon Rock Hudson dies of AIDS


On October 2, 1985, actor Rock Hudson, 59, becomes the first major U.S. celebrity to die of complications from AIDS. Hudson’s death raised public awareness of the epidemic, which until that time had been ignored by many in the mainstream as a “gay plague.”


Hudson, born Leroy Harold Scherer Jr., on November 17, 1925, in Winnetka, Illinois, was a Hollywood heartthrob whose career in movies and TV spanned nearly three decades. With leading-man good looks, Hudson starred in numerous dramas and romantic comedies in the 1950s and 60s, including Magnificent Obsession, Giant and Pillow Talk. In the 1970s, he found success on the small screen with such series as McMillan and Wife. To protect his macho image, Hudson’s off-screen life as a gay man was kept secret from the public.

1965

Gatorade invented at University of Florida

On October 2, 1965, a team of scientists invent Gatorade, a sports drink to quench thirst, in a University of Florida lab. The name “Gatorade” is derived from the nickname of the university’s sports teams. Eventually, the drink becomes a phenomenon and makes its inventors …read more

1958

The Cold War comes to Africa, as Guinea gains its independence

The former French colony of Guinea declares its independence on October 2, 1958, with Sekou Toure as the new nation’s first leader. Guinea was the sole French West African colony to opt for complete independence, rather than membership in the French Community, and soon …read more

1967

Thurgood Marshall sworn in as first Black Supreme Court justice


Chief Justice Earl Warren swears in Thurgood Marshall, the first Black justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. As chief counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in the 1940s and ’50s, Marshall was the architect and executor of the legal …read more

1941

Operation Typhoon is launched


On October 2, 1941, the Germans begin their surge to Moscow, led by the 1st Army Group and Gen. Fedor von Bock. Russian peasants in the path of Hitler’s army employ a “scorched-earth” policy. Hitler’s forces had invaded the Soviet Union in June, and early on it had become one …read more

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Fun Facts

Hi, thanks for stopping by today. I love hearing your comments each week. We learn some interesting things, don’t we?

Honeybees can get drunk on fermented tree sap.

It’s a common misconception that squirrels forget where they hide about half of their nuts.

People with brain damage can suffer from “joke addiction.”

Billy goats urinate on their own heads to smell more attractive to females.

There isn’t a single verified case of a snow leopard attacking a human.

Enjoy!

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.thefactsite.com/top-100-random-funny-facts/