Looking for the Light is a Health and Lifestyle Blog that covers topics such as chronic illnesses, mental health, cooking, DIY projects, and much more.
Please stop by, pull up a chair, and enjoy.
Melinda
I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments!
Canada is south of Detroit (just look at a map)
The original name for the search engine Google was Backrub. It was renamed Google after the googol, which is the number one followed by 100 zeros. (about.google)
The oldest-known living land animal is a tortoise named Jonathan, who is 187 years old. He was born in 1832 and has lived on the island of St. Helena in the Atlantic Ocean since 1882. (guinnessworldrecords.com)
Bats are the only mammal that can actually fly.
Wombats are the only animal whose poop is cube-shaped. This is due to how its intestines form the feces. The animals then stack the cubes to mark their territory. (bbc.com)
Many of the go to comfort foods today are the same since childhood. Mac & cheese, chicken & potato soup, peanut butter & jelly sandwichs, chocolate cake and my daily Cherrios top the list. My Gramps made the best homemade chicken soup and a mean job on potato soup.
Pleasure Beach, a popular summer destination in Bridgeport, Connecticut, will remain closed for the entire 2025 season due to a serious tick infestation.
City officials, in consultation with state environmental and public health experts, made the call after discovering multiple tick species on the island, including the Asian longhorned tick—an invasive species that poses unique risks.
Unlike native ticks, this species can reproduce asexually, allowing a single female to spawn a full-blown infestation. Even more concerning, it can potentially carry serious pathogens.
While disappointing for beachgoers, the closure may benefit the island’s fragile ecosystem. Pleasure Beach is a critical nesting site for protected Audubon bird species, including the endangered piping plover.
With reduced human activity, conservationists expect a boost in nesting success and habitat restoration.
Bridgeport officials plan to conduct treatment and containment efforts throughout the summer, with the goal of reopening the beach in 2026.
Birthdays have always meant something to me, as a child it was all about the cake, as I grew older it was about the presents but now it’s a celebration of life. Surviving the struggles and appreciating what additional knowledge I have. It’s a great day.
Me and My Pony Final test for scuba certification 1987My name is Miss Trouble Happy FaceToys for Tots Yearly RunBig Island 1993
My Birthday meal is sweet corn and shrimp on the grill. Yummy!
Happy Birthday to everyone who shares the special day.
I’m glad you joined me for another edition of Weekend Music Share this week.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
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 use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Three years ago, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline launched to connect people in emotional distress with trained crisis counselors – 24/7, free, and confidential. Since then, 988 has fielded about 16.5 million calls, texts, and chats from people needing urgent support. But a crisis resource like 988 is only as strong as the resources we give to it. Congress must continue to invest in 988 to ensure it’s there when people need it most. That means more capacity at local crisis centers, more training for staff, and more availability of follow-up services that can save lives. Take 2 minutes today to urge your members of Congress to support robust federal funding for 988.
Together, we can protect and strengthen this vital service. According to today’s new poll from NAMI and Ipsos, 86% of Americans believe that funding 988 should be a priority for Congress. Let’s make sure we tell Congress how much we care about continuing to build and improve 988 and crisis services. Read more about the poll here.
Emergency rooms nationwide are reporting a record-breaking increase in tick bite cases, according to new CDC data.
July 2025 is already surpassing previous highs set in 2017.
Director of the University of Rhode Island’s Center for Vector-Borne Disease and its TickEncounter Resource Center, Dr. Thomas Mather, and Dr. Tom Daniels joined the Morning Joe to discuss.
They say Lyme disease is still the top concern when it comes to tick bites, but note that ticks can transmit other pathogens as well.
With ticks being so plentiful right now, they say it’s likely that more people will end up getting sick from tick-borne infections.
There are many activities I can lose myself into, like photography, ancestry, looking at old photos of my family and ancestors, working in my garden, watching birds and researching topics of interest.
Stress can lead to inflammation, muscle spasms, and tension in your back.
Back pain is one of the most common medical conditions, affecting millions of people around the world.
But did you know that apart from physical triggers (like pulling a muscle or slipping a disc), back pain can be caused or worsened by stress? Back pain and stress have a complex relationship that can flow both ways.
Evidence suggests that chronic stress can lead to chronic pain and vice versa. For many people, this involves back pain.
According to a 2021 study, chronic stress eventually leads to cortisol dysfunction as well as problems with the body’s inflammatory response. Cortisol and inflammation problems lead to oxidative stress, free radical damage, cellular injury or aging, and tissue degeneration, all of which can lead to chronic pain.
In addition, research has shown that stress has a direct effect on pain processing.
Overall, stress can be linked to back pain in several ways:
Muscle tension: Stress can cause the muscles in your back to tense up, which can lead to stiffness and pain.
Increased sensitivity to pain: Stress can make the body more sensitive to pain. Research shows that critical life events can trigger changes in the limbic system and related neurotransmitters, which can change pain inhibitory mechanisms.
Inflammation: Chronic stress can lead to inflammation throughout the body, including in the back, which can cause pain.
Poor posture: When you’re stressed, your breathing patterns change and your shoulders hunch up, which can lead to strain and tension in your middle and upper back.
Reduced blood flow: During stressful times, your blood vessels may constrict, reducing blood flow to your back muscles and causing pain.
An analysis of 8,473 people found that severe stress was linked to a 2.8-fold increased risk of chronic low back pain compared to the general population. Another study of 77 police investigators found that stress was significantly linked to upper musculoskeletal pain. However, this particular study didn’t find a link between stress and lower back pain.
Stress-induced back pain varies from person to person and may show up differently, depending on its location.
Lower back pain is often characterized by a dull or sharp ache, stiffness, or muscle spasms, and it may also radiate to the legs or buttocks.
In contrast, upper back pain may cause a burning or stabbing sensation or a feeling of tightness or pressure between the shoulder blades. In some cases, upper back pain can also cause pain in the arms or chest.
How to tell if back pain is from stress
It can be challenging to determine whether back pain is specifically caused by stress since back pain can have many different causes. However, here are some signs that may suggest that your back pain is stress-related:
Physical and emotional stress: If you’ve been experiencing a lot of physical or emotional strain, such as from a demanding job or a difficult relationship, your back pain may be related to stress.
Gradual onset: If your back pain has developed slowly over time rather than suddenly, it could be a sign that it’s caused by stress-related tension in your muscles.
Lack of other symptoms: If you don’t have any other symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness, and your pain isn’t severe, it may be caused by stress.
Pain that comes and goes: Stress-related back pain may come and go depending on your stress levels, whereas pain caused by an injury or condition is likely to be more consistent.
Improvement with stress management techniques: If your pain improves with stress-reducing activities like exercise or deep breathing, it may be related to stress.
The duration of stress-related back pain may vary depending on several factors. In some cases, it can go away on its own within a few days or weeks. However, if the underlying stress is not addressed, the pain may persist or worsen over time.
Some research suggests that stress can predict the presence of back pain later on. A study of 588 people found that, within a 2-year follow-up, the following stress types were identified as risk factors for back pain intensity and disability:
Heat therapy: Applying heat to the affected area can help relax the muscles and reduce pain. You can use a heating pad or hot water bottle or take a warm bath.
Massage: Massaging the affected area can help relieve tension and reduce pain. You can try self-massage techniques or see a professional massage therapist.
Stretch: Stretches that target the lower back, such as knee-to-chest stretches and cat-cow stretches, can help relieve tension in your back muscles.
Stress and back pain are two interconnected conditions that can significantly impact your quality of life. Regular exercise, stretching, and good posture can help alleviate back pain, while stress management techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help reduce stress levels.
If you’re living with stress-related back pain, seek the help of a healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist or a counselor, who can provide valuable guidance and support in managing these issues.
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 or questions interesting. I’m so glad you stopped by today!
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.
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.
Gabapentin isn’t a narcotic or federally controlled substance, but it is regulated and recognized as a controlled substance in certain states.
Gabapentin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat seizure disorders and neuropathic pain.
Some people misuse the prescription medication alongside opioids to boost their effects, though this significantly increasesTrusted Source the risk of unintentional opioid poisoning and death.
This has led several U.S. states to classify gabapentin as a controlled substance, with more potentially looking to do the same.
There have also been calls for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to classify the medication as a federally controlled substance, though some doctors disagree with such a move.
Read on to find out more about gabapentin’s current classification status across the United States and the various side effects and risks of the medication.
Although gabapentin isn’t controlled federally, some states have listed it as a controlled substance and therefore regulate its use.
That’s because there have been increasing reports of gabapentin being misused, whether by being combined with opioids or used alone for nonprescribed reasons.
Some neurologists believe that stricter gabapentin regulation may lead to greater opioid use and make it harder for people with neuropathic pain to receive proper care.
The following states classify gabapentin as a controlled substance:
Alabama
Kentucky
Michigan
North Dakota
Tennessee
Virginia
West Virginia
Several other states require gabapentin prescriptions to be monitored, allowing authorities to detect potential misuse:
Gabapentin is generally well tolerated and safe for most people to use. But as with any medication, there’s a risk of side effects. Misuse can increase the risk of side effects.
When first taking gabapentin, it’s best to be cautious when driving, using machinery, or drinking alcohol. The medication can cause drowsiness, which may affect your ability to do certain things, or have an adverse reaction when mixed with alcohol.
But the biggest risks of gabapentin come when people take the medication with opioids, or if a person already has a substance use disorder. In these cases, there may be an increased risk of dependence or overdose.
Finally, there may be a higher risk of fetal cardiac abnormalities in pregnant people, according to a 2020 study. But the same study did not find evidence of a link between gabapentin use and major fetal abnormalities overall.
Before taking any new medication, it’s a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional.
Let them know if you currently take any opioid medication or medications for anxiety or sleep, or if you have any health conditions, such as breathing disorders, kidney disease, or diabetes.
It’s important to be honest about any drug or alcohol use or misuse. This will help your clinician determine whether gabapentin is safe for you, or if there’s a better alternative.
I want to send a special thank you to Dr. Alvin May and Erin Cernuda from Jackson Clara Publishing, LLC for sending me Heal Your Wound to read and review.
About the Arthor
Dr. Alvin May is a general surgeon and wound care physician serving the Southern California area for over ten years. He is a graduate of Harvard Medical School and trained in general surgery at the Boston Medical Center. Shortly after starting his career, Dr. May helped launch a national wound care company providing physician-directed wound care services to nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
This book breaks down complex medical concepts into simple, actionable steps. “Heal Your Wound” offers a unique blend of expert advice and real-life stories, showing you exactly how to accelerate your healing process. You’ll uncover the critical factors that might be holding your recovery back, from underlying medical conditions to poor wound care techniques. With practical tips and proven strategies, this book will empower you to take charge of your health.
Heal Your Wound: A Doctor’s Guide For Hard-To-Heal Wounds
Dr. Alvin May was inspired by a personal experience to write on this all to important topic which receives very little attention. One of the first things you will notice is it’s not written in medical talk, the explanations are complete and easy to follow. In addition to his writing, he shares graphics which explains the different types of would and the care needed. If you are in the medical field, a caregiver or caring for yourself this is a must have book for you.
Some Topics Covered:
Chronic Wounds: Not your typical wound
The non-healing wound
Wound Healing Basics
A Holistic Approach
Surgical wounds
Dr. May also shares stories of others who have experienced hard to heal wounds.
Thoughts on Wound Healing Journal
The journal is invaluable, it provides pages to manage care on a daily and monthly basis, areas to mark medication taken, doctor’s appointments as well as other notes. The journal is a life saver.
Heal Your Wound and the Wound Healing Jornal deserves a permanent place on your bookshelf.
My dinner party would be non-traditional in that each guest is deceased. First it would be multiple parties to talk with everyone I have questions for. The first party would include Jesus, The Virgin Mother, Peter, and Moses. Each shaped my would profoundly and I would love to expaned on certain topics I’m not clear on. I believe Jesus has the ability to see present day but not so much the others. I would love to hear Jesus take on the world today and his new rally cry to Christains. Since the Bible is the foundation of the Christain religion, Jesus might not have anything else to add.
There are a number of things you need to know before embarking on a travel adventure. For many people, going on a trip is something they’ve always wanted to do, but it’s not something you can simply just start without any preparation. You need to do a lot of planning and research, and you also need to learn how to control your expectations. Because every location and journey is unique, it’s important to brush up on the essentials before you go; read on to find out more.
Saving Money
If you want to spend less money when traveling, you need to learn how to save money. There are a lot of things that might add up if you approach your adventure like a typical vacation, so it’s vital to spend some time thinking about what’s most important to you. To save money, you may have to give up staying in posh hotels and dining out every night.
Reducing the amount of luggage you bring, learning how to get inexpensive flights, and even traveling in the off-season can all help you save money when you travel. When you’re planning a trip, it’s a good idea to look for ways to save money and tailor your trip accordingly.
Pack Carefully
What you can and cannot do while you’re gone will be dictated by how you pack, so prepare accordingly. Of course, if you’re just going to stay in one hotel, it doesn’t hurt to bring a few extra things with you since you won’t be dragging them around from place to place. If, on the other hand, you want to travel, you’ll want to learn to pack light since you don’t want to be carrying heavy baggage from place to place and run the risk of losing things on the way.
It’s difficult to pack lightly if you’ve never done it before, but a general guideline is to bring just what you need, bearing in mind that you can purchase some items at your destination if you really need to. Check that you have adequate room for your crucial papers and gadgets that you will need while you are there. You’ll most likely need your phone, a power bank, a camera, and a travel adapter to charge all of your electronics. If you’re planning on camping or hiking, you’ll also need your specialist equipment from ECOGEAR FX.
Important Documents
Depending on where you’re going and the country you’re coming from, you’ll require a different set of paperwork. You may be required to travel with a certain passport and a visa in some cases. If you don’t do your homework in advance, your trip will be a disaster; you might not even get to go in the first place. You should always double-check your understanding of the requirements before proceeding so you aren’t disappointed and don’t lose a lot of money.
Also, it’s a good idea to keep a copy of your papers in a separate location just in case. On top of this, always have all your passport information and additional passport photos with you on any trip. This could save you a lot of trouble if yours goes missing. Having a backup plan in case you lose your passport while traveling might make things a lot less stressful.
I’m glad you joined me for another edition of Weekend Music Share this week.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
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 use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
I’m so glad you enjoy Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments!
In ancient Greece, the word for “cook” and “priest,” was the same: “mageiros,” which shares its etymological root with the word “magic.
New Yorkers bite 10 times more people than sharks do worldwide each year.
According to legend, cats were created when a lion on Noah’s ark sneezed and two kittens came out
Knitting acts as a natural antidepressant and can help ease anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. It can also protect the brain from aging.
Candy Land was created 70 years ago to give kids stuck in polio wards a way to vicariously move freely in the pursuit of delights. The original board featured a boy in a leg brace about to walk through starting gate of the game
Just 30 minutes of daily complaining can physically damage your brain. Listening to someone constantly complain also negatively affects brain function.
A German word for nightmare is “alptraum,” which literally means “elf dream.” In German folklore, elves were dangerous figures who could control dreams and create nightmares.
Rocky Road ice cream was originally marketed during the Great Depression as a metaphor for coping with the economic crash
The Titanic‘s chief baker nonchalantly stepped off the stern of the sinking liner and calmly paddled around until he was rescued at dawn. Experts note that he survived the disaster by getting completely drunk.
“Moonglade” is the bright reflection of the moon‘s light on an expanse of water.
Snakes do not have eyelids. Although they cannot close their eyes while they are sleeping, they can close their retinas
Enjoy the humor and try not to laugh too hard like I do each week.
While over 100 million people in the US alone have allergies, not everyone is born with them, and they can develop as an adult, during childhood, or be present from birth. The only way to know you are truly allergic to something is to be exposed to the potential trigger. And, you can be allergic to thousands of different things. You can have pet allergies, be allergic to bee stings, severe food allergies, and common household materials and chemicals such as hair dyes and cleaning products
Talk to your doctor.
In the first instance, you should talk to your doctor if you are concerned you might have an allergy. Your doctor can arrange tests for you to identify if you are allergic to anything and exactly how you are allergic to it. Keep notes of any symptoms and potential triggers you voiced and how you feel. They can talk you through the allergy treatments available and get you started if needed.
Know Your Signs
Prevention is always better than a cure for allergic reactions, but knowing the signs and symptoms of an allergy attack can help you get the treatment you need fast. Some people only experience mild discomfort when coming into contact with their allergens, for others, it is an instant severe reaction that quickly becomes life-threatening. Know your signs, your triggers, and how best to help yourself. This is especially important if you have yet to be diagnosed, as medical professionals can use this information to analyze your allergy and treat your symptoms quickly.
Common allergy symptoms include;
Runny nose or sneezing
Pain or tenderness in or around your face, nose, and throat
Bodily swelling
Difficulty breathing
Itchy skin or rash
Feeling sick
If you experience these symptoms, you should head to your doctor or pharmacist. In the event of more severe reactions, you should go to the nearest emergency room for immediate treatment.
Treatment Options
Some treatment options are available for people with allergies, from using an Epi-pen for more severe reactions, which can be life-saving, to using OTC allergy relief medication. Your doctor can advise you on the right type of medication for you. Be it antihistamines, topical creams for itch relief, desensitization, or immunotherapy to lessen the reaction or avoid the trigger altogether. You can work with them to help you develop a suitable treatment plan based on your lifestyle, specific triggers, and the severity of your reaction. From here, you can adjust your lifestyle to accommodate your allergy and live as healthy as possible.
It is vital that if you are diagnosed with an allergy, you take the proper steps to keep yourself safe. This can be via informing others of your allergy to reduce exposure, carrying around your medication should you need it, or being proactive in asking if your allergens are present in food or environments so you can make a more informed decision. Failure to do this can put you at risk of triggering an allergy, and you will likely suffer the consequences. Always remain vigilant regarding your allergies to ensure you are always prepared.
Author Dr. Rita Santos is a clinical psychologist who specialises in cognitive behavioural therapy, anxiety and anxiety disorders.
One of the key symptoms of anxiety is panic attacks. However often, or infrequently, you experience them, it is possible to take steps to change how you react. There are ways that you can loosen their grip, potentially even stopping them from happening altogether.
Dr. Rita Santos will you help you to discover how to:
Understand what panic attacks are and why they happen
Identify your warning signs and personal triggers
Open dialogue with family and friends
Recognise and manage your anxious anticipation surrounding panic attacks
Practice tailored self-care with the aim of reducing the number of panic attacks you have.
Using these practical strategies, you can promote understanding, self-awareness, and self-care.
My Thoughts
Wellbeck has done it again! They brought us another great self-help book with tools we can implement right away and use for future reference as needed. Dr. Rita Santos gives you real-life examples and tools to use in helping you deal with and overcome Pank Attacks.
She covers topics like:
Communicating with others
Laying out a self-care plan
Recognizing triggers
and much more.
I recommend this book highly to anyone who has Panic Attacks to understand and communicate with a friend or loved one who does. It’s real-world tips that are easy to implement.
Wellbeck Publishing
Wellbeck Publishing Group is an exciting, fast-growing independent publisher based in London, dedicated to publishing only the very best and most commercial books spanning a number of genres and categories, from leading authors and well-known brands to debut talent. We live for books that entertain, excite and enhance the lives of readers around the world.
From building our boutique fiction and narrative non-fiction lists to shaping our world-renowned illustrated reference, gift and children’s titles, our aim is to be a market-leader in every category in which we publish. Our books and products come to life for adults, children, and families in 30 languages in more than 60 countries around the world, selling through a variety of traditional and non-traditional channels. We are constantly looking for new ways to deliver our exceptional content and new ideas to inspire readers and listeners everywhere.
I was a child, six months old. You left me in the bathtub while you answered the door. Did you want me to drown?
I was a child, a baby, running a high fever in the middle of winter. You pushed my highchair in front of an open window to cool me down. Did your mother teach you that?
I was a child, a toddler, You dug your nails into my underarms so none would see the bruises. Granny didn’t understand why I cried so hard when you grabbed me by the arm.
I was a child, a teenager. You slapped me for the last time, I fought back. One swing and your husband punches me in the mouth with his fist. Were you glad he came to your rescue?
I was a child, a teenager. You told Child Protective Services I was mentally ill and you were trying to get me admitted to the state hospital. Crazy, who me?
I became an adult, no longer a child, and realized the manipulation and pain you caused and severed all ties. Why do you still send my Birthday and Christmas cards?
I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments!
Flamingoes are only pink because of chemicals called carotenoids in the algae and fish (which also eat the algae) they eat; their feathers are grayish white when they’re born.
Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal in the world: They kill more people than any other creature, due to the diseases they carry. (cdc.gov)
What do Miss Piggy and Yoda have in common? They were both voiced by the same person, puppeteer Frank Oz.
Psycho was the first movie to show a toilet flushing. (npr.com)
One of the most famous movie lines in history was never said. We often quote, “Play it again, Sam,” from Casablanca; but the real line is, “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By.’”
I was on the way to the airport to fly to St. Petersburg, Russia when 9/11 happened, we heard about the disaster on the radio. Back home I called my gramps to ask him if he thought this was the beggining of WW3, he replied it to soon to tell.
The airspace was closed for two weeks before I could make the trip. What was so surprising is people from around the globe were coming up to me to say how sorry they were, some were offering hugs, it was comforting.
The city was more than In could ever ask for, the people, the food, the art, the architecture, the ballet, I could go on. I was told that most women do not travel alone so people would know I was American. The hotel staff took great care of me including calling the restaurants to let them I was coming and to look for me.
View out of my room
I was not alarmed or scared the entire time. Traveling back to St. Petersburg is a desire of mine, the political situation would have to change greatly.
I love this song and can’t help but get up and dance, not just phsycaly but also in my heart.
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m glad you joined me for another edition of Weekend Music Share this week.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
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 use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
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