Must-Have Tests To Keep On Top Of Your Health

 

As you get older, you will receive letters telling you to go for certain tests in regards to your health. However, it’s also important to be proactive and to take care of your own health, and go for tests if you feel something is wrong. Whether you’ve been called for a test or have decided you need something tested on your own, don’t put it off, it is better to get everything checked out as soon as possible because if there is a problem, it is better to catch it earlier and it might even be something you can reverse or prevent. So what things should you keep an eye on as you go through life and what should you be getting checked regularly?

 

Your Weight

Knowing how much you weigh and what a healthy weight is is important for your health and it’s really easy to go along through life and not realize that you’re piling on the pounds. It can feel like it happens overnight as one morning your jeans won’t fasten. If your weight has crept up and is in an unhealthy range, then you are at risk of a number of other health problems and diseases. While you can start by yourself by fighting back by eating healthier and exercising more, it’s also a good idea to go to the doctor and check for signs of type two diabetes or heart disease. Find out what a healthy weight for you would be and what you need to do to get there. 

 

Your Hearing

Having a hearing test is important and should be part of your annual physical examination every three to five years. The reason it’s so important to get tested is not just because hearing loss can be detrimental to your life but because it can happen very gradually and you may not notice it. For example, as your hearing deteriorates you may just turn the volume up on the TV, or you might just be asking people to repeat themselves more often and it’s not until someone else points it out that you realize how bad your hearing has become. By getting it tested you can keep on top of it and know where you are at. There might be something you can do to help so make sure you go for tests and speak to the doctor before any problems you have worsen. 

 

Your Blood Pressure

Having high blood pressure can be dangerous to your heart, your brain, your eyes, and your kidneys. The only way of knowing whether you have high blood pressure is to have a blood pressure test which all adults over 40 are advised to have at least every five years. It’s also important to know what the risks of high blood pressure are as they are pretty common. You might be more at risk of having high blood pressure if you are overweight, eat too much salt and do not eat enough fruit and vegetables, do not do enough exercise, drink too much alcohol or caffeine, smoke, or do not get enough sleep. You can make lifestyle changes to put yourself in a better position, but make sure you do get a test to know where you’re at. 

 

Your Cholesterol 

High cholesterol does not cause symptoms and you can only find out if you have it from a blood test, but it’s important to do so as even though there are no symptoms if you have high cholesterol you could be at risk of coronary heart disease.

 

Your Skin

While you might not necessarily go for a skin test unless you experience a specific problem with your skin, you should always take really good care of your skin, and while you’re doing that you should look at it and feel it to make sure everything feels normal. Check for any unusual spots or moles and then keep an eye on them to see if they change or stay the same. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and it is your biggest protector so you must look after it so that it can look after you. 

 

Your Eyes

Get your eyes tested regularly to make sure that you are not suffering from anything undetected or that your eyesight isn’t deteriorating. Just like with your ears, losing your eyesight is something that can happen gradually, so if you find yourself squinting a little more or bringing your book closer to see it better then go for a test because it’s important to keep one step ahead and make sure you detect any issues early. 

The Best Four Mobile Game Development Platforms & Tools

The mobile gaming market is exploding in Canada and worldwide. Long ago, mobile games were looked down upon in the gaming industry as it wasn’t very easy to play software-heavy games on mobile devices.

Just as you would require a mobile development company like Expedition Co., to improve on your mobile application for your business, a game development too, works in a very similar fashion. Technology has changed significantly in recent years and mobile gaming in Canada is now the in-thing and will continue to be in the years to come. With the growing popularity of video games, high end consoles and few of the best gaming vpn, gaming enthusiasts tend to enjoy the best of the games, at the comfort of their homes. If you’re just starting out in the development industry though, you might be overwhelmed by the number of choices you have when it comes to mobile game development.

Our guest author Michelle Thomas lists out the top mobile game development platform that youcan use to create stunning mobile games. To know more about
Michelle Thomas, click here.

Do note that there are a number of mobile gaming platforms out there and it is difficult to say this is the platform you must use. This is because what platform is best for you is based on subjective factors such as the kind of programming language you’re used to or the types of game you design.

However, these four platforms listed below should be at the top of your list of mobile
development platforms to consider.

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RPG Maker

RPG Maker is one of the first publicly available game development tools. Originally introduced in Japan way back in 1992, RPG Maker was released into the global market shortly after, where it gained a cult following among fans of 2D Japanese role-playing games.

RPG Maker remains to be a dependable choice, especially among aspiring young developers with big ideas and limited resources. No programming knowledge is needed to use RPG Maker – all you need is an idea and the patience to build a game block by block.

This is not the most powerful game development platform out there, but it is easy to learn, intuitive to use and cheap for a fully functional Android game engine. If you have a great idea for a Japanese-style 2D role-playing game and a slim budget, RPG Maker should be at the top of your list.

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Godot

Godot is one of our sleeper picks for the best game development platform. While it doesn’t have as much recognition compared to other names on this list, Godot is surprisingly powerful given that it is totally free. If you create the next big mobile gaming hit on Godot, you won’t even have to share any percentage of your revenue with the platform’s creators. Godot can handle both 2D and 3D games equally well, but creating 3D games on Godot is much more complex – you will have to be prepared for a more severe learning curve if you plan on utilizing 3D graphics and animations.

That said, long-time users of Godot attest to the platform’s ability to create compelling 3D games once you get used to its dedicated language, called GDScript. Godot also supports C+ and C#.

Buildbox

Buildbox is a mobile game development tool well-suited for visual learners and developers who
focus on creating casual games.

Visual learners will love Buildbox because the interface doesn’t require any coding and can be
learned by simple trial and error. In fact, the easy to grasp platform can have your game up and
running in a few days.

If you plan on jumping on the online casino software bandwagon, Buildbox is a great choice to
build simple yet addictive games that can be played for cash.

While you can create complex games using Buildbox, the bulk of loyal users use its vast
database of free resources to build casual games in record time. Think of this platform as a giant
gaming sandbox where you can throw dozens of ideas at a wall to see what sticks, without
wasting too much time on ideas that don’t work.

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Unreal Engine

If you’re further along, your game development career and gunning for a true blockbuster, you
should definitely consider Epic Games’ Unreal Engine as your next platform.
While Unreal Engine handles both 2D and 3D games with aplomb, the platform is most famous
for its ability to create immersive 3D worlds and detailed characters. Some of the more notable
games powered by Unreal Engine are Borderlands and Bioshock.

Formerly used to power cutting-edge first-person shooters on PC, Unreal Engine is now one of
the most sought after mobile game engines for developers who need cutting-edge 3D graphics to
realize their visions.

While this platform can be harder to learn and use compared to previous entries, it’s surprisingly
intuitive once you get past the initial hurdles of learning the basics.

Conclusion

It is hard to pick just one mobile gaming platform and recommend it across the board. However,
if you check out these four recommendations, you should be able to shortlist one of them based
on your requirements.

10 Ways To Help Look After Your Digestive System

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Eat Fresh Food Instead Of Processed

Processed foods are never going to be as healthy as the real deal. Even if you’re eating processed meals that would be typically healthy if made from scratch, it’s still going to have a load of ingredients in them that are going to be bad for you. Whether that’s the high sugar content, salts, or fat, you want to try and avoid these at all costs. Processed foods should be eaten in those times where there’s really no other option and you can almost always get fresh food wherever you are. With fresh food, you haven’t got any of those added ingredients that are harmful and instead, you’ve got food that’s still got all of its nutrients in it that your body needs.

When it comes to adjusting your diet, try to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables where possible and you’ll likely see a big difference in how you feel and look. Processed foods aren’t going to make you feel good and are likely going to cause you to feel sluggish, which isn’t what you want when it comes to keeping yourself energised.

Discover New Foods You’ll Enjoy

There are so many different foods out there that you can often be spoilt for choice when it comes to taking your pick. However, there are some that will turn their nose up at things that they may haven’t even bothered to try. The rule with food is that if you’ve not tried it before, then it’s good to at least try it once. That way, if it really isn’t something you don’t like, you’ll know it because you’ve tried it. Don’t forget though, that taste buds can change and mature, so it’s important to always give things a second chance sometimes.

There are all sorts of different food cuisines that are worth trying out, so depending on what you’ve not tried before, go for something off-field every now and then. You might surprise yourself and it might become your new favourite thing. There are also foods that are going to be better for digestion, especially particular foods that help you pass other food easier.

Eat Foods High In Fibre

Fibre is a good thing to incorporate more into your diet, especially if you’ve been dealing with some digestive issues or problems lately. It’s common knowledge that fibre is good for you and your digestion due to the fact that it absorbs water and adds bulk to the stool you produce. With insoluble fiber, that helps in keeping everything moving. With soluble fibre, it’s often found in plenty of different foods from nuts and seeds, whole grains, wheat bran, and oat bran to name but a few.

With adjusting any part of your diet, it’s something that can take time and it can often be a habit that you have to get yourself into. Switching up the foods can be difficult when you might not like some things and you should never force yourself to eat something that you don’t like. You have to enjoy food as it’s all part of the experience of eating. You may also want to think about prebiotics as these are another type of fibre that you need for healthy gut bacteria. So think about having plenty of fruits, vegetables, and grains where possible.

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Keep Hydrated

Keeping yourself hydrated is important when it comes to your digestive system. Why? Well because water keeps everything moving and when you don’t drink enough water, everything might take that little bit longer to process. That means things are more likely to cause you an upset stomach or you may find that your bowel movements aren’t behaving like they normally would. You need at least 1.5 liters of water every day on average but not everyone can drink this much in a day. It’s especially difficult to do this when you might have a job that doesn’t allow you to run to the toilet every hour.

However, if you can try and up your water consumption somewhat, then it’s definitely going to make a difference. Some people are not so fond of water. If you belong to the said category, then you could try flavoured drinks or even kombucha as it’s known to help with digestion. However, if you’ve never had this drink before, it might be a good idea to check online using keywords like “what does kombucha taste like?” so that you’ve got a fair idea of what to expect.

Add Healthy Fats To Your Diet

When you think of fat in food, it’s often got a negative stigma attached to it. However, not all fats are bad. You’ve actually got good fats in various foods and these can be fats that are beneficial to your body, particularly your digestive system. Fat can help you feel satisfied after a meal and can often provide the ability for your body to properly absorb nutrients. These beneficial fats are called omega-3 fatty acids (you can find various sources of these nutrients at https://cleanwellness.com/), and they may help reduce the severity of inflammatory bowel conditions. So try to incorporate fatty fish like salmon and sardines into your diet. Chia seeds, nuts, and flaxseeds are also worth incorporating into your diet where possible.

Avocados are also a good type of fat that are worth having too and probably why they’ve become so popular over recent years.

Manage Your Stress

Managing stress can be important for many aspects of your life, your mind and body. When it’s not being looked after properly, it can have an impact and how we handle it can be different from person to person. If you’re not managing your stress well or perhaps you’re just handling a lot of it, then you may notice a change in how easily you digest food or how comfortable you feel when eating and drinking on a daily basis. It’s important to try and fix this so that you can have a healthy digestive system instead of one that’s only making things worse.

Be Aware Of Allergies

Allergies are something that want to be managed carefully because there are some that can be very dangerous to your health. Can food allergies cause digestive issues? It is true that some foods can cause digestive problems and if you have a food allergy, then this might react with your digestive system, especially if it’s food that you’ve eaten and perhaps not realised is something you’re allergic to. It’s important to be aware of your allergies so that you know what to keep away from and what preventative measures you can take.

Get Moving

Getting things moving is important when it comes to your digestive system. A good way of doing this is by doing more exercise and staying active. If you’re exercising more, you’re using up those food supplies, which can be handy when you’re trying to ensure your digestive system is flowing nicely. Exercise is something that many people do but if you’re not someone who enjoys exercise, then it might be because you’ve not found something you love. Think about what it is you’ve tried and not like and then done before but perhaps liked better than anything else. You may want to try something completely new. Find what exercises you like.

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Be Sure To Have Plenty Of Sleep

Plenty of sleep is key when you’re trying to look after your body in general. With your digestive system, it’s important to be up and about when your food is being digested. A lot of the time, the food in your body takes a lot of time to go through when you’re sleeping. So in order to make sure you’re awake for most of the day is get plenty of sleep the night before. A good night’s sleep is getting that really deep state of sleep where you are most likely to be relaxed and your body can continue working away. Getting a good seven to nine hours of sleep is definitely recommended so if you’re not having that currently, consider the reasons why. There may be certain factors influencing it. It could be the type of mattress you have to the pillows or maybe the lighting in the room is too distracting.

Ditch Any Bad Habits

Bad habits are something you want to ditch as quickly as you can. There are many bad habits that can impact your digestive system such as overindulging in food too often. Of course, treating yourself is important but if you’re not getting enough good food in your body, then it can likely cause you problems. Try be careful with what you take, eat or drink when it comes to your consumptions because it could all pose a risk to your digestion. Another common cause of digestive issues and loss of appetite could be smoking too much. If you indulge in this habit often, try to find alternatives like vaping that can help you reduce tobacco consumption and get rid of the habit completely over time. Vape devices and juices can be discovered and purchased from stores like Vapes N Smoke. It may be that smoking has become a stress-reliever during hard days, but switching to relatively safer options could help keep you and your digestive system healthy.

Looking after your body is important and the digestive system is essential part of your bodily functions. Make sure you use these tips to get a healthy gut and to avoid anything that will cause it to play up.

Reasons You Feel Isolated

 

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It’s no secret that we live in stressful times right now, and we’ve all got our own coping mechanisms. But there will be times when we feel a sense of isolation. It may come from nowhere. And we might be surrounded by people, but we still feel some form of isolation or loneliness. But it’s not necessarily a case of being lonely or depressed. There can be other reasons as well. Let’s show you some reasons why you may very well feel isolated.

 

Hearing Issues

It’s a question that may not have even crossed your mind, but do you need a hearing aid? When you start to have hearing issues, they can be very subtle. But gradually after a while, you may find that it’s easier to smile and nod rather than having to answer questions. And this is a very dangerous path. If you feel too embarrassed to admit that there’s something up with your hearing or when you are having a conversation with someone in a crowded place you’re struggling to focus on them, you could be having a subtle case of hearing loss. But you could remedy this by getting a hearing test from a professional. And even if you think that hearing aids are big, bulky devices, many hearing aids are very small and discreet.

 

You Are Stuck in the Past

You can feel alone despite people being around you. And if you have a sense of being alone that you don’t understand, it could very well be a hangover from the past. If you were an only child or shy but now you are outgoing, you might very well be holding on to that sense of “aloneness” that you once had. Conversely, it could be something from the past that is stopping you from developing connections right now. If feeling like this could be a possibility, there are methods of therapy that can help you. Talk therapy is a great way to create a safe environment so you can work through aspects of your past that are no longer a part of who you are.

 

You Aren’t Acknowledging How You Have Changed

We all make changes in life. If you have outgrown a relationship or you are holding onto a friendship that is no longer akin to who you are, you can feel misunderstood, lonely, or on your own. You need to acknowledge that things change. And this can mean letting go of the past but also letting go of outdated relationships. This will give you the opportunity to create room for the people that understand who you are right now.

 

You Like the Idea of Being Lonely

Feeling any sense of isolation can be attractive to some people. Even if you like the idea of being isolated or lonely, it’s important to identify the benefits of it in your life. It could very well be a case that you are attracted to how it makes you feel special or too complicated for others. The best thing you can do in this respect is to make a list of all the reasons and benefits being loved or accepted can bring you. Some people feel that being isolated or lonely is a very attractive quality. It’s something that many people go through as teenagers, but if you are now feeling this sensation creep up on you again, what are you rejecting in the present-day?

 

Do You Know Yourself?

It’s a very simple question, but do you know the answer to it? If you haven’t taken the time to learn what actually makes you happy in life, you will invariably feel isolated. Being a parent can mean giving a lot of yourself over to make sure the household runs smoothly. And this can mean you lose touch with who you are. But if you are struggling to find out who you are, even if you are successful, it might be time to undergo some work in the field of self-development. You can find many resources to get you started. 

 

Are You Suffering From Depression?

If you haven’t been able to connect with anybody for a while, it could be feeling depressed. You could also feel uninspired and tired. And these can be key signs that you might be depressed. If so, speaking to your doctor can point you in the right direction. 

 

Feeling isolated is something that we all go through on occasion, but it’s not something that we can benefit from in the long-term. There are many reasons. 

 

3 Home Updates To Get Done Before You Sell

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If you are thinking of selling your home, there are multiple factors that require careful consideration before you take the plunge. Selling your home can be a smooth process, but it can also be a rocky one with plenty of stress on the way. The difference between a smooth sale and a bumpy one can be made by lots of different aspects, from the buyer, to your location, the economy and the condition the house is in. Some of these things are out of your control, but one thing you do have control over is the condition of your home before you sell.

There’s plenty of work to be done before selling your home, especially if you want to increase its value before putting it on the market. Here are three home updates to get done before you sell!

External Repairs

First thing’s first: first impressions matter. When a potential buyer visits your new home, they will form an opinion of your home before they even step through the front door. The exterior of your home doesn’t have to be brand new and modern, but at any age or style, it should be clean and in full working order. Here are a few repairs or updates you could make.

  • Pressure washing the home’s exterior with the help of a professional pressure washing contractor in your area. They will be able to get rid of any mold and dirt that has built up over the years. In doing so, it will reveal a fresh and updated look for your home.
  • Fix any siding issues. This could be particularly important if you have noticed that your siding has taken a bit of a hit over the years. Not only can it look pleasing to the eye, but it will also have practical advantages too.
  • Fixing any roofing issues. Using a reputable Airdrie roofing company, you can make sure there’s no damage that might lower the price of the home.

With all of the chaos, it’s easy to overlook the essentials that need to be checked on a regular basis. This carelessness could cost you a lot of money later on when you try to sell your house to someone. Most of the time, buyers tend to hire a home inspector who can prepare a report on the condition of the house, and then only the buyers consider a property. And if your roof, for example, is leaking because you didn’t pay attention to it when it needed maintenance, you may even lose the deal. That is why you should probably look into all of the maintenance areas and get them completed as soon as possible. Otherwise, instead of maintenance, you would most likely be required to replace your roof by hiring professionals for Roof Replacement Sunshine Coast.

Neutralizing The Decor

One thing any potential buyer wants is to be able to picture themselves in the home. If they can’t see themselves living there, they are unlikely to make an offer. If you have particularly “out-there” taste when it comes to color schemes and furniture, you might be selling yourself short when it comes to putting your house on the market. If the house is too “you” it means it’s less likely to come across as “them”!

In order to combat this, you don’t need to strip the entire house and change everything. Perhaps neutralize the walls to a simple white color, and perhaps simplify your furniture layout in order to make the space seem like a blank canvas, onto which a new owner can project their own ideas!

Tidying Up The Garden

Finally, if your home has a useful outdoor space of any size, this is bound to increase its property value. The more delightful and beautiful the garden looks, the more attractive the property will be to a potential buyer. Make sure to tidy up any garden clutter, cut the grass and arrange any garden furniture in a presentable manner before showing anybody around your home. Having a garden is a huge bonus – use it to your advantage!

Overall, updating your home by hiring A1 Roofing Company, changing the decor, gardening, etc. before you sell is never a waste of time or money. The more you put into it, the higher value your home becomes. Good luck and happy selling!

Better Protecting Your Home From Wear And Tear

If you’re looking to spruce up your home and make some upgrades that can refresh its style, then you might also want to consider which changes are going to be some of the most practical you can make, as well. If you find yourself shelling out for replacements, repairs, and other maintenance costs, perhaps you should look at why your home is so expensive to upkeep.

To answer that, we’re going to look at some of the most common sources of wear, tear, and the expenses that follow.

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Protect your home from your furniture

Your furniture is as much a part of the home as anything else is, of course. However, your furniture can also do damage to other parts of the home if there aren’t any buffers. Furniture is typically heavy, meaning that it can, for instance, damage the floors by sagging down into them or leave scuffs and scratch marks. Rubber buffers beneath the furniture can help reduce the damage it’s likely to do, just as the placement of a stop behind them can stop them from banging back into the walls, too.

Durable materials make a difference

When it comes to things like flooring, wall decor choice, and surfaces, then so long as it looks decent, you might typically opt for only the cheapest options. However, that’s a big mistake if you’re looking to prevent expensive wear and tear. Instead, options like vinyl flooring and walls can still be cost-effective, but they also count as an investment into a much more durable home. Look for materials that are stain proof, scratch-resistant, less likely to warp over time and the like. Additionally, for floor heating, make sure you choose a reliable company like Heavenly Heat
(floorheatingsystemsinc.com) to ensure proper insulation.

Keep circulation and heating strong

One of the most important factors in how the home ages is moisture. The more moisture, the more that materials are going to warp and degrade over time. As such, you should aim to keep moisture levels relatively low. One of the best ways to do this is to invest in decent home ventilation. However, drastic temperature changes in the house can result in the fast movement of moisture, as well. So you should aim to keep the temperature fairly consistent, even when you’re not in the home. One way to do this would be to ensure that your heating and cooling systems are in good shape and provide consistent ventilation throughout the house. If you have separate furnaces or radiators in various rooms, then keeping them all maintained and working together can help keep a steady temperature in the home. Contact providers such as FSi Oil and Propane so that experts can come take a look at your heating systems and resolve any issues, however minor they may be.

Provide routine maintenance for your appliances

Many of the biggest home expenses come whenever an appliance such as your boiler or central heating breaks down. The single best way to prevent this is to make sure that you’re working with a professional heating engineer. Having them come out at least once a year to check over your system can make sure there are no major lingering issues, preferably before winter so you don’t have any issues during the coldest months of the year. If they recommend a schedule for planned maintenance, it’s usually worth investing in.

All homes need some maintenance and there’s no such thing as a fixture or feature that won’t need to be replaced someday. However, you can make sure that day is a long way off, still, with the above tips.

Home Improvement Ideas for 2021

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If you’re stuck at home at the beginning of 2021 due to lockdown or furlough, you may have more time on your hands than you expected. It can be boring at first until you realize it’s the perfect opportunity to revise your home interior – the way you’ve meant to for years. It’s time to get creative with your living space and make the most of winter 2021. You might feel the need to renovate your existing home with new arrangements and for extended space. It would be possible by contacting firms like Wisconsin Home Remodeling Company, which can help to renovate your home as per your requirements. These companies can provide you with some exciting and unique designs that could help you with the complete transformation of your home. If you need to do a big renovation project like updating your roof to make your home more insulated, you may want to look into businesses such as Four Seasons Kanga Roof or ones in your location, so you can get this sorted out as soon as possible, freeing you up to re-do your interior the way you want it.

Update the Stairs

The year 2021 is all about updating the existing furniture and spaces in your home to give them new character and style. It’s easy to forget about the stair in your home, but a little innovation can go a long way.

First consider the overall idea of your home renovation project. Are you going for that natural look, or something more stand-out creative. Consider carpets, flooring, or paint to freshen up the look and feel of your staircase and blend with the home’s theme.

Update Your Furniture

With the world still in lockdown and social distancing an issue, it’s become more difficult to find new pieces of furniture to liven up your home. Still, it doesn’t mean we can’t use other means and get creative. Updating your furniture and finding replacement windows and sliding doors is currently trending.

Do you have an IKEA piece or a tired-looking unit you wonder what to do with? You can find some nice color template ideas online and give it a link of color and style instead. Cupboards, units, chairs, and wardrobes can all benefit from this creative solution.

Stencil Floor Tiles

If you have plain floor tiles in the bathroom or kitchen you have an opportunity to express your creativity with them and bring them to life. A myriad of patterns and colors can be used to give the room new energy without any significant investment. However, if you want to make a few changes, you may want to consider hiring a bathroom renovation Mississauga company to assist you with the design and execution of your bathroom.

You could choose your stencil pattern from an online template or make your own. You could even seek help from experts who have done these projects before. The might give you more ideas on how to go about the floor tiles and much more. Clean the tiles and allow them to dry, then paint them with a base color – usually white. Place your stencil on the tiles and fix it with masking tape. Use a roller to apply new paint and fix with varnish.

Create a Table Feature

A seasonal centerpiece might still appeal to you since you can go for a nature walk and collect bits and pieces that can bring something of the season and the natural world into your home. Still, it’s a bit of a dated idea and you might be better channeling that creativity into a new idea.

Instead of a centerpiece why not create a table feature that overhangs your table. It could be a branch you’ve found on your lockdown nature walk that is the perfect complement to the season. Decorate it with other nature items like berries and leaves.

Paint a Mural

With lockdown in full swing once again there is plenty of time and opportunity to re-envision a room in your home and turn your creative talents to an exciting new project. Why not choose a room you think has potential and give it a theme.

Even if you have a great idea for the project don’t dive in right away. Take some time to research online the various techniques needed to make it a success. You will find many useful techniques online for painting murals that will guarantee the success of your project.

Save BIG at the Pediped® Semi-Annual Sale

Get a head start on your little one’s next shoe size at the pediped.com Semi-Annual Sale!

Cost-conscious consumers who want top notch footwear for their children at a fraction of normal prices don’t have to wait any longer to shop! The can’t-miss deals start Monday, 1/11 at pediped.com as part of this year’s pediped® Semi-Annual Sale and run through January 25th. The sale includes shoes, boots, Maryjane’s, and even sandals for newborn to big kids! Prices will be close to factory costs for this sale, you don’t want to miss 35-60% off Top Sellers!

Offer beginning January 11: 3 pairs for $80, select styles

Offer beginning January 18: 50% off coupon, select styles

The pediped® Semi-Annual Sale is always highly anticipated by customers because they know they are able to get some of our best products at deeply discounted prices. This year we’ve slashed prices on everything from our best-selling Flex® Naomi Boot for Kids to Originals® Fleece-lined Booties for Baby! Consumers can also stock up on accessories like socks, tights, and leggings, so head over to www.pediped.com/semi-annual to check out all the great deals included in this year’s sale.

About pediped® Footwear Categories:

Originals®: For Baby (Newborn to 2 years)

  • The soft flexible leather soles of Originals® are recommended by pediatricians and podiatrists. The design closely mimics barefoot walking, and does not force a child to change his/her natural stride. Each style features a slip-resistant leather sole and includes pediped® patented signature hand-stitching, allowing for a breathable shoe.
  • Originals® styles retail starting at $39.95 and are available for children in sizes newborn to 24 months.

Visit https://www.pediped.com/cribshoes for 40+ Baby Soft Sole styles and colors!

Grip ‘n’ Go™: For Toddler (Children 9 month to 3 years)

 

  • Grip ‘n’ Go™ styles provide a smooth transition for children learning to walk with a more confident stride. All Grip ‘n’ Go™ shoes include G2 Technology™, which includes a specialized soft rubber sole for additional cushion, rounded edges that mimic the natural shape of a foot to help with stability, a grip zone for additional traction, and a soft toe box that allows toes to curl and grip the floor. Varied styles come with additional features such as Memory Foam Technology™, and machine-washable capabilities.
  • Grip ‘n’ Go™ styles retail starting at $45 and are available in EU sizes 19-23, US kids 4-7.
    Visit https://www.pediped.com/toddler for 50+ Toddler Rubber sole styles and colors for toddlers!

 

Flex® For Confident Walkers (Children 1 to 9+ years)

  • For those who have developed a solid, natural stride, Flex® combines high quality materials and advanced technology to create the perfect, stylish choice for all-day comfortable wear. All closed toe styles include the Flex
  • Fit System™, which offers a customizable fit with the use of additional insoles, extending the life of a pair of shoes up to two months. To top it off, a cushioned arch support and flexible rubber soles ensure coziness and ongoing healthy foot development.
  • Flex® styles retail starting at $39.95 and are available in EU sizes 20-36/ US 5 kids-4.5 youth (available sizes vary by styles).

Visit pediped.com/bigkid for 50+ Rubber Sole styles and colors for your confident walkers!

To view the entire pediped® collection, visit pediped.com

About pediped®
pediped® Footwear was founded in 2005 by Angela and Brian Edgeworth in their quest for the perfect soft-soled shoe for their first daughter. Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort and distinctive styling have made the award winning company the fastest-growing children’s footwear brand in the United States. pediped® Footwear has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for the promotion of healthy foot development.

 

pediped® footwear is sold in over 200 stores in the United States and worldwide with an offering of more than 120 designs for boys and girls between their three lines, Originals®, Grip ‘n’ Go™ and Flex®.

Originals® (soft-soled shoes for newborns to age 2)

Grip ‘n’ Go™ (thin rubber-soled shoes for children ages 9 months to 3 years)

Flex® (rubber-soled shoes for children 1 to 9+ years) are available in EU sizes ranging from 20 to 36.

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For more information, visit www.pediped.com or call 1-702-567-0311. LIKE on Facebook at /pedipedfootwear and follow on Instagram @pedipedfootwear.

10 Instant Ways to Become a Better Runner

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Running is one of the simplest forms of exercise there is. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on fancy kit or spend hours learning how to do it. All you need is a pair of trainers (asics is a good brand to consider for this) and you’re ready to go. And the best bit is, it’s perfect for every level of fitness, whether you’re a seasoned ultramarathon runner or an absolute beginner.

It’s a fantastic way to keep your body fit and healthy, as well as giving your mental health a boost. Being outdoors is excellent for reducing stress levels, and you can guarantee you’ll get back from your run feeling energized and rejuvenated.

But when you first start running, it can be a bit of a struggle. If you’re not used to moving at speed, your body might complain at first and you’ll probably not get much further than 500 meters before you’re desperate for a break. But if you keep at it, you will soon start to feel the benefit and notice your capabilities improve. Before long you’ll see your speed increase and your technique improve and running will become an addiction. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

But if you’re having trouble getting your running habit off the ground, it might be hard to summon up the motivation to get outdoors for a jog around the park when all you want to do is stay in bed. Some people lose interest when they fail to see immediate improvement, but if you stick at it, it won’t be long before you experience the benefit.

To get you started on your running journey, here are ten instant ways to become a better runner.

Set a goal

Having a goal to aim for is the most effective way to motivate yourself to run. Running without a target can make it feel aimless and won’t give you the drive you need to succeed. Your goal will depend on your abilities; you want it to be ambitious and challenging but not beyond your reach. Whether your goal is to run a sun 30-minute 5k or train for a half marathon, setting your sights on this target will give you a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

Enter a race

Take your goal one step further by signing up for a race. Having an organized event to train for will give you that extra burst of motivation to improve. The sense of satisfaction that comes with completing a running race is overwhelming, and you’ll probably get a shiny medal to take home with you as well.

Be consistent

Whether it’s running or playing the violin, getting better at anything requires consistent practice. In short, the more you run, the better you will be at it. Get out there at least a few times a week and it will soon seem like less of a chore. Schedule time in your calendar to go for runs and make it a priority.

Track your stats

It’s hard to tell how well your running training is going unless you have a method of tracking your progress. There are several running apps available that will track data such as your speed, distance, pace, and timings. For more advanced analytics, you could even invest in a running watch, which provides in-depth analysis of things like cadence, heart rate, and calories. This data will enable you to clearly track your improvement.

Do strength training

You might think running is the only training you need in order to be a better runner, but your body will greatly benefit from some additional workouts too. A couple of sessions of strength training each week will do wonders for your running as well as reducing your susceptibility to injury.

Recover well

Recovery is just as important as activity, and if you are not resting enough you will be more likely to succumb to fatigue or injury. So if you want to avoid needing ankle replacement surgery, it would be a good idea to learn how to stretch before and after runs and make a plan to get more sleep. Moreover, if you do get an ankle injury, then avoid putting pressure on the foot and instead consider using a broken leg scooter (which is not necessarily always for a broken leg!) to move around until the ankle is completely healed. Unnecessary pressure on an injured ankle might worsen it further and reduce your chances of resuming your running sooner.

Have the right kit

You don’t need to have high-end sportswear or expensive gadgets to be a runner, but you do need to make sure your kit is the right choice for you. Everything you wear should be comfortable and well-fitting. Your shoes are probably the most important item, and it may take some research to find the best pair for your needs.

Stay hydrated

As a runner, you will need to drink plenty of water to ensure you don’t get dehydrated. Water deficiency makes your heart work harder, so drinking enough will help you to maximize your running performance. Drink plenty before and after a run, and make sure you carry a bottle or bladder with you on longer runs, especially when it’s hot outside.

Eat right

Proper nutrition is essential for making the most of your running training. As well as drinking plenty of water, you’ll need to make sure your diet contains enough carbohydrates to provide you with the necessary energy. You should be eating protein to help your muscles recover after a strenuous run, and avoid overly fatty and oily foods as these can make you sluggish and lethargic.

Run with friends

If you need something to motivate you to get out there and put the miles in, there are few better methods than calling up a friend and running together. Exercising with company can take your mind off the discomfort and push you to work that little bit harder. Pick a partner who is slightly faster than you, and you’ll get just the kick up the backside you need to improve your running.

With the right techniques and strategies, it is easy for anyone to become a better runner. You don’t need to overcomplicate things with expensive trainers and gadgets; all you need is consistency and motivation. By following these ten tips, you will be much better equipped to be the best runner you can be.

Essential Items Needed For Your Outdoor Fun

The weather is great, your friends are over, and you’re all heading outside. Make sure your yard is well equipped and ready for fun.

Remove any dangerous obstacles and non-essential clutter. The assortment of children’s toys spread out over the yard isn’t a problem from day to day, but you’ll want a cleared, safe yard for a visiting group. While you’re at it, block off any dangerous “work in progress” areas. And if you have spiky plants such as cactus or rose bushes, make sure they’re safely guarded.

Seating

Make sure you have enough seats available. How many is enough? That depends on your crowd, but if you expect all of them to want to sit at once, that’s how many seats you need. A lot of them can be folding chairs, easily stored and easily deployed, at a moment’s notice. Once the group is back in the game, you can make extra room by clearing them out of the way. They’re always ready to grab, for anybody who needs one.

Portable Shade

It’s a nice day, and everybody is having a great time in the sun, but offer refuge with a Quick Shade pop-up canopy or beach umbrella. As the afternoon turns to dusk, umbrellas for rain are fast and easy to fold up and store. Prevent sunburn, offer a retreat from the heat, and stake out a shady area.

Games

Do you have a decent-sized, level, grassy area? Then you can also have a croquet court, bocce lawn, badminton court, putting green, and horseshoe pit. A flat, level driveway can instantly become a half-court for basketball, with a portable, temporary hoop. If you’re going to multipurpose the same area, organize a timetable, and make sure everybody knows that at 3:00 pm, the croquet tournament will be ending, to make way for the beanbag toss.

Food

Even if you’re not serving lunch or dinner, per se, snacks and drinks are an essential part of any outdoor gathering. The number one rule for food at outdoor events is: have enough. Assume that everyone will eat something, and stock accordingly. You can keep it simple with chips and dip, elevate your game to sandwiches and potato salad, or go full BBQ with the whole range of hot dogs to steak. That said, you might want to make sure you have all essentials from your grill checklist, including the barbeque tools. The preference between gas and charcoal for cooking can be left to the backyard chef. In case you favor charcoal, you could buy it online, considering there are various sites that offer bulk charcoal for sale, or you can fall back on your local stores. However, make sure you have enough supplies for everything since the last thing you want to do mid-party is make a store run.

This all applies to drinks as well – have enough. Consider using two coolers, one for soda and juice, and one for the beer and whatever other alcoholic choices you’re providing. You could even have alcohol free wine (or any other beverage options) for the ones who do not prefer to drink in an outdoor setting. Have an endless supply of disposable cups, plates, and cutlery. Whatever you don’t use, you’ll use at your next event.
 They have an interesting collection of infused snacks for adults, and that could be exactly what your party needs! Provided that you research the legality of such products in your locality, and everyone attending has an idea of what effects they can have, you are free to splurge on them.
Place at least one full-sized trash can in a very obvious and central location. Two is even better. Right next to the door to the house is a good spot, since everybody passes that way. Have extra trash bags standing by, so the can is never overflowing.

Music

Even if it’s just your iPad and a Bluetooth speaker, you’ll want to get some background music going. Music carries the event through the lulls in conversation, the quieter eating times, and the end of party wind-down.

Your outdoor event is going to be great. You’ll have all the supplies you need, many options for games and activities, and comfortable surroundings for everybody.