Emergency Situations You Should Always Be Prepared For

April 27, 2022 Looking for the Light1 Comment

There is no telling when or where an emergency will arise. That’s why it’s essential always to be prepared for the unexpected. Whether you’re at home, at work, or out and about, there are certain emergencies you should always be ready for. In this post, we will discuss some of the most common emergencies and how to best prepare for them.

A Blackout:

A power outage can happen at any time and can last for a few minutes or several days. If you experience a prolonged blackout, it’s essential to have an emergency plan. Be sure to have some backup lighting sources, like candles or flashlights, non-perishable food items, and plenty of water on hand. Also, have a battery-operated radio to stay tuned to local news and weather reports.

A Fire:

If a fire breaks out, it’s important to act quickly and safely. First, try to extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher if it is safe. If the fire is too large or you cannot put it out, evacuate the area immediately. Be sure to have an escape route planned so everyone,e in your home or office knows what to do and where to go.

A Natural Disaster:

Depending on where you live, you may be at risk for certain natural disasters, like hurricanes, earthquakes, or tornadoes. It’s essential to be aware of the dangers and have a plan in place if you find yourself in the middle of one. Have an emergency kit stocked with non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit, and other essential items? And know where you can take shelter if your home is not safe.

A Car Accident:

Car accidents can happen at any time, even if you’re a safe driver. If you are involved in a collision, it’s essential to stay calm and assess the situation. If possible, move your car to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Once you’re out of harm’s way, call 911 and wait for help to arrive. You might need a lawyer if the accident was severe. Search for a car accident lawyer to get started.

Car Breakdown:

If your car breaks down, it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation. If you’re on the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights and try to move your car to a safe location, if possible. Once you’re in a safe spot, call for help. Roadside assistance can be a lifesaver in this type of situation.

Financial Emergencies:

We all know that unexpected expenses can pop up at any time. Whether you have a medical emergency or your car needs repairs, it’s essential to have some savings set aside for these types of situations. Having a rainy day fund will help you cover the costs without debt.

No one ever wants to find themselves in an emergency. But by being prepared, you can help reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with them. So be sure to have a plan in place and know what to do in an emergency. And always keep a first-aid kit and emergency supplies on hand, just in case.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Just Pondering

April 26, 2022 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

By Live Bold and Bloom

If you became the leader of the country, what would be the first thing that you do?

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Things I’m Loving

April 26, 2022 Looking for the Light1 Comment

I want to share a few products or items I’m in love with right now. Most have been purchased off of Amazon unless otherwise stated. I hope you find a new product to add to your self-care routine.

Pipette Balm and Eczema Cream

This product was developed for babies but if you have sensitive skin like I do you might find this helpful. It’s dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic. The baby balm is petroleum-free, free of synthetic fragrances, and cruelty-free. The Eczema Cream is Fragrance-free eczema lotion soothes flare-ups, itchiness, and rough patches and has Colloidal oatmeal and squalane restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The other thing I love is the line is so affordable.

Neom Bedtime Hero Magnesium Body Butter

This cream is so silky and makes my legs and hands feel so good. I haven’t had much luck with Magnesium products but this one does help me.

100% NATURAL FRAGRANCES – A complex blend of up to 11 of the purest possible essential oils including chamomile, ylang-ylang, and cedarwood, expertly blended to help you feel relaxed and ready for bedtime.
The NEOM Scent To Sleep range has been specially formulated to relax your mind and body to enjoy the perfect night’s sleep.

Woolzies Peperment Roll On

I’ve been fighting nausea since starting a new medication and Peppermint helps ease it. I first learned of the use of Peppermint from The Mayo Clinic while having a procedure and became very nauseous. They gave me a peppermint stick and within a minute I was feeling better. I just roll it across my upper lip and up my nose. it does the trick. And last forever.

Pop Up Flower Bouguet Cards

FreshCut Paper Pop Up Cards, 12-inch Life-Sized Forever Flower Bouquet 3D. I love fresh flowers but they can get expensive every week so I found a great solution. A large 12-inch pop-up flower bouquet in a variety of flowers. I have the Dahlias and Wildflowers. They are perfect to fill in those weeks when fresh flowers aren’t around, they are so pretty.

Woolzies Sweet Dreams Aromatherapy Essential Oil

I use this in my ultrasonic diffuser and it smells out of this world and it is so relaxing. Just a hint of orange and heavy on the Lavender. It’s called the Sleep Inducing Blend.

Cuccio Cuticle Revitalizing Oil

Professional quality without the professional price. I like the oil, it goes on nice and helps keeps my cuticles moisturized. It’s 100% paraben-free with cruelty-free ingredients, this oil is formulated with plant-based preservatives and highly curated natural ingredients.

Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles – Carbon Fiber Walking or Hiking Sticks with Quick Adjustable Locks (Set of 2)

I am having balance problems again and fell twice in the last month. This time decided I would use a hiking stick instead of my cane. So far it’s worked out great. I’m just using one pole but they will be great if I ever hike again.

Melinda

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

Just Pondering

April 25, 2022January 10, 2026 Looking for the Light3 Comments

Why don’t adults get recess every day?

Melinda

Reference:

Live Bold and Bloom

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

Blogger Highlight-Katie Anna Banana

April 25, 2022April 25, 2022 Looking for the Light5 Comments

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, Katie Anna Banana.

https://katieannabanana.wordpress.com

I started blogging to add some creativity to my day. I have some things to share, and I hope you’ll let me share them with you!

I am a reflector. Nowadays it’s difficult enough for me to think about the week ahead, let alone the past. What’s for dinner, what bills are due? I think it’s important to reflect, I believe I’ve shared my views on that before, and there is no better time to do that than the New Year.

Wishing only the best for myself, my loved ones, and my dear WordPress followers in 2022.

Please check out her site and the great posts she’s written.

Melinda

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

Practical Steps To Take After A Relationship Breakdown

April 25, 2022 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Whether initiated by yourself or not, the breakdown of a relationship can be hard. You might find yourself in a difficult transition period. A period of adjustment while you get used to how your life looks and feels now. To help you in this transitional phase here are some practical steps you can take after the breakdown of a relationship.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Consider your living arrangements

If you have been living with your partner one of the first things you might want to think about is how you are going to manage this going forward. It can be a difficult subject that requires a lot of consideration and reason on both parts, especially if your finances/home aren’t legally protected. It is most important to put your mental health and wellbeing first, so ensure the steps you take to protect your health. It might be that the best step is to start looking for properties for rent, moving back in with parents temporarily, or if there are children involved, consider arrangements such as bird nesting to help ensure stability for all. It might be a difficult situation to be in but it will become easier as time goes by, especially if logic and sensibility can prevail.

Avoid a rebound

A rebound can seem like a great idea. At a time when you may be feeling emotionally low and in need of a self-esteem boost, looking for some additional attention can seem like the remedy you need. However, it is important to remember that the high you might experience from your rebound will wear off and the feelings you are left with may do more harm than good. A rebound relationship can also seem like a good idea to help numb some of the pain you might be experiencing from the loss of a relationship. Masking the pain does not however make it go away. It is important to work through the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing after losing a loved one to help you move on healthily.

Be wary of social media

Social media can be a painful place to spend your time in the aftermath of a relationship. This can be especially true if you share mutual friends. It can be painful to see your former partner out and about and all over social media and if you find it upsetting then take steps to protect yourself. Come off social media for a while or block or ‘hide’ your former partner so you cannot see their updates. While it can be tempting to follow their escapades and be apprised of what they are up to it can prove to have a damaging effect on your mental health and wellbeing. So, be kind to yourself and be very wary of how you use social media post-breakup.

Do it in your own time

There is no time scale in which you should move on or get over a relationship and don’t be pressured into thinking otherwise. Allow yourself all the time you need to fully heal from your relationship breakdown.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Blooming Sunday

April 24, 2022April 24, 2022 Looking for the Light3 Comments

It’s beginning to look a lot like Spring around here.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

What to Do In a Dental Emergency

April 23, 2022 Looking for the Light3 Comments

Hopefully, you never have to deal with a dental emergency. But as with any other serious or urgent situation in life, it’s important that you know what to do if you ever are faced with a dental emergency. Whether you need help, a friend, a family member, a child, a stranger, or anyone else, having a good idea of a dental emergency protocol can help the person receive the help and assistance that they need as quickly as possible. Here’s some information that will help you to achieve this!

Photo by Robert Golebiewski on Pexels.com

What Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any dental issue that needs immediate attention. Most often, dental emergencies are situations where you need to visit an emergency dentist in order to alleviate severe dental pain, stop bleeding or save a tooth. Severe infections or abscesses that need to be treated are also dental emergencies. If you feel in pain, have experienced an injury, or have any other worrying symptoms, do not hesitate to follow the steps below.

Prevention

We should all visit the dentist once every six months for a general checkup. This will give out dentists the opportunity to take a look around our mouths and determine if our teeth, gums, and tongue are healthy or not. They can identify warning signs of issues and can book treatment to resolve issues before they worsen. If your teeth feel fine and look fine, it’s still important to visit your dentist to check in on your wellbeing. This can help to prevent small issues from worsening into dental emergencies, such as infections or major decay and tooth ache. You can also prevent dental emergencies stemming from sports or activities that you may engage in, such as rugby, hockey, and more, by having a custom mouth guard created. This will protect your teeth in situations where you could be at higher risk of experiencing an injury.

Dealing With a Dental Emergency

There are countless situations in life that can lead to a dental emergency, from injury to the rapid worsening of a dental-related condition. If you are in unbearable pain or have a severe injury, you may need to visit A&E for direction and pain relief. If your pain or situation is more manageable and you are experiencing any of these issues, and the incident or pain is occurring during your regular dentist’s opening hours, you should start out by calling your regular dentist. They may have an emergency appointment free and will get you in to see a dentist quickly. If the incident is outside of regular working hours, you should call a reliable emergency dentist who operates through the night.

Knocked-Out or Broken Tooth

If a tooth has been knocked out or has been broken, you should:

Put the tooth or teeth in milk
Pack your tooth socket—where the tooth came out of your mouth—with gauze, a cotton ball, or even a teabag
Rinse and save pieces of chipped or broken teeth

Your dentist may be able to repair or save the teeth.

Hopefully, some of the information above has helped you to see what you need to do in cases of dental emergencies. Keep the information in mind should you ever need it!

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Autism Awareness Month

April 23, 2022 Looking for the Light2 Comments

The core symptoms of autism are:

social communication challenges and
restricted, repetitive behaviors.

Symptoms of autism may:

begin in early childhood (though they may go unrecognized)
persist and
interfere with daily living.

Specialized healthcare providers diagnose autism using a checklist of criteriain the two categories above. They also assess autism symptom severity. Autism’s severity scale reflects how much support a person needs for daily function.

Many people with autism have sensory issues. These typically involve over- or under-sensitivities to sounds, lights, touch, tastes, smells, pain and other stimuli.

Autism is also associated with high rates of certain physical and mental health conditions.

What are the signs of autism?

The autism diagnosis age and intensity of autism’s early signs vary widely. Some infants show hints in their first months. In others, behaviors become obvious as late as age 2 or 3.

Not all children with autism show all the signs. Many children who don’t have autism show a few. That’s why professional evaluation is crucial.

The following may indicate your child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder. If your child exhibits any of the following, ask your pediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation right away:

By 6 months

Few or no big smiles or other warm, joyful and engaging expressions
Limited or no eye contact

By 9 months

Little or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions

By 12 months

Little or no babbling
Little or no back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving
Little or no response to name

By 16 months

Very few or no words

By 24 months

Very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating)

At any age

Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills
Avoidance of eye contact
Persistent preference for solitude
Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings
Delayed language development
Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)
Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings
Restricted interests
Repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)
Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors

If you have concerns, get your child screened and contact your healthcare provider

Support

Support Groups

Treatments & Therapies

Melinda

References:

https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-are-symptoms-autism

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing

Every Kid Healthy Week (25 – 29 April)

April 23, 2022 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Every Kid Healthy Week, from April 25 to April 29this year, is an observance that aims to spread awareness regarding the health of children. This is essential because, to grow up into healthy adults, it is important for kids to be healthy and active from a young age. To ensure parents and children are aware of the advantages of nutrition and wellness, Every Kid Healthy Week is celebrated every year.

FIVE FACTS ABOUT CHILDREN’S HEALTH

The yearly check-up

Children from ages five to 10 must have a full check-up by a doctor once a year.
Obesity issues

In the U.S., one in three kids are obese or need to lose weight.
The fatal illness

Pneumonia is the most fatal illness for children and kills 800,000 children a year.
An active lifestyle

A child of six needs an hour of vigorous activity, daily.
Many absences

3.2% of children in the U.S. miss more than 11 days of school annually due to illness or injury.

WHY A KID’S HEALTH IS IMPORTANT
1. Children are more sensitive to illnesses/diseases
  
  The fact is, children are more vulnerable to illnesses and are more likely to lose their lives if not provided with the correct treatment.
2. Healthy children grow up into healthy adults
  
  The adolescence stage is the most important time for a young person to consume the correct nutrients as this can help the body to develop to its full potential. An unhealthy child may face numerous health issues in the future.
3. The social and emotional health of a child is the base of their personality
  
  Personality development starts at a young age, hence, a disturbed child is likely to grow up into an unhappy adult. To ensure the future generation is happy and healthy, mentally as well as physically, parents and schools need to emphasize a child’s mental health.
  
  Melinda
  
  References:
  https://nationaltoday.com/every-kid-healthy-week/

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

Happy Earth Day! Tread Lightly

April 22, 2022 Looking for the Light2 Comments

What can we say about Mother Earth? She’s the best and we have to tread lightly to keep the planet healthy for future generations.

April 22

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, it now includes events in more than 193 countries.

Earth Day was the brainchild of Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, a staunch environmentalist who hoped to provide unity to the grassroots environmental movement and increase ecological awareness.

Nelson—whose efforts in Congress included legislation protecting the Appalachian Trail and banning DDT—hired Denis Hayes, a Harvard grad student. Together they organized the first Earth Day.

Today, Earth Day is widely recognized as the largest secular observance in the world, marked by more than a billion people every year as a day of action.

Many important environmental events have happened on Earth Day since 1970, including the signing of the Paris Agreement.

Thanks largely to the momentum created by Earth Day, the early 1970s saw the passage of the most important environmental legislation in US history, including both the Clean Air and Clean Water acts.

What can You Do?

Beach Cleanups

Recycle

Reduce Waste

Reuse

Carpool

Reduce plastic usage

Plant trees

Reusable straws

Use your own coffee mug when going to a coffee shop

Use reusable water bottles instead of plastic water bottles

These are just a few off the top of my head. There are so many ways we can reduce our footprint so that we can continue to celebrate Earth Day.

Melinda

References:

en.wikipedia.org

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

Everyday Magic 4/21/2022

April 21, 2022 Looking for the Light4 Comments

I’m so glad you are enjoying Everyday Magic. I find it a good place to wind down and ask some important questions.

Bella and Grace by Stampington

“She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.”

-Elizabeth Edwards

Enjoy your day!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing

National Infertility Awareness Week (24 – 30 April)

April 21, 2022 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Let’s use NIAW to raise our voices, talk about the issues facing this community and make sure we continue to support those most in need. Anyone can be challenged to have a family. No matter what race, religion, sexuality or economic status. Change begins with being part of a national movement, National Infertility Awareness Week®. This week unites millions of Americans who want to remove the stigmas and barriers that stand in the way of building families.

National Infertility Awareness Week®, (NIAW) is a movement, founded in 1989 by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. Its mission is to empower you and change the conversation around infertility.

Infertility impacts 1 in 8 couples in the U.S. today and 1 in 4 women physicians. Especially in medical communities, it’s time to share how #WeCanAll help others recognize the far-reaching effects of inadequate resources and support for family planning.

Here is how you can get involved:

Join the AMWA webinar Series – Turning Fertility Challenges Into Change: Creating a Reproductive Life Plan (April 25, 8pm ET)

Join the #WeCanAll social campaign with #NationalInfertilityAwarenessWeek or #NIAW2022 and tag @AMWADoctors in your posts. Here are NIAW Social Media Images and NIAW facts you can use. Share your infertility story or participate in the 5-Day Photo Challenge (including #WearOrange day on Wednesday, April 27, 2022).

If your employer doesn’t cover fertility benefits, send a friendly email to ask about coverage. Consider citing recent Fortune and CNBC articles about how employers are using fertility benefits as perks.

- “This week is National Infertility Awareness Week and one of the discussion points is the fact that lack of insurance inhibits many people from being able to move forward to treatment. I’m wondering if ______ will be considering fertility coverage benefits?”

Write a post for AMWA’s blog about physician infertility or your own personal experience.

Write an Op-Ed about the importance of fertility benefits coverage using AMWA’s guideline and template.

Talk to your employer about fertility benefits using the AMWA-RESOLVE Coverage-at-Work Toolkit.

Melinda

References:

https://infertilityawareness.org

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

How to Accept and Move Forward After Losing a Loved One

April 21, 2022 Looking for the Light1 Comment

Experiencing grief is difficult for everyone. From losing pets to seeing parents or friends pass away, no one ever feels truly ready for it. Grief can manifest in a variety of ways. Some of these can be positive, but there are also negative reactions that can make things worse for you and those around you. While you shouldn’t forget about your loved one, it is still important to accept what has happened and find ways to move forward and continue your life, because that’s what they would have wanted.

Photo by Sebastian Voortman on Pexels.com

Accept Your Pain

One of the most important steps to acceptance and moving forward is to understand your emotions, which can be difficult if you have never encountered grief before. You will have a myriad of conflicting feelings; you might wonder if there is anything you could have done to change things, or regret not making the most of your time together. This is all part of the grieving process, and the sooner you accept your pain, the sooner you can start to feel better. This is not always an easy fix, and you may need to speak with other people to come to terms with it, but finding acceptance and coping with it positively will make things easier.

Celebrate Their Life

You may feel like you didn’t get a proper chance to say goodbye to your loved one, and this can raise several issues as you feel you’ve sorely missed out on something you’ll never get to do. If you are looking for ways to overcome these feelings, you can find ways to celebrate their life. Consider what they loved to do and do it yourself. You can throw a huge party or sit with your family and reminisce. Whatever you do, you will celebrate and honor their memory.

Support Yourself

It’s easy to get so wrapped up in grief that you completely ignore yourself. Some people can feel guilty that they are still alive when their loved one is not. But, it isn’t beneficial to ignore your well-being. Make sure you maintain a consistent sleep schedule, a good diet, and exercise, as these contribute to a better quality of life. They can also help release positive chemicals in your brain that allow you to cope with your grief.

Consider The Next Steps

As much as you don’t want to finalize your loss, you will need to think about the next steps. This could include the will or even selling their property and possessions. An estate sale can be difficult and even confusing, so working with companies like Clearly Quick Estate Liquidators can take the stress out of the entire process. You will get the chance to keep what matters to you, and the liquidators can do the rest of the work, so you don’t have to.

Acceptance and Progress

The idea of moving forward can feel insensitive. But, these techniques do not mean you will ignore how your loved ones have influenced your life. You will still keep them in your thoughts whatever you do, but you will no longer allow the grief to impact your life. Instead, you can live the life the thief would have wanted you to, and you get the chance to make them proud.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Gardening Tips To Help You Grow The Perfect Yard

April 20, 2022 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Everyone should make it a goal to include nature in their lives, and anybody can grow a garden of their own. For example, your windowsill may be a great place to grow herbs and other oxygen-giving plants to keep your apartment vibrant and smelling good. If you have a lot of room, or perhaps a backyard, you can be more creative. You don’t need to employ a landscaper to create a tranquil haven in your yard. Here are a few pointers to help you get started on the path to a successful garden.

What Kind Of Garden?

Before you can begin transforming your blank yard into a paradise, you must first have a general idea of how you want your garden to be when you’re done. Make a rough drawing of how you want your yard to look using ideas and inspiration you find online, on TV, or as you go around your neighborhood. The idea is to focus on the fundamentals so that you can improve your garden.

Try not to over-plan the appearance of your garden – half the joy is developing how it looks as things start to grow; it really is an organic process a lot of the time, but a general idea to get you started is always useful.

Do Your Research

Every plant, whether it’s a flower, a shrub, a tree, or fruits and veggies, needs to be properly cared for. Before you add new vegetation to your garden, do some research since certain plants might take over and damage what you currently have.

Most importantly, know how to care for your plants: you don’t want to kill them, thinking you’re doing the right thing. Vegetables, for example, necessitate special care and constant attention – as well as a lot of practice – in order to yield a good harvest. Some plants don’t need anything at all, so you might do more harm than good when you water them. Know what you’re planting and how to take the best care of it.

Keep On Top Of Maintenance

After doing your research, it’s time to put what you’ve learned to good use. A thriving garden requires regular maintenance. The seasons throw varying demands on you for plant management, ranging from trimming and tree removal to growing your seedlings inside during the winter to help optimize the summer months and feeding and watering during dry periods. Maintaining your plants will pay off in the future, giving you the most beautiful backyard that is a joy to behold and something you can be proud of.

Add Decorations And Furniture

Once you’ve established the foundation of your garden, you can next begin to add to it. Inspiration and spontaneity come into play here. This is true for both new plants and new décor and furnishings. Having a place to sit and relax in your garden is an essential part of the experience. If you have enough room, you can even turn that seating arrangement into a location to dine or hold gatherings.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

How to Get Better Sleep for a Healthier Life

April 20, 2022April 20, 2022 Looking for the Light1 Comment

Think about all the factors that can interfere with a good night’s sleep — from work stress and family responsibilities to unexpected challenges, such as illnesses. It’s no wonder that quality sleep is sometimes elusive.

While you might not be able to control the factors that interfere with your sleep, you can adopt habits that encourage better sleep.

It’s well-established that sleep is essential to our physical and mental health. But despite its importance, a troubling percentage of people find themselves regularly deprived of quality sleep and are notably sleepy during the day.

Creating Good Sleep Hygiene

Creating a Sleep-Inducing Bedroom
Optimizing Your Sleep Schedule
Crafting a Pre-Bed time Routine
Fostering Pro-Sleep Habits During the Day

Know How Much Sleep Your Body Needs

Age group	Recommended amount of sleep
Infants 4 months to 12 months	12 to 16 hours per 24 hours, including naps
1 to 2 years	11 to 14 hours per 24 hours, including naps
3 to 5 years	10 to 13 hours per 24 hours, including naps
6 to 12 years	9 to 12 hours per 24 hours
13 to 18 years	8 to 10 hours per 24 hours
Adults	7 or more hours a night

In addition to age, other factors can affect how many hours of sleep you need. For example:

Sleep quality. If your sleep is frequently interrupted, you’re not getting quality sleep. The quality of your sleep is just as important as the quantity.
Previous sleep deprivation. If you’re sleep deprived, the amount of sleep you need increases.
Pregnancy. Changes in hormone levels and physical discomfort can result in poor sleep quality.
Aging. Older adults need about the same amount of sleep as younger adults. As you get older, however, your sleeping patterns might change. Older adults tend to sleep more lightly, take longer to start sleeping and sleep for shorter time spans than do younger adults. Older adults also tend to wake up multiple times during the night.

This is a Pre-Bedtime routine, NOT bedtime! It’s an important time to unwind and prepare your mind and body for sleep, starting at least 30 minutes before bedtime.

I have found that 45 minutes to an hour is best for me and have been using the pre-bedtime routine for several years now. I get better sleep overall and wake more rested. It’s not a solve all your sleep problems answer but it sets you up for the best chances of a quality night’s sleep.

Here are a few ideas

Meditate

Pray

Roll essential oils on your pulse points

Use an ultrasonic diffuser for essential oils *Lavender is calming

Play white noise

NO electronics or reading

Lights out

Blackout Curtain

Sleep Mask

Slather on luxurious body cream or beard oil

Hand, foot, face, or undereye mask

CBD Oil/Delta 8 Gummies

Create a Sleep Environment

All of these items are important for quality sleep

Room Temp

Pillow

Mattress

Sleep and wake up at the same time every day

No exercise 3-4 hours before bedtime

No caffeine later in the day

Not much water after 7pm

Ambient noise like a fan or air purifier

Limit alcohol intake

Limit daytime naps or nap early

Nice aroma like lavender

“I love sleep. My life has the tendency to fall apart when I’m awake, you know?”

– Ernest Hemingway

Try to resolve your worries or concerns before bedtime. Jot down what’s on your mind and then set it aside for tomorrow.

Stress management might help. Start with the basics, such as getting organized, setting priorities and delegating tasks. Meditation also can ease anxiety.

Know when to contact your doctor

Nearly everyone has an occasional sleepless night — but if you often have trouble sleeping, contact your doctor. Identifying and treating any underlying causes can help you get the better sleep you deserve.

Melinda

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/healthy-sleep-tips

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing

World Immunization Week (24 – 30 April)

April 20, 2022 Looking for the Light2 Comments

I can’t think of a better time than now to talk about immunizations.

Long Life for All

In pursuit of a long life well lived

World Immunization Week, celebrated in the last week of April, aims to highlight the collective action needed and to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease.

A Long Life for All is not a promise, it’s an ambition.

Because everyone deserves a chance at a fulfilling life.

One where we’re free to pursue happiness.

And look back without wondering “What if?”.

Vaccines have been indiscriminately saving lives since 1796.

The first Smallpox immunization was a fight back against disease.

For the first time, it gave everyone a chance.

And hundreds of vaccines later,

Across two and a quarter centuries.

Billions of people have lived longer lives.

Grown up to become firefighters. Doctors. Musicians.

Fathers. Mothers. Brothers. Sisters.

Vaccines might not get credit for that first kiss.

That winning goal.

That special day.

That final hug.

But their worth isn’t just measured in doses given.

It’s in minutes given back.

And lives prolonged.

Vaccines provide opportunity and hope for all of us to enjoy a more fulfilling life. And that’s something we should all be fighting for.

Vaccines, in the pursuit of a long life well lived.

Long Life for All.

Please make sure your and your children’s vaccines are up to date, it can mean life or death.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-immunization-week/world-immunization-week-2022

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

Just Pondering

April 19, 2022 Looking for the Light1 Comment

By Live Bold and Bloom

If you had to be on an episode of “Cops” what crime would you want to be arrested for?

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing

IBS Awareness Month

April 19, 2022 Looking for the Light1 Comment

According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, IBS affects nearly 45 million people in the U.S. and 10% to 15% of the global population. Although common, many people remain undiagnosed and unaware that their symptoms can be managed. Further, patients are often stigmatized and misunderstood, creating a significant impact on their quality of life.

While the exact pathogenesis of IBS remains largely unknown, scientific evidence points to disturbances in gut, brain and nervous system interaction that can cause changes to normal bowel function and produce symptoms ranging from mild inconvenience to severe debilitation.

“Though strategies for managing IBS have evolved, one guiding principle remains true: There is no one-size-fits-all treatment strategy. IBS care in 2022 and beyond no longer relies on just the GI doctor but is a ‘team sport’ that involves a multidisciplinary, integrative care team of dietitians, behavioral therapists and maybe even complimentary alternative medicine providers,” Chey said during his J. Edward Berk Distinguished Lecture at the American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting 2021.

Please see your Gastroenterologist if you have any questions or think you may have IBS or other gastric issues.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.healio.com/news/gastroenterology/20220413/ibs-awareness-month-diagnostic-tips-treatment-options-multidisciplinary-care-and-more

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

I’m in Love with Pipette

April 19, 2022 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

I’ve discovered a line of products that so far have surpassed my expectations, and it’s a baby product line called Pipette. It all started with my dry peeling cracking hands. I was on a mission and my supply cabinet didn’t have what I needed.

My hands had never been so bad before and nothing worked. I saw an ad for Pipette balm and decided to try it. Wow, it has a Vaseline-like feel but is not as greasy and soaks into the skin to a degree. I still only use it at night.

Then I noticed they had a Balm Stick which is a great idea for little places and when you don’t want to get your hands all balmed up. I use it on my legs but it’s great anywhere. I have it just on my palms right now.

Pipette has a complete line of baby products and a few products for mothers. I also really like the Eczema Cream. It is so creamy but absorbs nicely and lasts a long time.

I know many of you have skin challenges like I do and are always on the lookout for new products.

I bought all of mine from Amazon but they have a website as well. Maybe they have a product for your skin challenges.

Melinda

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

Blogger Highlight-My Traumatic Secrets and Healing Journey

April 18, 2022April 18, 2022 Looking for the Light3 Comments

April is Sexual Assualt Awareness month and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to introduce you to a very brave woman and mother, Christine.

Keep your eyes peeled for a new Blogger Highlight next week.

My Trauma Secrets and Healing Journey

Telling my story while on my healing journey

Overactive brain

I can’t stop thinking about my sexual trauma without actually thinking about it. I feel the filth and pain from all of those events. I think it’s time to confront it. But I’m afraid of who I’ll be when I’m done.

Read the rest of the post here.

Sometimes life is messy, downright ugly and it happens to good people. I love the way Christine is so raw with her emotion and doesn’t edit herself. We see the authentic person.

Please check out her site for more great posts.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

@lookinglight

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

He Has Risen!

April 17, 2022 Looking for the Light11 Comments

Jesus has risen!

I pray your day is filled with love and surrounded by the people you care about the most.

This photo was taken at the Church of the Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg, Russia. You’ve probably seen it before, it’s one of my favorites. Jesus looks so real, you can reach out and touch him. You can also imagine his tremendous suffering.

No matter your religion you can celebrate the life of a great man and prophet. If you’re a Christain you can thank God for sending his only son to take away our sins.

Peace be with you.

Melinda

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

Stream of Consciousness Saturday #SOCS Prompt is “nose/noes/knows”

April 16, 2022 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Our prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “nose/noes/knows.” Use one, use ’em all, bonus points if you use all three. Have fun!

After you’ve written your Saturday post tomorrow, please link it here to this week’s prompt page and check to make sure it’s here in the comments so others can find it and see your awesome Stream of Consciousness post. Anyone can join in!

To make your post more visible, use our beautiful SoCS badge! Just paste it in your Saturday post so people browsing the reader will immediately know your post is stream of consciousness and/or pin it as a widget to your site to show you’re a participant. Wear it with pride!!

To start with I’m not sure what noes is so let’s look it up. As it turns out I knew that word well growing up. There were always lots of noes around our house and they meant no! No, you can’t have another piece of candy or dessert, no you can’t sleepover and another multiple no is can we have a dog? Noes!

I think people’s nose is an important characteristic of a person’s face and there are so many types. There are people I know who don’t like their noses but I think mine is ok. I’ve never had an aversion to noses, it what’s makes us all different.

What do I know? Well, it’s Saturday and I’ve been working in the garden. Planting more flowers for my Spring extravagaza! My husband and I planted a Mandeville on a trellis again this year and it turned out the prettiest flower in the whole garden last year. We planted our tomatoes except for the ones from seed, they’re not quite big enough yet.

What else do I know? I thank you for reading this post on your Saturday. I hope your day is filled with sunshine and love

Melinda

Here are the rules:

1. Your post must be stream of consciousness writing, meaning no editing (typos can be fixed), and minimal planning on what you’re going to write.

2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop.

3. I will post the prompt here on my blog every Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a particular subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The,’” or will simply be a single word to get you started.

4. Ping back! It’s important, so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours. Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top. NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, such as Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below.

5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back their post. Even better, read all of them! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later or go to the previous week by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find below the “Like” button on my post.

6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get!

7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views.

8. Have fun!

For more streams, rules, and tips for Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit our host, Linda at:

Linda G Hill

Have a great weekend.

Melinda

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

Selfie

April 15, 2022 Looking for the Light25 Comments

I have had an aversion to how I look in photos most of my life, it’s a body dysmorphic thing. This isn’t the worst shot but it makes me realize for the first time how thin my upper lip is.

I’m smiling at you! Yes, you! Have a great weekend.

Melinda

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

Just Pondering

April 14, 2022 Looking for the Light1 Comment

By Live Bold and Bloom

What is something that your parents punished you for that you still think was unfair?

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

The Clearing App Provides Pain Management On Your Time

April 12, 2022April 27, 2022 Looking for the Light1 Comment

Clearing puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes to your pain with 24/7 access to the Care-Team, making healthcare available on your time. No more waiting in line, calling for an appointment, or having to wait until the doctor is available. Clearing gives you access at your fingertips backed by a highly qualified medical team of specialists.

Clearing is Recommended by America’s top pain management doctors

The Medical Advisory Board has 150+ Combined years of professional medical experience

Doctor’s Representing 10 of America’s leading hospitals

465+ Combined medical papers on chronic pain

How we work with our advisors

They review our clinical protocols to make sure clinicians at Clearing provide top-notch, comprehensive care.
Our advisors tune us into what’s next, from new conditions to the latest scientific breakthroughs in pain relief.
They partner with clinicians at Clearing on best practices for everything from behavioral habits to psychological impact.

81% of Clearing patients feel substantial, noticeable relief within 5 weeks*.

*Based on aggregate patient data.

The doctors, the treatments, and the support you deserve, from the comfort of home

Here are a few types of Pain Clearing Supports

Arthritis

Fibromyalgia

Wrist Pain

Sore Ankles

Back Pain

Shoulder Pain

Feet Tingles

For a comprehensive list go to Clearing here.

It’s time to take control of your pain.

I dove in headfirst and joined Clearing to get first-hand knowledge about the App. I want to understand the process, and how Clearing works.

The Signing Up Process

I provided a medical history overview that includes a detailed description of the pain for each area of the body I highlight.

You’re asked specif questions about each area of the body including some visual exercises to see if they cause pain.

Patients are then partnered with a medical doctor as a part of their Care Team and once the medical information is reviewed, your doctor lays out your program via email from your team.

Your entire Care Team works side-by-side with you to fine-tune your plan and track your personal goals and progress.

Meet my Health coach Hadley.

I’m Hadley, a Health Coach at Clearing. I’m so excited to partner with you.

You can count on me for:
• Weekly Check-Ins
• Accountability
• Support

We’ll work through the hard times, celebrate every win, and figure it all out, together.

Others on my Care Team

Dr. Jacob Pain Doctor

Ava Care Coordinator

Upon Sign Up I received:

Home Exercise Program which is a 20-minute program designed for my target area.

1:1 Meet with Health Coach

Prescription Compound Cream

Community: Join the Clearing: The Journey to Chronic Pain Relief group!

The monthly plan includes the Medical Review, Home Exercise Program, a 1:1 meeting with Health Coach, Prescription Compound Cream, Chronic Pain Relief Group plus 24/7 access to your Care Team.

Extras include their Highly concentrated CBD Cream and Proprietary Neutraceuticals. Find out more here.

Joining Clearing was easy, it only took a few minutes, was stress-free, and put me in touch with a Care Team as soon as I completed the process. Dr. Vydyanathan reviewed my medical information, put together my care plan and my prescription pain cream shipped the next day and arrived within a week.

My pain cream was formulated for arthritis, neuropathy, and muscle spasms. I applied the cream to my legs, it’s a nice consistency, light menthol smell and it went to work. I noticed a significant difference in the number of muscle spasms and my neuropathy did not bother me as usual.

Clearing is an opioid-free solution. The types of therapy offered can include nutraceuticals, a prescription compound cream, CBD cream, targeted exercises, and access to pain specialists who can guide you toward better pain management.

The Clearing alternative

To sum it up, we know opioids have their place, but we will not be prescribing them at Clearing. Instead, we will be doing everything we can to match you with opioid-free options for long-term relief, so that treatments are as safe and supportive as possible. Our personalized, whole-body treatment plans combine non-opioid medications, personalized exercises and stretches, and high-touch care from a team of specialized providers delivered via our telehealth platform.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your pain journey, get started now with a trial.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

@lookinglight

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

Depression: How To Cope When Everything Is Going Wrong

April 12, 2022 Looking for the Light7 Comments

Things going wrong in life is a normal part of the journey. They aren’t always going to pan out how you hope. However, when you have depression, it can be more challenging to process. Even minor disruptions can feel like a disaster.

Depression makes life harder. It can feel like an enormous effort just getting through the day. When something goes wrong, particularly if it is serious, then it can derail you entirely.

Unfortunately, life will throw curveballs at you from time to time. Therefore, it’s critical to know how to respond if you are living with depression. Here are some tips.

Breathe

Breathwork is something that yogis and sages have been doing for millennia, and for good reason: it really works. When you take time to do a series of deep breaths from the stomach, you’ll notice that it fundamentally changes how you feel. You go from feeling tense to a more relaxed state.

Meditation practices that focus on breathing can help people get through stressful times. When things go wrong, just lying down, closing your eyes, and doing some deep breathing can really help.

Tell Other People How You Feel

If you’ve never had depression before, it is hard to really understand the complexities of it. You have a lack of energy, fatigue, and disturbed sleep. It’s hard to just perform daily tasks.

When things go wrong, it creates anger and frustration. Because your life is so difficult already, adding more hassle makes it feel even more unbearable.

If you are struggling, tell other people how you feel. Explain what your symptoms mean and how they affect you. Get them to understand where you are coming from.

Look For Help

When things go wrong in your life, you don’t necessarily have to live with it. In many cases, you can get help.

For instance, if you get a citation, look for a traffic ticket fighter who can prevent money from draining your bank account. Or, if you have a problem with your boss, find an advocate who can make your case.

When it comes to asking for help, be kind to yourself. Let other people give you support. In many cases, it’s something that they want to give to you.

Seek Out The Positives In The Situation

Life might seem dreadfully serious all the time, but changing your perspective can help tremendously. Seeing the funny side of a situation can change how you feel in a profound way and actually lessen the suffering when things go wrong. Use bad times as a learning opportunity: a springboard for new things in your life.

Do One Thing At A Time

Lastly, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by things going wrong in your life, fix one thing at a time. Don’t attempt to do everything all at once.

Take some time to prioritize what you can actually fix first and then move down the list. Do each task one step at a time. Break it up into chunks and get other people to help.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Blogger Highlight Peaceful Hearts Rise

April 11, 2022 Looking for the Light11 Comments

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, Peaceful Hearts Rise

Peaceful Hearts Rise

I am on a healing journey from childhood trauma, sexual abuse, and domestic violence in an intimate partner/long-term marriage.

If you are going through the same thing or know someone; I’m sorry…but…please know we have a voice, our story to tell, we will survive and we will thrive!

I hope that by sharing my story that someone out there will know he or she is not alone and that we can heal and become free as the butterfly and strong as the oak tree.

“I am here. You are here. We have a voice. Our story matters. Silent no more.”

“You are safe now. Be free.”

I love her raw poetry, it moves me. Please check out her site today.

Melinda

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

Book Review The Packing House by G. Donald Cribbs

April 11, 2022April 27, 2022 Looking for the Light1 Comment

I want to say a special thank you to Managing Editor Soraya Nair of Trigger Publishing for sending me an advanced copy of The Packing House by G. Donald Cribbs for review.

About the Author

G. Donald Cribbs has written and published poetry and short stories since high school. Donald is a graduate of Messiah College in English and Education and has a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

He is also a licensed professional counselor (LPC). He and his wife and four boys reside in central Pennsylvania where the author is hard at work on his next book, tentatively titled, UNPACKING THE PAST, the sequel to his debut novel, THE PACKING HOUSE (2022), by Cherish Editions.

Having lived and traveled abroad in England, France, Belgium, Germany, China, and Thailand (you can guess where he lived and where he visited), the author loves languages and how they connect us all. Coffee and Nutella are a close second.

Blurb

When 16-year-old Joel Scrivener has a raging nightmare in study hall and someone records it on their phone, he awakens to a living nightmare where everyone knows his secret, one that he’s suppressed for ten years. Reeling as the whole school finds out the truth, Joel takes to the woods, leaving the bullies and his broken home behind.

However, life as a runaway isn’t easy, as Joel’s hallucinations and nightmares follow him into the wilderness. To stop them once and for all, he pieces clues together with flashes of the images that play endlessly inside his head—will he figure out the identity of the person who caused his nightmare before it’s too late?

My Thoughts

“It has been said, “Time heals all wounds.” I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.
—Rose Kennedy”

Excerpt From
The Packing House

I have to agree with Rose Kennedy, time doesn’t heal all wounds. My upbringing involved growing up in a domestic violence household with an alcoholic step-father, I was abused by both parents, and became a became drug addict as a teen. The trauma of abuse especially sexual abuse stays with you. You push it to the back and move on. Move on is a relative term and certainly applies here.

Repressed memories are traumatic and please seek therapy right away if you are dealing with repressed memories. You will need some guidance.

What is your worst nightmare? For Joel Scrivener, it comes to life right in the middle of class with a room full of students. He fell asleep and during that time had a nightmare that was a repressed memory. Some even took their phones out to film him in the nightmare screaming for someone to get off of him! Now everyone knows.

This is a story about survival, luck, and good endings.

G. Donald Cribbs is a great storyteller, he keeps it moving and yet fills in all the blanks. The Packing House is a very fast read and keeps you eager to turn the next page.

I would recommend this book to anyone but to all parents of teens for sure

Trigger Publishing

TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.

We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

@loookinglight

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

Stream of Consciousness Saturday #SOCS Prompt is How

April 9, 2022 Looking for the Light3 Comments

Our prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “how.” Use the word “how” in your post. Bonus points if you start your post with it. Enjoy! Thanks, Linda!

How in the world am I going to keep up with all the new plants in the garden?, as I brush the dirt off the computer. At least no replacing them next year. That is the objective.

This year we decided to turn our flower pots to all Perrinialls and I bought all new plants. Two roses, a Gardenia, two Hydrangeas, two verbenas, and I forget from there. I had to buy larger pots for a few plants. We also had to move the Peony to the east side of the house as the spot we had it in was too much sun. I look forward to its fragrant blooms.

I’ve planted two of the four Rosemary plants and planted the Gardenia this morning.

The watering has already started and it’s nowhere near summer but with new plants, you have to keep your eyes on them.

We lost all of our shrubs in the great storm of 2021 and so this year we have new scrubs, I can’t wait till they are a little larger It’s hard to see the effect I’m going for now. For the first time, we planted some bulbs that you leave in the ground, no digging up for me. They look like large purple balls. I can’t wait, they are peaking thru now.

I’m eager, just four more plants to get in the pots and I’ll be Spring ready!

Melinda

Here are the rules:

1. Your post must be stream of consciousness writing, meaning no editing (typos can be fixed), and minimal planning on what you’re going to write.

6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get!

7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views.

8. Have fun!

For more streams, rules, and tips for Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit our host, Linda at:

Linda G Hill

Have a great weekend.

Melinda