Blogger Opp – Glam and Glitz Giveaway Hop Sign Up

 

Theme – Open
Minimum prize value of $10. Must be a new item.
Date: 8/16 – 8/31
Start time: Aug 16  – 9:00 am EST
End time:  Aug 31  – 11:59 pm EST
Winner(s) must be drawn on 9/1. Events must be open to US entrants.

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The full HTML which will be provided by email.
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Your giveaway item(s) have a value of $10.
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The Manly Man – Beef Jerky Bouquet Giveaway

Welcome to the Dad-O-Mite Giveaway Hop

 

Roses are red, violets are blue

give your loved ones a bouquet they can chew!

 

This Father’s Day gift the dad’s in your life a crazy cool Jerky Bouquet from The Manly Man. Each bouquet’s “vase” is a Manly Man pint glass and is pre-arranged, sealed and packaged fresh with oxygen absorbers in a stylish branded box. Their custom package design allows the bouquet to be delivered fully assembled and easily slide out to provide the ultimate gifting experience.

Each bouquet contains:

  • Full Dozen
  • Pint Glass “Vase”
  • 4 Flavors: Original, Teriyaki, Hot, Mixed
  • Arrives Assembled
  • Slides Out of Custom Box

Enter for your chance to win a The Manly Man Jerky Bouquet

 

 

MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

Ladies- Welcome Motherhood with this Pre-Pregnancy Checklist

Are you planning to have a baby or maybe just thinking of it? That’s great news, ladies, since it is never too late to start getting ready for pregnancy. Preconception health holds pivotal importance when focusing on things to increase the likelihood of being blessed with a healthy baby.

 

“It is the most powerful creation to have life that is growing inside of you. There is no bigger gift.”

 

-Beyonce

 

For some women, it may take months to get their body ready for pregnancy. While, for the others, it may take longer. Whether this is your first, second, or fourth baby, following some steps helps you get ready for a healthy pregnancy.

 

Can’t wait to know what these are? Read on to learn some tips that are sure to make your pregnancy planning period unforgettable. Let’s get started:

 

  • Prepare a Plan and Take Actions

 

Have you written down your goals for having or not having children? Or, maybe the maxims of achieving those goals?

 

For example, there was a time when you didn’t want to plan on having a baby. So, for achieving that goal, you relied upon some effective birth control methods. Nevertheless, now that you’re planning on having a baby and getting pregnant, it’s vital to take some steps to achieve the goal of having a healthy baby and make his/her future secure! For instance, now after finding out that you are pregnant, you may want to opt for prenatal paternity testing of your unborn child in order to ensure that your kid’s future is secure. Wondering how this can help? Using the test above, you may be able to get legal rights to child support, child custody, Social Security benefits and inheritance. That said, hopefully, you understand why it is crucial to plan your next steps as soon as you become pregnant.

 

  • See your Doctor:

 

Before planning your pregnancy, ensure talking to your doctor about preconception health care. You may be in need of fertility treatments depending on your situation.

 

After all, you might wish to discuss your health history and prevailing medical conditions with a gynecologists’. It is an excellent option because while discussing their previous pregnancy problems with doctors at Viva Eve, patients discovered the medications they needed for a safe second chance.

 

Newbie mothers also get to know the necessary steps to take before planning a pregnancy for preventing certain birth defects. This is a must-consider factor. If your doctor still hasn’t talked to you about the care needed- ensure asking about it. Make note of talking points so that no question skips your mind.

 

Ensure talking to your doctor about:

 

  1. Medical conditions
  2. Lifestyle
  3. Behaviors
  4. Medications, and
  5. Vaccinations.

 

These things hold paramount importance for having a healthy and happy baby.

 

  • Quit Alcohol, Smoking and Other Drugs:

 

Smoking, using drugs, or even drinking alcohol can cause problems during pregnancy for both the mother and the baby. Yes, the mother can have complications while the chances for premature birth, infant death, and birth defects among babies increase significantly.

 

Also, if you’re trying to be pregnant and cannot resist alcohol, it’s always wise to seek help!

 

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight:

 

People who are overweight or obese have a risk for many severe conditions. These may be associated with pregnancy, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or even cancer. Yes, you heard that right! You may be suspected to have endometrial, colon, or breast cancer.

 

Underweight people are also at risk for serious health problems. Gynaecologists suggest some short-term dietary changes as starting steps of maintaining a healthy weight. After all, it’s about having a lifestyle that includes proper eating habits and routine physical activity.

 

Always consult your doctor if you’re overweight, obese, or underweight. He/she will let you know the ways of reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.

 

The Bottom Line- Have a Healthy Pregnancy

 

Now that you’re pregnant, it’s a moment for celebration. However, in addition to the excitement, ensure keeping up all your healthy habits and see a doctor regularly for prenatal care. Also, keep a check on your mental health. In the end,

 

“A baby is a wishing well. Everyone puts their hopes, their fears, their pasts, their two cents in.”

 

-Elizabeth Bard

 

Blogger Opp – Old School Giveaway Hop Sign Up

Theme – Open
Minimum prize value of $10. Must be a new item.
Date: 8/16 – 8/31
Start time: Aug 16  – 9:00 am EST
End time:  Aug 31  – 11:59 pm EST
Winner(s) must be drawn on 9/1. Events must be open to US entrants.

Adding your link means you agree to the following terms:
Your post must include the following:

The full HTML which will be provided by email.
A clear form of entry (a giveaway form or a blog comment)
The giveaway hops image (in HTML and also included by attachment to the email)
The linky must be included in your post (code will be sent in email)
Your giveaway item(s) have a value of $10.
Must include disclosure included in email
A Link to the hosts: MamatheFox (https://mamathefox.com)

This giveaway must be dedicated to this event only

If you sign up and can no longer participate please let me know so I can remove you from the linky.

 

Blogger Opp – Apple a Day Giveaway Hop Sign Up

Theme – Open
Minimum prize value of $10. Must be a new item.
Date: 8/1 – 8/15
Start time: Aug 1  – 9:00 am EST
End time:  Aug 15  – 11:59 pm EST
Winner(s) must be drawn on 8/16. Events must be open to US entrants.

Adding your link means you agree to the following terms:
Your post must include the following:

The full HTML which will be provided by email.
A clear form of entry (a giveaway form or a blog comment)
The giveaway hops image (in HTML and also included by attachment to the email)
The linky must be included in your post (code will be sent in email)
Your giveaway item(s) have a value of $10.
Must include disclosure included in email
A Link to the hosts: MamatheFox (https://mamathefox.com)

This giveaway must be dedicated to this event only

If you sign up and can no longer participate please let me know so I can remove you from the linky.

 

3 Serious Conditions That Could Be Treated With Stem Cells In The Future

Medical technology moves fast and it looks as though stem cells are set to be the next big thing when it comes to treating disease. They have already been used in some settings and there is a huge amount of research going into stem cell treatments for a range of conditions.

Image Source – Pixabay CCO License

 

However, there is a lot of controversy around stem cells because many of them are taken from embryos. This is making it more difficult for new research to go forward, which poses a big challenge because there are so many amazing potential benefits. These are some of the conditions that could be treated with stem cells in the future.

Leukemia

One of the major life-threatening diseases that could be treated with stem cells is Leukemia. This is a form of blood cancer that can affect anybody at any time as there do not seem to be any clear risk factors for it. This makes it particularly dangerous but stem cells are already being used as an effective treatment for huge numbers of people. Blood stem cells are transplanted in patients where they can grow into healthy new cells and combat leukemia. This is a very effective treatment that can cure patients, in some cases. However, there are still many challenges that need to be overcome before the treatment is perfected. Patients undergo aggressive chemotherapy before the transplant and this destroys their immune system, meaning that there is a very high risk of infections when this treatment is administered. Researchers are currently looking for ways around this.

Chronic Pain

There are many types of chronic pain conditions and sometimes, the direct cause is not clear. Treatments are available but many of them, especially opioid painkillers, have some severe side effects, like addiction. As a result, better alternatives are needed. There are natural painkiller solutions but these may not always be effective when treating serious chronic pain conditions. The good news is, research into stem cell treatments offers a viable alternative.

 

Stem cell treatments, like Infiniti Cell, a company run by Kevin Lucas, aim to use stem cells to treat chronic pain conditions. Their revolutionary treatments are already helping people manage their chronic pain and as more research is carried out, it is likely that stem cells will become the go-to treatment for pain conditions.

Neurological Conditions

There are a number of neurological conditions that pose a serious threat to public health, like Parkinson’s disease, Huntingdon’s Disease, and Motor Neurone Disease. Currently, treatments for these conditions are very limited and there is no known way to reverse the degradation in the brain. However, stem cells are one of the most effective ways to repair damaged tissue in the body, so there is a lot of potential here. Early clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease show that when stem cells are implanted in the brain, there are promising results. It’s only in the initial investigation stages at the moment, but there is a lot of potential there and scientists are doing similar trials with other neurological conditions. As these treatments are perfected, they could potentially eliminate neurological conditions altogether in the future.

 

Stem cells might be a divisive issue, but they are incredibly effective. These are just some of the serious conditions that they could treat in the future.

Drug Testing Reviews – Understanding Drug Tests

Drug testing is not a new subject matter, as most employers or companies require this before employment. The examinations are painless and are carried out to check for particular hard drugs that may be present in an individual’s body system. These tests are usually carried out to check for the traces of drugs like barbiturates, amphetamines, cocaine, benzodiazepines, PCP, narcotics, and methadone amongst others.

There are several ways these could be carried out. Some of the popular ways include urine examination, hair analysis, and blood tests. You can visit https://www.verywellfamily.com/drug-testing-methods-2606200 to learn more about the other types of tests and how accurate they are. When these tests are carried out, doctors can easily detect a potential drug abuse issue.

They can then use the result to come up with treatment plans. After this, you might be required to take regular drug tests to help keep you in check and ensure the treatment is working. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons people need to undergo this test.

Reasons for Taking a Drug Test

You might be asking questions like, why do I need to take a drug test? Is it important or necessary? The truth about the issue is that it is not mandatory in some cases, though it is important. We will consider some popular reasons why people undergo these tests.

1. Doctors Suspicion

Your health care provider might request you undergo the screening when you are suspected of a possible addiction issue. When you exhibit any signs of confusion or dangerous or strange behaviors, it may give them a cause for concern about your drug health.

2. Residents Test

Residents may be required to undergo regular checkups at rehabilitation centers. This is common with those who are already in rehab centers and undergoing treatments. The regular tests ensure that the persons on treatment for the abuse of substances remain sober. Also, those who are on probation for offenses related to substance abuse will be required to undergo regular tests by the supervising officer.

3. Prove of Innocence

In some cases, a person might be suspected of drug abuse at home and would need to show that he or she is not abusing any substance. This type of test is usually carried out in a home setting. The family doctor is contacted and asked for directions on how it is done.

4. Employment Requirement

Recently, most employers required a drug test report from potential employees before they could be hired. The good thing about this is, it helps employers to screen out potential employees who could have a possible drug issue, especially for jobs that need a high level of focus. This could also reduce the risk of workplace accidents. You can use this link to learn more about how home drug testing kits can help employees understand the limits of their recreational substance use and help them know whether or not they will be able to pass a drug test by their prospective employer.

However, there are new inventions of recipes that drug users take to clear the substance traces in their systems before taking a test. Now you might be asking, “does test clear work?“, and how accurate it is.

Drug Testing and Their Accuracy

Various body specimens could be used for chemical tests that detect traces of substances used within a particular time. However, there are certain restrictions and guidelines to which kind of tests are used. The common tests carried out are urine tests for hard drugs and breath tests for alcohol abuse.

1. Urine Test

Results from this indicate the metabolic activities of substances found in the urine of a person. This simply means that in the case where an individual abuses a drug, its residues which are called metabolites are detected in the body even after the drug effects are no more.

If the results were positive, it doesn’t mean that the person used the drugs at that time. It simply means that the individual used the substance a few days before the test. Urine test is cheap and can be done at home. The substance can be detected within a week using this method.

2. Blood Test

This is used to determine the level of alcohol content in the person’s blood. This method is more accurate in testing for recent drug consumption compared to using urine samples. However, there are not enough studies that explain the relationship between blood levels and drug consumption compared to urine and alcohol.

In addition, substances quickly move through the blood to the urinary system. This test is the most expensive and it can only be done in a lab. So, if you have had a night out with your girlfriends, it would be ideal if you knew what amount you should be drinking and how much of it is legal in your state. Or else, you might want to know what is the penalty for dui hit and run in california or wherever you live – because there is a high chance that you might be pulled up!

3. Hair Analysis

Hair analysis provides a longer testing time frame as it can provide a history of up to 90 days back. The downside to this is that it cannot provide current evidence of traces but only past drug usage. This analysis is moderately expensive and can be done anywhere.

4. Sweat Test

In this category, an adhesive skin patch is used to measure the level of an abused substance in your sweat. This patch looks like an adhesive bandage and is placed on the skin for some time. A permeable membrane prevents the test area from contaminants.

Despite the ease with which this method could be carried out, it is not in regular usage. You can read this article to know the current status of sweat patches in drug testing. The test is expensive and can detect if an individual has been abusing substances for an extended period.

While some bodily excretions show a higher level of accuracy than others, the accuracy of tests depend heavily on:

  1. The procedures for proper handling and testing of samples.
  2. The abilities and skills of the organization that is carrying out the test.
  3. The chemical composition of the drugs.
  4. The technology employed for testing.

Conclusion

There are various reasons why people get tested for drugs. Most employers would require a drug-free test result just to be certain that you won’t be a threat to yourself and others in the workplace. In our homes, we might also be required to prove that we have not been abusing these substances to avoid causing harm to kids or other members of the household.

Protecting Your Family Home From The Elements

Investing in a family home in which you can raise your children and form long lasting memories is such a big step that takes considerable thought and planning, so naturally you want to do everything in your power to protect your purchase. Luckily, maintaining your family home for years to come needn’t be as tricky as you might expect, as battling against the elements to keep your property perfect both visually and structurally can be a breeze when you know how. So, if you’re interested in finding out more, then simply read on to uncover some of the best tips and tricks that you can make the most of today to maintain your family home for the foreseeable future!

Image Source – Pexels

 

Start From The Top

 

A large proportion of property issues stem directly from the roof of a home, as having a single problem at the top of your house could lead to a seemingly endless supply of issues below. A missing roof tile or a clogged gutter could lead to catastrophic flooding when the harsh rain rolls around, and you risk facing damp and other dangers that can negatively impact upon your families health. Regularly checking in with a certified rooferis an essential step, as you need an expert to climb safely onto your roof in order to spot any signs of damage or decay. Making sure no hanging branches are within 3 feet of your home and roof is also key, as strong winds could cause the tree to hit against your home’s structure, likely leading to further damage. In case of damaged roof elements like shingles, eavestroughs, sidings, and gutters, you can consult professional roofing and eavestrough services to get quotations on repair or replacement expenses.

 

Invest In Quality Windows

 

The windows that your property has can influence a variety of different aspects of your home, from its strength to its security and even energy efficiency. Utilizing low quality windows will mean that any heat will disappear outside during the winter months, encouraging your home to feel the chill like never before. Low quality windows can also be broken or even removed easily, as they do not contain the standard security features that modern windows utilize. Making the decision to invest in high quality windows can encourage a dramatic change inside your home, so it’s most definitely a worthwhile investment. You may also benefit from the addition of shutters, as you can choose either wooden or metal window covers that close over the exterior glass to act as a much stronger barrier in between your home and the outside world. These shutters can be used to block out wind or stop the burning sun, as well as allowing you to open the windows without directly accessing the outdoors for a cool breeze whenever you need it.

Doors protect your family by keeping strong winds and cold air out. It is part of home maintenance to check that all your doors, especially exterior ones, are functional and sturdy to withstand weather conditions. For example, if you have a wooden front door, you need to clean it regularly, albeit carefully and keep it weatherproof. Aside from the elements, doors also protect your family from people with malicious intent. Update your door locks, especially those worn-out ones, to upgrade your home’s security. You can test the locks using locksmith tools to ensure they work and serve as a deterrent against break-ins.

Protecting your family home from the elements has never been so easy when you can utilize some of the amazing tried and tested tips and tricks that have been carefully described above. There’s no time like the present to adapt your property to suit your loved ones needs and keep them as safe as can be, so what are you waiting for?

Recognizing The Signs Of Common Eye Conditions

(Unsplash CC0)

It’s never too late to start taking care of your eyes.

There is much you can do in this regard, from creating good habits, such as wearing sunglasses when it’s sunny to making regular appointments with your local ophthalmologist. You can encourage your family to do the same, and you can help them in other ways, such as unglueing your kids from screen time.

You should also remind yourself of the various eye conditions that can affect you as you age. By recognizing the signs of these eye conditions at an early stage and by taking steps to remedy them, you will do much to protect both your eyesight and your family’s long-term eye health.

We have listed some common eye conditions below.

#1: Chronic Uveitis

Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. It can affect one or both eyes and people of all ages can experience it. Possible causes of uveitis can include eye injury or infection, although a number of autoimmune conditions have also been linked to uveitis. These include Chron’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis.

Signs of uveitis include:

  • Eye pain
  • Eye redness
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Floaters in the field of vision
  • Decreased vision

If you recognize the signs of uveitis you should see your doctor or ophthalmologist. This is because the problem can become worse, leading to other eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma. It could also lead to vision loss. This disorder can be rectified with chronic uveitis treatments so the earlier you seek help, the better.

#2: Cataracts

The cloudy areas that can form in the eye lens are referred to as cataracts. As a result of this condition, you will be unable to see as clearly as people do without cataracts, and this is because the cloudy patches can inhibit your vision. Over time, these patches can get bigger and cause more vision problems, and eventually, cataracts can lead to blindness.

The formation of cataracts happens over time so you might not recognize them straight away. Genetic disorders can increase your risk of cataracts, as can other medical conditions, including glaucoma, although this can be helped through alternative treatments like using CBD oils UK.

Signs to look out for include:

  • Clouded vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • A faded appearance to colors
  • Lights becoming too bright or glaring

Regular eye exams will alert your ophthalmologist to cataracts so you should make regular appointments. You should also make an appointment if you notice any of the signs we listed above. During the early stages of cataracts, antiglare glasses and magnifying lenses can help you with your vision. You might also be recommended to undergo laser eye surgery that is carried out in clinics like SharpeVision (pop over to this site), as much of your vision can be restored after the procedure.

#3: Dry Eyes Syndrome

When your tear ducts fail to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes, you might be affected by dry eye syndrome. Another name for this condition is keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and the symptoms are similar to another common eye condition known as blepharitis.

Certain medical conditions can cause a decrease in tear production, including rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disorders, and aging can also be a cause. The problem is often exacerbated when starting at a computer screen for a long time without any breaks or when sitting in an air-conditioned room. If you work in an office where this is happening daily, it could be exacerbated by clogged air ducts pushing out dust and other build-up which can get into your eyes. Your manager may contact Pure Air for all your air duct cleaning needs in MD, D.C. and Virginia, however, if you are not based in this area then they will need to go for a local company that can come out quickly, you can then see if that makes any difference when it is on.

Signs of this condition include:

  • Eye redness
  • Light sensitivity
  • Eye fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • A stinging sensation in the eyes
  • Mucus in or around the eyes
  • Trouble wearing contact lenses

Thankfully, this condition can be treated. Gels, ointments, and other medications can be prescribed to you by your doctor and some can be bought over the counter at your local pharmacy or from an online pharmacy depending on what you need. A warm compress over your eyes can help too, and the FDA has also approved a number of devices that can offer temporary relief from dry eyes. As a more permanent solution, surgery might be recommended to you, depending on the severity of the condition. Click on the following link to get a more informed understanding of the range of dry eye treatments that are available.

Lifestyle changes can also help, so to alleviate the symptoms, take regular breaks away from your computer screen, and rest your eyes often. Remembering to blink will also help, as will avoiding places where there is a lot of airflow.

Finally

Caring for your eyes is important for the sake of your long-term vision so do what you can to take care of your eye health, and educate yourself further. We have only listed a few common eye conditions here but there are more useful articles around our website, so browse our pages for further information.

For further advice, speak to your ophthalmologist. They will give you advice on preventing and treating a wide range of common eye conditions, so never forego the need for a regular eye exam.

Tips For Protecting Your Child While Driving

Pexels – CC0 License

 

Driving can be stressful enough at times, and having a child in the back seat can only add to that. That said, there are many measures you can take to help ensure that your child is as safe as possible while you’re behind the wheel. Of course, keeping active, alert and well-rested can prepare you for the experience of driving, as never taking the road for granted is crucial. For example, you can have a group of electronic technologies known as ADAS installed in your vehicle. Pedestrian detection/avoidance is an important safety-critical ADAS application. Collision avoidance technologies (for example, lane departure warning and blind-spot applications) and driver aids such as night vision, driver alertness, and adaptive cruise control are the primary focus of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). If interested to know more, you may visit websites like isatwelding.com to learn all about ADAS. It would almost certainly aid in the safety of you and your child.

 

However, there are also some tips and tricks that most of us can make use of if we try, and it’s particularly these tips and tricks that may make the difference should a problem on the road occur. While a talented group of personal injury attorneys and those able to manage car accidents are of course essential and useful, it’s much more simple to prevent an issue from taking place to the degree that this is in your power.

 

So, how can you expand on that and manage your approach going forward? In this post, we’ll discuss three essential driving tips new parents should keep in mind:

 

The Correct Seating

 

It’s essential to use the right seating for your child and their respective age. For instance, you may be able to attach a hooded protected seat backward to the back seat (properly installed with seat belts through the manufacturer’s guide) when your child is an infant, but as they grow, booster seats with hard shell backs can take precedence. Make sure you ALWAYS use a totally new car seat for them to use, as pre-owned options can encompass damage that can otherwise jeopardize your child.

 

Help Them Understand The Rules

 

If your child is old enough to take behavioral directions, then it can be very important to give them in the vehicle. For instance, an unruly child who isn’t respectful of vehicle etiquette may kick the back of your chair and lead you to be distracted while driving. It can be that enforcing disciplinary measures that you usually do, as well as pulling over and stopping to calm the situation down if it gets out of hand can be a good idea. Setting those ground rules is essential.

 

Be A Good Example

 

It’s simply a great idea to be a good example if you can. This means not letting disputed road situations get to you, not swearing behind the wheel, not losing your cool (which in turn, can lead a misbehaving child to lose their cool more easily). When you’re a good example and contribute to a calming car environment, your child is more likely to follow suit (or, if things go well, potentially sleep all the way through it.) It’s not hard to see how an outcome like that can be favorable, particularly if your child is starting to gain more independence in the car thanks to their growing stature.

 

With this advice, we hope you can continue to protect your child while driving, and never even have to worry about deviating from that result.