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5 toxic foods one should not feed their pets

5 toxic foods one should not feed their pets
A home cooked meal is a great way to ensure that the pets are well fed with proper nutrition. Moreover, there are many pet food brands available that are a convenient option if cooking at home is not possible. However, one should always be aware of the ingredients that are safe and unsafe for the pet to consume. Here are some toxic foods that should not be part of the pet’s meal plan. Chocolate While delicious, chocolate is a toxic food for pets, which is usually a known fact for many. But it is important to know why it is not okay to feed dogs or cats chocolate and it needs a visit to the emergency room if ingested. The problem is the theobromine component in chocolate. It is found in both milk and dark chocolate, so both the varieties are a big no for pets. Moreover, the unsweetened baking chocolate is the most toxic as it contains the highest amount of theobromine. Eating this can lead to diarrhea, vomiting and other serious issues like seizures, tremors, and heart problems in pets. It can even be fatal in some cases if the right treatment is not administered quickly. Grapes An otherwise sweet and snackable fruit, grapes are toxic to most pets.

10 things not to do at a funeral

10 things not to do at a funeral
Due to the grief, pain, and loss that surrounds the death of a loved one, the incident and the proceedings after are rarely spoken about. However, this lack of knowledge could lead to people engaging in rude behavior, especially during funerals and memorial ceremonies. This could lead to a fair amount of hurt, upset, and embarrassment. To help avoid this situation, here are 10 things to not do at a funeral: Laugh out of turn There’s no telling what one may find funny, even in serious situations such as funerals or memorial services. However, laughing is generally considered rude in these instances, save during some speeches or eulogies. If one finds something humorous during a ceremony, stepping out to compose oneself may be a good idea. Arrive late It is always advisable to show up 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. This leaves space for one to be seated comfortably before the family starts walking down the aisle. If one shows up late, it is better to make a discreet entrance and sit on one of the side pews. Take pictures without permission Taking any pictures of the memorial service without the express permission of the family may be seen as a sign of great disrespect.

5 common outdoor cooking mistakes to avoid

5 common outdoor cooking mistakes to avoid
Barbecues or campfire cooking under the night sky with friends and family is always a delightful activity filled with chatter, laughter, and lots of food. But this enjoyable gathering can quickly turn into a disaster if one is not meticulous with the preparation. Some errors can not only affect the cooking but even pose a serious health risk and dampen the overall mood of the activity. Here are some such mistakes and ways to fix them. Forgetting to carry proper tools Anyone planning for an outdoor grill must stock up on a set of important tools. These usually include a mandatory grilling set, pots and pans, spatulas, thermometers, utensils, tongs, meat claws, oil brushes, and barbecue skewers. Depending on what one is planning to cook, the essentials may vary. Not having these handy can create a cooking mess or inconvenience and lead to frustration and disappointment. Ignoring safety Safety is paramount when dealing with fire and oil, especially outdoors, where wind, dry foliage, and other natural elements may not always be cooperative. So, one is advised to gear up and have some safety measures in place. This is not just to protect the food but also the invitees from any potential disasters.

4 common mistakes to avoid while waterproofing basements

4 common mistakes to avoid while waterproofing basements
Water seeping into the house during the rains is truly a nightmare. Since water first seeps into the lowermost zones of the property, waterproofing the basement is important. It prevents problems like moistened furniture, damaged basement panels, and unpleasant smells. That said, one must be careful when waterproofing the area and seek the help of a professional if necessary. Here are four common mistakes to avoid when waterproofing basements DIY: Not waiting before draining flood water from the basement Floods usually affect the basement before the other rooms. The water puts pressure on the basement walls as time passes, making them weak. Fearing damage, many homeowners act really fast and try removing this water, which is a big mistake. Experts say one must let the rain stop and wait a few hours before doing that. When water is drained quickly during a flood, there is always the possibility of more water seeping into the basement from the surrounding soil. To avoid this outcome and stop the water flow, homeowners must wait for an hour or two after the flooding stops and drain the basement slowly. Relying only on paint for waterproofing In their ad campaigns, many paint manufacturers state that their products have waterproofing elements and qualities.

Buying physical gold and silver – Where and how

Buying physical gold and silver – Where and how
Physical forms of gold and silver are among the most traditional types of investment, making these a popular choice for many investors. These precious metals are a stellar investment option for a diverse investment portfolio as they retain their value even when the stock market plummets. But, with so many options to choose from, it can be quite challenging to decide where and how to buy physical gold and silver. Where can one buy physical gold and silver from? Online marketplaces and brick-and-mortar sellers such as jewelry stores or coin shops are the most common places to buy physical gold and silver. Wearable wealt h— r ings , earrings, necklaces, and bracelet s— c ontinues to be one of the most popular forms of buying physical gold or silver. But , due to the high mark-up as a result of craftsmanship and retailer costs, jewelry is not the best type of investment in precious metals. To reduce these costs and make sound investments, many people today purchase gold or silver bullion (bars or coins) , which may sometimes have designs or depictions on them. Buying gold and silver online v.s. in store When it comes down to the basics, the experience of buying gold and silver online or in stores is quite the same.

8 signs it’s time to consider assisted living

8 signs it’s time to consider assisted living
As a person ages, it is natural to need more help. That’s what assisted living communities are for. These communities provide seniors with physical, emotional, and social support as they age. At the same time, they ensure not to impede the individual’s sense of independence. While deciding to shift a loved one into an assisted living community can be difficult, families might have to take that step if some signs and situations become apparent. Chronic health issues With age, one is bound to develop chronic health conditions. As these conditions worsen, seniors may need care and support around the clock, which may not be possible at home. In such scenarios, it may be better to check into an assisted living or long-term care facility with experienced staff who can handle the senior’s medical needs. Recent falls Mobility and balance issues are common reasons why seniors have falls. Since a fall can have serious consequences, it is important to have round-the-clock care and monitoring, which assisted living communities provide. Many communities also have on-site staff trained to handle emergencies. They also have safety features like security systems, automatic door locks, mobility assistance, and enhanced lighting to make it easier for seniors to move around.

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4 common myths about diabetes debunked

When the glucose levels in the body are high and insulin levels are not proportionate enough to convert this glucose into energy, the risk of diabetes increases. It is basically the inability of the body to convert food into energy using insulin. The glucose is broken down into energy for cells to absorb and when this conversion doesn’t take place, blood sugar levels rise. If left unchecked, it can lead to a number of complications. However, there are certain myths about diabetes that can create confusion among the masses. Here is what you must know and understand about the condition. Myth 1: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same. The fact of the matter is that both type 1 and 2 are linked to insulin deficiency that causes diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce any insulin, and people suffering from this condition must rely on regular doses of insulin to supplement these requirements. Type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune disorder that is mostly diagnosed in children. In type 2 diabetes, the body still manages to produce insulin but the cells are unable to absorb the compound necessary for converting food into energy. Depending on the severity of the condition, people suffering from type 2 diabetes may or may not need insulin shots. Myth 2: Insulin dependence Nothing can be further from the truth that insulin is a lifesaving medication and absolutely necessary for people suffering from severe diabetes. The body cannot convert food into energy without insulin. How the supply is replenished does not matter as there is a need for the deficiency to be managed better. People with type 2 diabetes can still manage a healthy lifestyle and reduce their dependence on insulin to a great extent. However, it is a mandatory medication for those who have type 1 diabetes.

The risk factors associated with dehydration

Dehydration is the loss of fluids from one’s body. It can be caused due to something as simple as not having an adequate water intake or perhaps a severe medical side effect. The symptoms of fluid loss caused due to this condition can affect people of all ages. From toddlers and infants to older adults, one can experience mild to severe dehydration depending on the primary cause of the same. Herein, we shall try and understand the severity and risk factors associated with dehydration in people of different ages. Children and infants At a very young age, infants and children are more susceptible to bacterial infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Both result in the rapid loss of fluids. Note that infants lose more fluids in comparison to adults. Young children, especially toddlers, unlike adults, may also not realize when they are thirsty. This increases the risk of staying dehydrated unknowingly until severe symptoms indicate the same. It is one of the main reasons why doctors prescribe electrolyte-rich fluids for children experiencing a high fever to help replenish the lost fluids. Seniors and older adults Adults after a certain age face more difficulties as the body gradually loses its ability to conserve water. One’s sense of thirst also becomes acute with old age, which further increases the risk. Individuals might not feel thirsty enough to have the recommended intake of water every day, further causing problems due to the loss of fluids. Furthermore, dehydration can be a direct result of certain prescription medications used for treating diabetes. The side effects can result in a fluid imbalance as medications increase the urine output, thus resulting in a higher loss of fluids from the body. Many medications also list vomiting and diarrhea as potential side effects and both can trigger a severe loss of fluids in the body.

Must-have nutrients and foods for optimal eye health

Our sensory organs are extremely essential in our daily life. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to stand straight, see things, taste, communicate, and live the way we do. But the power of sight is one of the most important of them all. Maintaining good eye health is necessary, and, unsurprisingly, making healthy lifestyle and dietary choices is crucial for this. So, here are a few nutrients you should add to your daily diet to keep your vision in top-notch condition: Vitamin A The deficiency of vitamin A is one of the most common causes of blindness across the globe. Why is this vitamin so important? Well, for starters, it helps manage and maintain the light-sensing cells in your eyes. A lack of vitamin A can cause dry eyes and other serious eye conditions. Best food with vitamin A content: To get the right amount of vitamin A in your diet and maintain optimal eye health, include foods like apricots, carrots, spinach, and yam in your diet in plenty. Vitamin C Vitamin C is present in high concentration in the aqueous humor (the liquid in the outermost part of the eye). The amount of this vitamin in the aqueous humor is proportional to the amount in your diet, and research has proved that people with cataracts tend to have low amounts of vitamin C in their bodies. Best dietary sources of vitamin C: Citrus fruits like oranges, kiwi, lime, and strawberries are all great sources of vitamin C. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are also healthy sources of this vitamin. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are essential to maintain good eye health. DHA aids eye function. It is present in the retina and is an integral part of brain and eye development in children. Evidence also proves the benefits of omega-3 supplements for people with dry eyes.

Understanding the different aspects of a flu outbreak

Flu or influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can result in mild to severe illness and health complications. A severe flu infection can result in hospitalization and can even prove to be fatal, especially in young children, older people aged above 65, and people with underlying health conditions. There are two main types of flu viruses: Type A and Type B virus. The illness can be periodical and result in seasonal flu epidemics each year. The cold, flu, and its symptoms such as cough is caused due to the type of the viruses mentioned above. Influenza may not always be considered by most people as a serious illness, its symptoms comprising a runny nose, headaches, cough, and muscle pain can be confused with those of a heavy cold. Yet reports suggest that seasonal influenza can claim up to 650,000 lives every year. That is why influenza vaccinations are important because they protect people, especially those in at-risk categories, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with vulnerable immune systems or underlying health conditions. What most of us call “the flu” is essentially seasonal influenza because it comes around in the coldest season twice a year, once in the Northern hemisphere’s winter, and once in the Southern hemisphere’s winter in temperate zones of the world. The flu circulates year-round in the tropics and subtropics, which makes it more contagious. The worst part about the influenza virus is that it constantly mutates, enabling it to evade the mechanisms of our immune systems. The virus learns from the responses of the human body and creates a suitable defensive mechanism to survive the attack by the immune system. When a new virus emerges, it can easily infect people and spread due to its contagiousness. Very little to no immunity to a new strain can lead to a simple outbreak becoming an epidemic or a pandemic within no time.

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9 most common types of depression you should know about

9 most common types of depression you should know about

All of us feel low, upset, and unmotivated at some point in our life, but this isn’t classified as depression. Depression is a mood disorder that overshadows a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Signs and symptoms of this grave disorder can range from feeling hopeless and tired to completely losing the will to live. There are several types of depression and they are listed below so you can understand depression and people suffering from it better. Major Depression (Clinical Depression) The hallmark trait of this type of depression is the constant feeling of sadness or loss of interest in social life or any outside stimuli. It often lasts for two weeks or more in which a person can experience symptoms such as hopelessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) Dysthymia lasts for years and can disrupt daily life and interfere with personal and professional relationships. Individuals with dysthymia are often seen as dark, pessimistic, or complainers by others, and they have a hard time being happy in typically pleasant situations. Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) People with manic depression experience high degrees of mood swings. Their train of thought can take them from feeling euphoric to feeling suicidal in just a few weeks.
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Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Pregnancy is a new experience in every couple’s life, and one should understand a few things to ensure that the nine months are smooth and stress-free. Simply being prepared for pregnancy and looking forward to the joy of parenthood is not all there’s to childbirth. As a couple, you must understand, review, and adjust your lifestyle. Expecting mothers become their child’s nurturers and supporters from day one, but the expecting fathers, close relatives, and friends must also understand the key roles they will play right up to the due date. Here are a few simple family and pregnancy guide points to help you and your folks get started: Staying healthy Physical and mental wellbeing is extremely crucial for the expecting mother to ensure both her and the baby’s health. Diet plays a crucial role in this process, as the mother is now providing nutrition for the developing fetus as well as herself. As a family, you can take turns to ensure that the to-be mother is staying physically active, eating healthy and regularly, and not cultivating any bad habits. More importantly, family and loved ones should be prepared for the changes to come in the upcoming trimesters. Coping with changes – what to expect Morning sickness in the first trimester is quite common and can put a woman’s body under tremendous stress.
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