Why It’s Important to Focus on Your Personal Well-Being

Posted on January 22, 2021January 22, 2021 by Jessica Bailey

You’ve heard it said so often it may be starting to lose all meaning, but we are living in unprecedented times. With that in mind, it is easy to focus on physical health, but mental health is just as important. Until we can conquer the COVID-19 pandemic and everything that comes with it, then you need to find ways to work on focusing on your personal well-being.

Whether that means working on your finances, finding a new hobby, or spending more time outside, there are many ways you can do that. Learn about some ways to focus on you and why it’s so important to do so.

Financial stress can have adverse effects on you.

Many people across the United States lost their jobs or experienced a significant drop in income in 2020, meaning bills went unpaid and credit scores dropped. If you have a car loan, you could be stressing about paying that so that your car does not face repossession. The average auto loan interest rate is around 5.6 percent but could be much higher depending on the type of car you buy or your credit.

To alleviate some of your pandemic-related stress, consider speaking with your auto loan provider. They may be able to lower your monthly payment or get you a lower interest rate. In some cases, they may even be able to work with you to postpone a payment or two so that your credit report is not adversely affected, leaving you with bad credit.

Eliminating this source of stress could help, as continuing to stress can lead to adverse health problems. Work through ways to minimize financial stress and figure out potential ways to generate extra income. Right now, every extra dollar helps.

Keep your personal relationships a top priority.

We aren’t able to connect with friends and family as much right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still work on strengthening personal relationships with important people in your life. Hopefully, you are staying safe at home with your family. Take the time to set up a date night with your significant other so that you can spend some meaningful time together.

Sure, you are home together more often now, but you still need to care for that relationship and keep yourself and them as happy as possible right now. All the stress of the pandemic may be affecting you or your partner in certain ways, but your doctor can prescribe medicine that you can pick up at the local pharmacy to help with that. Ask them about discount Sildenafil if you are concerned about the money.

Boost your personal appearance.

Sure, we are working remotely and staying home as much as possible, but that doesn’t mean you should just live in sweatpants and never do anything with hair or makeup. In fact, right now may be a great time to experiment with a new look. Instead of your generic eyeliner, consider upgrading to a magnetic liner and magnetic lashes that follow your natural lash line much easier than traditional falsies or lash extensions. These false eyelashes can amplify the appearance of your eyes and really help them stand out—especially on those Zoom meetings you have for work or a virtual happy hour with friends.

Along with magnetic lashes, you can also clip coupons and shop the clearance rack for some new clothes that can help boost your self-esteem if you’re feeling down about the limitations of the pandemic. Try to do a little something different so that you are not stuck feeling depressed all the time. Focusing on you and your well-being may be just exactly what helps you get through these times until life is back to normal again.

What You Need to Do Before Your Upcoming Move

Posted on January 16, 2021January 16, 2021 by Rosie Bennett

Moving can be both exciting and extremely overwhelming at the same time, especially if you have psychotherapy for mental health issues. From trying to pack with the kids and pets underfoot to trying to find the right storage facility to store your belongings until you need them and from transferring your medical doctor, your psychologist, and even your psychiatrist, it can be hard to move and still keep your wits about you at the same time.

It’s time to face it; with all the excitement of finding the perfect house to move into, it’s easy to forget to do the simple things, or even some of the important ones as moving day draws closer. It’s best to be super-organized, make a list and check it twice, then take a deep breath before you begin preparing for your big move so that you can stay in good mental health during the process. In this article, you’ll find a few tips to help you do just that and take care of your mental health at the same time.

Find the perfect new home for your family.

The first thing you need to do is get out there and find the perfect new home for your family. You don’t want to start packing, switching out your psychologist, or moving things into a temporary storage unit until you know that you’ve found your new home. Just as you take your time searching for a new white jumpsuit to wear to an open house for the home you’re considering, you should take your time finding that home, to begin with.

When you’re searching for the perfect home, make sure that it has the features you want. You want it to be close to your psychologist, close to work and close the storage unit you’ve chosen to keep your stuff in as well. Make sure that you change out of that jumpsuit you wore to pack up your belongings however because a white jumpsuit is sure to get dirty easily.

Pare down all the possessions you can.

Moving is the perfect time to get rid of stuff that you rarely, if ever, use anymore. Take an inventory of the things you’ll be able to use in your new home and get rid of the ones that you won’t. While it’s possible to store all of your items in a storage unit, you want to save that space for things you will use and things you can’t get rid of. Once you’ve found cheap storage space in Miami, you can start moving your belongings to the storage unit whenever you’re ready.

The best thing to do is to separate your belongings into three different piles. One pile will be donated to Goodwill or another charity, one pile will go straight to the trash dump, and the last pile will be taken to your storage space on one of your trips to your storage unit. Once you’ve taken care of those three piles, the only things you should have left are the items you’re taking with you to your new home. Decluttering your home can be a calming experience during all of the chaos of moving as well.

Research new doctors.

If you’re going to be living relatively close to your medical doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, and other medical professionals you’ll need to see, then you can skip this step in the planning process. However, if it’s going to be a chore to see these medical professionals, then you need to talk to your doctor and see if they can refer you to other doctors in the area. It’s important to note that there is a difference between psychologist and psychiatrist during your search, so when you’re searching for new counseling, psychotherapy, or even psychological tests for a mental illness, you need to keep that in mind.

Turn on your utilities.

Don’t just assume that your gas, electricity, water, and other utilities will be up and ready to run the night you move into your new home. Set up all your utilities ahead of time. It’s best to have them switched on a couple of days before the big move, then you can go out and check to see that everything is working fine. The last thing you want is to get everything moved only to find on the big day that the water isn’t working or the breaker box is fried.

It won’t be good if you have to grab things out of your storage unit and head to a hotel for a few nights while these things are being fixed. Have them switched on ahead of time for your mental health and the mental health of your family also. If you do find yourself overly stressed and worried about your mental health, please make an appointment with your psychiatrist right away for a therapy session or talk therapy if you prefer.

Set up your cable and internet ahead of time.

If you plan on watching TV while you’re unpacking all the boxes you picked up from the storage unit on your way to the new house, then you will want to have your cable set up ahead of time. If you plan to work between unpacking those boxes, you need to have the internet connection and make sure it’s operational before you begin.

Get to know your new home.

Just as with anywhere else that’s new to you and your family, you’re going to have to take some time during that first month to get to know your new home. From finding out where the breaker box is to figure out where the outside faucets are, there’s a lot to do that first month to get acquainted and settled in, and feeling comfortable as well. As always, if you have problems settling in, make an appointment with your psychiatrist or psychologist for therapy to help you adjust.

These are just a few of the things you need to do before you move to a new home, and a few things you should do when you get there. With these tips, your move should be stress-free, and settling into your new home will be a breeze.

How Human and Canine Ear Structures Differ

Posted on December 29, 2020January 7, 2021 by Patrick Ryan

As all dog lovers know, your canine companions have an incredible sense of hearing. Although all canines have these amazing sense abilities, it is actually the structure of a pup’s ears themselves that harness such sensitivity to sound. We, as humans, would require a powerful hearing aid to even come close to a dog’s audible abilities, whether it’s a small dog or big dog, yet we can learn much about their behavior by understanding their sensitivity to sound.

A dog’s ears are the window to their soul.

Often, the shape of the canine’s ear will convey their emotional well-being. Structurally, it contains four main components: the ear flap, the external ear canal, the middle ear, and the internal, or inner, ear. Amazingly, a pup’s ears work independently of each other, and their emotions are visible by watching the ears’ movements. Every emotion is dictated by their hearing abilities, even in the youngest, small size puppy.

No matter the breed, a dog’s heightened auditory abilities comes from over a dozen muscles that control the ears’ movements, and the many blood vessels and nerves in the auditory area. While humans with hearing loss may require a pair of hearing aids for even a fraction of a dog’s ability of the highest hearing performance, a canine’s biological makeup provides all the hearing needs for a remarkable amount of situational awareness.

The Structure of Dog Ears vs. Humans’ Ears

As humans our ear structure is relatively basic: the outer ear functions to “collect” sound waves and lead them to tympanic membrane, while the middle ear is merely a narrow cavity in the temporal bone. In dogs, the pinna of their external ear is a funnel-like plate of cartilage that collects the vibrations of the air itself, sending that minuscule connection to the ear canal and eardrum. The dog’s ear canal is significantly longer than that of a human’s, and that length makes it possible for a canine to hear more sounds with a better sound quality. Within the middle ear, three small bones transmit the air vibrations from the eardrum, like that of a human, but in a much more nuanced and heightened way. In a noisy environment, a pooch’s hearing can pick up even the smallest natural sound.

A pooch’s supreme hearing is due to a higher frequency level. For example, the higher the frequency, the more sound waves per second, thus the higher-pitched the sound. The human ear peaks at its best ability around the 2,000 Hertz range, even with the assistance of something as advanced as a durable Signia hearing aid or the simplicity of the iPhone Signia app. Dogs, however, hear best at 8,000 Hz, which is why they can hear higher pitches than we can.

Dogs and the World Around Them

Dog owners can merely take their pet in a dog harness and go for a walk somewhere with a high level of ambient noise to witness their great abilities. Strap a comfy “no-pull harness” around the dog’s chest for a snug fit, ensuring there’s no discomfort, and grab a leash. Then let them lead the way! Be sure you carefully pick the best harness with with the best fit and adjustable straps for better control. Then watch the dog’s head work like nature’s own directional microphone and watch their natural hearing experience prove that nothing can beat a pup’s ears.

According to any dog trainer, daily walks are also a great idea for all dog breeds, not just for exercise, but to develop your dog’s comfort level outdoors. Be sure to buckle and adjust the vest or harness properly to the dog’s body and be sure the leash attaches to the dog’s back (although a front-clip harness or no pull dog harness would be ideal), then keep a careful eye on the ear movements as the pooch comes to full attention. Anything as a simple as a phone call dozens of feet away, TV audio from a nearby home, or chatter from a busy restaurant may captivate a dog’s audible sensitivity. If you suffer from hearing loss, each small motion from your dog’s superior sound quality, behavior, and clearer level of hearing can provide better safety and awareness, especially on a crowded street.

Humans may need the exceptional sound quality of good hearing aids with manual adjustments, bluetooth, directional microphones, and various accessories to mirror a canine’s natural ability. But with a frequency range that broad, a dog’s high level of hearing and superior sound is based on the pure simplicity of their natural listening experience.

5 Tips for Opening Your Own Pet Shop

Posted on November 27, 2020November 27, 2020 by Siera Brown

For animal lovers looking to own a pet store in their neighborhood, there are quite a few things that need to be considered. Whether you’re planning to carry only exotic pets or pets more on the lines of dogs, cats, and reptiles, it’s going to cause stress, not only to get the business side of the pet shop set up but also to set up the shop itself.

You also need quite a bit of experience with everything from the substrate to feeders and egg crates to water crystals. You need to know what the best carrots, oranges, crickets, and dubia roaches you need to feed your reptiles, as well as knowing how to take care of them and any other animals you choose to have for sale in your pet shop. In this article, you’ll find a few tips to help you open your own pet shop, both legal tips, and set up tips.

1. Get the proper licenses.

The first thing you want to do before you put even one single reptile in your shop is to get the proper license so that it’s legal for you to open your doors. This will entail inspecting the space for proper ventilation, mold, or any other problems that need addressing. Does your shop have a concrete floor that needs epoxy paint? Take care of that and any other potentially allergy-inducing issues before day one.

Not only will you need the licenses to open a business, but many states also require pet shop owners to have special licenses as well. You want to do your research and talk to the proper authorities to see if your state requires that extra license. The application for that license may ask you to list each type of animal you’re going to be selling, and ask you to provide a detailed floorplan for the shop you’ll be opening.

2. Find space and stock supplies.

Once you know that your pet shop is a go, you need to find space and then start stocking your supplies. For example, if you’re going to be carrying reptiles, you need feeders, roaches, and crickets for food, aquariums, plastic tubs, beds, and many other items that will help you keep them healthy until they are sold to good homes. You’ll also need to know about dubia roaches care so that you can take care of the food source for your reptiles. in addition, you’ll need water dishes and a good water source to keep all of your animals healthy, watered, and fed.

Speaking of water sources, you’re also going to need water for yourself and water for your employees. That’s where water from
canadiansprings.com comes in. This bottled water is a great choice for your employees to drink, and you might be able to give some of it to the pets as well. You only want the best water for your pet shop and this company has it in spades.

3. Get your shop set up.

When it comes to opening a pet shop, you want the shop to be in tip-top shape before you bring the animals in. This means that you should have aquariums, enclosures, buckets, and tubs all ready and waiting for your precious cargo to arrive. You should also look into commercial floors and commercial floor coating, since it’s durable, impact-resistant, and won’t stain if things are dropped onto it. From a new floor to a floor that has the right amount of coating on it, you want to get all of this done before the animals arrive. Especially since the reptiles don’t need too much handling, so you don’t want to be taking them out of their enclosures for long periods of time.

4. Take care of the animals and yourself.

Another legal tip for pet shop owners is to pay attention to the anticruelty laws concerning animals of any kind. You need to abide strictly by your state’s health and animal cruelty codes. Different states have different rules for this but all of them involve bathing, feeding, and taking care of the animals the way that you should. In some states, it’s mandatory that at least one person is in the pet store for a specific amount of time every day, even if that’s on a day when the pet store is closed. This way, you will always know if the animals need something or if there’s an emergency. These laws and codes are in place for a reason, so make sure that you follow them to the letter.

It’s also important that in the midst of all of the running around, finding a space, inspecting concrete floors, stocking supplies, and taking care of the animals, that you take the time to purchase the proper insurance. You need the proper insurance because no matter how experienced you think your employees are or how gentle your customers are with the animals, accidents have been known to happen, so it’s a good idea to check into the best commercial or pet store insurance so that you and the animals are covered.

5. Make sure your animals are legal.

When you’re thinking about which animals to sell at your pet store, you need to be careful that they are legal to keep and sell where you live. There are some animals, such as groundhogs, that are illegal to keep as pets. Reptiles, amphibians, dogs, and cats are obviously fine, but if you’re thinking about exotic animals make sure to do your due diligence. Check the laws in the state or country where you live to see what animals or okay to keep as pets and which ones aren’t. If you’re considering housing and selling exotic pets, then you’re probably going to have to have a special permit and you might need to get a special license as well.

Bonus Tips

Learn the business.

If you want to learn what you can about pet stores and how to run the business before you decide to open your own, you can work or volunteer at your local pet store to try to get experience. It’s also a no-risk way to determine if you’re indeed cut out to be a pet store owner before you put all the money and time into the venture and then find out it’s not for you.

Remember, in order to be successful at a business you need to be passionate about it. So, if you don’t have a great love for animals and taking care of them, you might want to find another business. If you do love animals, however, then working at a pet store before opening one will help you with the know-how and things you need to make your own a success when the time comes.

Marketing is key.

One key part of running a successful pet store is making sure that you market the best way possible. You need to be active on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest so that people know who you are and where to find you to buy their pets. Whether you sell exotic animals or domestic animals as pets, you’re not going to get anywhere with making your business a success if you don’t market the way that you should, so get the word out there and then your pet store will soar.

These are just a few tips for getting your pet shop going and making it the success you always wanted it to be. Remember, if you love animals and selling, then this is a great choice for you and you will succeed with patience and hard work.

Why We Think Getting a Kitten Is the Best Gift in the World

Posted on November 19, 2020November 19, 2020 by Rosie Bennett

Cats are stereotyped as snobby, antisocial, disinterested creatures that scratch and bite. Any cat owner can tell you that despite the occasional oddness of a curious cat who likes to interrupt as you type on the computer keyboard, cats are the opposite of their bad reputation. Cats are photogenic, incredibly independent, loyal, and great lifelong companions. If you’re a pet lover thinking about welcoming a furry friend into your home, take a look at some of the reasons cats are the best pets.

Cats are better for the environment and your allergies.

Animal lovers who are conscious of their carbon footprint will be happy to know that cats are more environmentally friendly than dogs. The carbon footprint created from producing a lifetime’s worth of dog food is the equivalent of that produced by a large SUV. The carbon footprint created from producing a lifetime’s worth of cat food is the equivalent of a small hatchback. Cats also eat less food and eat more fish than corn or beef-flavored products.

Cats are great for your allergies. While they can’t magically cure you of adulthood allergies, children who are exposed to pets at a young age are less likely to develop allergies. Keeping houseplants is a fresh way to purify the air in your home and add a natural element to your decor. While common houseplants may enhance your home, they can be toxic to your furry friends. Before welcoming a new cat into your home, it’s important to ensure you have safe plants.

According to the ASPCA, pet-friendly plants include Spider Plants, Boston Ferns, prayer-plants, African Violets, Christmas cactus, Staghorn Ferms, air plants, and succulents. You can shop for a variety of cat friendly houseplants at Lively Root and enjoy free shipping to your doorstep. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned houseplant grower, you can explore their houseplant collection for plants based on direct sunlight or indirect sunlight needs, blooms, watering needs, and the ability to grow in humidity. You can still enjoy your green thumb passion while having a cat in your home. All you need to do is pot a safe indoor plant that both of you can enjoy.

Need more reasons why cats are good for your home? Felines are natural predators, and even domesticated cats have a hunter instinct. Having a cat in your home is a great way to keep it mouse-free. Despite the number of hours cats sleep for, they’re still alert when snoozing. Cats can actively hear and smell while sleeping, making them able to pounce on unwelcome house pests in the blink of an eye.

Cat owners have healthier hearts.

Researchers have found that cat owners are less stressed and have healthier hearts than those who don’t own cats. Cat owners also have a lower risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke. The theory is that cats require less effort than dogs and enjoy being petted, which can be soothing for both animal and pet owners. Many people find the sound of a cat purring to be therapeutic. This soothing sound can help pet owners relax and fall asleep.

Cat owners tend to be smart.

When comparing pet owners, those who have cats are more likely to hold college degrees than those who have dogs. Researchers have also found in surveys that cat owners tend to be more intelligent than non-cat owners. More intelligent people tend to maintain longer work hours, and because cats are more independent than dogs, they make better companions for busy intellectuals.

Children who grow up with a cat in the home can learn social skills and how to cope with traumatic situations. Cats can also tell you a lot about your personality. The type of pet you choose correlates with your personality. Dog owners tend to be more open and extroverted while cat owners are more reserved and introverted.

Cats are low-maintenance companions.

Cats are one of the most low-maintenance companions you can have. They don’t require multiple daily walks and they can be left on their own for a day or two so long as they have access to food, water, and a litter box. Cats are less expensive to care for than medium or large dogs because they eat less food, take interest in fewer toys, and take care of their own grooming.

Cats are small creatures that are quiet and don’t take up much space, making them ideal pets for apartment living. They also don’t need open space to run around as dogs do, so you don’t have to feel bad for having a pet in a small space. You also don’t have to feel bad about leaving a cat alone. Dogs tend to make you feel guilty for heading off to work in the morning and eagerly await your return in the evening. Cats don’t mind having the house to themselves and will sleep when they’re bored. They can sleep up to 15 hours a day, so you don’t have to wonder if your feline is okay when you are working late.

Just because cats don’t require so many supplies and resources doesn’t mean you should pay more than you have to. Purchasing pet care products, pet supplies, pet food, flea medications, and nutritional supplements direct from a distributor is a convenient and cost-effective way to get the pet care items you need. PawTree produces nutritious, high-quality pet food, and supplements that are natural and holistic. All of their pet health products can be customized to the unique needs of your furry friend. New pet owners can get a customized nutrition plan developed by a holistic veterinarian based on the nutritional needs of your pet. All of their pet supplies direct sales come with a satisfaction guarantee and can be shipped free to your doorstep.

Cats fulfill your need for companionship.

Dogs are notorious for craving affection and attention from their owners, while cats are often stereotyped as antisocial. Studies suggest that cats enjoy human interaction and prefer social interaction over food. Cats can actually fulfill your need for companionship the same as for dogs, particularly for female pet owners. Studies have found that having a cat around is the emotional equivalent of having a romantic partner. Cats remember when they are treated nicely and will eventually return the favor.

Creating a romantic surprise for your partner is a fun way to bring some spark to your relationship. You don’t have to wait for Valentine’s Day to surprise your partner with a romantic idea that shows just how special they are. Instead of making a reservation at their favorite restaurant, recreate their favorite dish at home. A cute surprise is to handwrite a love letter expressing your affections and tie it to the collar of a surprise kitten. Introduce the kitten as the newest addition to your relationship and be sure to snap a picture of your partner’s surprise.

Stop Phubbing has plenty of romantic ideas for surprising your girlfriend including the gift of a relaxing massage, a personalized piece of jewelry, and fun date ideas that add an element of adventure. You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to pull off a romantic surprise when there are so many simple ways to show your affection.

It’s clear from these reasons that cats make excellent pets. They are loyal, affectionate, low-maintenance pets who can entertain themselves and help you achieve a healthier heart.

Products Your Dog Deserves to Stay in Good Health

Posted on October 30, 2020October 30, 2020 by Siera Brown

As a dog owner, you already know that taking care of your pet can be expensive. From the vet to the groomer, and from ensuring they have only the best dog food and chew toys, and most comfortable bed that you saw and just had to get for them… yes, it is quite costly! But your dog has quickly become a part of the family, and you’ve never once regretted the day that you decided to adopt and bring them to their forever home.

There are so many wonderful benefits to being a dog owner that you want to do everything in your power to make your canine pal happy, comfortable, and as healthy as s/he can be. Keeping that in mind, read on below for a few of the products your pet deserves to keep them healthy and happy for years to come.

A Harness

One of the first things you should have done when you brought your pup home was to visit Joyride Harness to find a leash and harness for your pet. Make sure that you choose a no-pull harness so that your pup is comfortable on your walks, and the leash isn’t strangling them. It’s important to have a harness for your dog because they could easily pull away from you on your walks and end up getting lost or hit by a car. Make sure that you get a harness that fits them snugly, but comfortably for the best results.

Joint Supplements

As a pet parent, there is nothing worse than having to watch your beloved pet in pain. That’s why you should start giving your pooch joint supplements for dogs, as soon as they are old enough to need them. These supplements can help to prevent arthritis, inflammation of the cartilage, and help with your pet’s joint health as well. Senior dogs especially can suffer from stiffness and joint problems. Be proactive and start your pet on supplements to help prevent these ailments from happening, and to ease them if they do.

Quality Shampoos

Many pet owners think that it’s okay to use human shampoo to wash their dogs. The truth is that you really need to use a high-quality dog shampoo, in order to get rid of germs and bad bacteria and to get rid of the bad odors that pets tend to pick up during their forays into the outside world. A human shampoo doesn’t work the same for them, as they need special ingredients to keep their skin healthy and their fur glossy. You want your dog to have only the very best, so keep the human shampoo for you, and buy your pup the high-quality dog shampoo they deserve. Fur health is just as important as joint health.

Quality Dog Food

Some dog foods are better than others, so you have to read the ingredients carefully before choosing one for your pet. Your buddy deserves only the highest-quality dog food on the market, which means you need to do your research well. There are many different choices on the market today, from wet to dry and from organic to raw. Your best bet is to take your pup to your local vet and discuss together what the best diet for your pup is going to be.

Love, Patience, Attention

While this isn’t a product, and it’s certainly not something you can buy in a store or online, you should give your dog love, patience, and attention in spades. After all, to be happy and healthy, your pup has to depend on you, and will be loyal as the day is long when they realize that they are indeed in their forever home to stay.

These are just a few of the products that your pet needs to function healthily and happily in your home. Remember, love patience and attention top that list, so don’t forget to shower your pet with all of them, every day.

Life Hacks For Those Suffering From Hearing Loss

Posted on October 29, 2020October 30, 2020 by Thomas Bennett

Many people experience varying levels of hearing difficulty, and hearing loss. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 37.5 million American adults over the age of 18 have trouble hearing. However, there are several life hacks you can implement when suffering from problems with your hearing, in addition to following the treatment recommended by your audiologist.

Never wait to schedule a hearing test if you are having difficulties. Life hacks can help you to cope with hearing loss, but they aren’t a long-term strategy for your overall hearing health. When it comes to finding an audiologist in Denver Colorado who can help you live your best life, turn to Sound Relief Hearing Center. Their experienced audiologists perform several types of hearing tests on new patients to determine the type of hearing problems and the extent of the loss in hearing.

Once your audiologist determines which type of hearing difficulty you have, they can recommend treatment such as hearing aids or cochlear implants. The Denver ear associates use the latest techniques and technologies for treating audiological issues such as tinnitus and loss of hearing to help improve your overall hearing health. The best way to cope with hearing loss is to contact an audiology center at the first signs of compromised hearing.

Beyond that, here are a few life hacks, guaranteed to help you cope with any difficulties in your hearing.

Hear With the Correct Ear

A simple yet sensible life hack is to hear with the correct ear. Normally, you’d use both ears for maximum hearing, but with hearing impairments, it matters which ear you use for each situation. Turn your right ear to hear speech better, and turn your left ear to listen to music.

Pause and Think

It becomes a habit to say “what?” when a loss of hearing impacts your ability to register what someone else is saying. But, you can break that habit by pausing, and taking a moment, before speaking. Your brain is capable of using context clues to fill in any gaps when it has a moment to process. Get into the habit of using your surroundings, contextualizing the conversation, and then filling in the blanks whenever possible, before asking for something to be repeated.

Sound Masking

Tinnitus patients, who still have significant use of their hearing, use a process called sound masking as a tool to help minimize its effects. Background noise helps drown out the sounds of tinnitus and provide temporary relief from its associated discomfort. Use partial masking to help you focus by keeping the volume of the masking audio, lower than the volume of your tinnitus. Lowering the perceived volume of your tinnitus can help your brain and nervous system stop reacting negatively to sound.

High-Fidelity Ear Plugs

High-fidelity ear plugs are a must to protect your ears in loud environments when living with hearing difficulties. Traditional earplugs absorb and block out as much sound as possible. High-fidelity or musician’s earplugs have special filters that evenly reduce the decibel level of your surroundings. You can still listen to music, engage in conversations, and maintain situational awareness with high-fidelity earplugs at a lower volume.

Put Your Back Against the Wall

An interesting yet practical life hack for those with hearing issues is to sit with your back against a wall. This is helpful when having a conversation, especially if you are in a crowded or loud space. The wall will prevent ambient noise from behind you and bounce back sound waves instead of letting them dissipate.

Hearing loss may make you feel less confident, but there’s no reason not to dress to impress. Chico’s collection shop features new arrivals of the latest trends in women’s clothes. Makeover your wardrobe with casual dresses, little black dresses, blouses, jackets, matching handbags, jewelry, and other accessories.

Enter your email address when you shop women’s clothing online to receive additional coupons on final sale items and enjoy free shipping in the U.S. When you look, you feel good, even with hearing loss.

Try these life hacks if you are suffering from hearing loss and see how they can help you get through the day, better.

How Changing Your Surroundings and Talking to Others Can Relieve Teen Anxiety

Posted on October 22, 2020October 22, 2020 by Derek Grant

We all know that it’s tough being a teenager. You’re faced with many life transitions, feelings, and emotions. On top of these overwhelming feelings, young adults usually begin struggling with mental health around this same time-frame, too. Research shows that 50% of all mental illnesses occur by the age of fourteen. With this revealing statistic in mind, it’s worthwhile to consider that your teen is experiencing symptoms like withdrawal, frequent mood changes, sleep changes, and excessive nervousness. This way, you can get the correct treatment options for them, to help alleviate some of those overwhelming feelings and enhance their quality of life. Here are a few of those effective options to consider to relieve teen anxiety.

Change of Scenery

One thing to remember is that your teen is experiencing the same emotions that you feel if you have anxiety. One incredible tool to utilize for handling anxiety for teens is to simply get a change of scenery. Though this won’t help as a recurring treatment plan, a mini-trip can do wonders for relaxation. With the current pandemic, it’s never felt more overwhelming to be at home for long periods of time. Teens, in particular, are forced into online schooling that leaves them staring at a screen for hours. That’s why a drive to the forest preserve for a walk, heading to a lake or beach, or a bike ride can be incorporated into their lives to promote healthy coping and relaxation. Overall, seeing new places is a great way to broaden your perception of how much beauty is out there in the world, and you can be sure your teen will see that too.

Newfound Spirituality

Another way to manage anxiety is to rely on a higher power. Obviously, you want to show compassion and practice empathy as if you were your teen. If your family is spiritual or religious, it’s worth having a conversation with them about heading to vacation bible school, or VBS. These vacation bible school programs are interactive ways to explore God’s word and the Bible story. Relying on spirituality and leaning on God’s word to help a teen manage worries and anxieties is a powerful tool to have.

If you’ve ever searched for vacation bible school before, there are many options. To find the best VBS for your teen, look online to view different options that will work best for you. It’s a great idea to let your teen choose which VBS program they’re interested in so that they’re an integral part of the decision making process.

Talk Therapy

Arguably, one of the best ways to relieve anxiety is to reach out to mental health professionals. There’s a reason why there are professionals like therapists, counselors, and psychologists out there. They’re there to help you and your teen handle all that life throws at them. If you’re looking for therapists in Northern Virginia, The Ross Center is an incredible resource for your struggling teen. With help from their qualified staff, your teen can receive cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT. This is a form of talk therapy that will assist your teen in recognizing their patterns that may lead to further feelings of anxiety, poor self-esteem, or other unwanted feelings.

If your family has a medical history of anxiety disorders, it’s important that you get your teen help from mental health professionals who can accurately assess your family member and perform the necessary psychological evaluations. This way, your teen can experience a better quality of life, get the medication they may need, and understand that talking about their anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of. This is especially the case when studies report that nearly 40 million people in the U.S. have an anxiety disorder. So when your teen feels like they’re alone in this struggle, remind them that they’re one of many. They aren’t different for feeling this way. Always remain empathetic towards them and make sure that they have the coping tools they need so that they can talk about their anxiety disorder. This is an important part of overcoming it.

Natural Pet Products That Your Pooch Will Love

Posted on October 19, 2020October 19, 2020 by Lily Miller

Living a green, eco-friendly life has become easier than ever over the last decade. There are so many natural products on today’s market for people that it makes total sense for it to spill into other aspects of life, such as our pets. After all, if you’re trying to lessen your carbon footprint, or eat a healthier diet, you should expand those goals to your pooch as well! You can pamper your pup with natural pet products they’ll love, and you’ll rest easy knowing exactly what your dog is consuming.

Here are some natural products that your furry friend will enjoy.

CBD Oil

It may sound weird, but CBD products really are great for pets! CBD is all the craze right now, boasting things like anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory relief. There’s still plenty of research to be done on the hemp plant, cannabinoids, and how all of it can benefit us. That being said, CBD oil has shown promise in helping ease anxiety, inflammation, arthritis, and even seizures in humans, and research has shown it may help canines too.

It’s best to know where the CBD oil came from, so be sure to get the best organic CBD oil for dogs. SeraLabs makes CBD oil specifically for dog owners, and the oil is tested by a third-party lab. Before you give any to your dog, consult your vet. They’ll be able to recommend the correct dosage. Remember that a 50lb dog will have a different experience than a 25lb dog, so checking in with your vet about dosage is very important.

Eco-friendly Dog Beds

Which dog out there doesn’t love their own space and bed? Treat your four-legged companion to a comfy, sustainable, and natural dog bed. Skip the regular synthetic blend bed, and get a bed made from recycled materials. There are lots of companies out there that are making eco-friendly dog beds. While dog beds can take up a lot of space, it’s beneficial to a dog to have a safe space they can go to. If you need some extra space storage in San Diego, consider a storage unit. You can keep your belongings safe, and give your pooch their own extra space.

Natural dog treats

If you care about what foods you eat, then you should definitely care about the foods your dog eats. Common dog treats that can be found at department stores can often contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs. So back away from the bleached rawhide treats, and pick something a little more natural like a chew. Chews are a natural way to reduce tartar and plaque build-up on your dog’s teeth.

Shampoo

Without sounding too dramatic, the shampoo you use on your dog can seriously impact their life. Many common shampoos on the market contain chemicals that can dry out your pup’s skin which can lead to scratching and itching. You can avoid the problem altogether by finding a shampoo that hydrates and protects the skin instead. Read the label with care and avoid any products that may contain alcohol.

Flea Medicines

Fleas are nasty little bugs that can be hard to get rid of once they’ve infested. Most people are set in their ways because of a bad experience with fleas. If you want to avoid harmful pesticides, there are more natural ways to exterminate these pests. There are flea remedies that can be sprinkled on carpets, couches, and pet beds that are safe for your dogs to be around. You can also find natural topical treatments that contain natural ingredients and are safer for your pets.

There are many benefits to providing your pooch with natural products, but the best one of all is peace of mind knowing that you’re giving your pet the healthiest life.

Common House Plants that are Safe and Unsafe for Your Furry Friend

Posted on October 12, 2020October 12, 2020 by Clara Kelley

As pet owners, you know how important your furry friends are to you. When they are sick, you are sick. When they nap, you want to nap, too. Your pet is such an important part of your life, that many of your life decisions involve your pet’s safety and comfort, including your decision to become a plant parent. There are plenty of houseplants that are pet-safe, but there are also houseplants that can really hurt your pet and can even be harmful to small children. It’s really important to be aware of these types of things as both current and future pet owners. You certainly want to provide the safest, most comfortable environment for your pet.

If you don’t intend on owning any pets for one reason or another, then this isn’t a concern to you. After all, while living room foliage like pothos plants have high toxicity to cats and dogs, they are safe for humans because vines aren’t generally considered to be a tasty snack.

For Pet Parents

Of course, this is not a list of every single indoor plant which is pet safe, just a few trendy plants that will look good in your home without harming your pet. A money plant is a popular choice of the indoor plant which requires medium to bright indirect light and does not need to be watered often. Christmas cactuses are another type of houseplant which is pet safe and requires little work. This plant is low maintenance, likes medium light, and does not need to be watered often. As a bonus, this plant flowers during the holiday season! One more option which is both a popular houseplant and perfect for indoors is a Parlour Palm, which prefers humidity and bright indirect light but can also tolerate drier, low light conditions, making it another low-maintenance plant.

For Pet-Free Households

Having a pet does set some limits on the types of trendy plants you can have in your home. Varieties of the pothos plant, (or to use its common name: devil’s ivy,) are extremely harmful to cats and dogs, but for a pet-free home so you can take your pick or have them all. The joy of having pothos in your home is that they can survive without much light and don’t need to be watered often; about once a week. While all pothos has green leaves, there’s a variety of looks produced by the different types. The most commonly seen and most popular pothos is the golden pothos, which is a beautiful tropical vine whose leaves are a lovely blend of green and gold marble. Another pothos with a similar look to the golden pothos but a different variety is the marble queen pothos. The marble queen pothos is a hardy vine whose waxy leaves are a gorgeous variation of dark green and silvery-white as opposed to gold. The jade pothos is a variety of the marble queen. But instead of the marbled colors, the jade pothos has dark green leaves with cream, white, and gray streaks. This is not to be confused with the heartleaf philodendron, which is of a different variety altogether. The golden pothos, as well as the other varieties, look beautiful hanging in baskets and growing as long vines on a trellis. Some pests that might infect your pothos include mealybugs and scale, but these can be taken care of by wiping the leaves down with a cotton swab dipped in 70% alcohol, or by applying insecticidal soap.

Please note: this article lists a few of the most common house plants that are safe and unsafe for your furry friend. For a comprehensive list of safe and harmful plants and studies on house plant safety, please refer to the ASPCA site. This is ideal for passionate plant owners with a larger variety of unusual plants in their home.

Natural And Pet-Safe

If your pet suffers from joint pain, epileptic seizures, and other forms of chronic pain, then CBD oil and other CBD products might be a viable option for your pet. Derived from a hemp plant, this medicine is quickly becoming the gold standard for veterinary medicine. ABSC Organics has released its ABSC Pure Organic CBD Oil, the only product for pets to undergo multiple clinical trials at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, a veterinary institution at the forefront of veterinary research in the US, as well as other veterinary research institutions. This CBD oil is derived from a specific strain of hemp plant with a distinct set of active ingredients. ABSC Pure Organic CBD Oil was developed alongside some leading experts on the medical use of hemp-hybrid oil extract in veterinarian science in the US. Clinical trials showed that CBD delivered orally is considered safe and highly tolerated by pets, with a significant reduction of pain levels in arthritic dogs, and an 89% reduction in seizure frequency.

If your pet is suffering from epilepsy, arthritis, inflammation, then ABSC CBD Oil and other ABSC organics products might be a viable natural option to treat illness in your pet.