5 Reasons Why Organic Products Are Important for a Spa

Many people focus on their internal health through diet and exercise, striving to fuel and treat their bodies with beneficial products. What many people don't think about is the health of their skin and how beneficial their skincare products are. Skin is a living, breathing organ that absorbs approximately 60 percent of topical products into your bloodstream. Depending on how many products you use on a daily basis, that's a lot of absorption of unnecessary chemicals. It's time to focus on what products you use on your skin and discover the positive benefits of using organic skincare products. 

1. Organic products are made of natural ingredients. 

Organic skincare products are made of natural ingredients, most of which you are likely to recognize. Only certified organic products are made from plants and naturally occurring ingredients, and they must meet the same growing requirements as organic food. Pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, and other chemicals never come into contact with organic ingredients. Organic skincare products are always derived from natural, non-harmful ingredients.

2. Organic products work better. 

The plants and naturally occurring ingredients found in organic products have a higher level of important antioxidant vitamins than non-organic plants. The lack of herbicides and pesticides used when growing organic plants means they are pure and free of chemical contamination that can affect their naturally occurring ingredients. Approximately 95 percent of an organic product's ingredients are active, compared to only 5 to 10 percent active ingredients found in non-organic products. 

Once you experience the invigoration and rejuvenation of organic skincare products, you'll quickly make the switch from non-organic to organic products. The perfect way to start your organic skincare journey is to experience restorative treatments from Endota spa. Inspired by natural surroundings, the colors of nature, and endless sunlight their organic treatments engage the senses. Every Endota spa treatment menu offers customizable spa packages that incorporate body treatments and beauty treatments using their certified-organic Endota Organics™ range of products. Treatment rooms such as a sauna or steam room vary by spa location. Learn more about the organic treatments offered at each location and shop their Endota Organics™ range of products by visiting endotaspa.com.au. 

3. Organic is better for your skin. 

Synthetic and chemical ingredients in non-organic products are fast-acting and known for instant, visible results. While you may find instant gratification with the smoothing of wrinkles, diminished blemishes, and reduced sunspots, these synthetic ingredients do more harm than good. Over time, synthetic chemicals damage and weaken your skin by reducing oxygen flow and cause premature aging and further risk of developing sunspots. Cheap filler ingredients can even cause irritation, increased skin sensitivity, and clogged pores. 

Natural organic ingredients are full of actual nutritional benefits. Common natural organic ingredients like coconut oil, honey, aloe vera, and shea butter soothe, nourish, and moisturize your skin. Organic products may not have instant results, but they are gentle and work harmoniously with your skin so that it can balance and heal itself. 

4. Organic products are better for the environment. 

Organic farming methods result in lower pollution levels from chemical sprays, produces less carbon dioxide, and less toxic waste. Sustainable farming practices produce significantly less waste and toxins that are put back into the environment, which is far better for wildlife. 

Another reason that organic products are better for the environment is that they are cruelty-free. Natural organic ingredients are known to be safe and harmless, meaning organic products will never best tested on animals. Using cruelty-free organic skincare products supports the movement toward banning animal testing in the beauty industry. 

5. Organic products are better for your health. 

Ingredients like phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens are all known carcinogens that damage your immune, reproductive, and endocrine systems. Using a range of non-organic products daily that contain these harmful ingredients exposes your body to higher toxic concentrations that can build up and cause health problems. 

Organic products are non-allergenic due to their lack of harsh chemicals that cause allergic reactions, inflammation, or skin irritations. 

Organic skincare products are effective, good for your health, your skin, and the environment. There is no better time than now to discover the benefits of switching to organic skincare products. 

4 Reasons to Invest In Your Health by Quitting Smoking

Smoking is a serious health condition. It can cause widespread physiological conditions and lead to other serious and permanent conditions. Ultimately, quitting smoking is the single best thing that you can do for your health. Here are four health benefits that you should consider when you’re thinking about quitting smoking.

1. Improved Heart Health

Smoking puts a significant strain on your heart, and individuals who smoke are much more likely to develop cardiovascular problems than those who don’t. The chemicals contained in smoke can damage both your heart and your individual blood vessels. Smoking can lead to coronary heart disease, hypertension, peripheral artery disease, aortic aneurysm, and stroke. Quitting will dramatically reduce the risk that you may develop one of these life threatening health conditions and will invariably improve your overall cardiovascular health.

2. Freedom From Chemical Addiction

Needing to smoke frequently can greatly interfere with your lifestyle and force you to make a lot of unreasonable accommodations to support your addiction. Nicotine starts dissipating from your bloodstream relatively soon after smoking, so many smokers tend to spend more time experiencing withdrawal than experiencing the chemical effect of nicotine that’s enjoyable. Because the addictive pull of nicotine is so powerful, using a substitute such as Nicorette gum can be a very effective tool to quit smoking.

3. Enhanced Energy Levels

Typically, smokers have lower energy levels than non-smokers. They tend to be less physically active, and they tire more quickly when they’re engaged in a physical activity or trying to exercise. In part, this is due to the way that smoke affects the distribution of oxygen throughout the bloodstream. Additionally, smoking can negatively affect individuals’ mood and cause them to feel less energetic and motivated. Many people who successfully quit smoking report enhanced mood and energy levels that enable them to get through a workday with less fatigue, become more physically active, and develop enhanced endurance.

4. Better Oral Health

Smoking can lead to chronic oral health conditions such as cancer in the tongue and gums. In addition to this very serious and potentially critical health condition, it can also lead to less serious but still extremely troubling problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, gum recession, excessive plaque and tartar buildup, and chronic dry mouth. Moreover, smoking can cause unwanted visible changes to your oral health that include heavy staining on your teeth. This will occur mostly around the top of your teeth and around the gum line in the form of dark-colored splotches, but as you get older and your teeth become more porous, the entire surface of your teeth will become noticeably more yellow.

There are several appreciable advantages to quitting smoking that will have a positive and long lasting impact on your physical well-being. You’ll feel better day-to-day, look healthier, and have better energy and focus. Most importantly, you’ll have a greatly reduced chance of developing a critical health condition that can have a permanent effect on your health or even put your life at risk. All things considered, quitting will help you to live a healthier, happier, and longer life.

5 Reasons Why You May Want to Donate Your Eggs

There are many reasons women choose to donate their eggs. You don't have to understand every step of the process to realize that participating in successful donor egg programs is the greatest gift any future parents could hope for. Here are some reasons you may want to consider becoming an egg donor. 

1. You can help create life. 

You can help create life as an egg donor. Anyone who has experienced the joys of being part of a family knows how special the bond of family is. Being an egg donor puts you in a unique position to help a couple experience the joy of parenthood. Think of it this way, every month you have an unused egg that could help a couple achieve their dream of creating a family. Egg donation is a truly selfless deed. 

Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles (PFCLA) in Southern California has more than a decade's experience helping patients from across the United States and abroad realize the dream of parenthood. Their doctors thoroughly evaluate patients before recommending egg donation and offer extensive resources to help patients select the right egg donor applicants for themselves. A leader in the fields of in-vitro fertilization and social infertility, PFLCA is the premier fertility center for egg donation in Los Angeles. 

2. It's an opportunity to learn about yourself. 

Egg donors are a part of modern medicine and you have the opportunity to learn more about yourself than you could have ever thought possible. You will undergo simple physical and genetic tests that will teach you about human reproduction and your body. You'll gain new insight about yourself during the egg donation process. It will teach you that there are many ways to live a full life and that you are able to give love with any guarantee of being loved back. Learning about giving the gift of selfless love through egg donation will help you connect to others in a way you never thought possible. 

3. Egg donation makes a lasting impact. 

Future parents put a great deal of thought and consideration into choosing an egg donor. Couples have often struggled with conceiving for years. It's a huge sign of trust and confidence when a couple welcomes an egg donor into an important and lasting life decision. Egg donors have the ability to fill a need that they may not have known they had. Your ability to empathize with a couple and take the empowering step to donate your eggs will make a lasting impact on all lives involved. 

4. You can be an advocate. 

You may not know anyone who has struggled with fertility prior to becoming an egg donor. Participating in an egg donation program will educate you about the challenges that couples go through. Couples often feel alone in this journey but your gift of egg donation shows couples that they aren't alone after all. You'll likely do research about the egg donation process, reproductive health, and how IVF treatments work. Egg donors can use their first-hand experience and newfound knowledge to advocate for families who are unable to start a family traditionally. 

With the arrival of COVID-19 and the resulting social distancing measures people have adopted, maintaining mental health has taken a new turn. WithTherapy is a team of psychologists, therapists, and healthcare professionals who help patients find a licensed therapist available for free online or phone therapy. Therapist insights from WithTherapy help patients examine and review the latest in mental health and well-being, from coping with pregnancy anxiety and reasons for online counseling to myths about OCD and "the new normal" post-pandemic. 

5. You will be a piece of an amazing puzzle. 

You will become a piece of an amazing puzzle through egg donation. The fertility journey comes with many pieces, much like a puzzle, all of which contribute to the overall picture. You as an egg donor will feel wanted and essential. Without your selfless contribution, a couple won't be able to realize the dream of having a family. 

No matter your personal reasons for becoming an egg donor, your selfless gift will bring endless joy to deserving parents. 

Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles' main office is located at 10921 Wilshire Blvd Ste 700, Los Angeles, CA 90024, and available by phone at (310) 209-7700.

Best Gifts for Single Mothers

Single mums are the unsung superheroes. They do a round-the-clock job of single-handedly nurturing homes, raising kids, managing finances and everything else in their personal and professional lives. Thinking of picking out an appropriate gift for someone that awesome? You need to look beyond the mundane here. That said, here are great gift ideas for these wonder women.

Offer responsible child-care -
Irrespective of her current stage of life, a single mother would always consider stress-free childcare as a sensible gift. Let her enjoy a guilt-free break and recharge by offering to babysit a night or more.

Encourage a bit of pampering -
Take her out for a spa day or some quality time with friends, away from her daily schedule. Or just arrange for a lone-time breather. You can also merge this with your offer of free babysitting for a deeper impact.

Present her strength through books and media -
There are various books, shows, songs and other media available to make a single mum’s struggles more bearable. Pick out one for the single mother in your life and let her know of your solidarity. You can also get her a journal to purge memories and vent out without fears of judgement.

Help out with household chores -
Grocery shopping, planning and preparing meals, laundry, housecleaning – a single mother spends her energy on so many fronts daily! Gift her subscription vouchers for groceries, meal preparation services etc. Else, go for outsourcing her household chores like yard-work, housecleaning, laundry services etc., if you’re sure that she’d welcome your contribution.

Adore her with floral sentiments -
No matter the occasion, you can never go wrong with flowers. A nicely put-together gift hamper combining flowers, wine, chocolates and card can fill any single mum’s heart with appreciation and joy. For the professional touch of experts in the industry, check out the exquisite hampers at Pearsons Gifting.

Help her with finances -
Managing finances can be tricky for many single mothers. Help her plan it better with sound financial roadmaps if you’re capable or seek out professional counsel with her. You can also introduce her to work-from-home job opportunities, if she’s looking for a better balance through her professional life or an additional side-income.

Send Practical Gifts -
Thinking of sending tangible and useful gifts while you’re away? Choose practical gifts like – a fitness tracker gift cards for her favourite online or retail store or restaurants subscription vouchers for craft supplies ticket to her favourite artists’ shows

Make it personal -
Make her something special – a portrait, a poster or home décor item with a meaningful thought, pair of socks or even a DIY closet organiser. Or, help her kids create or shop for a gift with a video message for her, teach them a household chore etc.

Gift companionship -
This is perhaps the best gift ever – your time. Be with her to listen, to hug and hold, to cherish or create memories, to show her the silver linings in life.

Whichever you choose, remember it’s the thought that counts more. Don’t sweat over it, be genuine, and you’ll manage to successfully convey your heartfelt sentiments.

Childbirth - what are the signs of labor?

Childbirth is not necessarily a divisive topic, but it’s certainly a topic that garners much debate over the methods and choices that suit expectant mothers and their babies. Take the stories of women who choose to forgo pain relief for as close to a natural birth as possible, without actually going into the woods and squatting over a makeshift cushion of particularly springy looking leaves. Then there are homebirths, water births, and so many opinions and advice and ‘friend-of-a-friend’ tales from those who've been there, done that.

Whatever you choose, you need to prepare. Learning to spot the signs of labor can give you the time you need to scramble your chosen plans into action. Of course, the health of the mother and baby is paramount. If you’ve been researching, you’ll probably already have asked yourself things like how can you reduce the likelihood of birth trauma? And related topics such as what is cerebral palsy and what is Erb’s palsy? For now, let’s look at the signs of labor.

Labor - phase one (the latent phase)

This is the start of labor, where the cervix begins to soften to allow the baby to pass through into the birthing canal. The muscles will begin to contract for typically periods of tens of seconds before relaxing again. These contractions (known as Braxton Hicks contractions) are your body’s way of pushing the baby out of the uterus, while the following relaxation of the muscle opens the cervix a little further each time. You can expect these contractions to last for up to 60 seconds. When they come roughly every five minutes, your baby is on its way.

A “show” and waters breaking

There is a plug of mucus that seals the cervix during pregnancy. During labor, this plug comes away. You may notice that there is a pinkish color due to losing a small amount of blood at this stage - this is normal for most women. Next, your waters will break. The baby is contained safely inside a sack of amniotic fluid. When the baby is ready to make an appearance, this sack breaks, releasing the fluid (be aware that amniotic fluid is similar in appearance to urine). For most women, labor will follow within less than 24 hours of this happening.

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Pregnant Moms Due This Year

Birthing

How to Plan Your First Successful Family Road Trip

Young kids and road trips don’t go together. They have too much to bring with them and are far too dependent on their routines. Short day trips are great, but long, multi-day road trips will only try them and you. That is why you should wait until they are pre-teens or older because, at this age, they are ready for adventure and can (hopefully) sit still for longer than a few minutes at a time.

If this is your first big family road trip there are a lot of things that you can easily forget, which is why you should go through this checklist to ensure you plan and pack everything you need:

Decide on Your Type of Road Trip

There are three main options when it comes to a road trip with three or more people.

• Book hotel rooms for the night 
• Bring camping gear 
• Book an RV rental

Hotel rooms are going to be the most expensive option, especially if you have two or more kids with you. They cannot be admitted into your own room with a cot, meaning you’ll need to book two or more rooms to accommodate everyone.

Camping gear can be a good way around this, but it does mean that instead of a cross-country trip, you are going to need to find just a few base camp locations and then go for day trips from there.

For ultimate travel freedom, you are going to want to choose an RV rental, which allows you to bring your home away from home with you wherever you go. You also can save on food costs, as they typically include a cooking range.

Invest in Travel Insurance

Many people don’t think about their insurance when they leave on a trip, but if you leave home, you run the risk of leaving the hospitals covered under your health insurance plan. Expanding your health insurance is also quite a headache, but thankfully the best way to cover for all emergencies is to simply invest in additional travel insurance for each member of your family. Do be honest if you intend to go adventuring, like white water rafting, so that if someone is injured they are still covered.

Have Everyone Choose One or Two Musts

Drivers will choose the scope of the road trip. It could be just across your state, or you could take a trip across the whole country if you feel up for driving that long and have that much time off.

Once the scope or scale of your road trip is decided, get everyone going on the trip to provide you with one or two things they really want to see on the trip. This way you can easily ensure everyone’s wishes are catered to and you can have a fun family trip together.

Pack Lean

You are going to need to help everyone pack as lean as possible. Remember, just because you are on the road doesn’t mean you cannot stop in to use a laundromat. Focus on bringing items that go well together, can easily be maintained (no delicate or dry-clean only items) and items they need to enjoy their activities (like a swimsuit or sneakers).

With these four musts, your family road trip will be more comfortable and structured, meaning everyone will enjoy it.

New Questions About the Effectiveness of Medical Marijuana for Mental Health

For many years, people have been led to believe a common myth: "Medical marijuana is an antidote for mental health conditions". Even though this possibility cannot be ruled out completely, some new questions about the effectiveness of medical marijuana for mental health will probably surprise you.

So, what's the bottom line of the new questions about CBD for mental health? A quick look at the available new evidence will force you to rethink your stance. According to reports from new studies, the negative effects of medical cannabis (say CBD or marijuana) may be far greater than the benefits.

Here is all that you need to know about the recent rethink about the facts of medical cannabinoids and their potential applications for mental health.

Medical Cannabis for Mental Health: The New Questions.

To cut a long story short, a 2019 research publication (by the Lancet Psychiatry journal), found no strong scientific evidence that medical cannabinoids successfully treat mental health conditions. This is bad news for those who use CBD for depression, anxiety, stress and a host of other disorders.

How was the study carried out? The meta-analysis looked at data from more than 80 different studies and 3000+ participants over 4 decades (between 1980 & 2018).

The results failed to find any strong proof of the efficacy of medical marijuana for mental health. In sharp contrast, it was, in contrast, established that medical marijuana may, in fact, exacerbate the symptoms of mental health patients.

Similar research carried out by Australian experts from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Center, also found shocking results. The effects of medical THC (the psychoactive cannabinoid) were very insignificant in lessening anxiety symptoms. Looking for CBD? Find best quality wholesale CBD here.

Going by the synthesized data, there appears to be no reason for practitioners to be recommending medical marijuana products to psychiatric patients.

Apart from the scant scientific evidence around medical marijuana, the new studies uncovered that non-medical cannabinoids can cause adverse effects in psychiatric patients. Examples include an upsurge in the rates of anxiety, depression, and risks of addiction.

Medical doctors are continuing to raise concerns about the misapplication of medicinal marijuana for psychiatric disorders.

The truth is that the use of cannabis/cannabinoids for mental health cannot continue smoothly without the expectation of potentially dangerous consequences. For instance, some doctors believe that cannabis worsens psychosis symptoms in patients who also suffer schizophrenia.

Despite the huge knowledge gap in cannabinoids, other external factors continue to inhibit how much research can be done on the subject. In some countries, governments consider cannabis products to be controlled substances. This makes it a lot harder for scientists and researchers to delve deeper into the core of the matter.

Because some institutional boards hesitate to allow research into these substances, researchers can’t easily get access to cannabis.

But there is still hope for the future, since cannabis for research and industrial purposes, is being legalized in many countries. It's only a matter of time before researchers can make a breakthrough.

How to Stay Safe Online

The internet is a wonderful thing, but it can have several risks if someone is too lax in their approach to it. No matter how regularly you head online, you need to make sure that you know how to protect yourself. Here are some of the best ways you can make sure that you stay safe online.

E-Wallets 

Do you spend a lot of time shopping online? More people than ever are choosing to use e-commerce sites over visiting a brick-and-mortar location. Whether we are shopping for shoes, a home, or a holiday in the sun, you can find it all online. We can even play online casino games or keep up with our loved ones no matter how far away they might be.

However, when we spend our money online, we might be reluctant to hand over our financial information. Even the most secure of websites could have a leak. An e-wallet is the perfect solution for anyone who is reluctant to give a website their credit card information. Many of us even use an e-wallet without thinking about it, PayPal. This is just one of many so make sure you find one to help you pay for items online in a secure manner.

Passwords

How many of us are guilty about being lax with our passwords? It isn’t just our phones getting left unlocked. Many of us are guilty of using the same password over and over at a multitude of sites. While you might think this is harmless enough, all it takes is for one site to breach and then a malicious party might be able to access your data across the internet.

Start making your passwords more complex and difficult to guess. There are plenty of excellent password managers that will allow you to keep them all safe. If you don’t want to use a password manager, there is always the old-fashioned method of writing down your passwords.

Anti-Virus Software

Have you got a decent anti-virus software on your computer? It can do more than just protect you from emails with malware and other nasty things. One of the primary things it can do is protect you online. There are so many dummy sites and pop-up ads on the internet that are infected with malware.

By installing anti-virus software, it can warn you when you are unknowingly entering an infected site. It can also try to contain the virus before it could do something to your computer. Make sure you find a great anti-virus software that you can be certain will protect your device. Staying safe online so often comes down to small but smart pre-emptive moves that will protect you in the long run. Make sure you protect yourself this way; it is much easier than you think! By doing so, you can be certain that no matter where you go on the internet, you will be safe and secure. Make sure your computer is fully protected for the next time you head onto the internet.

Tasks to Do If You Have a Terminal Illness

There were an estimated 1.4 million people in hospice care in 2015 in the United States, according to the CDC. And, according to the National Cancer Institute, for every 100,000 people, 163.5 people die of cancer in the United States each year based on data taken between 2011-2015.

No matter how much you may want to deny it—death is coming for all of us eventually. The best thing to do is to find your own ways of making peace with it, make a positive change, and try to live in the present moment. Here are four ways to work through it.

1. See a therapist.

Living in New York City can be enough of a struggle as it is. It's almost imaginable to think about living in New York and dealing with a terminal illness. While you may be tempted to live with your problems given your limited time, there is never time to take your mental health lightly. As you’re dealing with life transitions, it’s important to have a therapist around to help you cope. By finding an NYC therapist you can find professional help that'll get you in the right state of mind to enjoy the remainder of your life.

The trained therapists living in New York City and working for the Therapy Group of NYC are prepared to help you with all the mental health challenges that tend to come with the end of our lives. These mental health counselors are also ready to create a safe space to help you deal with any other mental health care issue you may have been avoiding such as the goal of greater self-awareness, couples therapy, unresolved issues with a family member, life transitions, sexual abuse, substance use, hurtful past experiences, and low self-esteem. Finding the right therapist can truly be key to living your last days with peace of mind.

While it can take a few sessions to get a sense of the right “fit” with a new therapist or psychologist, you should leave the first session feeling heard by your therapist. If you’re unable to afford the costs of being one of the new clients in New York City, consider looking into an in-network therapist that may be included in your insurance plan.

2. Consider cremation.

According to a 2016 article in TIME, traditional burial is becoming a thing of the past. They found that the cremation rate was 49 percent in the U.S. compared to the National Funeral Directors Association’s burial rate which was at 45 percent. Not only is cremation becoming more popular, but it’s also, generally, a more cost-effective way of dealing with human remains.

While it may not be pleasant to think about, consider looking into a crematorium that can offer the type of funeral service that best fits your wishes. Not only will this guarantee that the funeral home that takes care of your memorial service follows your wishes, but it saves your loved ones the painful experience of making plans after you’re gone. With Heritage Cremation Provider you will receive assistance from a funeral director that understands the ins and outs of the cremation process and can guide you in making decisions regarding what you wish to be done with your human remains and what your wishes are regarding a memorial service.

This wonderful, budget-friendly funeral home also provides rental caskets for presenting the body for the funeral service before cremation. The funeral home will take care of all the cremation process after the service and then put your remains where you wish (in an urn or mausoleum, for example).

3. Make end-of-life decisions.

Thinking about your death can be terrifying, to say the least. In fact, according to a survey conducted by Statista, 11 percent of people said that they were “very afraid of death.” This fact, however, doesn’t get you out of handling your will. Not only is it important to plan your funeral service, but it’s also vital to get in touch with your lawyer and make out a will, make decisions about how you would like to pass (do not resuscitate (DNR) forms, pain management, etc.), and pick the right person for your power of attorney.

4. Find what matters to you and do it.

In an article published in Psychology Today in 2018, Dr. Cortney S. Warren shared a blog post written by her mother, Dr. Karen J. Warren, after she was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Karen Warren wrote seven questions to confront when you’re dying. Perhaps, the most important being — “what do I want?” and “what really matters?”

By addressing these questions, she found a way to live her remaining days doing the things she loved, and she found what gave her life meaning. By the end of the blog post, Karen is actually optimistic about dying because she got a chance to resolve issues in her relationships, prepare herself, and, in her words, "[live] fully in the present."

Explore the Best of San Francisco in a Day

No travel to California would be complete without a stop in San Francisco. Despite what the title suggests, there’s so much to explore in this culture-steeped city that it’s impossible to see it all in one day. If you’ve only a half-weekend to spare, however, this hand-picked list will help you maximize your fun in Fog City.

Hike, Surf, and Sandwich in the Sunset District

Start your day by stashing your bags with a San Francisco luggage storage service and taking in the city’s wicked weather. Watch the sun rise and the fog roll away from its famous bridge and surrounding shoreline.

Hit the Waves at Ocean Beach

Rise around five and hang 10 in the Sunset District, where there are beaches and waves to suit any water baby. Whether you borrow a board and hit the surf, or simply walk along the shore with a thermos of coffee, take the opportunity to breathe in the tangy salt air before the big day ahead...and hum your favorite surf rock tune.

Hike the Headlands

Alternatively, you can start early at the Golden Gate Bridge and hike the California Coastal Trail to Lands End Lookout. This is a moderately difficult, 7.1km (4.4 miles) trail lined with wildflowers, winding up close to Ocean Beach. If you’re feeling particularly energetic, you can hike and have a dip before your first meal of the day.

Devil’s Teeth Baking Company

Now you’re properly awake and more aligned with your inner dude/dudette, it’s time for breakfast.

Just up from Ocean Beach on Noriega Street is Devil’s Teeth Baking Company, where you can order a breakfast sandwich that will knock your wetsuit off. Many claim this combination of molten cheese, fluffy scrambled eggs, and smoky bacon on a buttermilk biscuit (like a flaky English muffin, for non-American readers) is the best sandwich of its kind in town.

Chase that with a warm, pillowy cinnamon roll and fight the urge to drift back into contented sleep. You can either drink some of Devil’s own Bicycle coffee in the parklet out front, or get your carbs to go. There’s a place a couple of blocks away that will put some more pep in your step.

Andytown Coffee Roasters

Wander a little down Noriega Street and hang a left at 43rd Avenue. Here you’ll find Andytown Coffee Roasters, where you might just want to stop in and try a snowy plover: a brown sugar syrup and espresso soda.

It’s more than Andytown’s signature drink; named after the endangered western shorebird that inhabits nearby Ocean Beach, the soda has raised awareness and funds for avian conservation, and pushed support for the National Park Service.

So make sure to get your morning hit of caffeine for a cause. Bottoms-up for the birds. You’re going to need all that energy for what comes next.

Inner San Francisco for Culture Vultures

‘Hope you packed your walking shoes. If it’s a beautiful day (and it often is in San Francisco), spend a few hours sightseeing on foot. If you’re short on time (or too sleepy from your sandwich) then you can hail a taxi, Lyft, or Uber.

Golden Gate Park

Who doesn’t love park hopping while on holiday? Make your way north on Sunset Boulevard to Golden Gate Park, home to many of the city’s attractions and a picturesque Japanese garden. Choices spread across 1,017 acres of immaculate fields and flowers; geek out at the Planetarium or Academy of Sciences, or sip tea and soak in the beauty of the pagodas.

Vintage Shopping at Haight-Ashbury

Not far from Golden Gate Park is the city’s famous Haight-Ashbury District. This area has a colorful history, serving as the birthplace of hippie counterculture during the ‘60s. While its streets have weathered many phases, they’re still known for playful splashes of color across the homes (known as the “Painted Lady” Victorians), and a selection of groovy vintage shops, book and record stores.

The trajectory of your afternoon will depend on how lost in hippie love you become. The Haight has walking tours, food tours, homes and parks imbibed with the spirits of rock legends past. If you’re a Deadhead, Joplin junkie, or modern flower child, then find some grub along Haight Street and settle in for the afternoon.

Otherwise, jump on a bus, cable car, or hail a ride to your next stop.

All the Tea in Chinatown

For avid foodies, people watchers, and curio hunters, Chinatown won’t disappoint.

Start in Portsmouth Square and join locals in steaming dumplings from Good Mong Kok Bakery. Sample rare tea at Red Blossom Tea Company or drink dessert from a reusable glass jar at Plentea. Watch the workers at Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory and have a poke around the Wok Shop.

Conclude your East-meets-West walking tour in Grant Avenue, where many of the tourist-oriented shops and bazaars reside, or Stockton Street, where locals do their produce shopping. Marvel at a selection of wet and dry goods unlike anything you’ve seen before. Hopefully, you haven’t had your fill of delicious food and drink by now, because it’s time to usher in the night in San Francisco’s Mission District.

Muchas Opciones in the Mission District

This part of town has quite the established punk pedigree. During the ‘70s and ‘80s, the district became home to some of the biggest punk bands of the age, as well as prominent gay/lesbian and immigrant populations. The resulting array of food, culture, and nightlife is diverse and spectacular.

El Techo de Lolinda

Start at El Techo bar above Lolinda restaurant for killer city views, street food, and cocktails. Sample discounted beers, margaritas, sangria pitchers and small plates during their daily happy hours. People line up early to secure seats here, so try and get there before 5pm.

Chimichangas and Chocolate

Continuing with the evening’s Latin American theme, saunter farther up Mission Street to Gracias Madre. This totally organic, plant-based Mexican restaurant is all about deep love and reverence for food, health, and sustainability of the earth. GM’s creator, Terces Engelhart, serves up traditional dishes with a twist -- like chimichangas with tempeh chorizo and plantain French toast -- using her own corn grinder and tortilla press.

Then, turn down 18th Street and Valencia towards Dandelion Chocolate, where you can watch workers roast, grind, and temper cacao beans to create small-batch dark chocolate. Nibble your way through the factory, sign up for a multicourse chocolate tasting, or indulge in a hot chocolate and pastries from the cafe.

Markets and Music

Just off Mission Street down 18th Street is Bi-Rite Market, an 80-year-old farmer’s market that sources produce, gourmet meats and cheeses from over 50 farms throughout California. That produce is then incorporated into all manner of fresh salads, sandwiches, soups, and dips. The market is also a cafe, caterer, and ice creamery with flavors ranging from peach cobbler to honey lavender.

If you’re ready to mosh away some calories, walk two blocks to The Chapel, a former mortuary-turned-live music venue. The 1914 building was renovated in 2012, but retains its original carved doors, dark wood beams, brilliant acoustics, and vast A-frame ceiling. Rock away the last of your epic day with a range of jazz, indie, and country jams by local bands.

Baby Safety 101: Helpful Tips to Keep Your Baby or Toddler Safe and Sound

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 12,000 children die from unintentional injuries every year? In fact, unintentional injury is the leading cause of death among children aged 0-19 in the United States.

It's frightening to think about, but injuries can happen anywhere, anytime. Because of that, it's important to do what you can to ensure your children's safety. Infant and toddler safety is especially important to consider, as they are far less capable of exercising caution on their own behalf.

To help, we've compiled a list of 7 tips to keep in mind when creating a safe environment for your child. Read on to learn more.

1. Supervision Is Key 

The most important part of infant and toddler safety is vigilance. Small children need constant care and attention, taking your eyes off them for even a moment can lead to serious injury, however unintentional.

2. Keep Hazards Out of Reach 

From hot foods and drinks to cleaning chemicals to sharp or small objects, it's imperative that you keep any hazardous items out of reach of little hands. Children learn by touch, which often includes putting things in their mouths. By ensuring that any potential hazards are out of reach, you will lower the odds of choking and poisoning dramatically.

3. Provide the Correct Type of Bed 

Age-appropriate sleeping furniture and bedding is a critical part of infant and toddler safety. Infants, for example, should have very minimal bedding. While toddlers, depending on their age and development, may need a crib or a more traditional bed. Once your child is old enough to pinch their fingers in the bars or attempt to climb from the crib, it's time to upgrade.

4. Give Infant or Toddler Safe Toys 

Most toys will have the age recommendation clearly printed on them, but do your research before purchasing any to ensure that you're buying safe toys for your child's stage of development. As a general rule, infants and toddlers shouldn't be given any toys with small or removable parts, as it poses a choking hazard.

5. Provide a Safe Outdoor Environment 

Getting a little sunshine is always a good thing! Children of all ages can benefit from spending time in the great outdoors, as long as they do so safely. Be aware of the temperature and weather, making sure that your child is in the appropriate attire for the conditions. Also, do a thorough check of your yard before letting your toddler roam to inspect for any potential danger.

6. Give Age-Appropriate Foods 

To prevent choking, you should cut any larger pieces of food into small cubes, no more than 1/2 an inch in size. Do your research and avoid high-risk foods, such as those that are sticky or tough. As long as your toddler can break the food up or swallow it whole easily, you should be in the clear.

7. Never Travel Without a Car Seat

It's all too easy to forget how dangerous cars really are. Putting your child in your lap just to go a mile or two down the road might feel like no big deal, but he or she should be in a car seat at all times, regardless of distance. It's also never a bad idea to place a baby on board sticker or magnet on the back of your car. You never know when it could catch someone's attention and remind them to drive a little more carefully.

Use These Infant and Toddler Safety Tips to Keep Your Child Protected 

Every parent wants to ensure that they're employing the best infant and toddler safety methods possible. By following these tips, your child will be much safer both in and outside of your home. The best thing you can do for your little ones is to keep a close eye on them at all times. Don't be afraid to bring in some help if you need! And if you're looking for more parenting and child safety tips, be sure to check out our blog!

Should You Try Manuka Honey? The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Medicinal Honey

With the advancement of technology, it’s easy for everyone to get updated with the latest trends in health and wellness. All the information and opinions related to a new craze are in the palm of our hands. And one of these trends that people and experts have been raving about is manuka honey.

You can find this product and purchase it on its own, or it is included in a variety of products. These include creams, lotions, lip balms, lozenges, capsules, to even drinks and wound dressings. Naturally, it can get anybody curious how this type of honey is so versatile that you can drink it, apply it on the skin, and even use it as a wound treatment. But what is manuka honey, and why do people recognize this unique-sounding honey out of the other types of honey?

What is Manuka Honey?

From the name itself, Manuka honey is the honey produced by the bees that pollinate the Manuka plant, Leptospermum scoparium. It originates from Australia, but is also now being cultivated in New Zealand. However, there is still debate about where it indeed originated. You can distinguish manuka honey from other types of honey because it is thicker in consistency. It also has a dark brown color compared to other honey types that are golden yellow. And if you taste manuka, it has an earthy and slightly bitter profile instead of a typical sweet flavor from familiar honey brands.

At the same time, you might be surprised with the price difference of manuka compared to other types of honey in the markets. It is going to be pricier because of the different factors involved in its production. For example, the manuka flowers themselves are very rare and bloom only once a year. Not to mention, they grow in places that require access via helicopter.

What Makes Manuka Honey Special?

If you look at the best certified brands of manuka honey, you’ll be familiar with the term UMF. UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor, which is a grading system used for the manuka honey brands in the market.

Manuka honey differs from other types of honey, not just in its color and consistency, but because it is dubbed as the “healthy” or “medicinal honey.” Honey is already known for providing antibiotic benefits because of its hydrogen peroxide content. But on the contrary, manuka honey is raved and bought by people specifically for this benefit.

The UMF factor is what consumers can look for when buying manuka honey for its antibiotic benefit. This is because the rating of the honey’s UMF tells you about its antibacterial strength. The scale ranges from 5 to 20, and the higher it is, the stronger is the antibiotic property of the honey.

What is the Unique Manuka Factor?

The UMF Honey Association is the one responsible for grading the UMF of manuka honey brands. To give you an idea, you want something with a UMF content of 12 or even higher if you need to use it for treating wounds. This is because these products are considered medical-grade with compounds like methylglyoxal, which is a natural antibacterial component found in manuka honey.

Should You Try Manuka Honey?

This is an easy answer simply because if you think about it, you can get multiple health benefits whether you eat it raw, use it as a sweetener, face mask, or for your wound bandages. According to DiligentChef, Manuka honey is expensive compared to regular honey, but the health benefits are worth the price.

Let’s talk about the most popular advantage of using manuka honey, which is for its antibiotic effects. Manuka honey can fasten the healing and prevent infection of cuts and scrapes. You can also use it to clear infections such as sore throat and stomach problems without even worrying about bacterial resistance.

If you’re still skeptical, the healing benefits of manuka honey are actually supported by science. As a matter of fact, the US Federal Drug Administration even approved the use of manuka honey in bandages for treating wounds in 2007.

Manuka honey promotes healing because it is also protecting the wounds by preventing the growth of bacteria. And as you are familiar with now, the substance methylglyoxal unique to manuka honey is antibacterial and attacks the microbes as well.

Speaking of healing properties, there is also scientific evidence on how manuka honey can prevent oral diseases like gingivitis. This is because the honey attacks the bacteria responsible for plaque buildup. And truth be told, it’s quite impressive to use something sweet like honey to treat gum disease.

You might even find relief in consuming manuka honey if you have a sore throat. The honey soothes the inflammation and discomfort because it coats the inner lining of your throat while also attacking the bacteria.

Your digestive health can also benefit from this tasty treat because it can help with indigestion, as well as reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome such as diarrhea and constipation. And if you want to reap the benefits of manuka honey topically, you can make a homemade face mask to kill the bacteria and reduce inflammation related to acne.

Are There Disadvantages in Using Manuka Honey?

Disadvantages are not the right term for them, but rather, like with any product; there are risks in using manuka honey. Manuka honey is safe for consumption and topical usage, but every person varies on how they will react to it.

For example, you might be allergic to other types of honey, which can imply that you might also have an allergic reaction with manuka honey. At the same time, honey has high sugar content. Those with conditions that require monitoring of blood sugar levels have to be extra careful in consuming manuka.

Nonetheless, it is still best to consult your doctor, whether you want to add manuka honey on your diet, use it for wound treatment, or as a topical solution. And at the end of the day, manuka honey still needs to go a long way, including a lot of clinical trials before it can enter mainstream medicine like any other type of treatment.

Baby Strains on Your Veins

Graphic created by USA Vein Clinics, a provider of sclerotherapy for spider veins.

Bath Benches for the Aging or Physically Challenged

Do you worry when your aging parent or physically challenged loved one is in the shower? Have you considered what could happen if this person fell and was injured? Worry no more. Bath benches are available to ease your mind.

A bath bench or shower bench is excellent for reducing the risk of injury to someone physically challenged or elderly. Medical professionals and caregivers recommend the use of a shower bench or bath bench. Set up is very easy.

Two legs of the bench are outside the tub, and two legs of the bench are inside the tub. The legs positioned inside the tub, to ensure the top of the bench is level, need to be shorter than the legs on the outside. Now the individual can sit from the outside of the tub, swing their legs over into the tub in a safe sitting position to prevent falling. They are safely in the bathtub without the need to lift their legs up and over the tub in a standing position, which is a primary cause of bathroom injuries.

Who should use a bath bench or shower bench?

Any individual bothered by endurance, strength, or balance issues should use a bath bench. If you feel unsafe when lifting your legs up and over the side of a bathtub when getting in and out.

Balancing on one foot when attempting to get into the bathtub is very risky for the elderly or anyone with balance issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 235,000 falls occur in the bathroom each year.  According to the National Institute on Aging, seniors suffer 80% of the falls that occur in the bathroom.

Unfortunately, there are some that should not use a bath bench or shower bench.

Seniors with tiny bathrooms may find the benches too large. They may interfere with moving on or off the toilet safely. A shower board should be used in this case.

• A shower board spans a bathtub's width and requires a fair-sized lip on either side of the tub for safe use.
• The shower board sits on the lip and is secured with dials.
• Not all shower boards are adjustable.
• These are helpful for anyone who needs to sit while taking a shower.
• They are easy to install and very affordable.

Anyone with decreased flexibility, such as the inability to bend at the knees or hips, may find a shower bench or bath bench challenging to use.

The use of a shower bench or bath bench makes good sense for anyone to use. Those on medication, regardless of age, can be prone to dizziness or loss of balance. A shower bench or bath bench provides safety and peace of mind for the user and their loved ones.

5 Tips for Weight Loss When You Have a Busy Lifestyle

Losing weight is not easy, and a lot of things can get in your way. Those with a busy lifestyle, for example juggling work and having kids, will often find it hard to lose weight, as they simply don’t have the time to prep healthy meals or go to the gym. While being busy can make weight loss harder, it’s not necessarily impossible, so here are some weight loss tips for those with a hectic lifestyle.

Make time for yourself

If you are juggling lots of different priorities and feeling stressed, it’s important to make some time for yourself if possible, so you can focus on your weight loss journey. It’s worth remembering that suffering from stress can cause weight gain, so a calmer life could help with weight loss. Make a schedule and see where you can cut back, whether it’s taking on less overtime or working from home more often, so you can create a less stressful life for yourself.

Set yourself a healthy goal

As a busy mom, you may not be able to hit the gym that often, and your progress may not be as fast as others, so it’s important to set yourself a realistic, healthy goal. Doctors recommend losing 1-2lbs a week when you diet, which is the safest, most sustainable way to reach your goal. While you may think this sounds too slow, in a year you could potentially lose 50-100lbs, which is a huge difference. Think long term and don’t be too hard on yourself.

Try a meal replacement plan

A meal replacement plan can be good for those with a busy lifestyle. You choose a plan to follow, then simply replace your usual meals with shakes, bars or pouches. It’s important to read up on how to use diet shakes successfully before you begin, to ensure you get the most from the plan and proper nutrition throughout.

There are several reasons why meal replacements are great for busy people:

• Each meal replacement is calorie counted and portioned out, so there’s no need for weighing or measuring 
• It’s easy to grab something on the go 
• You don’t have to shop for ingredients or make meal plans 
• If you go on a low-calorie diet using these plans, you are still getting the vitamins and nutrients you need 

It’s worth remembering, there are different ways to use meal replacements nowadays. You can either replace all meals and do a very low calorie diet for a short period, have two meal replacements and an evening meal with the family, or even follow something like 5:2, so do two days on the diet, then five days of sensible eating each week.

Identify where you might be taking on excess calories

Noticed your weight creeping up slowly lately? While you might generally have a healthy diet, it’s easy to sneak calories into your day without even noticing. Cut these out, and you may find the weight comes off easier. Some common offenders include condiments, salad dressings, juice and sodas.

Busy people will often down coffee to get through the day, but this can also be a major source of calories, especially if you’re getting coffee on the go. An espresso or black Americano has small amounts of calories, but some coffees from major chains can have up to a 1,000 calories, especially the ones released around the holidays with flavored syrups and whipped cream. Simply switching to a different type of coffee could help with weight loss.

Exercise on the go

While some people like going to the gym and find it provides stress relief, if you are busy, you may not want to spend your spare time on a cross trainer. It’s perfectly possible to do a full exercise regime at home. If you currently don’t do any exercise, start off with something simple like walking. If you can get up to 10k steps a day, this will help with your weight loss, and if you have a young baby, they’ll love being pushed in a buggy on your route. Plenty of YouTubers offer workout routines, which you can do whenever you have a free hour and allows you to try lots of different things.

Being busy doesn’t have to stop you from following a weight loss plan. A lot of people lead busy lives, which is why there are more options for flexible diets and exercise that fits in with a packed schedule. All you need to do is choose the ones that are right for you.

How to support an expectant partner

So you found out your partner is expecting, and boy are you excited! Your life is about to change, but first, you have to go through the nine months of pregnancy with your partner. The period of pregnancy is always most successful when it involves both partners. This means that you can be an active participant in supporting your pregnant partner. Trust us when we say, it’s more fun this way too! If you can demonstrate during the pregnancy that you can be a reliable partner, this will give her confidence that you will also be a reliable partner after your child is born.

Here are some ways in which you can support your expectant partner:

Research on what she is going through

You will never be able to understand what she is going through. The cramps, the cravings and the mood swings. But what you can do is to research what she is going through on sites like BabyTalk so that you can be better prepared to support her throughout this nine month journey.

Be the “heavy lifter”

Carrying a baby in your womb takes a heavy toil on the body. As the baby gets bigger and heavier, the physical strain on the woman’s body also increase. What you can do as a supportive partner is to do the “heavy lifting” for her and that includes doing the housework or even carrying things when needed. If she has something in the house that she wants to move, you should be the one doing it. Ensure that all she focuses on during this period is to ensure she carries a healthy baby.

Help her with her emotions

During her pregnancy, her hormones will fluctuate. This means that she will experience extreme mood swings, from moments of extreme happiness to extreme sadness. This is normal and is to be expected, so ensure that you are patient with her during this time. Support her when she needs support, hold her when she needs holding, and listen to her when she needs a listening ear.

Be there for prenatal visits

When your partner visits her practitioner to check on the baby, ensure that you are there with her. Be involved, ask questions during the visit if there is anything you are unsure about. There are some things that your partner may not have thought of to ask, so show your presence by being there.

Get ready for the baby

There are many things to consider before the arrival of the baby. For one, you will need to do up your baby nursery. This means you will need to buy the baby crib, diapers, car seats, pram, pillow, baby clothes etc. There are literally a thousand things to consider before the arrival of the baby. Go shopping with your partner to prepare for the arrival. Also, do talk with your partner the expectations that each of you expect and strive to fulfil them.

It’s a fun time to be in this journey together. This is the start of your beautiful family journey and the pregnancy journey will only make your relationship stronger. This will bode well especially when the baby arrives, for both of you will grow your family together in happy times!

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