Healthier Lifestyle Tips

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We all know that we should be taking care of our bodies by eating nutritious food, exercising regularly and ensuring that we get plenty of sleep, but certain parts of our bodies need a little extra help to stay in tip-top condition, and without it, we may notice that they start to deteriorate. 

One such area is our hearing. 

Hearing loss affects 48 million people in the US alone and over 466 million people worldwide and although our chances of experiencing hearing loss increase as we age, there are also environmental factors that can cause hearing loss and things that we can be doing right now to prevent it. So here are 5 little things we could all be doing to take better care of our ears in order to ensure we protect our hearing for the future. 

1, Reduce the volume

Music may sound great when played extra loud, but listening to music at loud volumes for prolonged periods of time can cause serious lasting damage to your ears. Just 15 minutes of loud music played through headphones or a speaker can cause lasting permanent damage to your hearing, and if this is repeated regularly then you are at serious risk of developing early hearing loss. Try improving the quality of your headphones or speaker rather than increasing the volume. 

2. Wear hearing protection when required

Whether you’re drilling through concrete with a power tool, attending a music concert, or simply spending a lot of time on a noisy subway, your ears don’t discriminate between the sounds that cause them damage. If you know you are going to be exposed to very loud noises for an extended period of time, such as on your daily commute or at a music festival, then the only way that you can protect your ears is to wear suitable hearing protection. The loud noises may not feel like they’re hurting your ears, but the damage will be done and you will have to live with the effects for the rest of your lifetime. 

3. Don’t try to clean your own earwax

Our ears naturally produce earwax and for the most part, are also very good at regulating production and self-cleaning. Over the years, people have become obsessive about cleaning their ear-wax but putting your fingers or other devices in your ears can actually do more harm than good. Trying to remove earwax yourself will almost always result in pushing the earwax further into your ear canal, causing compaction and buildup that can give you an ear infection or make it hard to hear. If you’re worried about ear-wax build up then always visit a hearing specialist who will be able to remove your earwax safely. 

4. Keep your ears dry

Animals that spend a lot of time in water often have specialist ear structures that prevent water from entering their ears, but because humans weren’t designed to spend a lot of time in or underwater, we haven’t evolved this adaptation. Excess water and moisture inside the ear canal can create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, leading to ear infections such as swimmer’s ear, which are not only painful but can pose a threat to your future hearing. To avoid getting ear infections, try to always keep your ears dry by gently towel drying them after bathing or swimming, tilting your head to the side to allow excess water out or even wearing specialist ear-plugs. 

5. Visit your audiologist regularly

We go to the dentist at least once a year to have a checkup for our teeth, and many of us visit the optometrist to have a checkup on our eyes, and yet many of us fail to visit an audiologist to have our hearing and our ears checked out. The best way to ensure that your hearing stays in tip-top condition is to follow the guidance above and to visit your audiologist every year or so. At your audiologist appointment, your hearing specialist will be able to test your hearing, remove any build-up of earwax if required and give you guidance on how to protect your hearing as you age. Another important reason to visit an audiologist, especially if you are over 60, is because age-related hearing loss can go undetected for many years, and you risk living with undetected hearing loss that may start to have a big impact on your daily life. 

Our hearing is a gift and deserves to be looked after, so stay safe, and look after your ears if you want good hearing for many years to come. 

Photo by Dmitry Schemelev on Unsplash

There’s a lot to be said about modern living.  The technology is amazing, the medical and scientific breakthroughs are life-changing and we’ve never had so much good TV to watch.  

Modern living has also come at a price, our health.  Today’s generations lead a very sedentary lifestyle, spending its time sitting behind a desk, eating processed food, watching TV or glued to our mobile phones.  

There are a number of serious health risks associated with this kind of lifestyle including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and depression.  

The Modern Diet

The typical modern diet is low in fiber and vitamins and high in fat, sugar and processed foods.  Many of us don’t even drink the recommended daily amount of water.  

This kind of diet can lead to weight gain, diabetes, lethargy, headaches, bloating, constipation, bad skin and a whole host of other conditions. If you find yourself experiencing ongoing digestive issues then it’s best to get checked at a digestive disease clinic. 

The Solution 

A diet that is rich in fresh fruit, vegetables, grains, and healthy fats is the most optimal for good health. Learn to meal plan so you are always in control of what you eat and don’t resort to convenience food or snacks. 

Reduce the amount of fried, processed and fatty foods you eat. Drink more water. 

Effects On Physical Health

A lot of us spend the day at work, in front of our computer, then head home.  Exhausted, we collapse in front of the TV or check our phones until we’re tired and want to go to bed.  Most of us don’t take the time to be active. 

This lack of movement, coupled with a bad diet can cause serious health risks including heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. 

The Solution

Make an effort to move more throughout the day.  Even if it’s just going for a walk during your lunch break, or taking the stairs.  Some companies allow employees to have standing desks or have implemented ‘walking meetings’. 

Incorporate exercise into your daily life.  Something that you’ll stick to is the best form of exercise.  Walking, running, classes, team sports. Find something you like and can do between 3-5 times per week for at least 30 minutes. 

Effects On Mental Health

Stress is everywhere.  Our home life, our jobs, the news.  It’s almost impossible to escape, but there are things that we do that can cause more stress.  

Our constant use of smartphones can lead to insomnia, which in term can cause low mood and depression.  Some people are actually addicted to their phones, feeling anxious and stressed if they are without them for even short periods. 

Constant connections online mean that we are missing out with actual, physical contact in the real world, leading to increasing isolation.  

The Solution 

Identify the main causes of stress in your life and work to minimize them as much as possible.  Limit your screen time, especially at nights and make an effort to socialize with people in the real world. 

If you do feel stressed, anxious or depressed, seek help and talk to someone.

I received these Bioglan Kid’s Smart Omega 3 Fish Oil Chewable Burstlets from Moms Meet. All thoughts, opinions, and photos are our own.

From the time we are each is born, docosahexaenoic acid, commonly known as DHA, is a key component for developing a healthy brain and eyes. DHA is also one of the omega-3 fats recommended by the American Heart Association and USDA Dietary Guidelines for good cardiovascular health. Especially for children.  And one of the best Omega-3 for Kids? Bioglan Kids Smart Chewable Fish Oil Burstlets.

What are fish oil burstlets?

These Bioglan Kids Smart fish-shaped burstlets, containing your child’s daily recommended dosage of omega-3, are just a fun way for you and your kids to get your daily omega-3 fix.

Why Bioglam Kids Smart Burslets?

While there are loads of fish oil brands on the market, Kids Smart High DHA Fish Oil Chewable Burstlets provides up to 10x more fish oil than other kids’ supplements, including two essential omega-3 fatty acids: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). As both are essential fatty acids our bodies cannot produce, it is important that we get them from either the food we eat or supplements. These kid-friendly burstlets are also free of gluten, yeast, wheat, and dairy.

This supplement also provides your kiddos at home with fun chewable vitamins that can be consumed. Ensuring your child enjoys their DHA-consumption experience each day at home. You can also twist the tail off and squeeze the liquid into your kid’s mouth or favorite drink. The burstlets can be also be dissolved in your mouth. 

Its also worth noting that while these burstlets do come standard fruit flavors, including berry and grape, they are still fish oil and do taste like it. This is why I personally opted to add this to my morning smoothie or glass of juice. A fun way to disguise the natural fish oil flavor for your little ones at home.

While its no secret that quality fish oil is great for you, and as much as I love sharing this ish oil burstlets review with you all, we are NOT doctors though and you should always consult a physician before adding a new supplement to your diet.

Where to buy Bioglan Kids Smart Burslets

You can snag these burstlets online at Amazon. Currently, you can save 20% on a 30-count bottle of Kids Smart High DHA Fish Oil Chewable Burstlets by using the promo code 20MM20KS. Offer ends March 14, 2020. You can also check out these Bioglan burstlets, in a 30-count bottle typically retails for $9.99. A 180-count bottle typically retails for $54.99. Also, be sure to check out their other lines of vitamins and supplements on their site, too!

Friends, will you be trying the Bioglan Kids Smart DHA Burstlets at home? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. 

There is nothing better than enjoying a cozy night in when the weather outside is less than appealing. Tucking yourself into warm blankets, making hot chocolate and spending time at home with your loved ones is something you truly love to do. If you’re trying to find something fun to do during a winter weekend, there are so many different activities to choose from. You don’t have to break the bank with anything expensive either. Here is some inspiration for your next cozy night in.

Marvelous Movies

If you’re trying to be savvy and save money, you probably don’t want to venture out to the movies or the theater during the winter months. You can have an equally enjoyable experience in the comfort of your home. Take a look at TroyPoint and you will soon discover how to download your favorite television shows and movies straight to your device. You can have an entire marathon lined up which will make your evening even more enjoyable!

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Brilliant Board Games

If you are spending an evening at home with the family, then why not enjoy a family board game night? You can pull out the classics such as Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit; you will soon start to see everybody’s competitive sides! This is definitely an inexpensive and super fun way to spend your winter evenings at home.

Creative Cooking

Getting creative in the kitchen is not only good for your health but it is so rewarding too. Spending an afternoon cooking and batching your meals will help you to feel super organized. Most people also find cooking very relaxing as soon as you get into the flow of things. If you’re not normally the type of person who enjoys cooking, you might want to try challenging yourself to a new recipe. Choose your favorite home comfort and see if you can recreate it in your own way. You might be pleasantly surprised with the outcome!

Relax and Read

Not only is reading an excellent form of escapism, but it is also really good for your health too. The more you read, the more you expand your vocabulary and stimulate your imagination. If you haven’t read a book in a while and you’re not sure what type of genre you like, why not step out of your comfort zone? If you would usually indulge in chick-lit, then try a crime mystery; if you’re normally a sci-fi lady, try an autobiography or comedy read. You will be surprised at how much you enjoy something a little bit different.

It is so easy to get into the habit of going out and paying for expensive activities such as the movie theatre, ice skating, and dinner at a restaurant. You don’t have the brave the cold anymore, because there is so much fun to be had in your own home! Embrace these cozy evenings in and enjoy partaking in fun family activities as often as possible.

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We all want to feel happy, yet it’s not uncommon for life to throw stress and setbacks at us from time to time. The important thing is that we have tactics to cope during tougher times. We must all learn to value our mental well-being as much as our physical. Perhaps you’re looking for a few tips on how to give your mental well-being a boost. If so, these nine ideas will give you plenty to think about. 

1. Cook mindfully

Mindful cooking is all about being aware of what you put into your body and considering which foods you need to eat depending on your mood and energy levels. Apps like Yogic Foods, are helpful to get a head start on mindful cooking. In each recipe, the app tells you the health properties of every single ingredient. You’ll also get details about how each recipe is related to a chakra ( these are thought to be the connected energy centers of the body). With the Yogic Foods app, you can learn about which foods will benefit your mood and emotions, plus learn some tasty vegetarian and vegan recipes.

2. Quit A Bad Habit

Oftentimes in life, removing negatives is even more impactful than making positive additions. Aside from directly improving your health, it is a great way to prove that you are capable of achieving your goals. In turn, this can create a snowball effect that truly allows you to transform your life. The key is to set a realistic challenge and establish a clear strategy that can help you achieve it. Waving goodbye to cigarettes is a common choice, which is why asking “How long do zyns last?” should be on the tip of your tongue Similarly, putting the right preventions in place to avoid destructive habits will boost your hopes of success.

3. Social media breaks

To improve your emotional health, reducing your time spent on social media can be a good way to do so. One study cited in Forbes magazine reports that excess time spent on social media has adverse mental health effects. Try to limit your consumption to just fifteen minutes a day, or take a break for a week or so altogether. When you do use social media, ask yourself- which content makes you feel positive, and which content makes you feel negative? Doing so can allow you to make better choices in terms of who you follow and which articles you read.

4. Keep on learning

Lifelong learning refers to the process of always continuing to seek out new knowledge, throughout your entire life. It’s easy to get comfortable in a job or a family role and then, unintentionally, not push yourself to learn new things. When you learn consistently, you increase your chances of improved positivity in your social life, emotional life, and work life. Depending on your aspirations, your learning goal could arrive in many forms; it could simply be reading widely across different genres. It could also be practicing a language learning app or even taking a postgraduate degree. Institutions like Regis College offer some excellent online courses to study from the convenience of your own home.

5. Use a journal 

Writing in a journal is a wonderful gift to yourself, with both practical and emotional benefits. You could start by using a journal simply to plan your schedules and to-do lists. Gaining improved organization over your life can help you to feel more calm and productive. Journals are also a great space to write down positive memories or deal with difficult feelings that have been troubling you. Many feel that writing is both calming and therapeutic during times of stress, whether it’s a letter to yourself, a poem or a simple health goal for the day.

6. Give something back

One study reported on Web MD reports that altruism offers positive mental health benefits. To enhance your own mental health, helping others is the key. There are plenty of charities out there that you can support. Take a look at ’‘This Is My Brave’, a charity that helps individuals with mental illnesses to share their stories via creative means such as poetry or music. The website offers details of how you can get involved by ‘becoming a brave champion’. You’ve likely heard of Women’s Aid, a charity that works to protect women and children against domestic violence. This organization also offers many opportunities to help by campaigning or fundraising. There may also be local charities close to home that you could reach out to. 

7. Get back to nature

The natural world is the perfect space for us to lift our endorphins and reduce tension levels within the body. Ask yourself how much time you spend in nature. Think about how you could increase this with a few simple steps. It could be adding a bike ride to your weekend regime or perhaps taking up a sport that involves being outdoors. Another great way to get back to nature is by trying a foraging class or course. Foraging involves going to a woodland area, gathering wild foods from the earth, and then using them in cooking. Typical foods you’d look for include herbs, berries, nuts, mushrooms, wild garlic, etc. You’ll get a lovely stroll in the forest plus you’ll get to learn all about wild foods and cooking.

8. Gratitude

Practicing gratitude is a really simple way that all of us can improve our mental health. True gratitude is about valuing everything you have, especially the small things that you take for granted. Start by writing yourself a list of the things that you are grateful for. Make it part of your daily routine to look over the list, so that you can be more mindful. Put small practices into your routine that help you reflect on all of the good things in your life.

9. Home improvements

Our homes are the spaces where we want to feel relaxed and at peace, so we have to ensure that we create a welcoming space. You don’t have to blow the budget to improve your home. One of the easiest things that you can do is to clear out your unwanted items and give everything a deep clean. Next, invest in a few health-boosting decorations; from indoor plants to aromatherapy candles. Hang inspirational quotes on the walls and pictures of your loved ones. Invest in comfy blankets and huge pillows for those chill-out times on the sofa. If you want to feel more relaxed, simple touches to our home can make all the difference.

10. Make a book of memories

Do you ever feel like all your lovely pictures only end up on social media? Make it your mission this year to print out all of your favorites and put them into a photo album. It’s nice to have tangible memories to look back on in years to come. Spending time to make a book of memories just for you is a great gift of self-care.

Friends, what are your goals to boost your mental health this season at home? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

We all want to make sure our diet is as healthy as possible. Sure, we’ll indulge in the occasional treat, but chances are we have health goals that we want to pursue and altering a diet will form a big part of that. If we want to lose weight, we may follow diets that cut fat or carbs. If we want to build muscle, we might follow diets that boost protein and cut fats. Whatever your goals, there’s bound to be some sort of fad diet out there that promises to give you results quickly and easily. But should you buy into them?

Being Wary of Fad Diets

It’s generally acknowledged that fad diets are simply a quick fix. They might give you the immediate results you want, but they’re often unsustainable and can’t be carried out as a permanent lifestyle change – whether that’s because they’re unhealthy in the long run or unenjoyable. This is why it’s absolutely essential that you don’t see them as a fix-all solution. Generally, fad diets shouldn’t be relied on as something that will change your life. Instead, the actual solution to reaching your health goals will be a combination of a healthy diet and meeting recommended amounts of exercise. The infographic below will help you to find the right diet for your overall health and wellbeing. If you want any further advice, always remember you can consult your doctor, who will be able to recommend which diets will best suit your personal needs and dietary requirements and preferences.

Infographic Design By USC