Shed Those Last 5 Pounds Before the Holdays With These 3 Simple Tips

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Sometimes, those last five pounds you are looking to lose take the most work. As frustrating as that can be, there are some things you can do to help speed along the process. If you have been struggling to reach your goal weight, these simple tips can help you achieve success in time for the holidays. 

1. Drink More Water

It may seem counterintuitive that adding water to your diet will help you lose weight. After all, water is heavy and excess water weight can make you appear bloated and puffy. However, staying hydrated allows your body to operate more efficiently. That means toxins and waste products get moved out more quickly, allowing you to achieve a healthier appearance. It also helps you feel full throughout the day so you are less likely to reach for snacks. After a few weeks of increased water intake and a noninvasive body contouring treatment Virginia Beach, you'll be ready to skip into that little black dress. 

2. Clean Out Your Pantry

Even when you are trying to eat for weight loss, you can still be pouring a lot of extra garbage into your body. Take an afternoon to clean out your pantry and get rid of unhealthy foods. That will make it much easier to stick to whole foods like fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and lean meats that offer the best weight loss results. Your body is best able to process these types of foods, so it won't have to work as hard to get the nutrients you need. 

3. Reduce Stress levels

When your body is under stress, it doesn't work as well. You are also more likely to feel tired and fall ill. Learn a few strategies for reducing stress to move closer to your goal weight. Meditation, yoga and spending time outdoors are all quite effective and accessible to virtually anyone. 

You don't have to live with those extra pounds. Utilizing simple lifestyle adaptations like reducing stress, staying hydrated and keeping healthy food in the house can help you shed them. 

3 Marble Countertop Care Tips

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Marble countertops can be a lovely addition to any kitchen. The durable, long-lasting natural stone can develop an attractive patina over time. However, marble countertops require proper care to stay in good shape. There are things that homeowners should do to ensure the marble looks and functions well for decades.

1. Clean After Use

Acidic foods such as wine, vinegar, tomatoes and citrus fruits can damage marble. Spills that are not cleaned up promptly can cause stains, especially if left for hours or overnight. Use mild soaps with water and nonabrasive cloths or sponges to clean countertops after use to keep them looking fresh. Avoid using cleaners with harsh chemicals or abrasive properties to preserve the finish.

2. Protect From Damage

Be careful when using heavy objects, as dropped items can chip or crack counters. If damage does occur, find help with countertop repair Manhattan NY. Use large cutting boards or silicone sheets to prevent acidic or staining foods from coming into contact with the surface of the countertops. While marble is tolerant of heat, it is a good idea to use trivets underneath hot pots and pans as a safeguard.

3. Remove Stains and Seal

Occasionally, stains will occur that cannot be removed during the normal cleaning routine. At that point, a harsher chemical and abrasive cloth may be employed to strip off the sealant and remove the stain. The counter should be allowed to dry completely before being resealed. The sealant may wear out over time. Put a few drops of water on a countertop to see if they remain beaded on the surface or sink in and spread. If they sink into the marble, it is time to reseal the counters.

Although caring for marble countertops does take time and dedication, many people believe it is a worthwhile endeavor. If unsure of what to do, talk to professionals for advice.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Doctor

Choosing a doctor is a task that can take many forms and be done in a variety of ways. But when all’s said and done, what matters is the ability of that doctor to act in your best interests and to care for your health well. You have to have trust in them and be able to discuss problems with them when they arise, and for that to happen, they also need to be open and accessible. Here are more things you’ll need to consider when choosing a doctor.

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Insurance Restrictions

The first thing you’ll probably have to think about is how your insurance situation might impact your choice of doctor. Unfortunately, this is something that has to be given thought and consideration because you might be restricted from choosing certain doctors because their services aren’t covered by the health insurance cover you currently have in place.

The Logistics of Their Practice

There are logistical things that need to be thought about as well. For example, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re able to get there easily enough, so the practice’s distance from your home should be taken into account. Then look at how easy it is to get appointments that suit you and how far in advance you have to book them. Things like that matter a lot.

Their Area of Specialization

Obviously, you’re going to need to find a doctor who has a particular specialization if you have specific health issues that you want addressed. Maybe that’s why you’re currently looking for a doctor, or maybe you have a chronic condition that needs to be taken into account when choosing a doctor. If you have a heart condition, for example, someone like Lindita Coku will be ideal because of their specialization.

Their General Reputation

The reputation of the doctor you consider matters as well. A doctor with a poor reputation usually has that reputation for a reason. You’ll want to make sure that their previous patients have good things to say about them and not purely negative things. Explore that reputation and even talk to previous patients of theirs if that’s something that’s possible. Personal recommendations are always valuable.

The Amount of Experience They Have

Anyone who is practicing medicine and working in the health industry has to go through a lot of training and get a lot of qualifications. However, many people prefer to work with doctors who have lots of experience and who have been practicing for a long time. That’s something that you might also want to take into account when making your decision as well.

Choosing a doctor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Nothing matters more than your health and the health of those closest to you, so when the time comes to choose a doctor, you owe it to yourself to do proper research and consider all of the things we’ve discussed here today.

How to Stay Protected on the Road

One of the things we all worry about when it comes to driving and being behind the wheel is safety. It’s a real concern because bad driving and a lack of safety measures can have disastrous consequences. So what can you do to make yourself and those in the car with you better protected when you’re on the road? That’s the question we’re going to look to answer today, so read on to find out more.

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Remove Distractions From Your Vehicle

One of the biggest dangers on the road can be found within your own car. You owe it to yourself to remove these distractions from your vehicle and to drive free of things that might cause your attention to be taken away from the road. Any distractions that are present should be dealt with before you hit the road. And remember, using your phone while driving is not only dangerous but illegal.

Plan Ahead and Give Yourself Time

Planning ahead and making sure that you give yourself plenty of time when you’re on the road is important. Its’ when we’re rushing and running late that we start to make stupid decisions and begin to drive dangerously. There’s never an excuse for dangerous driving, so plan ahead and give yourself the time you need in order to avoid those kinds of situations.

Stay on Top of Regular Maintenance

Things like regular maintenance really do matter when it comes to staying safe on the road. You need to make sure your car is in good condition and isn’t going to let you down in a situation where you need to act fast or retain control of the vehicle in a tough spot. If there are problems present with the vehicle, you’re going to need to get them fixed at the soonest opportunity.

Get Covered for Breakdowns and Repairs

Getting covered for breakdowns and repairs is vitally important because these things do happen. No matter how reliable you feel like your car is, there are always things that can go wrong unexpectedly. By getting the right coverage such as the coverage offered by Cars Protection Plus, you’ll be able to make sure that this isn’t something you need to worry about.

Adapt Your Car as the Conditions Change

As the seasons change and the conditions you’re driving in change, your car should change as well. If you’re in a location where winter brings plenty of snow and ice, you should make sure that your car has winter tires and is prepared in all the proper ways to handle the weather conditions. And the same applies to whatever conditions your car needs to deal with in your location.

There are so many threats out there on the road, and the chances are you’re going to run into problems with at least one of them at some point. But if you take the right steps and start taking safety on the road seriously, you’ll be prepared and able to deal with whatever’s thrown at you.

Common Reasons You May Be Experiencing Chronic Hip Pain

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Your hips are involved with a wide range of movements you make every day, from walking and running to getting up and down and turning. It should come as no surprise, then, that many people live with chronic pain in their hips. However, just because they are a vital and key part of daily motion does not mean your hips have to hurt. The more you know about the common causes of pain in this area, the better prepared you will be to overcome it. 

Arthritis and Joint Damage

Arthritis is not a single disease. Rather, it is an umbrella term for many different types of degenerative joint disorders. The two most common forms are rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. They have very different clinical presentations and causes. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where your body actually attacks the joints and, sometimes, organs. It can appear at any time in life but is more common in adults than children. RA can be a debilitating condition that needs careful management from a rheumatologist. 

Osteoarthritis is more akin to wear and tear. It usually develops over time as joints wear out. Poor nutrition and injuries can exacerbate the condition and cause it to appear in younger people. As osteoarthritis of the hip progresses, many people choose to undergo hip replacement Charleston SC to restore function to and relieve the discomfort in the joint. 

Soft Tissue Injuries

Pain centered on the external portions of the hip tends to be caused b soft tissue damage. This may be a strain, a sprain from a sudden injury or movement or tendonitis from repetitive use. In most cases, resting the affected area can help ease these symptoms. 

Although arthritis and soft tissue strains are common causes of chronic hip pain, they are not the only ones. The best way to determine why you are experiencing chronic pain is to discuss your symptoms with a medical care provider and undergo testing.

Things To Think About When Buying A New Car

If you are considering buying a new car, there are likely lots of things that are running through your mind right now. From the obvious and straightforward choices you need to make to the ones that take a little more consideration, it can feel like every time you think you know what you are doing, another one of those thoughts pop up in its place. Fear not, however, as that is why we have written this post - to help you out by listing all of the things that you need to think about when it is time to purchase a new car. 

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Selling Your Old Car

Many people need to sell their old car to fund the purchase of their new one. You first need to think about the condition that it is in. If it is still roadworthy and not too battered and old, you will probably get a fair amount of money for it. However, if it could be described as an 'old banger', then that is probably not going to happen. Do a thorough inspection of the car, from the interior to the exterior, and under the hood. If there any minor issues, think about addressing those before you try to sell it on - this can help increase the value of the car. 

You then need to think about how much you are aiming to get for it. Be realistic with your expectations - do not aim for something ridiculously high that you are never going to get, but at the same time, do not undervalue your car. You can always drop the price when negotiating with a potential buyer.  You also need to decide whether to sell to a private buyer or a trader. There are benefits to both options, so weigh up the pros and cons of each and decide which would be best for you.

New or Second Hand?

When we are talking about a new car, we do not necessarily mean brand new - we mean new to you. You may well be looking for a second-hand car, and if this is the case, you need to check out sellers very carefully.  If you are going car shopping in Tucson, AZ, a reputable dealership may well be your best option. Sometimes, it can be a little risky to buy from a private seller.  You will find that most established second-hand auto traders offer you some sort of guarantee or warranty that is not provided by private sellers, but this gives you an extra layer of protection on the off chance that something should go wrong.

If you do decide to buy a brand new car, make sure that you shop around to get a good deal and make sure that you do get a comprehensive warranty from the dealer because while unlikely, things still can and do go wrong. 

How Are You Going To Pay For It?

If you have the cash to buy the car outright, that is great, but if you are upgrading your car or purchase brand new, it is likely that you wouldn't be able to purchase it outright. This means that you need to look into a car financing option that works for you. There are many ways of doing this, such as hire purchase. This means paying an amount every month, but you do not own the car until you have fully paid it off. Others prefer to get a personal loan from the bank so that they can pay cash for the car and then pay the loan back to the tender. The advantage of this is that you have a good credit score; you may be able to get a lower interest rate on your vehicle. Be aware though that interest charges on your loan can fluctuate without warning

Car Insurance

Car insurance is something you need to think about before you purchase a car. There is no point in buying a car if you cannot afford to pay the insurance on it because of the engine size or because of it being a particularly desirable car. Once you know the registration of a car, you should be able to go online and get quotes for the insurance to give you an idea. By doing this, you will be able to compare prices and know whether you can afford the monthly or annual insurance premiums. 

You should also think about what may occur when you are facing any kind of car accident. A car accident can turn into one of the most difficult situations in our lives. These types of unforeseen events can happen to any driver due to many factors. That is why it is important to be prepared and know what can and should be done after a car accident. Our accident attorneys not only focus on the laws and regulations, but they also understand the pain, confusion, and concerns of people who have been through this stressful situation. We are aware of the irreparable damage that a car accident can cause and how difficult it is to recover for many of the victims and their families.  

Regardless of the type of accident, always contact the authorities as soon as possible. The police will initiate an investigation of the incident. Regardless of who was responsible for the car accident, it is essential to have an official report from the authorities because it can be of great help. When the police arrive on the scene, collaborate with the officers, make a note of the officers' names and the patrol number, and ask where you can get a copy of the report. Then you will need to look at attorneys. A Car Wreck Attorney can be hugely beneficial. 

Extra tip: do not sign any documents or papers or give information to other people, except for the police, emergency medical services, your insurance company or your lawyer.

Vehicle Protection Plans

When shopping for a new car, it's essential to factor in vehicle protection plans as part of the buying decision. These extra coverage plans go above and beyond manufacturer warranties to provide repairs, maintenance, and sometimes roadside assistance if something happens outside their scope of coverage. Plans offer various tiers, each providing different levels of protection, to fit the unique needs of every vehicle owner. While adding the upfront costs may seem unnecessary, remember that in the long run a properly structured vehicle protection plan could save significant sums if major repairs become necessary. Cars Protection Plus understands the importance of fully understanding each plan’s coverage, limitations and overall cost before making an informative decision about purchasing and protecting a new car.  

Other Costs 

There are many other costs that you need to consider on top of the purchase price and car insurance. For example, you need to think about the vehicle tax. You would need to pay this every six months or every year, depending on the plan that you choose. As well as this, it is always a good idea to add on breakdown cover just in case - you do not want to break down and have no way of getting to your destination! All of these costs add up, and these are not even the full extent of it.

You also need to take into account the amount of fuel that you will need to run the car. This is dependant on a range of factors, such as how often you drive, the distances you cover, and how economically you drive. You must not forget to take this into account when you are looking at all the costs associated with a new car. It is all well and good to be able to afford the purchase price and insurance, but if you can't afford to put fuel in, you will not be going anywhere.

Also, remember that if something goes wrong and a guarantee or warranty do not cover it, you will need to fork out for the repairs. If there is something wrong with the engine, that is going to cost you. Tires, which do need replacing regularly, will cost you a fair bit. 

All those smaller costs add up and usually come to bite you when you least expect it or can afford it,  so, you need to plan for every eventual cost that you could need to pay before you purchase a new vehicle.

Too Much Sugar Can Sour Your Mood Instead of Sweeten It

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Did you know that what you eat can dramatically impact how you feel for the rest of the day?

You may recall enjoying a heavy meal - say, three slices of your favorite pizza followed by a huge ice cream sundae - and subsequently feeling moody and lethargic. Or you may have just enjoyed a big bowl of salad and felt focused and invigorated afterward.

On the other side of the spectrum, your mood can also influence the food you crave. If you had a rough day at work, you're more likely to finish a tub of activated charcoal ice cream and fries while watching your favorite sitcom. If you finished a good workout, on the other hand, you may want to grab something healthier, such as steamed vegetables, grilled chicken, and your favorite flavored water minus the artificial sweeteners.

Simply put, numerous foods can either make or break your happiness. But if there's one food that you should be wary of, it's sugar because nothing can jeopardize your mood more than excessive intake of sugar.

How Does Sugar Affect Your Mood?

"But how can sugar make me sad? It makes me happy!" you might say.

Sugary treats have become the go-to comfort foods of people who are stressed and sad. But excessive consumption of your favorite sweets could negatively influence your mood.

Think about the time you over-indulged in chocolates or enjoyed a second (or third) helping of pasta. At first, you might have felt good since these are the exact foods you wanted. But as the body converted the carbohydrates into sugar, you might have started to feel cranky, tired, mentally foggy, or a little anxious.

Initially, sugar satisfies your brain's craving centers. It increases your heart rate and blood pressure, which can give you a surge of 'happy' energy. But after the surge of energy comes the crash, aka the sugar crash. The higher your sugar levels go, the harder you will fall.

Symptoms of your blood sugar spiking include headaches and fatigue. Low blood sugar, on the other hand, creates irritability and anxiety. These up-and-down moments with your sugar levels create a series of highs and lows that can negatively influence your mood.

Finally, sugar can also act as a drug by triggering your brain's reward neurotransmitter, dopamine. Studies prove that sugar can be more addictive than cocaine. Even though you know the sugar isn't good for you and your mood, you still crave those treats that leave you feeling bad.

Sugar's Role in the Gut-Brain Link

Excessive consumption of sugar causes inflammation throughout your body, including your gut. Studies show that gut inflammation can also cause mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. What affects your gut affects your brain, too.

Your gut sends a variety of neurotransmitters and hormones to your brain. One of them is serotonin, the hormone in charge of your mood and feelings of well-being. Your gut manufactures serotonin. If you don't have enough of these mood-influencing neurotransmitters due to a gut problem, you may experience mood disorders.

Reduce Sugar to Optimize Your Mood

The momentary bliss sugar offers come at the cost of exacerbating or triggering feelings of depression and anxiety. If you want to stabilize your mood, reduce the amount of sugar you consume. Apart from reducing your sugar intake, creating healthier lifestyle strategies can make you feel good.

Consider the following:

• Get off to the right start. Start your day with a healthy breakfast rich in fiber and protein. This healthy breakfast will not only reduce your sugar cravings; it can also stabilize your mood. Go for oatmeal with dried fruit or wheat bread with natural fruit jam.
• Satisfy your cravings with mood-boosting foods. Improve your mood with good mood foods that are nutrient-dense. Among these foods include the following:
• Low-sugar fruit and non-starchy vegetables. These foods are rich in mood-enriching nutrients such as iron, vitamin B1 and folate. Include plenty of berries and leafy greens in your meals.
• Dark chocolate. If you're craving for chocolate, go dark. Dark chocolate can reduce tension and increase pleasant feelings. Satisfy your chocolate cravings by looking for an organic raw dark chocolate and enjoy in moderation.
• Green tea. Ditch the sweet coffee for calming tea rich in the amino acid L-theanine, which can stabilize your mood.
• Work on your sleep. If you have struggled with mood disorders after a night of bad sleep, work on your sleeping habits. Good sleep is crucial for people of all ages so try to get at least eight hours of sleep.

Sugar can make you happy, but for just a little while. Instead of settling for sweet, short-term serendipity, think long-term and reduce your consumption of sugar today.

Should We Help Our Older Relatives Purchase a Mobile Phone?

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If you don't feel like you are in contact with your relatives enough, why is this? When we are pretty much glued to our phones but don’t use it for actual talking. we've got to think that if we are not speaking to our grandparents or older relatives as much, we have to rectify this quickly. But when we have so much stress in our lives as we might feel that we don't have much of an opportunity to truly speak to people in our lives. But also if you have got parents or grandparents that aren't au fait when it comes to communication, it may be time for them to join the mobile phone generation.

While your parents or grandparents may not be able to operate an email account or social media, giving them a mobile phone can be a lifesaver of sorts. As they get older and become less mobile, giving them access to a world of information at their fingertips can make life considerably easier for them. While they don't need to set up social media accounts and scroll through news feeds all day, a mobile phone can make a massive difference to them, especially if they are feeling stuck at home. Take a look at the infographic below to explore what the best mobiles for older people are. If we are concerned that we don’t speak to our loved ones enough, but they aren’t “tech-savvy,” it can be a fantastic way, not just to improve communication between family members, but it could potentially save their life one day.

Infographic Design By Fanmi Senior https://www.fanmisenior.com/news/what-is-the-best-mobile-phone-for-older-people-infographic

Coping with Stress at Work

 

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Never get to a point where you confuse working hard with overworking at the expense of your sanity. Every job has some level of work-related pressure. Regardless of how much you love your job, you might be faced with a challenging obligation that stresses you.

However, when work-related stress becomes chronic, it can be harmful both physically and health-wise. Unfortunately, long-term stress at the workplace is all too common, according to a survey in America by APA. Work has been cited time and again as a significant source of stress by many Americans.

You may not be able to avoid work-related stress in its entirety due to workplace dynamics. Take a look at some sources of stress at work:

• Few or lack of opportunities for growth
• Excessive workloads
• Low salaries
• Lack of social support
• Conflict in performance expectations and unclear demands
• Unchallenging work conditions 

Stress from work doesn’t just disappear when you get home. If left unchecked, it can spiral into insomnia, anxiety, high blood pressure, and difficulty concentrating. Before it gets to that level, take these steps towards coping with stress. 

Track Your Stressors

The best way to determine what your stressors are is to have a journal. Take note of those situations that create the most stress and how you react to them.

Record your feelings, thoughts, and information about the environment, including what and who is involved in the physical setting. As you take notes over some time, you’ll notice some patterns that can help you find a solution.

Develop a Health Response

The last thing you should do is to try to fight stress with alcohol or fast food. This will only mask the problem for a while and with time compound the problem. Learn to make healthy choices whenever you feel the tension arise.

For instance, if your stressor is a low salary that’s never enough, consider getting into a financial management program. This will help you find ways to manage the little you get, so that you not only survive but also thrive. You could look into the DTSS U.S. Complete Freedom solution that propels you from debt to freedom.

Create Some Boundaries

It’s crucial to set work-life boundaries for yourself. For example, separate your time at work from home issues and vice versa. Determine that you won’t bring work to your private space, or answer work-related phone calls at dinner.

You also need to plan to stay organized and not do anything beyond your work plan. The more organized you are, the better you'll be at avoiding the adverse effects of clutter. This will improve your levels of efficiency.

While at it, avoid multitasking as it affects your speed and accuracy. To some extent, your sanity also suffers as you try to juggle between more than two tasks at once.

When to Get Help

If you do all you can to deal with stress but still can't, it's probably time to get help. Don't ignore the situation or deny you have a problem. Reach out to a co-worker for support and to buffer you the adverse effects of work-related stress.

If you don’t feel safe opening up to a colleague, go for professional help. A counselor will help unearth all underlying factors and help you deal with them adequately.

4 Misconceptions About Business Wear And Style

Are you preparing for an important job interview? Perhaps you are working to be considered for that crucial job promotion at work? If this is the case, then there are a few steps that you can explore and misconceptions about business style that you definitely need to avoid. Let’s take a look at a few of the false assumptions. 

Women Don’t Need To Think About Their Business Style 

One of the biggest misconceptions that you definitely need to avoid is that women don’t need to think about their style at all. That’s just not the case and the reality is that women could be judged by what they wear to work, even more so than their fellow men in the office. If you are worried about this, you should explore popular trends in women’s office wear. In doing so, you can ensure that you don’t look out of place in your business. However, ultimately, expectations here could differ from business to business. 

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You Can’t Be Yourself 

A lot of people assume that dressing the right way for the office means that you won’t be able to show who you are and maintain your personal style. We don’t think that’s the case at all though and you can certainly still represent your own idea of yourself. An example of this would be piercings. You can still have piercings even if you are trying to look your best in the office. If you’re looking for rock piercing jewelry shop here and consider styles that aren’t too bold. 

The Little Details Don’t Matter

You might think that customers and employers are going to ignore the little details when it comes to your personal style. However, you’d probably be surprised or even amazed by the little things about you that a customer or client will notice. That’s why it is worth ensuring that your shoes are polished and that your work outfit is well presented. You need to iron your shirt and ensure that you’re not wearing clothes that look like they need a wash. Other aspects of your style like your hair are important too. You might even want to think about getting your hair cut and styled the day before you have a job interview. That way it still looks and feels fresh. 

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You Need To Spend A Fortune

Lastly, you might assume that you need to spend a fortune to look perfect for the business office. We’re glad to tell you that you can ensure that you look ready for the office, even if you’re working on quite a tight budget. You just need to search around for different stores and look for great deals on clothing. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the things that people do tend to get wrong about business style and a few of the steps you can take to guarantee that you look great when you enter the office in the morning. Indeed, perfecting your business style could help you improve your business reputation or even help you win big at your next job interview.