What To Know About Facing Life With Disability

September 18, 2017 Leave a Comment

For a long time before now and even now, in many circles and groups, disability has been something of a taboo. It’s something we don’t talk about in any real way, often until it’s staring us in the face and we have to learn how to deal with it. It’s a big change, and often a difficult one. But by thinking about how to cope with it, we can make living with it a lot easier.

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Know what you’re dealing with

Many disabilities are there from birth or a result of an accident or injury. There are others, however, that come in with time. Knowing the signs of disabilities like eye disease, deafness, and back pain that could grow chronic can help us start challenging them a lot sooner and learning the realities of a situation. Beyond getting regularly checked out, it’s also worth looking at your family history and seeing any conditions in your family history that could serve as a risk factor in your own life.

Know what you can do about it

Your doctor is always going to be the first port of call when it comes to treating the symptoms associated with a disability and helping you find ways around it. But there are other groups and organizations that can provide real practical advice. From devices like hearing aids for developing deafness to coping techniques for chronic pain, there is a lot of advice on offer. If you’re diagnosed with a disability, it’s worth looking at groups and organizations near you that can help serve as a support system. Your healthcare providers and family can help, but sometimes getting someone who truly understands what you’re going through can help you find real practical advice for fighting it.

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Know how it will change your life

Of course, the difference between disability and other forms of disease or illness is that we don’t consider disability temporary. It requires some changes, which means we have to learn how to understand what our limitations are and how to cope with them. This might mean looking at benefits on offer or modifications we might have to make to the home. Learning to accept our disability and start living with it, not against it, can also help in the next point.

Know the other ways it might affect you

We’ve mostly been tackling the effects of physical disability on your life, and mental disability is another topic deserving a multitude of posts on its own. But it’s also important to be aware of the impact that physical health can have on mental health. Stress, depression, and lowered self-esteem are some very common side-effects of learning to live with a disability. Be aware of the risks and that you might have to face them through counseling or by joining a support group like those mentioned above.

Living with a disability can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to stand in the way of a fruitful, comfortable, and fulfilling life. Being proactive and facing those challenges head-on is going to give you the best chance of getting that.

Filed Under: Family, Health, Health Reviews, Healthy

Essentials to Invest In Before You Grow Old

September 15, 2017 Leave a Comment

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Most of us fear growing old. Look at all of the people dying their hair to cover up the grey and getting Botox injections to keep wrinkles at bay. But why try to postpone the inevitable? The years ahead of us will endow us with wisdom and experience that we couldn’t possibly fathom at present. However, to get you started on the right foot here are a few sage pieces of advice that will see you take care of all of the essentials, leaving you the chance to kick back and relax when the opportunity of retirement comes around.

 

Take Out A Life Insurance Policy

 

It may be a bit of a morbid topic but it’s one that needs to be addressed. Chances are that you have taken care of your loved ones for most of your life and will want them to be well taken care of once you can’t t keep an eye on them yourself anymore. This is where life insurance comes into play. It’s better to take a policy out sooner rather than later. First off, you never know when disaster may strike: for some it will unfortunately be sooner rather than later. Secondly, if you develop any conditions it will be much harder finding someone to insure you. Ideally, you should take a policy as soon as possible while you are still fit and healthy. You can then continue your policy into a ripe old age. It can all be a little intimidating when you first stop looking, but you can make things a little easier for yourself by taking a look at healthinsurancequotes.co. This site will help you to find a quote for the best deal available to you.

 

Take Out a Mortgage Sooner Rather Than Later

 

The sooner you take out a mortgage agreement, the earlier you will completely clear it and own your property outright. You don’t want to be working well after your friends have retired in order to meet monthly repayments on your loan. This is when you should be relaxing and spending time together! You also don’t want to be taking huge amounts out of your retirement funds to cover late repayments if you do decide to retire before your property is truly yours.

 

Have a Retirement Plan

 

If you decide when you want to retire and how much you’d like to live on once you stop working, it’ll be a lot easier to organise yourself in the lead up to freedom from the working world. This is especially important for the self-employed as they are less likely to have a pension scheme organised on their behalf. You can also put extra savings aside for special events or rainy days down the line.

 

Following these simple steps will set you up for a happy life of relaxed retirement. You can spend time with your family rather than cash on unpaid bills and loans. You can also rest worry free that your loved ones will be financially secure in already stressful times of need.

Filed Under: Family, Retirement

Easy Ways To Help Older People Feel Safe In Their Home

September 14, 2017 Leave a Comment

If you have elderly relatives – it’s natural that you’d be concerned about their welfare, especially if they live far away. Even older people who live with others are at risk in their home if they have injuries or reduced mobility. There are several things you can do to help older people feel safer in their homes, helping to give peace of mind to you and your family too.

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A smartphone or tablet

A smartphone or tablet is a great idea for a gift for older people. It can help them stay connected without the complexity of a computer and means they can take it with them around the house or when they leave. There are some great smartphone models for older adults that benefit from features such as larger displays and clearer sound quality. A phone or tablet with a video chat function is great for helping them stay in touch with family and friends and will help you feel more at ease if you can see them too.

A medical alert system

Medical alert systems could be a life-saving item to have around the house if an older person were to fall over and need some help. Medical alert systems can come in a range of shapes and sizes, and medicalert.systems has some great reviews of what’s available. Even if you think they’re not required, this is an expensive item that could be more useful than you realize.

User-friendly appliances

As you get older, it can be difficult to use some common household appliances, which can lead to accidents or injuries that can be frustrating for an older person. Take a look at the things they have around their home, such as kettles, coffee makers, grills and anything else which has the potential to cause harm to unsteady hands. You’ll find that there are many alternatives available that are specially designed for older people or those with reduced mobility which will mean that they have less chance of causing themselves an injury when they’re at home alone.

A video doorbell/intercom system

Older people are vulnerable to cold callers or people ready to take advantage. Having a video system installed that identifies callers at the door can help them deal with unwanted visitors without having to open it. Having a secure entry system is important for ensuring safety, and you can find models that are very affordable and easy to install. Make sure they have an effective locking system in place that doesn’t rely on them remembering to lock up at night too – this will help them, and you sleep better.

 

Caring for your relatives as they get older is a wonderful way to repay the love they’ve shown you over the years. Making sure that they’re safe in their own home will help them retain their independence and help you know that they’re ok when you’re not around. Some things may seem quite simple and easy to do, but they can make the world of difference to an older person.

Filed Under: Family, Home

Cujo Smart Firewall Stay Safe Online

September 14, 2017 1 Comment

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

I grew up, many years ago, in a small town. People made deals by handshakes and your word meant you would do it! My father was a roofer and I remember he would always say “let’s shake on it”. They knew his word was a good as gold.

We don’t live in that world anymore and although I have seen so much good in people these last few weeks, going through Hurricane Harvey, I know the bad people are still out there.  Our home had minor damage in Rockport, we were the fortunate few. I witnessed firsthand people helping strangers and doing everything possible to assist each other. I was so proud to witness this.

But within days the “bad people” started coming around. I heard of looting in Houston, scammers receiving money from Dolly Parton’s donation. People applying and receiving funds from FEMA for homes, they didn’t live in. We know these people are out there so we have to be prepared!

 

 

I use the CUJO Smart Firewall at home to keep me safe online. I use my computer for my home business, therefore I can not take any chances. My husband does a lot of his work on his laptop on the weekends and we like knowing we are being protected. But mostly, I love knowing I can control what my grandsons watch when they are over. We have an iPad for them to use but are very concerned about them going where they shouldn’t so we set up the parental controls to help us monitor their views.

Since it has business-level security and easily plugs into your wifi router, I am confident that at least we can be protected in our home. I downloaded the app to help monitor the boy’s use, I can also turn their connection off when they hit their time limit.

Filed Under: Electronics, Family, Home Tagged With: , , ,

The Problem With Pigeons: Dealing With These Feathered Pests

September 13, 2017 Leave a Comment

Pests are every homeowner’s nightmare. They’re unpleasant, expensive to get rid of, and a lot of pests are able to spread disease and cause health issues in humans too. Insects and rodents such as rats, mice roaches, and flies all carry bacteria that can cause serious problems in people- in rare cases even death. Dysentery, Salmonella, and gastroenteritis are all illnesses that can be caused as a result of these critters. On top of this, pests can chew electrical cables or the structures of properties, resulting in expensive repairs.  But there’s one type of unexpected pest which can cause more damage than you might think, and that’s pigeons! If you’ve encountered these feathered pests, here’s some more information for dealing with the problem.

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Where They Nest

Pigeons usually nest in the eaves of buildings so you will need to check carefully both on your home and in any outbuildings. There might be visible pigeon activity such as feathers and droppings, but it’s worth checking every so often just in case. That way you can spot any problems early when there are fewer birds to deal with.

 

Health Risks

In some cases, pigeons can be hazardous to human health. The risk is considered small, however, they are known to carry viruses which can cause flu-like in humans. The dried droppings are a problem since spores from these can be carried by the wind and inhaled causing illness. Certain groups are especially vulnerable: children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions need to be careful.

 

Getting Rid of Pigeons

There are lots of effective bird repellent products out there which can stop pigeons from nesting on and around your home and cause damage. Sprays, gels, even physical barriers like spikes can stop them from sitting in the eaves of your home. If you’re already dealing with a substantial problem, you may need to call an exterminator, but otherwise, non-kill methods are the humane and ethical choice. You can often solve the problem by deterring them without having to resort to killing living creatures.

 

Repairing Any Damage

The main issue with pigeons is that their droppings are corrosive. The main issue you will find is that they cause leaks in the roof of your home, which can eventually cause black mold and even structural damage. A specialist restoration company like www.Clayton-Restoration.com would be able to repair any damage once the pest problem was under control. Another area that can get damaged is the brickwork or rendering on the walls of your home, this can make your property look unattractive. If it’s only minor, you may be able to get away with jet washing the stains and repainting rendering. If it’s started to cause cracks, flaking or other damage, you could get some supplies from a DIY store or look online for a company who specializes in this kind of work.

 

No one wants to deal with pests, and as a homeowner, they can cause a lot of hassle and expense. But if you do come up against pigeons you now know what to do.

Filed Under: Animal, Family, Home

4 Things Anyone Who Lives In A Warm Climate Knows To Be True

September 8, 2017 Leave a Comment

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There are definite benefits to living in a warm climate. For one thing, you have the kind of year-round weather that most people have to go on holiday to enjoy. That’s a pretty huge benefit, along with the extra Vitamin D that you’re able to absorb. For the most part, it’s easy to enjoy living in a warm climate – but it can have a few less-than-wonderful realities, too.

 

If you live – or have lived – in a warm climate, then you might just recognize a few of these realities…

 

  1. All The “Get Ready For Fall!” Posts Mean Nothing To You

 

Sure, you know that the seasons change – kind of. But if you live in a hot state, then your fall is pretty much the height of summer weather for some of the most northern parts of the country.

 

It’s hard to get excited about pumpkin spice lattes when it still feels like summer through to October. When it comes to getting your house ready for fall, you don’t need to do anything. You’re still going to be calling out the likes of Kaiser AC so you can keep your home cool while everyone else is getting rid of drafts and anticipating snowstorms. It can make you feel a little left out, but then again, the sunshine helps to take the edge off that.

 

  1. Sometimes, You Wish You Had Recognize Seasons

 

The all-around summer weather might sound ideal, but the truth is it can be a little bit… boring, sometimes. It’s tough when you log onto Facebook and see friends in cooler states delighting over the snow, when your biggest concern weather-wise is the constant risk of bushfires.

 

Sometimes, you think it might be nice to have such defined seasons, rather than “quite hot” parts of the year and “very hot” as the main difference maker.

 

  1. You Miss Out On The Traditional Christmas Fun

 

Look through any selection of Christmas cards and you’ll likely encounter a number of different scenes that you’re never going to partake in, if you stay at home anyway. Building a snowman? Nope. Roasting chestnuts over an open fire? Only if you want heatstroke. Bundling yourself into hats, scarfs, and gloves to go caroling? Not so much.

 

There’s a lot of fun to be had in a warm Christmas, but sometimes, you can’t help but want to do all those ‘traditional’ weather-requisite Christmas activities.

 

  1. You’re Permanently Cold If You Travel Out Of State

 

If you live in a hot area of the US, then your body expects you to be constantly warm. The moment you venture further north, to visit family and friends or just to get some of that ‘winter fun’ you’ve always wondered about – well, you’re freezing pretty much instantly. While natives of the northern states might consider it a fairly mild day, you’re chattering your teeth with cold, because your body just isn’t used to it.

 

Living in a warm climate is a lot of fun and causes fewer problems when it comes to the seasons changing – but as the above show, sometimes it might be nice to experience a little change!

Filed Under: Family, Home

Good Debt vs. Bad Debt: Is There Such a Thing?

September 7, 2017 Leave a Comment

If you are looking to spend your money on something large, then the question can often be asked if it is worth getting into debt over. Should you be better saving that money for other things? Do you really need it right now?

 

Once you have been able to answer those questions, then you need to think about how much of an investment for the future are those things that you want to buy? In basic terms, is it going to be a good debt or a bad debt?

 

If you’re confused by those terms, then it is time to explain what I mean. Good debt can be something that is a sensible investment for your future. It should be leaving you better off in the long run, which is what we all want. Plus, it shouldn’t have a negative impact on your life at the moment. Basically meaning that it could spiral out of control and interest rates are low. Bad debt is when it is the complete opposite. It isn’t going to benefit you in any way in the long run and can cost you more and more to do so. So when you are left in a position questioning if you should be spending money on something, then those definitions should spring to mind.

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Examples of Good Debt

 

  • Student loans are a pretty good example of good debt. They are helping you to achieve something that can set you up for life and improve your employability and career prospects. Often, the interest is lower on student loans than on other loans. It can get out of control a little if you don’t budget and plan well, which is where consolidation of student loans might come in. But check somewhere like studentloansconsolidation.co before you consolidate. You want to make sure that you’re going to be getting a good deal.
  • Mortgages are another example of good debt. You are paying money each month towards owning a home. You aren’t wasting money and sending it to a landlord. At the end of the day, once you’re on the property ladder, you have something that is yours, and you can sell at any point. You could read more here moneysavingexpert.com if needed. So it definitely is a good debt to have.
  • Investing in your own business, or perhaps a business of others can be a good debt to have. It means you could get a business off the ground and you can benefit from the profits. As long as all risks have been assessed, then it can be a good debt to have.

 

Examples of Bad Debt

 

  • If you’re borrowing money to pay off bills or credit card debt, then that is an example of bad debt. It will just get you into further financial problems over all. So don’t borrow to pay off borrowing.
  • Paying for anything that you can’t afford with credit cards or loans, that you won’t be able to pay off in full, is an example of bad debt. Whatever it is, a luxury holiday or some new clothes, if you can’t afford them, you shouldn’t be buying them. It really is as simple as that.
Filed Under: Budget, Family

Teaching Your Kids How To Take Care Of Their Health Is Too Important To Ignore!

September 5, 2017 Leave a Comment

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One of the biggest concerns for a lot of parents is how they can best make sure that their kids are properly protected from illness. After all, no one wants to see their child sick and suffering in any way. Of course, trying to get them to care about their health can be extremely difficult when they’re not quite old enough to fully understand the consequences of what they’re doing. Trying to explain to a child why they shouldn’t eat dirt can often feel like you’re banging your head against a brick wall! However, there are a few ways that you can help your child to learn some good health habits and teach them to care about their health a little more.

 

Lead by example

 

The very best thing that you can do if you want your children to become more concerned about their health is to lead by example. Do things like washing your hands together so that you can teach them how to do it as thoroughly as possible. Similarly, going to the doctor and dentist can be scary for kids, so going with them and showing them that it’s okay can be a real comfort for them. Places like Owens Dental can help you and your entire family take care of their teeth without any stress. Seeing you go to the doctor and dentist and understanding how things work can make everything a lot less scary for many children and encourage them to feel more independent when it comes to taking care of their health.

 

Put it in terms they can understand

 

Sadly, trying to explain things like viruses and bacteria to children can often be an exercise in frustration because they simply aren’t developed enough to understand what it all means. However, that doesn’t mean that you should give up on trying to educate them and resort to things like “because it’s dirty!” or, even worse “because I said so!” Sure, kids might not understand viruses, but that’s why we call them tummy bugs. By helping them to visualize things like hygiene and germs, you can help to give them a much better idea of what they can do to avoid getting sick. There are hundreds of books and videos out there which act as fantastic resources when it comes to explaining health to kids at any level at all. Sure, they might not fully understand, but if you can start to make those connections in their mind early on, it will be a lot easier further down the road.

 

The best thing that you can do is to be less concerned with hovering over your child and making sure that they’re always protected from germs and simply to teach them to avoid getting sick where they can. Sure, you’re never going to be able to protect your child from getting sick 100% of the time, but if you take more of a “give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime” approach to things then your children will be able to be much more independent in the future.

Filed Under: Children, Family

Hurricane Harvey… The aftermath!

September 1, 2017 Leave a Comment

 

This has not been an easy time for Texas but I have never been prouder of my State. I have never been prouder of my family and neighbors as well. We own a home in Rockport, Texas, and along with thousands of others, we waited patiently to find out if we too lost it in the storm. Thank the Lord we were spared, but there is still a ton to deal with in the aftermath.

We have seen this destruction first hand and have worked non-stop to help our neighbors and friends. We also own a home in La Ward, Texas, which also was affected by the storm. We lost electricity and water for days but fortunately, we only had minor damage to our home. 

I am saddened by the loss of life from this storm but so grateful that many listened and followed the suggestions. We evacuated along with thousands of others leaving our home, not knowing what to take, or, what to leave. We had to decide what mattered most to us and what we could live without. We decided our family, animals, and paperwork was all that had to be removed. We worked day and night to prepare and luckily we got out in time. 

Once the storm came through we had to wait a couple days before going to evaluate the damage and see if we even had a home left. I can not begin to explain the devastation of our town. We were some of the fortunate few whose home survived, but on both sides of us, homes were flattened.

My proud moments have been watching my children helping others. My oldest son is a police officer who worked for days keeping everyone safe.  Then on his first day off, he started helping neighbors cut trees off their roofs and cars.  My husband who is driving over 2 1/2 hours to and from work has been stopping to remove trees off of his co-worker’s homes. 

We are now able to start cleaning up and trying to get our lives back to normal. 

We’re only a week out and don’t have water or electricity but what we do have is so much more important. We have family and love and above all faith in our country again!! #TexasStrong #HurricaneHarvey #HurricaneHarveyRelief

Going to try this for our condo, to help with the moisture!!  

 

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Realities Of Regular Drinking: Will A Glass Of Wine A Day Really Keep The Doctor Away?

August 31, 2017 Leave a Comment

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We all lead stressful lives. It’s no surprise, then, that we want to get as much enjoyment from our down time as possible. As such, many of us turn to a glass of wine each evening. It’s the perfect way to step away from the stress of every day.

Even better, there has been some suggestion that a nightly glass could ‘keep the doctor away.’. That’s a sentiment most of us are willing to get behind. But, how many of us actually take the time to consider the reasoning?

There’s no denying that there are health benefits to wine drinking. But, the statement may well be misleading, and possibly even damaging if taken at face value. To get to the bottom of the issue, we’re going to look at the health benefits, and their less spoken of the dark side.

The Health Debate

Many of us fail to understand how wine is good for us. Which is why we’re going to look into the issue. If you’re using the health argument as a reason to continue, you should at least know what you stand to benefit.

For the most part, it’s the antioxidants in wine which do the good stuff. Dry wines like Cabernet have been proven as particularly health effective. But, what do those antioxidants do? Studies have revealed that regular wine drinking can benefit anything from blood pressure to memory. In fact, a study in France showed that women over 50 who drank a glass of wine each day were 2.5 times more likely to score in the top 10% on memory tests. Who would’ve thought that alcohol could help you remember? Again, the grapes are to thank.

Wine is also fantastic for keeping the disease at bay, as it fights bacteria. Plus, it doesn’t have the downside of suppressing your immune system, like many other alcohols. All good so far, right?

The Realistic Risks

While enough studies have proven the above benefits, they fail to take the risks into account. The main issue is that most people don’t stop at one glass. Once a bottle is open, a shocking amount decides to finish the whole thing.

And, when you’re drinking a bottle, the health benefits fail to outweigh the negative implications. Worse, heavy drinking on a regular basis could lead to addiction. So that wine you drank for your health could see you doing a stint in a recovery center like Compass Recovery. It’s far from what you had in mind, and no way to keep the doctor at bay.


And, addiction aside, there are other issues. Wine may fight illnesses, but heavy drinking has been known to increase the cancer risk. Wine can also cause problems for fertility. Women drinking five units or fewer are two times more likely to conceive fast than those drinking more than ten units.

So, yes, there are health benefits. But, that shouldn’t mean you forget the importance of moderation. A glass of wine won’t hurt. But, can you trust yourself to stop there?

Filed Under: Family, Health, Health Reviews, Healthy

5 Easy-Peasy Ways To Keep Your Family Healthy

August 31, 2017 Leave a Comment

There are so many reasons why we moms want to keep our family as healthy as possible, not least because our kids are a pain to look after when they get ill and the man-flu our partners complain of is unbearable to live with. That alone is reason enough to go above and beyond the call of duty and make sure that we are doing all we can in the healthy family stakes.

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Water Not Food

Overeating a is a big issue at the moment, a pandemic that has certainly taken America by storm. So, the next time your kid says they are hungry, instead of reaching for a snack packed full of E-numbers, given them a glass of water instead. The reason you should do this is thirst and hunger can be really hard to differentiate, meaning your kids could actually be thirsty instead of hungry. Of course, your kids may complain because they don’t like water, in which case you should spruce it up a bit with some sliced fruit and tell them to enjoy.

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Always Wash Hands

Pretty much every type of cold, flu or viral bacteria is spread through hand-to-hand contact, which is exactly why you should encourage your kids to get their scrub on. It is just the most effective way to protect your family from catching all those things that are out there. Get into the habit of your kids cleaning their hands every time they come into the house. That, or start having antibacterial hand wash dotted about your home.

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Doctor On-Call

Going to the doctor every time your partner gets the man-flu (and claims it is life threatening) or your kids say their tummy hurts is a tiring process. Booking an appointment, getting into the car, sitting in a waiting room full of people with contagious flu’s, and all that sort of stuff is time-consuming. That is why you should join the 21st century and sign up to 365 Doc. You can get a doctor’s opinion from anywhere using your phone and not have to suffer any waiting times or run the risk of catching the actual flu when nothing was wrong in the first place. Oh, the irony.

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No Shoes Policy

Wearing shoes around your house is a surefire way to encourage the spread of germs. Think about it. You’ve been wearing your shoes outside, stomping around in pesticides, germs, toxins, allergens and whatever else, and now you’re stomping them into the floor of your home. We read one statistic that said the sole of each shoe contains over 400,000 bacteria. So, yeah, take them off at the door and leave them there. Simple.

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Stretch As A Family

Why not add a little stretching into your morning routine. Wake up, come down stairs, pop the kettle on, and then have a little stretch together while you wait. You don’t need to go overboard and start learning a thousand different yoga poses. Just a reaching up into the air and then trying to touch your toes a few times over will be enough to get your circulation going, and that will keep your immune system running high.

Filed Under: Family

Essential Questions To Ask Yourself Before Expanding Your Family

August 25, 2017 Leave a Comment

Few people know for sure the number of children that they want to have. They might have an idea, but not many of us are absolutely settled on the exact number.

 

When you get through the trials and tribulations of being a first time parent, you will have learned a few essential lessons. It might have been tough, but it will have been absolutely worth it. The lesson you might find yourself learning most of all is that… you want to have more children.

 

Whether you just have one or are already on your fourth, that nagging sense that you’d like to have another child is rarely easily quietened. While the impulse to add to your brood can be overwhelming, there has to be a moment where you allow a little investment in contemplation of what you might be undertaking.

 

Of course, that’s not to say it is an inherently a bad thing to consider having more children. However, it might be wise to ensure you’ve got all the right answers, to the following questions, prior to going ahead…

 

Question One: Do You Have Room?

 

While young children can usually share a bedroom quite effectively, the same is not true when they reach a certain age. Eventually, your kids are going to want privacy, especially those that are different genders. That might mean you need to think about choosing a home loan and moving somewhere larger, so that everyone can have the space that they need.

 

Bear in mind that you might need to do this sooner rather than later; it might not just be a thought for the teenage future. If you have young children and they would have to share their room with a baby at your present address, then you have to consider the ramifications of nighttime disturbances of a newborn. Realistically, a new baby is going to need their own space, or risk damaging their siblings’ quality of sleep.

 

Question Two: Are You (And Your Partner) The Only Ones Making The Decision?

 

Society has a way of pushing certain ideas onto us. When a couple gets married, the first question they will be inundated with is when they plan to have children. You might think that having children would actually get you a break from this invasive line of questioning… but it will still happen! Now the question is, “when are you planning on having a little brother/sister for [your child]?”.

 

Don’t be pressured into having more children by other people. You might hear a lot of people enthusing about the prospect of siblings for your existing child/ren, but this is one decision that only you and your partner need to be involved in.

 

Question Three: Are You Ready For The Expense?

 

It can feel incredibly unpleasant to talk about babies and expanding your family in such coarse terms, but nevertheless, it’s a conversation you need to have. Babies are expensive; children more so; teenagers still more again – and then you might have to think of the cost of an additional college education.

 

Do you have a financial plan for the future that’s going to allow you to afford all of that for an additional child?

 

In Conclusion…

 

If you can confidently answer all of the above questions, then you are well prepared to consider having another child. If you don’t have your answers figured out yet, that’s okay. Give it a little time and figure out solutions where needed; you’ll get there in the end. What’s more, you’ll be all the more prepared to welcome the joy of a new life when you can answer these questions – so you and your children can enjoy the benefits of your careful contemplation. Good luck!  

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Filed Under: Baby, Children, Family

Hostess Habits You Have To Break Before Your Next Party

August 24, 2017 Leave a Comment

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Opening up your home to other people is never a simple task. Even when you have prepared to the hilt and think nothing can go wrong, something is still liable to happen during the event itself. Some people will be late; some drinks will run out; you’ll have forgotten the dietary requirements of one of your guests.

 

What it’s easy to forget is that most of the above can be forgiven. When friends and family attend a party at your home, they’re not expecting a perfect 5* service where everything goes to plan. They want to have a nice night, feel catered to but not excessively so, and just enjoy the atmosphere.

 

Of course, as the hostess, it’s up to you to be the leader of that atmosphere – and there are a few things you can do to damage it. Most of these you won’t even realize are bad things; some might even just seem like being polite. However, if you do them too often, then it could be your behavior – rather than anything materially wrong with the party – that brings the mood down. So why not take a scan through the list and see if any of these must-quit hostess habits apply to you?

 

Bad Habit: Constantly Asking If People Need Refills

 

On the surface, this seems… well, polite, really. You want your guests to be comfortable, and part of that means ensuring they always have a full glass. After all, you’ve done the beforehand work, got yourself a beverage distributor and plenty of different drinks options – so what’s wrong with asking guests if they need you to top up their glass?

 

Put simply: it can feel like you’re nagging them. An occasional question is fine, but many a hostess may take this to a point where it feels like they’re constantly pestering their guests. Don’t go too far, or your kindly offer begins to feel like an annoyance.

 

Bad Habit: Trying To Dictate A Tone

 

Parties take on a life of their own – or at least, they should. If you try too hard to create an atmosphere or tone for the evening, then two things are going to happen:

 

  1. It’s not going to work. Shouting “woohoo, party!” into a quiet room or – on the flip side – trying to temper down a lively party into a more sit down, calm, event just isn’t going to happen.
  2. You’re going to exhaust yourself trying to pursue the idea of what you think your party should be like, rather than just letting it happen naturally.

 

Neither consequence is one you want to find yourself dealing with – so don’t. Sure, redirect conversation if it’s going in a direction that might cause arguments – politics is always a good one to avoid – but other than that, let things happen.

 

Bad Habit: Enjoying Yourself Too Much

 

Of course, you should enjoy your party. However, it’s best to try and ensure you at least steer clear of too much alcohol – especially if you’ve not eaten much during the day as you’ve been rushing around making plans!

 

Combine the three above and you will truly be the hostess with the mostest, who knows where the line is between attentive and obsessive and is always on hand to help with any problems that arise.

Filed Under: Family, Kitchen Reviews

Repay The Love: Caring For Mom Or Dad As They Get Older

August 15, 2017 Leave a Comment

Your memories of growing up are idyllic. You remember the lavish thanksgivings, the Christmas’ spent eating the perfect meal that your mom had spent hours preparing, and the Sundays spent fishing with dad. The love and support that your parents gave you was unconditional and has made you who you are today. Now, as your parents creep into old age, those memories seem further away, but they are as vibrant and happy as ever. It’s time for you to repay that support and care for your elderly parents in the most loving way possible.

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Living Arrangements

 

You may wish to invite your mom or dad into your own home to live with you. This is the ultimate way of caring for your elderly parent and gives them the security of living with loved ones. You will also feel safe in the knowledge that their care will be of the highest quality as you will be the one in charge of it.

 

If you have kids, having grandparents living under your roof can be enriching as your children grow up. They’ll be able to reel off stories of the olden days, fascinating your kids and getting them enthralled by historical tales of life before the Internet and social media. At the same time, your kids can enhance your parents’ lives through their youth and vitality.

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When Your Parents Can’t Live With You

 

There may come a time when the medical, social or emotional needs of your parents become too much for you. This can heighten feelings of guilt and shame especially when you can see that your parents do not wish to leave the security of your home. However, there will come a point when you must make a decision that puts the needs of your immediate family first yet still ensures the care of your mom and dad. You cannot perpetuate a situation that sees you being on hand twenty four hours a day to look after your parents to only then see this causing friction with your spouse and limiting the time that you can spend with your children.

 

Sourcing potential homes for your elderly parents can be daunting and seem like an impossible task. Broach the subject with a parent early on, so that they have time to get used to the idea and, after some resistance, there will be a possibility that you can work together to decide on the best residential care.

 

If your mom or dad requires medical care, it’s vital that the care home you choose is confident in administering their medication. You don’t want to visit mom or dad to find out that you have been paying for a service that has not been delivered. This would require you turning to a medical whistleblower to expose the fraud and ensure your money is returned to you. More importantly, you would have to find another home for your parent which is hugely disruptive and upsetting.

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Constantly Show Your Love

 

Having an aging parent can be fraught with difficulties. You may see a shift in the mood of your kind and loving mom resulting in bad tempered episodes and tearful conversations. This can be heartbreaking to witness but also frustrating and upsetting for your mom. It’s up to you to remain patient, reassuring and loving towards your parent. By working together, you can ultimately ensure the best possible care for your mom and dad.

Filed Under: Family

Bouncing Bots #roosterfingames

August 9, 2017 Leave a Comment

Bouncing Bots was a blast to play. My friend’s seven-year-old grandson was even able to participate with bouncing the bots onto the scoring targets. What started out as a normal game soon escalated quickly into laughter and bots bouncing everywhere.

After one time playing, this game became our friends and families favorite game. We now pull it out in the afternoons when our friends come over and we sit down and enjoy our time together with this game. Bouncing Bots has brought out laughter and fun for us in the evening and has brought our friend and family together to spend quality time.

This is a game I would highly recommend for any family with children. The game is based on a point system. You receive points by bouncing it on the numbers on the board. Whoever has the most points at the end wins so you want to try to bounce on the highest numerical values to receive the most points.

This game was invented by Joseph M. Balcuk who had a degree in mathematics. He created this game as an educational learning tool. He coupled it with his experience in teaching and his mathematics skill. This allowed him to make a unique game that encourages the children and adults to have a good time while learning. It helps with social development, mathematics, and tons of other educational skills.

This game contains eight creative bot characters (which the purple ones are my favorite), two platforms to bounce the bots on and a list of instructions to help understand how the game is played. The game is for 1-4 players and ages even through adulthood can play. I highly recommend you adding this game to your collection for family game night, you will not be disappointed.

This is a sponsored ad however these are my own personal thoughts and opinions on the product.

 

Filed Under: Children, Family

Eco-Friendly Living For Cash-Strapped Families

August 7, 2017 Leave a Comment

There are lots of families out there who are struggling to save any money at the end of each month. And because cash is quite tight at the moment, they think that there is no way they can afford to switch their lifestyle to one that is a lot more eco-friendly and sustainable.

 

However, that really isn’t the case. In fact, following an environmentally friendly lifestyle has never been so affordable. And there are so many tips and tricks you can use to help bring your bills down even further. Here are just a few of the best ones.

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Get Solar Panels

 

Are you sick of paying sky-high energy bills every month? If so, you need to think about getting some solar panels installed onto your property’s roof. Shop around when you are looking for a solar panel contractor as this gives you the chance to find the best possible price to get the job done. Even though it might be a bit pricey to get these panels installed, you will find that your energy bills plummet once you start to rely more on solar power.

 

Cook From Scratch

 

Cooking from scratch at home can save you a ton of money. After all, you probably can’t afford to eat out at restaurants every day of the week! And take out and ready meals are no cheaper really. But cooking at home won’t just save you some serious money – it is also the best option for the environment as well! That’s because processed food goes through an industrial process that uses a lot of energy and creates a huge carbon footprint! Even if food in restaurants isn’t processed, you don’t know how far it has traveled to get on your plate – and that could have required high carbon emissions.

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Go Veggie

 

There is another way you can help the environment with your diet. You just need to go vegetarian! Don’t worry, you don’t need to commit to a meat-free diet every single day. Lots of studies show that if we were to all have one meat-free day per week, the environment would greatly benefit. That’s because lots of farming now requires heavy industry that leaves a huge carbon footprint. So, maybe it’s time to swap your chicken for lentils?!

 

Unplug

 

Going out for a few hours? If so, you do a quick check of your house to make sure that every single electrical appliance has been unplugged. This is especially important for devices like set-top boxes as these will continually drain energy, even if they aren’t in use. Obviously, you can’t unplug appliances like your freezer or fridge, but anything that isn’t in use should always be unplugged. Once you start doing this, you will notice a big difference to your monthly bills.

 

So, as you can see, turning to a greener way of life doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Why not give it a go to see just how great the benefits are to you and the environment?

Filed Under: Budget, Family Tagged With: ,

Your Kid Wants Their Birthday To Be One Thing: Exciting

August 4, 2017 Leave a Comment

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We wish we could look forward to anything in life the same way a child looks forward to their birthday. The excitement on their face, the way they can’t sleep at night, how much they can’t wait to see their cake, or their friends, or what you have got them, or what you have planned, or just the fact they get to wear a badge that proudly displays that this is their day and nobody else. It is the most infectious type of euphoria we have ever experienced.

 

The problem is, this total elation that bursts out of them like sweets from a pinata really heaps the pressure on us parents. They are so excited about this day and it is our duty to make sure that it somehow exceeds all expectations (knowing that we are setting the bar dauntingly high next year, and all the years after that).

 

But no matter how hard we try to do something special, we always have that niggling feeling at the back of our heart that says we need to do more. We think back to our own childhood birthday’s, think how hard our own mum’s worked to supersede our imaginations and then try and work out how we can achieve the same thing, but on steroids.

 

The thing that probably stands out more than anything, though, is the fact your parents always made every part of that day about you. You’ve probably forgotten what you did, who was there, what sort of cake you had, how many candles there were and the fact you got to tear the wrapping paper off Disney Princess mystery box and fawn over it with momentary joy. All of these details seem to fall away. What lasts a lifetime is that feeling of excitement, and that is exactly what we are going to try and help you take to another level because we have come up with a list of ways you can keep the surprises coming and the feeling of joy bubbling away like a pan of custard left on the hob.

 

This is your kid’s birthday and it is going to be the best birthday yet!

 

  1. Make The Build Up As Exciting As Possible

Your kid is going to be naturally excited by their birthday, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fuel that gorgeous little fire a little bit more. As we’ve established, the excitable thing is the best part, so latch onto this and have a countdown that lasts the entire week leading up to their big day. Have a black board in the kitchen that counts down or a calendar where they can mark the days off with a big, fat, red pen. Maybe have a bouquet of ten balloons, and let them take one away every morning. It doesn’t even have to be a countdown if you don’t want. It could be a series of clues, each clue leading them to another until they finally discover their stash of presents you’ve hidden somewhere genius. Whatever you think will get their excitement boiling over, do it. Your kid will love this as much as their actual birthday.

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  1. Nothing Beats A Birthday Breakfast

Every child has a favorite breakfast, that thing usually only reserved for special occasions. Well, whatever it is, make it with sprinkles. Literally. If your kid hasn’t got a favorite, know that you cannot go wrong with the smile-inducing classics. We’re talking a stack of pancakes (covered in sprinkles) or a breakfast milkshake (with extra sprinkles) or a pile of waffles (yes, with sprinkles). Anything that can be deemed fun and special and worthy of the best birthday breakfast ever. Oh, and if you can, try and add a candle or ten just to add to the joviality that much more.

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  1. Decorate The House While They Are Sleeping

Nothing beats that moment where you wake up, rub your eyes, stretch out your arms and legs, ponder the world for a moment and then suddenly remember that it’s your birthday, motivating you to jump up and run downstairs to find the whole house has been decorating in your honor. So go utterly crazy on this front. Buy a selection of shirts for the birthday boy and lay them out for them to choose a birthday outfit from. Hang up streamers and balloons and banners. Get pictures of their life up to now printed out and stick them all over the place. Write birthday messages on the mirror in the bathroom. Absolutely everything and anything you can think and, remember, the wilder your ideas the better. Get all creative on this birthday.

 

  1. Decorate Your Car Too

There is nothing that will make your kid feel like their birthday is 100% their day than having random people and passersby celebrate it with them. They kind of expect you to celebrate it with them, but they do not expect everyone to get involved. That’s why you need to get yourself some colorful window marker and cover your glass in messages like, “Birthday Boy!” and “Ten Today!” And “Honk for Sam!” And anything else you want to add, like pictures of balloons and cakes and all that kind of jazz. Having people honk as they drive past will have your little one smiling and laughing, and it won’t get boring for any of you either. Every single beep of a car horn will fill your little world right up, which is just how it should be.

 

  1. Little Things Can Make A Big Difference

The little thing on their day is what makes all the difference. Things like declaring it a screen free day for their siblings and you, the parents, will ensure that all the focus is directed towards them, which is a nice feeling to have. If it is their birthday on a school day, then why not go the extra mile and wrap every single item in their lunch box in birthday wrapping paper, while also throwing in a couple of balloons and party poppers and that sort of thing. Measure them too. Every kid wants to see how much they have grown since their last birthday, so make sure you have a wall chart you can add to, or start. Make this a new tradition in which to follow because, for them, every birthday is proof of how much bigger they are, and they will want to see that first hand. These are all little things, minuscule and minute things that can go easily unnoticed, but they are things that will make all the difference.

 

  1. A Very Special Meal Out

Go to your child’s favorite restaurant, or to that place that will completely blow their mind because it is more than just food on a plate, it is an experience that will totally blow their mind. This could be somewhere you have heard people rave about, or it could be somewhere you stumbled across in a local magazine, either way, indulge their childish fantasies. Just remember to call ahead and let the restaurant know that it is your kid’s birthday. Like we said with the whole decorating your car thing, the more strangers that celebrate their birthday with them the more special and unique it is going to feel, and nothing says that like a restaurant full of strangers singing happy birthday to you while sliding a cake you didn’t expect onto the table in front of you. This is what magic looks and feels like. These are the things that will stay with them for a lot longer than presents.

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  1. Get All Creative With This Day

We’re not just talking about arts and crafts here, although yes, please do indulge this side of things too. Make a special (non-alcoholic) cocktail or smoothie with them that they can get involved with, and let them name it. Maybe even add the recipe to a book of your creation, one that you can add to at every special occasion. It could be that you make a birthday crown with them too, something they can wear all day and attract calls of “happy birthday” from people everywhere they go. The other type of creative we were alluding to, however, was to do with memories. Set up a special interview with them. Have a video camera and ask them questions while filming, things that will make them smile and laugh years down the line, maybe even prove they were right about their hopes and dreams and aspirations. We live in a world where we can document things like never before, and these will be cherished in time. It doesn’t even have to be a video interview, though. It could be a written one, with you tucking the paper into their memory box to open on their 21st.

 

Making your child’s birthday is all about building their excitement, devoting every part of this day to their happiness and creating memories that will easily outlast the toys that you give them. Of course, the presents are an important aspect, but it is the feeling of this being their day that will make them happiest of all. So get your thinking cap on and think outside the box a little. There are ways to build their glee that you have never thought about, and it is up to you to exploit these.

Filed Under: Children, Family Tagged With: , , , , ,

Personalize Your Piczzle Puzzle #piczzle

July 31, 2017 Leave a Comment

 

I absolutely love doing puzzles, from rivers to mountains, you name it. When I heard about this Piczzle custom picture puzzles I was stoked. Piczzle is an amazing company that offers you to preserve your favorite memories. Your customized puzzle will come in a handy cardboard box which displays the photo right on the cover.

This is an item that you are able to customize by picking out your favorite picture and can create a puzzle out of it! This is a great learning opportunity for kids also. It can be a picture of their favorite animal or a favorite picture with their friends. This is perfect for a birthday, anniversary, or even Christmas gifts. There are so many shapes that you can have like hearts, circles, squares, rectangles. You name it and Piczzle can achieve it. There are so many opportunities you can come up with for the puzzle idea. The material of this product is high quality, not cheaply made. Piczzle has made their puzzles to last a life time, making it an item you can enjoy for many years. This is a long lasting custom memory maker to enjoy for years to come. These custom made puzzles are something you do not want to pass on.

Another great thing about this item is that it has amazing customer reviews check out a unique and just right Here. The story in this review goes on to say what a great fathers day gift this was. Check it out, you will not be disappointed. Their reviews are awesome, so many happy customers!!

There is a coupon code you can use at SummerFun0717 which is valid until August 31. This company strives to have delivered top craftsmanship, and highest print quality. The cardboard pieces are precision cut so all pieces will perfectly match one another and they are printed with advanced digital printing.

They have a FaceBook page that I encourage you to check out at FaceBook Page, and they also have a YouTube account you can access here at YouTube Account.

This post is sponsored however these opinions and comments are my own personal thoughts.

 

Filed Under: Family

Everything Your Child Needs For A Happy Start In Life

July 17, 2017 Leave a Comment

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As a parent, happiness is the one thing that you desire for your child at all times. Quite frankly, your influence on their upbringing will go a long way to whether they have a good enough reason to keep smiling.

 

All kids deserve to be surrounded by the fundamentals of a happy childhood. Here are four of the key factors that no parent should ever overlook. Get them in place, and you’ll be sure to see fantastic results for your child.

 

A Happy Home Environment

 

If a child can’t feel happy and content in their own home, where can they?

 

The home doesn’t have to be a mansion for it to satisfy the needs of your son or daughter. Building a playroom will provide a space for learning, entertainment, and using up their energy. If you are blessed with a garden, you should be eager to maximize the potential of this environment too.

 

Perhaps most importantly, though, your child needs a bedroom that is comfortable, practical and fun. As for other rooms in the home, just be sure that they are kept safe at all times.

 

Great Educational Facilities

 

After the home, school is where your child will spend most of his or her time. Moreover, it’s the place where they will develop the skill and the friendships that will guide them throughout their childhood.

 

Every parent should appreciate the importance of choosing a good school. According to TIME, there are seven simple tricks that will help you do just that. Of course, some of those ideas can be used when selecting a nursery too. However, the school environment is where it truly matters.

 

Depending on location, your child is likely to spend around 30 hours of each week at school. If they’re happy during this time, it will keep them smiling at home too. Just remember that spotting signs of bullying and other issues are just as crucial as the school itself, and you won’t go far wrong.

 

Healthy Habits & Routines

 

Surrounding your child with winning environments will clearly go a long way building a solid foundation of happiness. However, your work as a parent doesn’t end there.

 

This post at Mommy Makes Time suggests that routines are the most important thing. Establishing healthy habits will ensure that your child develops in the best way both mentally and physically. In turn, that will ensure that they grow up with a smile on their faces. Not least because interacting with other kids will be easier too.

 

There’s no excuse for ignoring the need for that stability, especially as all parents can provide it. Of course, individual situations may influence the finer details. Nonetheless, building those positive routines is key.

 

Magical Adventures

 

Nothing in this life beats spending time with loved ones, especially when you do something memorable.

 

Arranging regular family days out doesn’t only strengthen your bond, but it gives your child something to tell friends about. Likewise, holidays are a great source of happiness that will last for years. If they get to learn more about the world in the process, that’s simply a bonus.

 

Life is all about the moments that put a smile on your face. Seeing and experiencing new things is the perfect way to achieve this goal for all the family. Essentially, time is your most valuable asset. Use it in the most efficient manner, and life will look better than ever.

Filed Under: Children, Family

The Little Signs That Your Elderly Parent Needs Help

July 13, 2017 Leave a Comment

Having aging parents is both a blessing and a curse. Naturally, you want to have your parents around for as long as possible. But it can be difficult to watch them age, and unavoidably degrade and lose some of their abilities. Besides the emotional involvement of suddenly having to care for your parents – whether you need to be a full-time care or to manage their living arrangements – , there is a much more urging matter. Indeed, elderly people may fail to notice that their health is degrading. As people age, they rapidly lose focus of their health to concentrate on everyday routines, such as their favorite TV show, the morning tea or even a sweet sugary treat before going to bed. But without any reference to health, they can become weak in front of your eyes without even noticing. It’s exactly why you need to pay attention to all the little signs that your elderly parent might show.

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#1. The TV Is Too Loud

When was the last time you’ve had a phone call with your elderly parent? If you’ve found yourself having to repeat constantly the same thing because they couldn’t hear you, it might be a sign of hearing issues. Although, before you rush to read all the latest hearing aid faq, you may want to check if this could be simply due to an old device. Seniors are, after all, not renowned for changing their tech devices as regularly as younger generations. You may want to investigate a little more, especially by checking how loud the TV generally is at your parents’ place. Old people tend not to notice that their hearing is getting worse, especially as all it takes is to turn the volume up. Additionally, there are other signs that can help you to notice the issue before it gets too late. For instance, you may find conversations difficult with your elderly parent. They may not ask you to repeat, but their answers might indicate that they didn’t hear you properly.   

 

#2. They Are Losing Weight

Appetite loss is a common issue with aging people. After all, they do need fewer calories, and consequently, it’s natural that their appetite is not the same than yours. However, there is a thin line between natural reduction of appetite and unhealthy behavior. There are many factors that can lead to eating less in seniors. They could be experiencing denture troubles, and consequently, might find it more difficult to eat. They might feel lonely and be lacking appetite as a result of their mental mood. They may even become forgetful and not notice that they haven’t eaten all day. Whatever the reasoning, you need to be very attentive to the first signs of weight loss. It is a difficult topic to discuss, but it can be helpful to first discuss the issue with a doctor, who can help you to identify the cause of their weight loss.

 

#3. They Become Very Clumsy

Everyone can have moments when they tripped on the carpet and fall. Even you. Or sometimes you accidentally drop a glass, and it breaks. So don’t get too nervous if it happens to your elderly parent too. However, if they fall a little too often, or things break too regularly, it might be a sign of something more serious than just clumsiness. The inner ear is responsible for your balance. The labyrinth of the ear contains many nerves and hairs that work together to coordinate your movement in space and against the pull of gravity. However, researchers have shown that the body starts losing nerves in the ear. This might result in a loss of balance. Eye problems such as cataract or glaucoma, which are common in old age, can also cause issues in moving in a room or seizing objects.  

 

#4. They Don’t Remember Where They’ve Put The Keys

Okay, the big worry about old age is Alzheimer’s disease or another case of dementia. There’s no denying that these diseases exist and are strongly related to memory loss. However, forgetfulness is not always a case of Alzheimer’s. Lack of attention or mild age-related memory loss is natural, and it isn’t anything that you should worry about. Serious memory loss, such as not being able to stick to the same routine activities or to form reasonable arguments, can be an indication of a deep loss of mental ability. Do pay close attention to your parent’s behavior, if you begin to suspect that they may be suffering from memory loss. Dementia doesn’t need to show its worst side for you to notice it. It can be little signs, such as mentioning a talk with someone who is already dead, or a sudden change of routine. If it is identified early enough, memory loss related diseases can be managed easily and successfully for a very long time.

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: , , ,

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