Karissa Tunis

Overcoming the Dad Bod Slump: 10 Tips for Achieving Your Fitness Goals

Are you tired of feeling self-conscious about your dad bod? Do you want to get back in shape and feel confident in your own skin? You’re not alone. Many dads struggle with maintaining their fitness levels and finding the motivation to get back in shape. But the good news is, it is possible to overcome the dad bod slump and achieve your fitness goals. Below are some tips to help you get started.

For more on this topic check out the full Staying Healthy collection

Set realistic goals

It’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and set realistic goals that are attainable. This will help you stay motivated and on track.

Find an exercise that you enjoy

Whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a run, or playing a sport, find the exercise that you enjoy and stick with it. This will make it easier to stay motivated and make working out a part of your regular routine.

Make a schedule

Set aside specific times during the week for exercise, and make a schedule that works for you. This will help you stay on track and make sure that you’re making time for exercise.

Get support

Having a workout buddy or joining a fitness group can be a great way to stay motivated and accountable. It’s also a good way to meet new people and make new friends.

Eat a healthy diet

In order to lose weight and achieve your fitness goals, it’s important to eat a healthy diet. This means cutting out processed foods and eating more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

Prioritize your sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and try to establish a consistent sleep schedule.

Incorporate strength training

In addition to cardio exercises, make sure to include strength training in your fitness routine. This will help build muscle mass and boost your metabolism, which can aid in weight loss.

Find a balance

While it’s important to focus on your fitness goals, it’s also important to find a balance. Don’t neglect other important aspects of your life, like spending time with family and friends or pursuing hobbies.

Be consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to getting in shape. Don’t expect results overnight, but rather stay committed to your fitness routine and make small changes to your diet and exercise habits over time.

Don’t give up

Remember that setbacks and obstacles are a normal part of the journey. If you slip up or miss a workout, don’t give up. Get back on track and keep pushing forward towards your goals. For a bit of extra help that is FDA approved try looking into coolsculpting results.

Remember, getting in shape takes time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end. With a little bit of discipline and determination, you can overcome the dad bod slump and achieve the body you’ve always wanted.

For more on this topic check out the full Staying Healthy collection

Backyard Activities to Enjoy With Your Kids

January 25, 2023

Summer is fast approaching. Chances are you’re planning some fun summertime activities for your little ones. Some of us will head away on vacation. Some of us will plan activity days at play centers, museum trips, space centre trips and so much more. This is all great. Kids love to get out and about, exploring the wider world and experiencing new things.

But you’re not going to be able to attend lavish activities away from home every day. Throughout a lot of the summer, your children will be at home, and it’s important to ensure that they can have fun here too! If you have a backyard, you’re in luck. This is the perfect space for kids to play and enjoy themselves during the warmer and sunnier months of the year. It’s secure and still allows them to immerse themselves in nature. So what activities can you plan for your little ones in your own backyard space? Here are some suggestions that will help you to get ready!

For more on this topic, check out the full Summer Safety & Activities collection

Prepare Your Space

Before getting started with any activities, it’s important to prepare the space for your little ones to spend time in. Make sure to mow the lawn, as this will remove long grass, which can hide hazards. Be sure that the fence perimeter has been checked and that all fence panels are secure and intact. And make sure there’s a lock on the back gate so they can’t leave without you knowing.

You can even use a Deck Builder to create decking which poses a great play area and also a space that tables can be set up for activities. Make sure that any plants growing or flowering are non-toxic.

The list goes on. But in short, do whatever it takes to make sure that your backyard space is danger and mess free, and ready for your kids to spend time in.

Nature Exploration

Get your kids to walk around your garden and see what nature they can see. This could be trees, bushes, leaves, flowers, plants and so much more. You can help them to identify the different things that are lying around, from pine cones to acorns. You could set up a basket or table for them to display everything they’ve found.

[Read: Friendly Bug Scavenger Hunt Printables for the Summer]

Wildlife

You can draw wildlife into your garden in a number of ways. Place bird feeders around and fill them with a range of seeds and suet balls. Encourage your children to sit still and be quiet and the birds will start entering the garden around them. You can plant a range of bee-friendly plants and flowers that will attract bumblebees and butterflies for your children to enjoy seeing. If you fit a shallow water feature, you could even get frogs, newts and other amphibians. Just make sure that it’s really shallow so that this isn’t a safety concern for your children, and always supervise them when they’re in the backyard.

Raising Pets in Your Backyard

If your backyard is spacious, consider keeping backyard pets such as rabbits or chickens. These pets are low maintenance and can be a great way to teach responsibility to your children. Be sure to invest in necessary equipment such as a chicken coop, durable netting and fencing, and feeders, among others. Keeping pets in the backyard can be a fun and enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Water Fights

Kids love a good water fight. If the weather is hot and the day is sunny, you could provide them with water balloons, water pistols, buckets and a host of other playthings that will leave them laughing and occupied for hours. Of course, it’s best to encourage them to completely dry off before running into the house, as this can prevent slips and trips.

[Read: Beat the Heat – Indoor Summer Activities for Families]

Hopefully, some of the suggestions outlined above will help bring a smile to your kids face as they play in your backyard this summer!

For more on this topic, check out the full Summer Safety & Activities collection

How Can You Make Your Meals More Nutritious?

Are you looking to lead a healthier life? Making a few small changes can make a big difference when it comes to your health. Meal times are always a good place to start. Simply switching an ingredient or two can make your meal much more nutritious without you needing to sacrifice any flavor. With that being said, below, we are going to take a look at some of the different things you can do to make your meals much more nutritious without worrying about the taste lacking.

For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Healthy collection

How to make your meals more nutritious

Check out some healthy meal recipes online

There is only one place to begin, and this is by looking online for different recipes you can try. One area a lot of people struggle with is the side dishes. You have a lovely piece of fish or chicken but then you do not know what to serve with it. Does this sound familiar? You may be tired of simply having a salad. And the good news is that you do not have to go for a bed of greens all of the time. This parsnips recipe is a great example.

Always choose wholemeal

We are sure that you have heard about the benefits of opting for brown bread instead of white bread, and so on. The same goes for pasta, rice, and other carbohydrates. The wholemeal version contains more fiber, and this is going to help you feel fuller for longer.

Drink a glass of water before dinner

This won’t necessarily make your meals more nutritious, but it will stop you from over-eating at meal times. A lot of people mistake being full with being dehydrated. Typically, we are actually thirsty when we feel that we may be full. It is easy to get the sensations confused. So that is why having a glass of water before you eat your meal makes a lot of sense.

Follow the plate division rules

Did you ever hear that half your plate should be vegetables, a quarter should be your protein like meat or fish, and a quarter should be carbohydrates? This is a good rule to follow, and it can certainly help you to follow a very balanced diet. It can also help you to be disciplined at meal times, which is something a lot of people struggle with.

Weigh your food

The final suggestion we have for you is to weigh the food you consume. It is easy to put too much pasta in the pan or to think that you’re having a normal portion of chicken when, in fact, you have quite a lot on your plate. This is why we always advise that you weigh your food before cooking it.

So there you have it: some of the different steps and ideas that you can follow to make meal times more nutritious in your home. We hope that this gives you a helping hand and makes a positive change to your diet. You will be surprised by how much small changes can matter overall.

For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Healthy collection

Useful Tips for Preparing to be a Bridesmaid

Being a bridesmaid is surely an honor and one of the best things you can be for a friend! However, it is also a demanding task if you want to get the job done impeccably. So, if you have been chosen to be part of an awesome bridal party, then you should definitely be happy! Because you are not just anyone at that moment. – You are part of the inner circle, and you will get to see things others won’t. So, if you want to be appreciated, and if you want your bride to feel special, then you have to do everything in your power to contribute to this breathtaking event. To help you out, we put together some very useful tips for preparing to be a bridesmaid.

For more on this topic, check out the full Friendship collection

Cool Tips To Be The Best Bridesmaid In The World

Focus On Your Dress

Even after you get measured and fitted, it is highly likely you will still need to alter your dress. If that’s the case, then you should find a reputable local shop that offers alterations. Be sure to take along the undergarments that you are planning to wear on the big day, along with the dress, shoes, and any other accessories that make up the look.

In addition, do not forget about your makeup look. For instance, if you’re wearing a bold pink dress, try a bright pink lip color. Or if you’re wearing a little black dress, go for a more natural look with nude lipstick and eyeshadow. And make sure to match it out with some accessories like a diamond necklace or Mikimoto pearl earrings to highlight your facial features in these elegant events/happenings.

You can also try eyelash extensions as they give you a more dramatic or glamorous look that will really open your eyes, even if you are not having your makeup done by a professional, you can easily practice putting on lash extensions at home and complete your makeup look all by yourself.

Seek Help If Necessary

There is no shame in getting a little overwhelmed, or even lost in these types of situations. You want everything to look great, and there are a lot of tiny details that go into planning. But there will be moments when you’re surrounded by all the chaos. Even an experienced bridesmaid can feel a bit intimidated and confused at times. But it’s okay.

ModernMoh Bridesmaid’s advice for all inexperienced maid of honors is to constantly communicate with the bride. – Especially about things that they are not familiar with! Or, if you do not want to disturb her, you can always turn to fellow bridesmaids to see if they can be of help.

Collectively you will be able to get everything right. And, you will also enhance your relationship with the other women in the bridal party. So keep in mind that you are not alone in this and that possibly other bridesmaids are experiencing the same or similar issues.

More Tips To Help Your Become an Invaluable Bridesmaid

Send Encouragement

Even though it’s not recommended to constantly bother the bride with numerous questions, it still doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be there for her. After all, it’s her wedding day. And she is probably obsessing about various things, such as her dress, hairstyle, makeup, etc.

As her bridesmaid, you must be there to ground her and remind her that everything is going to be fine. There are so many details that are going to stress her out, and your goal must be to distract her as much as you can. She will surely appreciate any support and encouragement that you can offer!

It is easy to conclude that being a bridesmaid can bring a lot of pressure and responsibility. But on a more positive note, it can also bring you a lot closer with not only the bride herself, but also the wonderful people she picks to make up the wedding party. So follow these tips and you are going to be the bridesmaid that your sweet friend deserves.

Being asked to be a bridesmaid, or the maid of honor, is an incredible privilege! It’s your friends way of saying that you are one of the most important people in her life! So embrace it and enjoy it!

[Read: What To Look For In A Friend]

For more on this topic, check out the full Friendship collection

Modern Workplace Essential Skills You May Not Have

Getting back to work after being a parent means you may not have the required modern workplace essential skills. Some you may already have through previous experience. However, there are also others that are becoming more requested by employers when they advertise. Some you can learn with ongoing training, but most are easily learnable from online resources.

For more on this topic, check out our full Work Life Balance collection

Computer-Based Report Writing

There was a time when writing reports was only requested for specific jobs. Typically corporate settings and offices that deal with a lot of data would do this. And some medical jobs where it’s necessary to view information. These days, employers of all kinds love reports. Mostly because of the interlinked nature of modern offices and data acquisition. So learning to use Microsoft Word and other word processors can be a highlight on your resume that can get you the job.

Modern Workplace Essential Skills Include Search

In a time when information is used more and more, knowing how to use a search tool well could be a very useful skill. “Googling” has become a synonym for searching on the web, so it might not be a bad idea to put that word in the Skills & Knowledge section of your resume. You might not know everything you need to know about someone or something at work. And when you’re on your own, learning how to search correctly to find key information can be your best friend.

Strong Teamwork Skills

Even if you work alone a lot at your job, you still need to be able to work as a team. This is because you often work with people from other departments, people above you, or people below you. Effective teamwork includes having a common goal. But also being able to put aside personal biases, and being willing to accept responsibility as a team. Team-building exercises are often used by many companies to help people get along better at work and establish trust.

Good Problem-Solving Skills

Instead of using problems as an excuse for bad work, you can solve them to get things done. Every workplace wants people who can solve problems well. So, instead of just telling people what you think, you can impress them by doing something. With creative thinking, persistence, and teamwork, anything can be fixed. When you put a lot of people with different abilities, attitudes, and goals into an environment with a lot of roles, good things will always happen.

Skills for Working from Home

Working from home is a boon to parents with young children and is an expected part of modern work life. Following the COVID pandemic, around 50% of workers now do their job from home at least once per week. But it’s not as easy as you might think and requires some skills:

Excellent time management, which can be tricky at home.
Personal responsibility to treat at-home jobs like the workplace.
Learning how to delegate tasks to other team members.
Setting your own goals for the days and weeks ahead.
Emotional intelligence, such as motivation, self-awareness, and social skills.
Looking after yourself well so you can tackle the day ahead.
Critical thinking to make decisions using your own initiative.
Developing a time scale to balance work and family life.
Learning to use communication tools for getting through to departments at work.
Understanding how to use various collaboration and management apps.
Learning the basics of cybersecurity to protect sensitive company and client data.

The best way to work from home is to treat it as you would your work office. With no boss around, you are surrounded by distractions. And you have to put more effort into things like setting up your PC. However, this is where you demonstrate just how good you can be.

Good Communication Skills

Communication in the modern workplace is more than just being able to interact with others. Active listening is also a part of it. Colleagues want to be acknowledged, cared about, and understood. Active listening is when you don’t judge and listen without planning to answer. To do that, you have to listen carefully and not just wait for your turn to talk. Skills in active listening and communication are important as a leader, manager, or supervisor at your place of work.

Working with Data

Data is everywhere in the modern workplace. Some bigger companies even collect real-time customer data, website traffic, and how well their employees are doing. As a result, a lot of the decisions made in the workplace today are based on data. Professionals who do well can gather, analyze, and understand all kinds of data. They can look for patterns and trends and explain what the collected data means in well-written reports for the layman and expert.

Using Software is Among Modern Workplace Essential Skills

Software pretty much runs the whole world these days. Almost every place of work is the same way, too. Software is used everywhere, from construction sites to corporate offices. Apps for managing projects, HR systems, and job-specific programs like Adobe Creative Suite for graphic designers are just a few examples. Most of the things you do at work every day will involve software. So, many companies require knowledge of a range of software suites.

Financial Responsibility

Without a written agreement, a paycheck is never a sure thing. And recent events have shown that layoffs can happen at any time. So, you should put together and keep an emergency fund. This is money you set aside in case something bad happens that can hurt your finances. Having an emergency fund can help you feel more financially secure and less stressed out if you lose your job. This will also keep you upbeat and help you get back to work as soon as possible.

Summary

The list of required modern workplace essential skills is as long as your arm. However, many are listed for specific roles. That being said, some are becoming more requested for pretty much any job. These include report generation, soft skills for remote work, and using software suites. Having just one of these skills that modern employers look for can put your resume at the top.

For more on this topic, check out our full Work Life Balance collection

5 Best Gifts for Your Teenage Daughter

It can be tough to find the perfect gift for your teenage daughter. They are no longer children, but they’re not quite adults either. They probably have a pretty good idea of what they want and are probably hard to please. That’s why this list of 5 gift ideas for your teenage daughter will make her super happy!

For more on this topic, check out the full All About Teen and Gift Giving collections

Gift Ideas for a Teenage Daughter

A gift card to her favorite store

This is a great way to let your teenage daughter pick out exactly what she wants. Plus, it shows that you are paying attention to her interests and what she likes. If you’re not sure what store she would like a gift card to, try asking her friends or siblings for ideas. Some popular stores that teenage girls shop at are Forever 21, H&M, American Eagle, Charlotte Russe, and Justice. Make sure you get a gift card that has enough money on it so she can actually buy something! Nothing is worse than getting a $20 gift card when everything in the store is $30+.

A piece of jewelry

A lot of teenage girls love wearing jewelry, and it can be a great way to show your daughter how much you care about her. You can get her a Picture Necklace, earrings, or even a permanent bracelet. If you want to go the extra mile, you can have something engraved with a special message. Just make sure you know what kind of jewelry she likes before you buy anything! Do your research before purchasing so you know you’re getting something she’ll actually like and use!

Clothes

Clothes are always a great gift, especially if you know your daughter’s style. You can get her a new shirt, dress, pair of jeans, or even sustainable shoes. If you’re not sure what size she is, ask her friends or siblings for help. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to clothes! Make sure you also keep the receipt in case she needs to exchange or return anything. Another great idea is to get her a gift card to a clothing store so she can buy whatever she wants!

A personalized t-shirt is another great gift idea for your daughter. You can customize it with her favorite design, color, or quote. This will show her that you put thought and effort into the gift, and it will be something that she can wear and treasure for a long time.

A laptop or tablet

If your daughter doesn’t have a laptop or tablet of her own, this is a great gift idea! She can use it for school, work, or just to keep in touch with her friends. However, make sure you get one that has all the features she needs and wants. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on something she’s going to use for school and then have it break a few months later!

A gift that shows you care

Sometimes the best gifts are ones that show you care. This can be anything from a homemade card to a picture frame with a photo of the two of you. It doesn’t have to be anything big or expensive, just something that shows her how much you love her!

Whatever you decide to get your teenage daughter as a gift, make sure it comes from the heart. She’ll appreciate it more than anything else!

For more on this topic, check out the full All About Teen and Gift Giving collections

Are European Organic Baby Formulas Worth It?

There has been an increase in health consciousness over the years. This has lead to many new health brands on the market, and has even expanded our options for baby formulas. Parents in the United States are always looking for ways to ensure the best nutrition for their newborns! This has lead some parents to even explore beyond our boarders and turn to baby formulas in the European market. Recently, the New York Times reported a study that surveyed 552 families. Out of those families, 372 reported using baby formula. Of which, 20 percent said they are currently using European infant formulas. Continue reading below to learn more about European Baby Formula, and discover what risks might be involved.

For more on this topic, check out the full Baby’s First Year collection

The Difference With European Formula

Many moms would like to ween their infants from breastfeeding. However, they want to be sure that they are giving their children formula that does not contain potentially non-nutritious ingredients. European farms are thought to be different than farms here in the United States. They practice biodynamic organic farming, which means that they create their own fertility through composting, integrating animals, cover cropping, and crop rotation.

It is also reported that European farms do not use pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and there is no genetic modification of plants or animals according to Might Moms Club. European farms take into account the life cycle of a cow that will be used to create your child’s baby formula. If the cow grazes on a biodynamic organic farm, it is thought to improve the organic quality of your baby’s formula.

Without using synthetic sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup, glucose, or sucrose; European formulas use more natural nutrients to sweeten like lactose and maltodextrin. Lactose provides your baby with carbohydrates. Maltodextrin also provides carbohydrates if consumed in small doses. However, if you have a lactose-intolerant child, you should avoid this ingredient and look for options that have maltodextrin instead.

How to Best Prepare For Your Baby’s 1st Pediatrician Appointment

Why Some Parents are Giving European Formula a Try

Another reason some American moms are turning to European baby formulas is that they do not use carrageenan. Healthline says that carrageenan is a natural ingredient that comes from red seaweed and is used as an additive to thicken, emulsify, and preserve foods and drinks. Their use is controversial as some studies have shown that they cause inflammation, gastrointestinal ulcerations, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, glucose intolerance, colon cancer, and food allergies. The EU limited its use in baby formulas because of the controversy.

European baby formulas also focus on balancing your baby’s gut. The cow-milk formulas in Europe contain probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics contain living microorganisms, also known as “friendly” bacteria, that can help change the bacteria balance in the gut. Prebiotics act as food for the bacteria, helping to stimulate growth. A healthy gut is good for a healthy immune system.

How to Get Through Your First Year of Motherhood

Is European Baby Formula Better?

Though European organic formulas may contain better ingredients, there are factors you should consider before purchasing. According to the New York Times, European baby formulas are not registered with the Food and Drug Administration and do not have certified distribution channels in the United States. This means that it is illegal to import and sell these formulas in the United States.

European vendors and American parents have found a workaround for this red tape. FDA restrictions do not apply to individuals who are bringing food into the U.S., or sending food directly to someone in the U.S, according to Parents. Some European formula venders allow its customers to text representatives who will personally ship the products directly to them.

50 New Mom Questions – You’re Not Alone!

Additional Facts to Consider

Since these formulas do not go through the FDA, they do not go through the usual safety checks. This makes pediatricians concerned because there is no way to make sure the quality is maintained during the manufacturing process or the shipment process. The New York Times paints a grim picture. Powdered formulas might not be stored properly, raising the possibility of bacterial contamination, product deterioration or loss in nutrient density. And if a formula is recalled, you will be the last to know.

Labels of these formulas could be in another language, which is problematic in itself. If you are unable to read the directions, you could mistakenly use the wrong formula-to-water ratio, putting your child at risk to become sick or malnourished.

Answers For All of Your Common Newborn Concerns

What Will You Choose?

Being a parent to a new baby comes with a lot of responsibility. There are so many options out there, and we all want the very best for our precious little child. Thankfully technology makes it easy to research your options all from the comfort of your home. Take your time. Explore all of the options. Speak with your baby’s pediatrician. And then make the best decision that feels right for you, your baby, and your family as a whole.

The important thing to remember is that there is no one answer for all. Every child and every situation is unique. What special nutritional element one baby can tolerate is very different than another baby. So it is extremely important that we do not judge others! We can only control what happens in our own home, and you have the power to make the decision for what is best for your tiny sweet pea. In the end, Fed Is Always Best!

For more on this topic, check out the full Baby’s First Year collection

Taking Care of Yourself – Dental Health for Mothers

Women have to take care of their dental health, but this becomes more difficult once children arrive. Many mothers will take great care of their baby’s and toddler’s teeth but neglect their own. Often the excuse is a lack of time or money while trying to balance the needs of working from home, taking care of kids, seeing to household tasks, and spending time with their spouses. While these mothers will brush their teeth and floss twice a day, they skip their dental check-up visits and ignore mouth discomfort. This can lead to a worsening condition and having to spend more time and money to get the problem fixed.

We take a look at dental health for women at three key stages: pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menstruation, to provide you with crucial information for overtaxed mothers of small children.

For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Healthy collection

Oral Health During Pregnancy

Up to three-quarters of pregnant women have the periodontal (gum) condition known as gingivitis. This disease presents gum inflammation, leaving the area swollen and red. Untreated gingivitis causes decay of the bone material that supports each tooth. As a result, teeth may become loose and even fall out. When this happens, the condition is called periodontitis. Although researchers still cannot explain why, when a pregnant woman has periodontitis, the baby is more at risk of being born prematurely or having low weight at birth.

During pregnancy, many women tend to snack more frequently between tooth-brushing routines. This results in bad bacteria in the mouth leading to cavities. After birth, these bacteria can be transmitted to the baby’s mouth via kissing the child. This has been linked to a greater need for dental visits in toddlers.

Prenatal care and oral health go hand-in-hand. Here is some additional information on caring for your teeth while pregnant and taking care of your baby’s teeth.

A woman who falls pregnant may be inclined to relegate the care of her teeth to some unspecified future date. Then the baby is born, and treatment is further delayed. Prior to falling pregnant, a woman should visit her dentist for a full check-up and attend to all problems before she gets swept up in the excitement of expecting a baby. This is the time when she is better able to afford it and can take antibiotics without affecting a developing fetus. Cosmetic work can be carried out, such as for misaligned teeth. However, this can be safely handled with braces without wires. Here is more information from ALIGNERCO on teeth straightening at any stage of womanhood.

Oral Health and Breastfeeding

Pregnant and nursing mothers need an adequate intake of calcium to protect their bones and teeth. This will prevent a number of dental problems. The need for calcium increases during lactation. In order to save the mother’s teeth, some dentists recommend stopping breastfeeding. But this is not ideal for the baby. It is important to start getting sufficient nutrients for childbearing and infant feeding before conceiving.

A lack of calcium in the breastfeeding mother has been linked to early childhood tooth decay in children. Likewise, sugar intake should be curtailed. Protect your child’s teeth before it is born and ahead of teething.

Along with calcium, vitamin D is an important nutrient for both mother and child. This vitamin ensures that calcium is properly absorbed and contributes to strong bones. Meals should consist of whole grains, vegetables, fruit, eggs, meat, and dairy in the right proportions. A dietician can help the pregnant or breastfeeding woman plan a healthy diet without gaining excess weight. Folic acid should be taken when nursing.

During breastfeeding, the nursing mother often experiences greater thirst than usual. Be sure to drink the recommended amount of water. Remember that your body must produce milk liquid from your fluid intake so you should increase this to meet the requirements of breastfeeding and your body.

Oral Health for Menstruating Women

Fluctuating hormones are characteristic of the monthly cycle. However, this can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. Prevention starts with frequent brushing, especially after eating sugary food, regular flossing, and dental care. Menopausal women are also at risk.

During ovulation, gums are more inclined to swell and bleed. Menstruation is associated with canker sores, which differ from cold sores.

Progesterone and estrogen levels may increase as a result of using birth control. This applies, not only to the pill, but also to the hormonal intrauterine device (IUD), vaginal ring, and injection. Having a tooth pulled causes a clot to form where the tooth was. This is normal but if you are using birth control pills, the clot is quite likely to fall out leaving the nerve exposed, which is extremely painful. Dentists suggest making appointments for when you are on the inactive pills in your cycle.

Women have additional dental health needs while pregnant, breastfeeding, ovulating, menstruating, and during menopause.

For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Healthy collection

3 Safest and 3 Most Dangerous Sports for Kids

I grew up playing sports all my life, and I’ll be the first one to tell you that physical extracurricular activities are extremely beneficial for kids of all ages. However, as a personal injury lawyer, I’m also all too familiar with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries that can happen to kids playing sports (especially the most dangerous sports for kids). Because of this, I understand why some parents do not wish to let their children engage in certain sports as many of them can be rough and even dangerous….

4 Ways To Take Time For Yourself As A New Mom

It’s no secret that having a baby is a life-changing event. Suddenly, your world revolves around this little person, and everything else takes a backseat. So while it’s essential to focus on your child and give them the attention they need, it’s also important to take time for yourself. Below are four ways to make time for yourself after having a baby.

For more on this topic, check out the full Self Care collection

Get A Babysitter

If you can afford it, hire a babysitter to watch your baby for a few hours so that you can have some time to yourself. This time can be used for anything from running errands to taking a much-needed nap. If hiring a babysitter isn’t an option, see if there’s someone else in your life who can help out, like a grandparent or family friend. Another option is to join a mom’s group or playgroup. This way, you can socialize with other adults while your kids play. And, if you make friends with some of the other moms, you can trade off watching each other’s kids from time to time.

Create A Me Zone In Your Bedroom

Creating a space for yourself is essential, especially when you have a baby. Make sure your bedroom is for sleeping and relaxing only. Put up a sign on your door that says “Do Not Disturb – Mommy’s Resting.” This will help ensure that you get the peace and quiet you need. If possible, consider an adjustable bed. An adjustable bed will come in handy for the days when you want to relax in bed, watching your favorite TV series. The review of them will help you to purchase the best one.

Take A Bubble Bath

There’s nothing more relaxing than a hot bubble bath. Add some candles, turn on some calming music and soak away your troubles. If you don’t have time for a full bath, take a five-minute shower instead. The key is to relax your mind and body. A bath is also a great way to relieve stress and tension. In addition, it can help to ease any aches and pains you may be experiencing.

[Read: 101 Self Care Ideas for Busy Moms]

Take Time To Exercise

Staying on top of your own health is always a good idea. But it’s especially important when you’re caring for a child. Improving your physical health can be acquired by getting enough sleep and following a healthy diet. To help you fill the lacking nutrients, consider taking beef organ supplements. During the first few months of parenthood, it can be hard to get a full night’s rest, and even more so if you have other children at home. But if you make sleep a priority, you will feel better and healthier overall.

Making time to exercise will provide even more benefits. Even if you don’t have time for a full workout, try to get in at least 15 minutes of exercise each day. For example, a brisk walk around the neighborhood is a great way to get some fresh air and improve your mood. Or, if you’re feeling up for it, go for a run or take a fitness class. Not only will exercise help to improve your physical health, but it can also boost your mental wellbeing. Exercise releases endorphins, which make you feel happy and relaxed. And, when you’re feeling good mentally, it’s easier to take care of yourself and your child.

These are four ways to make time for yourself after having a baby. Just remember, it’s essential to take care of yourself so that you can be the best parent possible. Your baby will benefit from a happy and healthy mommy. So make time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes each day.

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