Upbounders Board Book Giveaway

Welcome to the Falling Into Leaves Giveaway Hop

 

Enter for your chance to win an Upbounders Board book Set

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

Senior Incontinence- How Women Can Stay Fit & Active

As you step into your golden years, it is time to focus on yourself. The silver lining is that you can go the extra mile with self-care with no more mommy duties and fewer household chores. Not surprisingly, more and more aging women are keen to explore senior fitness programs for an active lifestyle. However, incontinence is a roadblock you may encounter on your journey to fitness. Most women experience some degree of urinary leakage after menopause and beyond. But you need not suffer in silence or give up on the hope to improve your fitness levels. Here are some valuable fitness tips for women dealing with senior incontinence.  

Start slow

Starting slow is the best piece of advice for an elderly fitness enthusiast. Your energy levels are lower than your younger self, and you may have age-related health issues like osteoporosis, hypertension, and heart disease. You must consider these factors, and avoid going over the top. Incontinence makes it even more crucial to take it easy, specifically if you plan to join as a beginner or return after a break. Go slow and increase the time and intensity of exercise gradually.

Opt for the right workouts

Choosing the right workouts is equally crucial if you want to stay fit and active despite struggling with senior incontinence. Low-impact exercise programs such as walking, biking, yoga, and T’ai Chi are ideal. You can try easier versions of aerobics with fewer bouncing and hopping movements. Likewise, opt for workout equipment that exerts minimal stress on the bladder. Including Kegel exercises in your fitness regimen can actually resolve incontinence issues by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.

Wear proper clothing

You cannot do much about the leakage if you suffer from incontinence. But it should not keep you from taking the first step toward fitness. Wearing proper clothing can help you work out without worrying about a mishap. You can try Zorbies Reusable incontinence panties as they fit like your regular panties. So they will not interfere with your workouts while ensuring comfort and confidence during your exercise sessions. 

Listen to your body

Another piece of advice for seniors with incontinence is to listen to their bodies and follow the cues. If a specific exercise irritates your bladder, avoid it altogether. Frequent toilet breaks during workouts can also keep leakage at bay. You need not shy away from using the restroom as many times as you want. Consider bladder training for extending the time between toilet trips once you build your strength. 

Nourish well

Staying fit and active despite urinary incontinence also depends on good nourishment. Count your calories because weight management is the key to addressing the issue naturally. Load up on nutrients and avoid the food triggers that irritate your bladder. These include caffeine, alcohol, sugar, acidic foods, and tomato-based products. Hydrate well because staying thirsty can worsen the problem.

Most importantly, be confident about handling senior incontinence while switching to an active lifestyle. Becoming fit can actually resolve your problem besides offering the benefits of optimal health and longevity. 

 

Prime Areas to Consider when Renovating Your Home

Image credit 

 

Home renovations can be costly, and it might be challenging to fully renovate your home all at once. If it’s something in your plans, why not start by tackling the most important areas of your home that need attention? A home renovation is extremely important and goes beyond adding value to your home. It also heightens your experience and helps you feel more comfortable in your space. If you are part of the 55% of people planning on renovating their homes, here are some of the best room suggestions. 

  • Kitchen renovation

 

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. That’s why a kitchen remodeling project is something you must consider when renovating your home. There are several reasons why kitchen remodeling is good. It not only gives your kitchen a brand-new look, but you also equip it with modern and efficient appliances and increase the value of your home. Because your kitchen is one of the places with the most foot traffic, you must treat it with utmost care. 

 

The change doesn’t have to be drastic. Something as small as a paint job can change your kitchen’s entire vibe and atmosphere. You can also eliminate the things you dislike about your kitchen. It could be that small sink that makes washing dishes impossible or its original tiles that look faded and outdated. Whatever you don’t like, a renovation will help you replace those features with ones that are not only modern but up to your standard. 

  • Open-plan spaces

 

Open-plan spaces have gotten popular in the past couple of years. But they are not a passing trend. This concept is here to stay because it can help increase the value of your home when it’s time to resell. However, a few factors must be considered before breaking your walls to get this look. Walls aren’t used only to segment your living space but also to support your home’s structure. For certain properties like a terraced home or a semi-detached house, it might not be the wisest choice to have an open-plan space. 

 

If you cannot have an open-plan space, You can install other features to give it that spacious feel. Big windows, sliding doors, and arches are good ways to open up your home and help your rooms flow into each other. 

  • Basement

 

If you’ve expanded your home upwards and sideways, it’s time to look below. Basements are extremely important to consider renovating, especially if you live in a cramped city or urban area with limited space. However, unlike some other areas, basement renovations can be time-consuming and relatively expensive. But it could be worth it because you can add amazing amenities like an indoor pool, gym, or mini living space. If you are considering your basement, it will help to speak with your contractor to see if your home can support such a renovation. 

 

So, there you have it! With these areas, you can comfortably start renovating your home until you have the modern house of your dreams.

 

What is the Best Shapewear for Tummy Control?

So, you have an important event coming up and you plan to wear this bodycon dress but once you put it on, you didn’t like the lumps on the tummy or the love handles. This certainly sounds familiar to many women.  We all wish that there is a magic wand that can use to make these problems disappear. You know what? Shapewear can do that for you. 

Shapewear is a type of undergarment that firms up the body by flattening the stomach, slims the waist and thighs, and enhance the buttocks. It can keep everything tucked away while making you look slim and sleek. Shapewear can be worn under dresses, tops and pants to create a smooth foundation for clothes to look better. Looking for the best shapewear that offers tummy control can be rather daunting because of the many options available in the market. In order to make your life easier, you may want to check out the range of premium quality and durable tummy control shapewear from Waistdear, a shapewear and waist trainer wholesale that has been gaining worldwide reputation as one of the leading high quality and reliable manufacturers. 

The Best Tummy Control Shapewear 

Ahead are some of the favorite shapewear that will slim and control tummy bulges.  

Tummy Control Lace Bodysuit

This full body shapewear features graduated mesh that targets the tummy and offer a flawless finish. Made using ultra soft fabric with delicate lace, this full body shaper is flexible and comfortable to wear. The adjustable and convertible shoulder straps allows flexible wear.

Image – https://www.waistdear.com/products/shapewear-full-body-shaper-1 

Seamless Mid Thigh Shaper Shorts

Smooth out all the lumps and bumps in these shaper shorts. These mid-thigh shorts have double layer control panel that flattens the abdomen and contour the waist curves. Not only will it trim the tummy, this butt lifting shapewear will give your derriere a boost too. It has flexible steel bones to keep it from rolling down. It is available in black and nude and up to size 5XL. 

Image – https://www.waistdear.com/products/seamless-high-waist-mid-thigh-shaper-shorts-instantly-slims 

Neoprene Waist Trainer With 11 Steel Bones

This neoprene waist trainer has three-layer compound fabric that will help address back fat, tummy pooch as well as muffin top. It flattens and gives the appearance of a slimmer shape. Featuring 3-rows of hook-and-eye closure for easy tightness adjustment, it also has 11 steel bones that will prevent rolling while offering back support and posture correction.

Image – https://www.waistdear.com/products/11-steel-bones-neoprene-waist-trainer-weight-loss 

 

Will the VA Pay for Addiction Treatment in Ohio

Substance abuse is a mental health disorder that has the potential to affect an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health. 

Just as keeping up an addiction can be costly, addiction treatment can be expensive as well. Some insurance plans will cover the cost of a stay at a rehabilitation center, while some individuals have to pay out of pocket. 

If you’re a veteran in Ohio, you’re in luck. There are several Ohio VA rehab programs that accept military insurance, such as Veterans Affairs benefits, and can help veterans recover from a substance use disorder. 

Below we’ll explore how a veteran in Ohio can go about finding funded treatment, and what the different treatment options are. 

 

Scope of Addiction Amongst Veterans 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) published a report in 2019 that laid out the scope of addiction amongst veterans. They found that 1.3 million veterans had a substance use disorder in the past year. 

 

Out of these individuals:

  • 343,000 had issues with illicit drug use
  • one million had issues with alcohol use
  • 98,000 had issues with both alcohol and illicit drug use 

 

There are several reasons why veterans abuse substances. Some of these include:

  • emotional distress from traumatic events 
  • development of mental health disorders 
  • chronic pain from injury or strenuous duty 
  • difficulty transitioning from duty to normal life 

 

How Can a Veteran Receive Help from the VA?

When veterans turn to substances to cope, it may lead them down a rough path. This is why it’s important that veterans receive treatment for a substance use disorder. 

According to the SAMHSA, there are over 100 drug rehab and other services for veterans in Ohio. In addition, there are over 50 services for family members of veterans. 

Benefits through VA insurance cover the costs of mental health disorders, including substance use disorders. As long as the substance use is directly connected to their service, then costs will be covered. 

There is also TRICARE, which is another military insurance. Veterans are eligible to apply for this type of insurance, which will cover the costs of treatment services. 

 

What Sort of Treatment Options are Available for Veterans?

Veterans Affairs covers many options for substance use treatment for veterans. Some options are more intensive, while others are flexible. Important factors that may play into a treatment choice are:

 

  • the severity of substance use 
  • if there are co-occurring mental health disorders 
  • occupational, marital, and overall lifestyle situation

 

If you or a loved one are curious as to which kind of treatment will be the best fit, we’ll explore each option below. 

Detoxification Programs 

Detox programs are ideal for those withdrawing or about to begin withdrawing from substances. These centers are designed to provide the safest environment for patients to rid the body of toxins and begin the transition to longer-form treatment. Individuals usually stay three to seven days, or until uncomfortable physical withdrawal symptoms have subsided. 

 

Inpatient Programs 

Since substance use disorders are mental health disorders, it’s recommended that an all-encompassing long-form treatment plan is pursued. This is what inpatient programs provide. 

 

Patients will live on-site and be away from everyday life stressors that can trigger a relapse. They’ll have around-the-clock care and medical attention, and attend group and individual therapy sessions. This option is usually attended by those with severe addiction history. 

 

Outpatient Programs 

The least intensive form of addiction treatment is outpatient programs. Clients do not live on-site during outpatient treatment, but instead, visit the facility to attend anywhere from one to eight hours of counseling and therapy per day or week, then return home. 

 

Some patients will come in once or twice a week, while others visit four to five times weekly. Certain outpatient programs provide medical attention for those still experiencing withdrawal symptoms. 

 

These programs are best for veterans with a lower to mild substance use disorder, or those stepping down from residential treatment. 

 

Finding a Program 

By applying for VA health care, it’s possible to receive coverage for addiction treatment in the state of Ohio. Attending any of the above treatment programs can be the beginning of a drug-free life. 

3 Things You Must Do When Transforming A Disused Room

https://unsplash.com/photos/GqbU78bdJFM 

 

Everyone wants to make the most of the space at home as it helps their property feel bigger and more breathable. No matter how many people live there, you never feel like you are getting in each other’s way, even if some people need to share a room. You might even have a room that doesn’t have a purpose yet, and if you want to boost your property’s worth and functionality, it’s time to transform a disused room into something special. But where to begin? 

 

Clean It 

Cleaning a disused room often feels like a mammoth task, especially if you’ve only used this room to store things that don’t have a home anywhere else throughout the years. But, you can’t do anything else until you clear the floor and remove old furniture and boxes. 

 

You might find that the cleanup job is more involved than expected, and there could also be health issues present once you have removed everything. If the room is not well ventilated, there’s a chance that you’ll need a mold removal service. Likewise, any infestations will require an exterminator. 

 

These issues are the bare minimum you must consider when transforming a disused room and they will make it easier to transform it into somewhere you can use. 

 

Make It Comfortable 

Comfort is another vital element, regardless of what the room is going to be used for (if you even know what yet). In the meantime, some general maintenance and repairs should be sufficient, while painting the walls to make it more welcoming can also help. 

 

If you’re still unsure what the room will become, you can save money while decorating and choose a neutral color that suits any purpose, whether it becomes a home gym, office, or something else. 

 

When you have finished decorating, it’s time to think about places to sit or sleep. Right now, though, there’s no need for anything too fancy, so a futon and spare chair should suffice for the time being. 

Figure Out Its Purpose 

Some people turn a bedroom into an office once the kids move out. Others prefer to create a workshop for their hobbies or develop a home gym. These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg, and as it’s your home, you can decide to do whatever you like with the disused room. 

 

But, it’s important to be confident about your choice. If you need to repair things inside the room or install appliances and amenities to make it livable, you should make sure you know what it will be and know it will be used for a long time. 

 

The last thing you want to do is prepare for a home gym only to have it end up as a guest room or something else, so think carefully about the present and future.  

 

Transformed 

Whether you create a home office or guest room or even somewhere for you to work on your projects, transforming a disused room is one of the best things you can do in your house. But, before you fill it with all the essentials, you must make it safe and comfortable to ensure it serves its purpose and helps improve the atmosphere and even the value of your property.

 

4 Things Every Modern Man Needs In His Kitchen

Image credit 

 

Indeed, the kitchen is where you can prepare meals and eliminate hunger.  And you can upgrade your kitchen to make the cooking process easier. Kitchen remodeling is a great way to incorporate modern features and appliances into your cooking space. However, you may have some old appliances that may help after renovating your kitchen. But certain items are non-negotiable, including the following.

  • Blender

 

The blender is one of the most important appliances you need in your kitchen. It’s versatile and removes the stress of grinding ingredients like pepper, onions, ginger, garlic, coffee, and nuts. It’s also great for making smoothies, which is great news if you love this drink. Thanks to the blender, you can save time as the preparation of meals can be made easier and faster. Owning a blender will provide you with many opportunities in your cooking journey, so keep this in mind.

  • Knives

 

Certain ingredients, like veggies, fruit, meat,  etc., must be chopped to make your meals, and you can’t do so without a knife. With the help of the knife, dicing food becomes simple, and it helps you to save energy. Remember that owning a knife is a necessity in your kitchen and never a luxury. You should note that you’d probably need just three knives; a chef’s knife, a utility knife, and a serrated knife. You’ll also find it helpful to invest in forged knives, as they can last longer. 

  • Pots and Pan

 

Indeed, a kitchen isn’t complete without a pot and a pan.  Yet, not all pans can make up your kitchen. Using non-stick pans that allow you to whip up tasty meals is advisable. Moreover, they are easier to clean, so keep this in mind. You can also reduce the amount of oil you consume or even eliminate its usage with non-stick pans, so feel free to consider this. However, you should note that some non-stick pots contain high levels of PFOA, which causes cancer. Therefore, buying water-repellent options is prudent. Consequently, avoid cutting costs and invest in more durable pans, regardless of price. 

 

  • Toaster Oven

 

Instead of buying a microwave and pop toaster, you can purchase a toaster oven which will play this dual role even more. Because it’s small, it will prevent your kitchen countertop from getting cluttered and help you save money. While it heats your food more evenly than the microwave, it also encourages you to practice better-eating habits. You can be able to cook anything you want with this small appliance. Living alone with a toaster oven will make you realize that good food does not only come with huge production. You can now cook without much effort, so keep this in mind.

 

Having these tools helps to make kitchen work easier. It will save you time and stress in cooking meals, so keep this in mind. Make sure you don’t settle for any old kitchen equipment. Go in for the best cooking equipment suitable for your kitchen needs.

How to Make Your Home More Economical

 

Image Credit 

 

Economy starts in the home. While there is not much anyone can do about the global economy, the choices we make in our homes create the demands and habits of the future. Save energy, save money, and ultimately save the planet with better choices for your energy and lifestyle. In this article, you can find the best places to make eco-changes.  

Reduce Heat Loss

“Economy” is central to the way we heat our homes. When the weather becomes colder, we turn up the thermostat which increases the home’s temperature, but the heat generated is temporary; it leaks out of the windows, walls, doors, and small cracks in your home building. 

 

The key to energy reduction and cost saving is to make your home more energy efficient. If you have better insulation in the wall and your windows are covered by heavy curtains, you trap more of the heat and can start to turn down the thermostat. So try to trap the heat you create. 

Renewable Energy 

Nobody needs reminding that the world is undergoing an energy crisis at the moment. Gas and oil prices are rising, and fossil fuels are becoming a less viable option overall. At the same time, the market for renewable energy is growing, but you don’t have to rely on energy companies.  

 

Renewable energy can be accessed through the grid, but you can also put solar panels on your roof and install a domestic wind turbine. Other options include hydro systems and biomass systems that support clean energy production. Excess energy can then be sold back to the grid.

Eco Buildings 

If you increase the floor space of your home with a new building, you increase the value of the property and give your family more space to use while you live and work from home. Extensions, conservatories, and garden rooms are popular options, but eco buildings are best. 

 

Eco buildings such as butler buildings are pre-fabricated, which means they are constructed in a warehouse and delivered to the property when required. The controlled environment produces less waste and allows your building to be installed more quickly, further reducing Co2 emissions. 

Eco-Products 

Make your home more economical with eco-products. Eco-products are cleaning products that don’t use bleach and other chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Instead, eco-products use natural ingredients that don’t harm the environment by contaminating the water system. 

 

Of course, we are living in a time of high costs. There are high costs for energy, food, and transport, and wages aren’t meeting the demands. It’s easy to choose cheaper cleaning products in the stores, but more demand for these only reduces the market for eco products.  

Final Thoughts 

When people think of the word “economy,” they tend to think of the financial markets, but “economy” can mean the choices you make to create more or less efficiency. In short, economy describes the careful management of available resources. If you want to make your home more economical, you need to think about your energy supplies, your insulation, and your eco-lifestyle. 

 

Taking Care of Your Body and Mind Around Parenting

Image Source

 

Having kids means taking on a lot of responsibility. When you have children, it’s pretty common for your world to begin to revolve entirely around them. After all, they’re entirely dependent on you. You’ll become responsible for making sure that they are washed and clean, ensuring they are eating well, making sure they are getting their exercise, providing them with activities to keep their minds occupied, finding schools for them, signing them up and taking them to any hobbies and clubs they want to do and so much more. It’s not all too surprising, then, that many parents find themselves putting themselves last and never actually getting around to their own needs. This is especially common if you have other responsibilities and commitments – which most of us do – such as work or commitments to family and friends. It really is important that you make time for yourself and your needs though. It is possible to create a healthy balance where you care properly for yourself and your child. It just requires planning, organisation and self control. Here are some suggestions that can help you to achieve this goal.

 

Be Kind to Yourself

 

First, it’s important to remember to be kind to yourself. So many parents find themselves under a lot of pressure, and place their child’s happiness and wellbeing with (understandably) high importance, so give themselves a tough time if they feel they fall short in any area. Never feel this way. Acknowledging shortcomings is a good step in the right direction and you need to remember that we are all only human – nobody is perfect. Sure, it may seem like other parents lead chaos free, happy family lives that run like clockwork, especially with social media flaunting idealised versions of people’s lives in front of our eyes. But the truth is everyone has problems, challenges, struggles and other issues behind closed doors. Parenting is a life long learning curve and nobody ever has it completely nailed. Learning to accept your imperfections and to work on them as best you can will be much better for your mental and emotional health, and in turn will help you to be a happier person and a better parent.

 

Give Your Body the Fuel It Needs

 

Do you find yourself thoroughly meal planning for your kids, but not doing the same for yourself? So many parents find themselves preparing breakfasts, lunches and dinners for their kids and just picking at ingredients as they go along or eating leftovers that the kids didn’t want. This is no way to go about fuelling your body. Others will find that they opt for convenience fodos that take little time to make and clear up from, as they feel their time could be better invested somewhere else. This often results in overconsumption of takeaways, fast foods and junk foods. Avoid this. These foods don’t contain the right nutrients that your body is asking for. Instead, make sure to eat a healthy, balanced diet the majority of the time. This can be made easier and more manageable with some simple meal planning and meal prepping. You may also want to try supplements to fill occasional shortfalls or gaps in your diet. Meal planning emans sitting down and deciding what you’re going to eat for each meal for the week ahead. This allows you to pick up the necessary ingredients in one fell swoop, once a week while you’re doing your grocery shopping. Meal prepping involves preparing certain elements of your meals in bulk – perhaps dedicating one evening to chopping, slicing, marinating and taking other steps with ingredients to partially prepare your meals in advance. Altenratively, you may want to fully prepare meals in advance and then freeze them, ready for responsible reheating throughout the week. There are plenty of brands out there, so make sure you know what ingredients you’re looking for and opt for the most effective and best reviewed options on the market. If you are experiencing weight related health issues, consult your doctor who may be able to recommend treatments, meal plans or the best weight loss shakes or weight gain products.

 

Remember to Exercise

 

While we can often feel run off our feet, many of us aren’t actually getting the recommended one hundred and fifty minutes of moderate aerobic exercise we should be getting each week. It really is important that you hit this goal, as this is what your body requires to stay strong, healthy and active. Exercise can help to improve everything from stamina to strength, balance, flexibility and other essential life skills. It can also prevent ongoing health conditions. Of course, many of us feel that we don’t enjoy exercise. So how do you tackle this? If you find yourself dragging yourself to the gym or a fitness class, it’s time to find a form of exercise that you actually like doing and want to attend. This could be anything and will vary depending on your individual tastes and needs. You could attend a class that adds a social element, or a team sport, to combine working out and spending time with others. You could find that you like spending tiem outdoors in nature – this is where hiking, cycling, walking, jogging or running could be something that meets your needs. You might enjoy spending time in water, where a water aerobics class or swimming will keep you fit and happy. You could even try alternative forms of exercise, such as roller derby, pole fitness, aerial silks or anything else. Experiment and find what you actually like. If you find yourself struggling to get childcare to attend out-of-home classes, try home workouts. There are so many free resources online, such as videos, tutorials and social media posts that can show you how to get a good workout at home.

 

These are just a few different things you can do to start focusing on your won wellbeing, even if you feel that you are completely tied up with childcare and prioritising your little ones. Hopefully, some of the tips here will prove useful to you and you’ll be able to incorporate them into your general routine. Give them a try and see how you get on!

How to Choose Between Savings and Insurance: the Pros and Cons

When it comes to finances, there are always important decisions to make. One of the most common dilemmas is whether to save money or buy insurance. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, which can make it difficult for people to decide what is best for them. This blog post will explore the pros and cons of both savings and insurance so that you can make an informed decision about what is suitable for you!

 

Via Pexels

1) Savings:

The first option is saving money. When you save money, you are putting it into an account where it will grow over time. The most significant advantage of savings is that you have complete control over your money and how it is used. You can use your savings for anything you want, whether it’s an emergency fund, a down payment on a house or retirement. Another advantage of savings is that you typically earn interest on your deposited funds, which can help your money grow even faster.

 

There are also some disadvantages to saving money. One of the most significant drawbacks is that your money may not be accessible when you need it most. For example, if you have an unexpected medical bill or car repairs, you may have to dip into your savings, which can set you back financially. Additionally, savings accounts are not typically insured by the government like bank deposits are, so there is a risk that you could lose your money if the financial institution fails.

 

2) Insurance:

The second option is insurance. When you buy insurance, you are paying for protection in the event that something happens to you, your property or your business. The biggest advantage of insurance is that it can provide peace of mind and financial security in the event of an unexpected loss. For example, CARS Protection Plus will help if you are in a car accident, and your insurance policy can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement. Another advantage of insurance is that it can help you save money on taxes. Some types of insurance policies, such as health insurance, life insurance and long-term disability insurance, offer tax benefits that can help reduce your overall tax bill.

 

There are also some disadvantages to buying insurance. One of the biggest is that you may not need to use your policy for many years, or even at all. This means that you are paying for protection that you may never need to use. Additionally, insurance policies often have deductibles, co-payments and other out-of-pocket costs that can add up over time. And finally, if you cancel your policy or let it lapse, you may not be able to get it back or be covered for certain types of losses.

 

3) So, what’s the best option?

The answer to this question is that it depends on your individual circumstances. For example, insurance may be the better option for you if you are prone to accidents or have a lot of expensive possessions. On the other hand, saving money may be the better choice if you are healthy and have few assets. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to assess your needs and goals and choose the option that makes the most sense for you.

 

In conclusion, there are pros and cons to both savings and insurance. The best way to choose between the two is to assess your needs and goals and select the option that makes the most sense for you. Thank you for reading!