Protect Your Family: Effective Mosquito Control Measures

Implementing effective mosquito control measures includes eliminating standing water, maintaining clean gutters, and using mosquito traps. Professional services can provide targeted treatments for severe infestations. Regular inspections and proactive measures help ensure a mosquito-free environment, safeguarding your family from potential health risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases.

Understanding the Mosquito Problem

In addition to being an itch, mosquitoes may spread dangerous illnesses, including malaria, Zika, and West Nile. In many regions, including areas in the mosquito control in South Shore, MA, maintaining effective mosquito control is essential for a healthy environment. Not only do mosquitoes reduce the quality of outdoor experiences, but their presence can also pose severe public health risks. But how can we manage these pesky insects effectively to ensure our family's safety?

Learn more about mosquitoes from the CDC, enhancing our understanding of these tiny yet impactful creatures.

5K Run/Walks in Kansas City: Sweetheart Run/Walk

What: Sweetheart Run/Walk

When: (stay tuned for 2025 date)

On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day a couple of years ago with an update.

Run/Walks in Kansas City: GEHA Field at Arrowhead 5K

What: GEHA Field at Arrowhead 5K

When: (stay tuned for the 2025 date)

Where: Arrowhead Stadium, One Arrowhead Drive, Kansas City, MO

Details from 2024: Join us on Friday, May 10th, 2024, for the 11th Annual GEHA Field at Arrowhead 5k & Kids 1K, where you will run on the same field your Kansas City Chiefs play on!!!

5K Run/Walks in Kansas City: Battle of the Bean

I love walking. Walking on a treadmill is fine, but I love walking outside the most. Now that we live in the country, it's so peaceful to walk. I get off the main road and into the neighborhoods and rarely see a car. While walking, I listen to a variety of things on my phone: audiobooks, podcasts, Marco Polo messages (and I sometimes leave them while walking too), music. I'm a fan of multi-tasking, so I get to have some time out of the house, get some exercise, and also feed my brain with a book or information or friend/family updates or uplifting music.

CBD: Understanding the Basics

CBD is a popular buzzword throughout society and the medical world. This chemical compound is often touted as a natural remedy to help soothe inflammation, calm anxiety, and many other ailments. However, if you’re new to CBD, it’s essential to understand what CBD is, the difference between CBD and THC, and more. This article will give you the CBD crash course you need. 

THC Vs. CBD

Most people confuse CBD and THC in the beginning. Both of these chemicals are considered cannabinoids, which means they bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. They are both found in a cannabis plant, too. However, the similarities often stop there. THC is primarily found in the marijuana plant and produces a euphoric effect. This psychoactive effect is why it’s usually illegal unless you have it for medical reasons. CBD is found in marijuana and hemp plants, and it doesn’t make you feel euphoric or high. 

Exploring the Benefits of Community Living

 

In the diverse tapestry of housing options, community living stands out for its unique approach to fostering a sense of togetherness among residents. It's an echoing refrain across generations – the desire for a place to live and belong, share, and grow with others. 

Table of Contents:

• Introduction to Community Living
• Benefits of Community-Based Lifestyle
• The Role of Community Spaces and Events
• Economic Advantages of Living in a Community
• Mental and Physical Health Perks
• The Impact on Child & Family Development
• Challenges and Considerations in Community Living

Key Takeaways:

• Community living offers many benefits, including social connections, shared amenities, and economic savings.
• Communal spaces play a pivotal role in fostering relationships and community spirit.
• Challenges such as privacy concerns and governance issues are part of community living dynamics.

Introduction to Community Living

The allure of community living has always rested on the intrinsic human need for interaction and interdependence. This lifestyle arrangement provides a secure foundation upon which communities thrive, boasting shared spaces, collective amenities, and a ready sense of belonging. With its roots dating back to the earliest human settlements, the contemporary version of community living adapts these principles to modern aesthetics and functionalities. In addition, there is an innate psychological comfort found in knowing one's neighbors, an aspect of living that can't always be measured but is deeply felt. The essence of community living expands beyond individual desires, enveloping the collective for an enriched home experience, as seen in developments like The Villas.

Understanding the Role of Colonoscopies in Cancer Prevention

 

Table of Contents

• The Evolution of Colon Cancer Screening Methods
• What Is a Colonoscopy?
• Benefits of Regular Colonoscopies
• Who Should Get a Colonoscopy?
• Preparing for Your Colonoscopy
• What to Expect During and After a Colonoscopy

Key Takeaways

• The importance of colonoscopies in preventing colorectal cancer cannot be overstated.
• A detailed account of what individuals should expect before, during, and after colonoscopies.

Introduction

Colorectal cancer remains one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide, but there's a highly effective weapon in the arsenal of preventive medicine against it: colonoscopy. This procedure, often hailed as the gold standard for early detection of colon cancer, is a powerful testament to medical innovation and its ability to save lives. Healthcare practitioners, such as the esteemed team at Gastro of the Rockies, advocate for the use of colonoscopy not only to detect cancer but to prevent it outright by identifying and addressing abnormal growths before they become malignant.

Great Tips for Parenting and ADHD

A child suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD/ADD) might be quite difficult to parent. These children are normally in a constant state of activity and may have trouble understanding important directions. 

Such a kid may be a challenge to his/her parents. In fact, the parents may have to change their home lifestyle a bit to help the child. Here are some important things that you can do to help a child suffering from ADHD/ADD. 

Organize your home schedule

Make sure that you set up specific times for waking up, brushing your teeth, washing, eating, playing, doing the house chores, doing homework, playing video games, watching TV, and going to bed. Write this schedule on a piece of paper and hang it where your child can see it. If your kid cannot read as yet, you may use symbols or drawings to show the activities to your child. If there are any changes, you should inform the kid in advance. Make sure the child understands such changes. 

Podcast-Inspired Rant: Hard Questions for Myself

Here's my problem with this podcast...

It takes too much time to listen to it.

And that's partially my fault because I have to pause to cry, reflect, transcribe some of the words and concepts, share with friends. 

And I'm only on episode #6 of We Can Do Hard Things, about overwhelm.

Here's what made me cry today because I felt seen:

Amanda, who is sister to Glennon Doyle and incredibly insightful and careful with her words, shared: 

... the people that I want to love don't feel my love because my effort is in the carrying and not in loving them the way that they need to be loved themselves. And then they look at me and say, not with their words, but with the, "Why aren't you investing in us? Why aren't you giving me what I need?" 

In my heart and in my mind, I'm like, "I am giving more than I have. I'm giving every ounce of myself, every moment, I have no mental space, no physical space, no hours that are not carrying for all of you and loving you. 

And so I feel like I'm pouring it out and then sometimes I feel like I'm getting back, "Well, put it down." 

"...Put down my way of loving?"

YES. THIS. And there are so many more words like this on the podcast that say exactly how I feel and explain the weird feeling in my belly when someone judges my parenting efforts or my stress level. 

I created this big, chaotic, beautiful life I am entirely in love with. But I don't have to walk around smiling constantly about it, being jolly and grateful every second of every day. I don't have to hide all of my exhaustion and overwhelm because I am not a robot (or a homeschooling mommybot).

I'm so tired of certain people in my life telling me to relax, slow down, that I seem stressed and anxious. These are exactly the people who maybe...

* have never homeschooled from kindergarten through high school, taken on the responsibility of teaching their own children to read, swim and drive, do not yet have adult children (completely different from having babies/toddlers/regular kids LOL), never had their kids in time-consuming activities, etc.

* do not have the same kind of marital or household or pet situation I have

* are not on a leadership committee at a homeschool coop for the last 3.5 years because of a need to make things amazing for their own kids and the kids of others, and/or do not understand the pressure and time that teaching takes

* do not have my same past experiences with domestic violence and a variety of trauma (which often appears in my life as control and trust issues)

* do not own their own business, have a fire in their belly to write, or a need to make money for their family while still being available for that family

* do not have attention deficit disorder (hate that word "disorder")

* are content with their lives as is and do not feel a driving urge to experience All The Things and live life to the fullest while trying to make a difference in the world

And then I had some questions for myself:

Why am I listening to these people? I am 52 years old and don't need to apologize for who I am when my life is going pretty well, despite challenges I've either created myself or which have been put on my plate.

Why am I giving any head space to these people who will never walk in my shoes, which means they won't ever understand the intricacies of my life? This takes energy from loving my family and my people, the people who consistently show up for me even when I'm pushing them away.

Why do I think I need to change? Sure, I could hand off some things, stop procrastinating others, go easier on myself in a lot of areas, go harder on myself in others. We can all use some improvement. But improvement is different from changing who you are as a person entirely.

Why am I not spending more time in prayer, listening to the One who created me, rather than some of the ones who just want to judge me or feel superior to me? Sure, some of these people want to be helpful and see me happy, but they are going about it the wrong way. (Which of course leads me to think about how I say things to people because I don't always understand the shoes they are walking in either—step-parenting, single parenting, parenting multiples, parenting very young, parenting at a later age, working two jobs outside the home to make ends meet, and the list goes on and on.)

My new response when this comes up: "You seem to have your shit together and know how I can get mine together, so what do you suggest? Where should I start? Which spinning plate should I let drop first? Should I check back in with you if it doesn't work out?"

I don't think people are assholes on purpose but we all maybe need a better way to connect with others so we can just LISTEN, which is sometimes all anyone needs in that moment of stress. (and maybe you could do some dishes for them or bring them a meal?)

My dear Catholic and Protestant homeschooling friends, yes, Glennon is a divorced lesbian. So what? The words that are said will speak to you the same as if your priest or pastor said them, if your priest or pastor understood what it's like to be a mother especially. 

I've listened to episodes about anxiety, boundaries, infidelity (there are a variety of ways), fun (do we even know how to have fun anymore as burned-out moms?), addiction (loving addicts), and now overwhelm. Coming up are episodes I'm excited to listen to on fighting well, self-care, our bodies, brave parenting (aren't we being brave by taking on homeschooling?), talking about sex more, quitting, playing our roles, and so many more.

So even though it will take some time, some thought, and some tears... the epiphanies will show up when you least expect them and whack you hard in the feels.

I give this podcast 5 out of 5 Dove chocolate hearts.

I also recommend Glennon Doyle's book Love Warrior (Oprah's book club), which I read in 2020 and underlined/highlighted like crazy and kept (I don't keep many books because homeschool stuff crowds them out currently).

She also wrote Carry On, Warrior, and the wildly popular Untamed (Reese's book club), which I'm listening to on Spotify Premium right now (a lot of great audiobooks included with your subscription).

* Full disclosure: I might make a few cents if you click a link or two or purchase something. 

Why Pet Ownership Will Benefit Your Entire Family

No matter the age of your kids, owning a pet can be a very beneficial step for your entire family. Kids love animals and having a pet in their own home which they can love, care for and even play with, will make your kids grow up into adults who have a different take and perception on the world. Even if your children are still toddlers or learning to walk, the bond that they have with a family pet will be just as strong. Older kids will love having another person to play with and could even feel like they are more loved and cared for in their own home. 

Most parents struggle with the idea of investing time, energy and effort in a new family pet. In particular, if you work long hours or struggle to pay your household bills. Certainly, owning a new four-legged friend is not a decision to take lightly, no matter how much your kids promise that they will help with the feeding and pet care. However, owning a pet provides a whole range of benefits that you may not previously have considered either. Pets can even help you with your own parenting tasks, if your kids are struggling to finish their homework or find it hard to settle down for some quiet time with a book, then snuggling up with their furry friend will provide the perfect incentive for your little ones to study and learn. Plus, if your little ones are struggling to make friends or trust other kids – or even family members, then a four-legged friend can provide them with the comfort and support they need during this particularly difficult period in their lives. Contrary to common perceptions, kids who grow up with pets in their homes may even have fewer allergies or sniffles and sneezes than their contemporaries, as the bacteria that they get from pets could even help boost their immune systems, rather than make them weaker. So, if you were not sure that owning a pet would benefit your life, and that of your entire family, then you may be pleasantly surprised at just some of the lesser-known positives that pet ownership can bring.  

How to Cope with an Irrational Fear of the Dentist

For many people who suffer from some degree of dental phobia, technically known as odontophobia or dentophobia, a typical visit to the dentist can be an absolute nightmare. People with a phobia of going to the dentist have a reflex to feel a fight or flight response whenever they are in the dentist’s chair, even if their visit is simply for the purpose of a dental check-up. Dental phobias can stem from a number of different things, including previous traumatic experiences at the dentist or an accident that required stitches in or near the mouth. When you have a phobia of the dentist, it can be severely detrimental to your dental health as those suffering from this tend to avoid dental visits at all costs, even allowing oral conditions to worsen.

Speaking to Your Dentist

If you suffer from dental phobia, the most important thing that you need to do is speak to your dentist and make sure that they are fully aware of the situation. Good dentists are fully trained to deal with nervous or frightened patients and will be able to help you when it comes to knowing what to do to get over your phobia and take positive steps towards overcoming these feelings of fear. For example, Dr. Michael Malek is a Santa Cruz Sedation Dentist who specializes in sedating patients with phobias to help them feel more comfortable. 

Fear of the Unknown

One of the biggest things that puts patients with dental phobia off registering at and visiting a new dental surgery is the fear of the unknown.

5 Reasons to Eat More Mushrooms

 

Image credit

Mushrooms are the little white veggies that can be a perfect accompaniment to many dishes. Mushrooms have quite a complex taste to describe and can leave behind an aftertaste that people characterize differently. But there is no denying their versatility as an ingredient in many dishes.

There are many ways to cook mushrooms and many dishes you can add them to, but far from being simply another ingredient to prepare, they come with massive health benefits too. Read on to learn more.

Reduced Risk of Cancer

That's right, eating just 2 medium-sized mushrooms per day can reduce your risk of getting cancer. While they might not be your top choice for ask, you can eat this fungus raw or cooked; they will serve you well if you include them daily. Mushrooms contain ergothioneine that slows or prevents cellular damage. Some mushrooms have higher quantities of ergothioneine than others. Make sure you eat a range of mushrooms for maximum benefits.

Natural Wellness Trends for this Summer

  CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Pexels

This year has some exciting natural wellness trends you can try to feel better. With a focus on health and reducing the usual costs, some are highly beneficial for your health. From addressing your sleep to yoga for your face, here are some things you can try out this summer.

Addressing Women’s Health

Women’s health relates to the health issues faced by females. This addresses the sweeping hormonal changes to do with pregnancy, sexual health, and reproduction. And if you are a woman, then you will know how bad a time you can have. Fortunately, there are some trending topics you can address for female health. Delta 8 gummies and the THC content have been shown to help with easing the pain of periods and the mood and sleep issues of menopause.

How to Boost Your Health in Preparation for the Summer

Being as healthy as possible should be a goal you have and maintain year-round. However, you might slack when you get comfortable or the season changes. 

With the summer approaching and longer days joining us, you might have the motivation to kickstart and boost your health. If so, congratulations, and acknowledging that is the first step. The next step is about inputting the new rules and maintaining them to boost and maintain your health.

Whether you want to understand more about how to safeguard your health or boost your health for the summer, here’s more. 

Watch your lifestyle choices

Your lifestyle choices and preferences might change when the weather is warmer. You might prefer to perform exercise outside or use a motorcycle to get to walk instead of using a car. Either way, it is important to take extra care when you pursue measures that are outside of your usual routine.

Lose Weight Drinking a Chocolate Fat-Stripping Frappa

I posted about the Trim Healthy Mama Orange Creamsicle Shake that I make when I'm feeling run-down or like I'm eating too much junk. Just maintaining my weight right now is important to me as I focus on physical therapy for my hip/knee (just a lot of muscle work), so I'm not actively trying to lose weight but I do want to FEEL GOOD!

I got some good responses to that post ... some women are really losing weight just by making a simple change of replacing one crappy fast food meal a day with this shake. It really can be breakfast and lunch because it makes a lot. Then snack on veggies or fruit or almonds and you're good until dinner.

*Bonus: you aren't running to Starbucks for their mocha frappuccino light that I always get and pay 5 bucks for. Save money and gas and do it at home.

So here is the other shake I like to make when I'm sick of the orange situation or craving chocolate. I have modified it from the Trim Healthy Mama original.

Cultivating Healthy Social Skill Development in Children

 Social skills are fundamental for success in life. Being able to interact with others, form relationships and communicate effectively are critical for both personal and professional accomplishment. Parents have a responsibility to inculcate healthy social skill development in their children from an early age; here are four tips on how to do just that!

via Pexels

1) Demonstrate Positive Behavior

Modeling positive behavior is an integral part of teaching children how to interact with others in a healthy manner. As parents, we should strive to exhibit respect, empathy and kindness when speaking to our kids as well as other people. We can role model good listening by actively participating in conversations with our kids and responding thoughtfully. Moreover, we should remember to express appreciation for their efforts, offer support when needed and give honest feedback when necessary.

7 Tips for Achieving a Healthy Body Inside and Out

 Feeling good from the inside out is an essential part of living a healthy life. Your physical health and mental health are connected, and both need to be taken care of. And it's not always easy to do so. But if you make small changes to your lifestyle, it can make a big difference in how you feel inside and out. That's why we've put together seven crucial tips for achieving a healthy body inside and out. These tips will help you feel your best in no time!

Via Pexels

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health, both physically and mentally. Aim for 7-8 hours every night, as this will help regulate hormones, boost immunity, improve concentration, reduce stress levels, and aid in digestion. In addition, ensure that your bedroom is dark, cool, quiet, and free of any electronics or distractions so you can get the restful sleep you deserve.

Eat Whole Foods

What goes into your body has a huge effect on how you feel and how your body functions overall. Eating whole foods rather than processed foods provides us with all the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and other nutrients needed to keep us energized throughout the day while also promoting internal health. This includes fruits and vegetables that contain dietary fiber that aids digestion and lean proteins like fish or chicken that provide essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair.

Great Ways to Enjoy Life a Little More

 Life is for the living, and that means having lots of wonderful experiences. However, a lot of things in our lives prevent us from doing this. One of the main reasons is our own mental state. If we suffer from bouts of depression or anxiety, etc., it can be crippling. If our physical health is not up to scratch, we won't be able to do all the things we want. We must discover new ways to increase our level of well-being, as well-being is a measure of our overall quality of life. So, with that in mind, let's discover some ways we can enjoy life a little more.

Pixabay

Declutter

You may not be aware of it, but clutter in your living spaces can have a hugely detrimental effect on your mental health. It could be causing you stress and anxiety, stopping you from sleeping well, and it may even be holding you back from moving on in your life and doing the things you really want to do.

How to Create More Calm After Chaos Crops Up in Your Life

 

https://unsplash.com/photos/qYanN54gIrI

Chances are that you've encountered a chaotic situation at some point in your life. These situations can be anything from a disagreement with a family member to experiencing financial stress or being in an accident. No matter what kind of chaos life throws your way, it’s important to remember that there is still hope for finding calm after the storm. So in this blog post, we’re going to take a look at some tips and tricks on how to create more calm after chaos crops up in your life.

Take Time for Yourself

When chaos strikes, it’s important to take the time to relax and reflect. Taking just 10 minutes a day for yourself can help you regain your sense of peace and balance. Spend this time doing something that you enjoy, whether it is reading a book, playing an instrument, or taking a walk outside. This will give you the space and clarity of mind necessary to tackle any chaotic situation that might arise.

5 Tips for Ditching the Drama and Achieving Inner Peace

Everyone has been there. That point in your life when you feel like you're constantly juggling too many things and you can't seem to catch a break. You're so overwhelmed with stress that it feels like you're drowning. This is when it's time to take a step back and focus on achieving inner peace. Here are 5 tips that will help you ditch the drama and find serenity!

via Pexels

1) Start with Self-Care

Self-care is an essential part of achieving inner peace. Self-care can involve anything that helps you feel better, which could range from physical activities like going for a walk to mental activities such as reading or meditating. Additionally, it also involves recognizing your own needs and taking the time to prioritize them.

Physical self-care involves engaging in activities that help keep your body healthy, such as exercising regularly and eating nutritious foods. Exercise has been proven to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables will provide your body with the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients needed to stay healthy and energized. Additionally, getting enough sleep is key for maintaining physical health and contributes significantly to emotional well-being. If you’re having trouble sleeping, though, utilizing a natural remedy such as a Delta 8 Disposable could prove useful.