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Roses and Romance: What the Rose Someone Gives You Reveals

January 24, 2022 by Chris Butler

Perhaps no other flower in history has been more beloved than the rose. This revered blossom has been woven into art, literature, and music of cultures worldwide. It’s the iconic expression of romantic love and friendship.

Throughout the centuries, many cultures created a love language with flowers. Each hue was symbolic of the feelings meant to convey to the recipient. The Victorian Era had a strict social code for flowers and their tints.

In today’s fast-paced world, the timeless beauty of roses continues to enchant hearts, making flower delivery services an invaluable means of expressing sentiments. With just a few clicks, one can send a stunning bouquet to a loved one, bridging distances and fostering connections.

Whether it’s a vibrant red rose to signify passionate love or soft pinks for friendship, each arrangement carries a message that transcends mere words. A reliable service like https://jamescressflorist.com/ ensures that these delicate emotions are delivered fresh and beautifully crafted, enhancing the joy of giving.

Moreover, flower delivery services are not just about the flowers themselves; they are about the moments they create. Each bouquet is an opportunity to celebrate life’s milestones, from birthdays and anniversaries to simple acts of kindness.

This cherished flower’s ancestry goes back to Ancient China, says an article published by Country Garden Roses. To date, there are approximately 30,000 varieties. They are treasured for their beauty and scent. These gorgous flowers are the perfect gift of love.

What Can the Colors of Roses Symbolize?

When it comes to this elegant flower, the shades were significant, and so were the number of stems. A single long stem is classic “love at first sight.” It can also express your special feelings for the recipient. Odd numbers are favored in many cultures, while even numbers of stems may represent reserved feelings or anger.

Most people in America often give single stems, a trio, or the iconic dozen. Although twelve is an even number, it represents self and connections in numerology. A dozen long stems declare your love intentions for the recipient.

Do you plan to gift a special someone with roses? You may consider their favorite shade or the traditional meaning. Here are the most popular choices for you to consider.

1. Red Roses

Nothing says “I love you” like a fragrant bouquet. They’re indicative of love, romance, and undying passion. The many hues of scarlet, ruby, cherry, and burgundy are usually the most popular in gardens and floral shops.

It’s probably the most recognized shade used in weddings, Valentine’s Day, and other celebrations of love. They epitomize grace and elegance, especially when presented as a singular stem. When you give these to your sweetheart, it represents your eternal love and romantic connection.

2. Pink

Pink is a demure shade that conveys innocence and sophistication. While you can gift your person a pink bouquet, it can also be a neutral hue for friends, family, or coworkers. You’ll often see pink rosebuds in bud vases or old-fashioned sprays.

They are also popular for Valentine’s Day and weddings, especially if the lady loves pink. You can find shade variants that range from the palest pastel pink to a deep magenta. Either shade of pink reminds the recipient that they are loved and appreciated.

3. White

A stunning white variety is second only to her crimson sister in popularity. Its blossoms whisper innocence, grace, and a new beginning. No wonder they are often preferred at weddings and even funerals. They convey the ultimate respect and beauty of the recipient.

This color can also represent remembrance; you find them in memorial wreaths and bouquets. White blossom in a vase lends a subtle sophistication to the room. It represents pureness of heart and loving intentions when presented to a lover.

4. Yellow Roses

This vibrant shade is so cherished in the American South that it became the official flower of Texas. Perhaps it’s because these golden blossoms have always represented loyalty and friendship. They are the ideal color choice to say, “Thank you,” or “Good job,” or “Friends forever.”

Feel free to present yellow bouquets if your lover adores the sunny tone. In Victorian times, giving golden flowers had a more complex meaning. It often symbolizes that the person is jealous of the recipient’s affection, though they’re not offered for those reasons today.

5. Orange

Maybe you’re bored with traditional rose shades and want to make an original statement. A dazzling orange bouquet represents positivity, playfulness, and a sunny disposition. These have a fun tropical flair and are stunning in mixed bouquets or on their own.

Choose from a range of subtle peach, tangerine, or a brilliant sunburst orange. This hue is appropriate for friends, coworkers, or corporate gifts. However, they’re a fun-loving gift to your mate or family, also.

6. Ivory

If you think white is just white, you’re in for a surprise. According to an article published by Color Meanings, there are approximately 122 shades of white. So, the pale blossoms you chose can be anywhere within this range of white variants.

On the lighter side of the white spectrum is ivory. While they also portray the innocence and purity of plain white, they boost sophistication. Ivory is instantly elegant and lends a continental charm to gifted bouquets.

7. Blush Roses

Blush is a lovely shade that combines peach, white, and pink elements. It’s often the quintessential color of fragrant blooms. A blush rose speaks of endearment, traditions, and fond memories.

Bouquets with blush blossoms can say “Thank You” or “I’m thinking of You.” They are also a delightful selection for get-well bouquets or ones that you give “just because.” Blush varieties make a lovely addition to a mixed bouquet.

8. Multicolored

Sometimes, artists like to give Mother Nature a little hand. While browsing through selections in a florist shop, you may see fantasy blooms like the rainbow rose. Each petal has a different color to form a flower that’s as mesmerizing as a unicorn.

These stunning blossoms aren’t found anywhere in nature, regardless of the ads you may see online. Talented floral artists use dyes and other pigments to make the petals multicolored. However, there’s no denying how lovely these created blooms are.

The whimsy of a rainbow bouquet would be especially appreciated by someone going through difficult times. It may remind them to see the beautiful rainbow through the rainstorm. Of course, you can also create a multicolored bouquet by adding different rose colors.

9. Green

Are green varieties of this flower just a decorative ruse for St. Patrick’s Day? While you’ve probably seen plenty of silk varieties during the spring, they exist in real life. They are also more available in nurseries and floral shops today than in the past.

According to an article published by the American Rose Society, one of the most verdant is the Chinese green rose. It’s been a symbol of hope, new life, prosperity, and fertility for centuries. On the odd occasion you find them, you will see an excellent range from airy lime to deep leafy green.

10. Lavender Roses

To this day, the closest to a blue variety is a lavender hue. Victorians often chose bouquets of lavender roses to symbolize their trust and loyalty. It’s a regal shade that is at once exquisite and sublime.

Florists and greenhouses usually offer different lavender shades in the spring around Easter. They make a striking addition to bouquets, bud vases, and corsages. Lavender roses would create an eye-catching centerpiece for the recipient’s spring table.

11. Blue

Regardless of the hype and misinformation on some gardening and floral websites, there are no true-blue roses. The ones that are cunningly marketed as such are deep lavender shades. An article published by the Athens Science Observer explains that this flower lacks anthocyanin, which is responsible for creating an authentic blue.

However, the article states that botanists are still working on a revolutionary hybrid to produce the world’s first genuine blue flower. It hasn’t stopped artists from depicting sapphire-shaded blossoms to represent fantasy and the impossible.

If you want to assume an air of mystery to the recipient, you can gift them with a formulated blue variety. Some lavender cultivars are so dark that they may imitate an azure rarity. Perhaps science will succeed, and the blue hue will be a norm.

12. Black Roses

Another fantastic shade ingrained in flower culture is a black one. Like the blue, these dark petals are manufactured as silk flowers and aren’t natural. Many so-called genuine black varieties are on the market, but are dark shades of red and burgundy.

In traditions, artificial black roses adorned funeral wreaths, casket sprays, and sympathy bouquets. It symbolizes death and sorrow, and it would never appear in festive bouquets. A single black stem represented vengeance, hate, and ill-will in popular culture.

However, preferences have changed, and artificial black blossoms add style and elegance to weddings and other formal occasions. They are also a favored flower for Halloween floral designs. They suggest mystery and a glimpse into the unknown.

Use precaution and wisdom before gifting anyone with a black bouquet, even for sympathy. It should be fine if the recipient is quirky and adores this color. Maybe they’re Gothic fans, and the black blooms would be appreciated.

It’s okay to add black roses to a whimsical Halloween floral arrangement. Avoid giving a single black stem to anyone unless you break up or show your dislike for them. Err on the safe side and stick to lively hues if you doubt.

Final Thoughts on the Connection Between Roses and Romance

No flower can ever express human romantic love like roses. Choosing the right color to convey your message is essential. These “Queens of the Garden” continue to rein in the hearts and lives of people worldwide. A rose really is the perfect gift for any occasion.

OSU Researchers Explain How Highly Processed Foods Harm the Brain

January 24, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

A new study by Ohio State University revealed how highly processed foods negatively impact brain health. Researchers fed older rats a diet high in refined carbohydrates for four weeks and noticed significant changes. Food given to the rats mimicked ready-made, prepackaged human foods such as chips, frozen dinners, and deli meats.

Their brains showed inflammation, memory loss, and general cognitive decline. However, OSU researchers didn’t notice inflammation or cognitive deficits in the brains of young rats eating a processed diet. A control group of both young and aging rats given a healthy diet also showed no signs of memory loss.

The team also found a way to improve the rats’ cognitive function. They gave them a DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) supplement, which prevented memory problems and reduced inflammation almost wholly in the rats.

Eating foods high in sugar and laden with chemicals links obesity to type 2 diabetes. Because of this, researchers suggest that older populations, in particular, should limit processed foods and opt for DHA-rich foods, like salmon, instead. It’s imperative since study findings showed brain damage occurred in such a short time.

The researcher made a bold statement about highly processed foods

Ruth Barrientos, an investigator and senior study author for The Ohio State University Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, said this in a press release:

“The fact we’re seeing these effects so quickly is a little bit alarming. “These findings indicate that consumption of a processed diet can produce significant and abrupt memory deficits – and in the aging population, rapid memory decline has a greater likelihood of progressing into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. By being aware of this, maybe we can limit processed foods in our diets and increase consumption of foods that are rich in the omega-3 fatty acid DHA to either prevent or slow that progression.”

The journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity published the findings.

OSU researchers explain how highly processed foods harm the brain

Barrientos’ research focuses on how highly processed foods affect the hippocampus and amygdala in particular. This study builds on prior research showing that temporary high saturated fat diets can cause memory impairment and brain inflammation in older animals. Another study found that aging rats have lower DHA levels in the hippocampus and amygdala brain regions.

Fish and other seafood have high amounts of DHA, along with the fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). For vegans and vegetarians, algal oil derived from algae provides a great source of DHA. One study found that algal oil is comparable to cooked salmon in terms of nutrient availability and absorption of DHA.

DHA boosts brain health in many ways, including warding off inflammation. This study marks the first to show how DHA can protect against brain inflammation despite eating highly processed foods.

For the study, the team separated the rats into three groups. The first group of 3-month-old and 24-month-old male rats ate their regular diet (32% calories from protein, 54% from wheat-based complex carbs, and 14% from fat. Researchers gave the second group highly processed foods (19.6% of calories from protein, 63.3% from refined carbs – cornstarch, maltodextrin, and sucrose – and 17.1% from fat). The final group ate a processed diet with a DHA supplement.

The results:

Unsurprisingly, the results showed that older rats on a processed diet had significantly higher inflammatory markers in the hippocampus and amygdala. Young rats on any diet and aging rats eating the DHA-supplemented processed diet had lower inflammation.

Furthermore, the older rats eating foods with more processing had more significant memory loss in behavioral tests. After a few days, they couldn’t remember being in an unfamiliar place and had contextual memory loss in the hippocampus. Finally, they showed no sign of fear when presented with danger, indicating disruptions in the amygdala.

“The amygdala in humans has been implicated in memories associated with emotional – fear and anxiety-producing – events. If this region of the brain is dysfunctional, cues that predict danger may be missed and could lead to bad decisions,” Barrientos said.

Rats in DHA-supplemented diet fared better.

When older rats ate a processed diet supplemented with DHA, they had lower inflammation and fewer signs of memory loss. However, researchers didn’t measure the exact dosage of DHA or calories consumed by the rats.

Both young and old rats gained a notable amount of weight eating highly processed foods, with the old rats gaining more than the young. Supplementing with DHA protected the rats’ brains but didn’t prevent weight gain from eating food-like substances.

With that in mind, Barrientos warned not to interpret the findings as an excuse to eat unhealthily. Even with a DHA supplement, eating highly processed foods can have severe consequences, such as gaining weight. To prevent health problems associated with refined foods, it’s best to eat a balanced diet.

What Barrientos had to say:

“These are the types of diets that are advertised as being low in fat, but they’re highly processed. They have no fiber and have refined carbohydrates that are also known as low-quality carbohydrates. Folks who are used to looking at nutritional information need to pay attention to the fiber and quality of carbohydrates. This study really shows those things are important.”

So, in conclusion, steer clear of highly processed foods and opt for fresh, whole foods instead. Your mind, body, and soul will all feel much better without the extra chemicals.

Final thoughts on a study linking highly processed foods to brain inflammation

While not surprising, a new study by OSU researchers confirms what we’ve known for years: refined foods reduce cognition. Their research on older rats shows that eating highly processed foods increases inflammation and memory loss. However, when the researchers gave them a DHA supplement, it protected them from both health problems.

Still, researchers say that it’s best to avoid processed foods altogether, even if you take a DHA supplement. Your body and mind will inevitably suffer when you eat a diet laden with GMO foods and chemicals. Eat from nature instead of a lab if you want mental clarity and physical strength. We could eliminate so many health problems by going back to our roots.

New AI Can Detect Anxiety Symptoms With 90% Accuracy

January 23, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Researchers now understand how to use AI to detect anxiety symptoms with over 90% accuracy. They added that artificial intelligence might help identify and treat other mental health conditions in the future.

Researchers utilized a deep learning tool called Human Activity Recognition (HAR) for the study. This broad field of study aims to identify a person’s exact movements using sensor data. Movements often involve everyday activities such as standing, sitting, going up a flight of stairs, or jumping.

Usually, data is recorded directly by a wearable device such as a smartphone or vest. However, it’s also possible to measure data remotely via video, radar, or other wireless tactics. Once the machine recognizes the subject’s activity, the AI can assist.

So far, researchers have used HAR in various applications such as healthcare, elderly care, and other areas. However, they found that this machine learning tool can also benefit the field of psychiatry to help detect anxiety.

Researchers made a HAR-based model using motion sensors of smartphones and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to create a dataset of anxious behaviors. They also produced several deep learning-based models and compared them against random forest and gradient boost algorithms.

The team found that a deep model consisting of Convolution Neural Network (CNN) and Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM) outperformed other models. It detected anxiety and its symptoms with over 92% accuracy.

The journal Pervasive and Mobile published these findings in their December of 2021 volume.

The research couldn’t have come at a better time, with more people experiencing anxiety than ever before. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), anxiety affects about 30% of US adults throughout their lifetime, making it the most prevalent mental disorder. However, recent events have made anxiety symptoms even worse for many people.

New AI Can Detect Anxiety Symptoms With 90% Accuracy

“In the two years since the onset of COVID-19, and one climate disaster after another, more and more people are experiencing anxiety,” says SFU visiting professor and social psychologist Gulnaz Anjum. “Our research appears to show that AI could provide a highly reliable measurement for recognizing the signs that someone is anxious.”

They added that AI could detect anxiety and help treat and monitor mental disorders.

Anjum collaborated with Nida Saddaf Khan and Sayeed Ghani from the Institute of Business Administration in Karachi, Pakistan, for the research. They gathered comprehensive data from adult volunteers for their Human Activity Recognition (HAR) study. Participants performed several activities in an instructed order while wearing sensors designed to track their movements.

Next, the team created a dataset of common anxiety symptoms so the sensors could detect anxiety. These include typical behaviors such as nail-biting, knuckle cracking, idle sitting, and hand tapping. They utilized deep learning algorithms and computational hybrid models to analyze the data.

“We’re hopeful that as more work is done to develop this method, we can help to provide more accurate data for clinical research and practitioners,” says Anjum. “Our goal with this research is to expand horizons for the identification of anxiety disorders and ultimately, the improvement of people’s mental health.”

Khan said that rapid AI and sensor technology advancements have “made it possible to access and process the data related to mental, emotional and behavior disorders. It can be further researched and explored to understand unspoken behaviors and improve mental health at large.”

Ghani added that “there is tremendous opportunity for the healthcare industry to benefit from the applications of AI, and our research in using motion sensors for detecting anxiety-related behaviors is an example of what is possible.”

Know the Fourteen Primary Signs of Anxiety

Typical anxiety symptoms include the following, according to the National Institute of Mental Health:

Feeling restless or on-edge
Getting fatigued easily
Racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Muscle tension or spasms
Persistent, intense feelings of fear or worry
Insomnia or other sleep problems
Fast heartbeat or heart palpitations
Sweating (usually on the hands and feet)
Blushing
Feeling out of control
Constant feeling of impending doom
Trembling or shaking
Feeling short of breath

Note that this list is by no means comprehensive; these are just the most common anxiety symptoms.

Three Useful Ways to Combat Anxious Thoughts

It sometimes seems impossible to control your mind amid a panic attack or heightened anxiety. However, it will become easier to detect anxiety with practice and consistency before it gets out of hand.

Don’t fight your brain. This statement may seem counterintuitive, but trying to block out or fight the feelings will only amplify them. Allow yourself to feel anxious, scared, out of control, or whatever emotions you’re going through. Acceptance will help you realize that these feelings are only temporary and will pass in time.
Meditate and practice mindfulness. Anxiety happens for complex reasons, but it’s usually due to heredity or environmental factors. While we can’t control these circumstances, we can control our reactions and lifestyle. Get in the habit of meditating, practicing deep breathing, or other techniques that keep you in the present moment. This habit will significantly ease your symptoms and help calm your mind when it’s in overdrive.
Live a healthy lifestyle. Exercise, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and take care of yourself, in general. If you’re feeling anxious, go for a run or hit the gym for an intense workout. Moving your body will get the endorphins flowing and eliminate excess energy that you build throughout the day.

Final Thoughts on How New AI Sensor Technology Can Detect Anxiety

As technology continues to advance each day, researchers have found a way to use it for mental health applications. A new study reveals how a sensor-based AI can detect anxiety with over 90% accuracy. This would have profound implications in many facets of the healthcare industry. Due to technology such as AI, diagnosing and treating mental disorders will look much different in the future, and perhaps that’s a good thing.

Researchers hope that their work will improve people’s mental health and help detect anxiety more quickly.

Meet a Car Surfing Cockatoo Who Thinks He’s “Superbird”

January 23, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Many bird lovers choose the cockatoo as a pet because of its boisterous, cheerful nature. As one of the most popular pet birds, cockatoos can add so much joy to a person’s life.

If you’re feeling down or lonely, these pets will cuddle you and offer endless affection. If you need a good laugh, count on your cockatoo friend to deliver. They have so much energy and let it out in various exciting ways. Some even enjoy dancing to good tunes and will bounce on your shoulder or headbang if they’re feeling it! (Their mohawk makes this even more adorable!)

When one man from Hawaii decided to get a pet cockatoo, it changed his life forever. He’d always wanted one and finally got his chance when he moved to the island. While they’re not native to Hawaii, he was lucky enough to adopt the only one in the entire state. Here’s the story of Gera and his loyal, unique cockatoo named Koko.

Like any cockatoo, Koko loves hanging out with his owner and making people laugh. However, one of his favorite activities sets him apart from the rest. After about two years, Gera started letting him fly freely but noticed something a bit odd.

Meet a Car Surfing Cockatoo Who Thinks He’s “Superbird.”

While in the car, Koko would perch on the window, hanging out the side and enjoying the nice breeze. Imagine how other drivers reacted to the strange sight!

“At first, I was kind of like, ‘Wait, what are you doing? You’re out the window!’ But then I quickly realized it was very natural for him because it’s his environment,” Gera said.

“So I basically make sure to control the speed, and we actually drive twice as slow as he flies. So it’s very, very safe; he’s in full control.”

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Since he was a young child, Gera has always dreamed of having a pet bird to take on adventures. He didn’t just want a bird that sat in a cage and couldn’t experience life. He wanted a bird to interact with him and “act like a Superman!”

“So, in 2012, I moved to Maui, Hawaii. I owned a business at the time, so I worked from home. I started going to pet shops and playing with birds. And that’s when I said, ‘You know what? I’m ready to have a bird,’” Gera recalls.

He walked into a pet store one day and told the owner he wanted a cockatoo because they’re “the funniest birds.” However, she had some bad news; there weren’t any cockatoos in Hawaii. She told him “good luck,” and he went on his way, disappointed that he couldn’t adopt a cockatoo that day.

However, she called him back two weeks later with much better news. She said: “I found one in the whole state of Hawaii. It’s a Citron Cockatoo, do you want it?”

Gera replied excitedly, “Heck yeah, I want him!” He was delighted that the tide had turned, and he could finally make his wish come true.

Gera and Koko became fast friends.

“So I came to the store to pick it up, and you won’t believe how beautiful he was. It was like love at first sight,” Gera says. “She put him on my shoulder, and he literally sat on my shoulder like we’ve known one another. It was like the most amazing bond; it was instant.”

After getting to know each other, Gera and Koko developed a beautiful friendship. Today, they’re inseparable and do almost everything together. Since learning more about cockatoos, Gera decided to write a book to help educate others.

“There’s so much that I’ve been learning. Remember, he’s not a caged bird; this is a real-time shoulder bird. So I wrote a whole E-book about this, and I actually have it on our website,” Gera says. “There’s my PDF book there for any bird person that just dreams to have this kind of bird relationship and just wants to kind of get a good headstart.”

Gera’s advice to anyone who wants a cockatoo:

Exotic birds like cockatoos require a serious, lifelong commitment, as they can live anywhere from 60 to 80 years. Gera added that it’s like having a needy toddler on your shoulder for the rest of your life. So, you’ll want to think twice before you adopt one.

However, if you have the time and willingness to meet their needs, a cockatoo can enhance your life on many levels. You’ll have a constant companion to comfort you and lift your spirits. Plus, you can take them on adventures once you train them to feel comfortable in public. It’s like having a tiny best friend to navigate life with – who wouldn’t want that?!

“We’re going to continue pursuing this because Koko spreads a lot of positivity,” Gera says about his books and website.

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“You know, for those of you who are planning to get this bird, I’m going to tell you guys right now – you’d better be ready because this bird really just wants to be with you full-time. They are very stubborn animals; they want what they want. That’s just how their mind works.”

Gera added that cockatoos are very entertaining animals that will bring a smile to your face.

“Koko talks, he dances, he laughs, car-surfs…so make sure you guys think twice before you commit to something like this, and then if you have any questions, you guys let me know, let Koko know,” he says.

Final thoughts on the cockatoo who loves to car surf

Some birds like to tell jokes; others want to surf on car windows. To each his own, of course. That’s what makes Koko so intriguing and unique, and we love him for it. He adds so much positive energy to this world just by being himself!

If you see him hanging out the window somewhere in Hawaii, make sure to tell him hi for us. What do you love most about Koko? Please let us know in the comments!

How Smartphones Impact Child Mental Health, According to Therapists

January 23, 2022 by Chris Butler

Does your child have a smartphone, and you’re worried about the effects it might have on their wellbeing? From the toddler years, children are using electronics to pass the time. Some great apps can enhance their skills, but is the child’s mental health at risk?

According to a study conducted by Today’s Parent, the average age of a child owning a cell phone is around ten. However, having direct ownership and using one each day is different.

Many parents gladly hand off their phones to their young ones to keep them quiet in the car, a restaurant, or other location. Sadly, it may give them a few minutes of peace, but it could cause a lifetime of issues for their kid.

Advantages of Early Exposure to Technology

While it’s easy to point out all the things that are so wrong with technological usage, some good things can come from being exposed. First, kids are becoming more technically literate from an early age. Since the world is run by computers and electronics, getting them a jump start can be advantageous.

1. Better Job Opportunities

The IT field is quickly growing. A study reported by CompTIA found that IT jobs rose more than 134 percent in the past two years. Security breaches and safety concerns have added jobs by the tens of thousands. The future is still a bit unsure as times are constantly changing, but it’s safe to say that having any IT skills will put a child in a better position for the job market.

2. They Learn Academics Early

Your kids learn a lot from watching shows. Take, for instance, Sesame Street. The program started in 1969, and it’s been going strong. The chances are that you grew up watching the same schedule as your children.

The lovable characters and songs teach children how to count, the alphabet, and life lessons about getting along with others and diversity. These likable characters have a way to sing and dance into the heart of your young one in ways that you cannot. Their message of love and acceptance of others is essential.

They also teach the foundations of reading, which prepares them to start school. It’s easy to see some good things happen by letting your child use a smartphone. However, the key is moderation.

Technology is as addicting as any drug, so you must be the one who sets the time limits and guidelines for usage. However, it can spark their creativity and even make them more empathetic, so a little bit doesn’t hurt them.

Five Ways Smartphones Might Harm Child Mental Health

While the smartphone does bring about some peace and calm for a few minutes, what is it doing to the child’s mental health? The Canadian Paediatric Society states that children between the ages of 1-4 should use their cell phones for one hour or less each day. The doctor who headed the study, Michael Cheng, states that it damages developing brains. Here are some issues that can occur with too much technology.

1. They Forgo Outdoor Fun

The cell phone isn’t all bad, as many educational games exist. However, the real issue comes when the child is engaged in technology and not outside getting fresh air. Many children will forgo mealtime, bathroom, and other essential functions to get five more minutes on a game.

Many kids only do other things when the battery is dead or they’ve exhausted their parental time limits. They should get plenty of sunshine, which gives Vitamin D. Nothing good comes about from a child behind four walls all day.

2. Hinders Social Skills and Child Mental Health

Children start preschool at around 3-4 years of age. They must socialize and interact with other children continuously. Some parents opt to forgo preschool and send their kids straight to kindergarten. However, if a child has spent their days mostly on technology, their mental health has been impacted.

Kids who live in the virtual world often feel that the people and characters online are their friends. Thus, they don’t learn how to interact in person. They will gladly take their virtual friends over real ones, but how will this affect them once they go to school?

The child who is never socialized will have issues throughout life. If they constantly turn to the smartphones to be entertained and meet people, they’re missing out greatly. They won’t know how to interact and have quality relationships.

3. Filter-Induced Body Dysmorphia, a Severe Child Mental Health Crisis

While it’s fun for relatives to see babies and young toddlers on the smartphone, the child can’t process all the colors and brightness of the screen. It’s even more confusing for them to add filters that change their appearance.

Young children learn a sense of self when they look in the mirror, but your cell phone and the attached camera are not a replacement that helps them to identify their reflection. Research reported by AI & Society shows that children who don’t engage in regular play and the use of mirrors often have a sense of induced body dysmorphia caused by the use of AR filters.

4. Sedentary Living Leads to Hyperactivity, a Fairly Common Child Mental Health Challenge

The Centers for Disease Control, CDC, estimates that more than 9.4 percent of children develop ADHD before their eighteenth birthday. Of those children, nearly 400,000 are under the age of five. A study cited by Nationwide Children’s Hospital states that the number of children with this neurological condition has grown between 50-80 percent in the past two decades.

It’s believed that there’s a direct correlation between the child’s mental health and the screen time they use. Additionally, there’s also a genuine concern about ADHD and the foods they enjoy, as a diet seems to help reduce such symptoms. Children are more sedentary these days, causing them significant physical and mental health issues.

Their brains may be engaged in an activity, but their bodies are sedentary. They need to move and burn off some of that energy. A child that sits idle for many hours is at a greater risk of developing ADHD.

5. Obesity

Johnny comes home from school, grabs a bag of chips and a handful of cookies, and picks up the smartphone. He sits on the couch playing games and chatting with friends for hours until it’s time for dinner. Then, he eats a massive portion and goes back to his gaming.

He doesn’t move again until his mother tells him it’s time for a bath and bed. So, he’s sat since he got home from school and sat at a desk for most of the day. Now, it’s safe to say that unless Johnny naturally has a high metabolism, he will put on some pounds.

It’s effortless for children to eat mindlessly while playing games or watching programs. He’s lacking the exercise he needs, which will cause him to develop a weight issue. The childhood obesity rates are astronomical.

The CDC estimates that around 19.3 percent of kids fit the criteria for obesity. Additionally, a whopping 13 percent of those kids are between 2-5 years old. How can this not impact the child’s mental health?

Overweight children are more likely to be picked on in school, have low self-esteem, and sit on the sidelines throughout life. This can cause further issues when it’s time to go to college, get a job, and provide for their families.

Tips for Controlling Smartphone Addiction to Improve Child Mental Health

Most parents don’t see how these behaviors start at a young age but can affect people through adulthood. Here are some tips for how to control technology in your home, including smartphones, TVs, computers, and all other electronic devices.

Set strict limits on screentime.
Make outside play mandatory.
Interact with the children through board games and other types of play
Please don’t give a child under ten years of age their phone
Use smartphone monitoring apps to control where your child goes online
Have times when the entire family unplugs and does things the old-fashioned or manual way

There are many benefits to using technology early, but some significant drawbacks can affect your child’s mental health. You can control many issues by implementing some boundaries for cell phone usage. According to the American Pediatric Association, here is the recommended amount of screen time per age:

Birth to 18 Months – Only video chats for short periods
18-24 Months – Short, educational programming only on occasion
2-5 Years – One hour a day of educational programming and three hours on the weekend
6-13 Years – 90 minutes of screentime for regular content and two hours for educational
14-18 Years – Set content guidelines as well as screentime based on the child’s needs

Final Thoughts on the Impact of Child Mental Health and Smartphones

Technology is hard to escape nowadays, as it’s everywhere. However, you should control how much time they spend on a smartphone for your children. It’s just not a good idea for an eight-year-old child to have a phone, as they’re not mentally mature enough for such a responsibility.

The biggest mistake you can make as a parent is using electronics to babysit for you. Sure, it might buy you a few minutes of peace, but it will cause you more significant problems down the road. A sedentary child is at a higher risk of developing obesity, ADHD, and being socially inept.

While telling your child “No” is often challenging, you can assure yourself that setting healthy technological boundaries is imperative for your child’s mental health.

Energy Healer Explains How to Raise Your Vibration to Change Your Life

January 23, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

An energy healer reads the auras of others and helps them remove blockages to free up stagnant energy. We’re all the products of our thoughts, feelings, and memories, so each of us faces different challenges. Ideally, our energy would flow freely, and we’d have no self-created inhibitions or limits.

We could easily tap into our intuition, that inner voice that helps us discern right from wrong. This acts as an antenna, helping us reach higher realms to guide us in the right direction. When we have static in our energy field, it prevents us from hearing this voice. So, an energy healer’s job involves clearing these blocked energies to embody our highest selves.

Energy healer Christie Marie Sheldon explains more about this concept, revealing how we can shift our inner frequency to change our outer world. Hopefully, this advice will empower and remind you that you’re who you’ve been waiting for. Everything you need lies within. You have to quiet those inner voices that hold you back.

Energy Healer Explains How to Raise Your Vibration to Change Your Life

Everything you see around you appears as solid matter, but energy vibrates at various frequencies. Vibrations of light and sound comprise every living thing on Earth. We all come from the same source; the only difference lies in our thoughts and feelings. These determine our consciousness, which constantly fluctuates according to our reactions to stimuli.

The world may seem like a chaotic, random mess, but it’s a projection of our consciousness. What we think manifests outwardly, determining our reality. That’s why two people can look at something and have entirely different perceptions about it.

When most of us vibrate at higher frequencies, we have peace, harmony, and love. When most people live in lower frequencies, we see fear, hatred, and divisiveness. Our reality on this dense realm we call Earth stems from the cumulation of karma. We have a lot of karma to work out in this current incarnation.

However, we can change outcomes and create a more harmonious world through energy healing. Christie gives some insight on how we can work together to manifest the reality we wish to see.

She says that by understanding energy, “you will then be tapped into the causal plane where everything can be changed.” This realm houses very finely vibrating energy essentially composed of ideas or thoughts. If you can tap into this higher frequency, you can change your thoughts and manifest your desires.

The energy healer explains it further: “Everything you see in the out-picturing of your life is the effect of your life. And everything that created it was created by your thoughts, beliefs, ideologies, and every judgment you’ve ever bought or sold to or from somebody. So those points of view make up your reality.”

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life

She also cites the Maharishi Effect phenomenon, named after the yogi Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Known as the founder of Transcendental Meditation, Maharishi stated that if just 1% of the population meditated deeply, it could produce noticeable positive shifts in the world.

Christie spoke on a study by Maharishi where he placed 7,000 monks in various cities across the globe. Afterward, they measured what happened before and after in those cities using scientific methods. In one location, the crime rate dropped 22%. In other cities, pollution decreased, and in Tel Aviv, the stock market went up.

These outcomes prove that we have power beyond measure and can consciously influence our environment.

The energy healer also discussed a book by renowned spiritual teacher and psychiatrist Dr. David R. Hawkins in her talk. Called Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior, the book contains a scale of human emotions. He ranked them from low frequency to high frequency, assigning a rating to each one. The scale is as follows, from high to low vibrational thought:

700+
600
540
500
400
350
310
250
200
175
150
125
100
75
50
30
20

How to Understand These Numbers

As you can see from this scale, guilt and shame produce the lowest frequencies. Christie says that in her clients, she finds that people who harbor these emotions have the most resistance to change. However, by figuring out where these feelings stem from, it’s possible to move past them.

By removing these long-standing beliefs and thoughts which create your being, you can effectively become more “you.” We all can reflect love, peace, and harmony, raising our frequency beyond fear and hatred. What kind of world we wish to create is up to us, but most people live unconsciously. They go about their days on autopilot, not really consciously thinking about their actions.

Simply becoming aware of your thoughts can create a dramatic difference in your life. To do this, sit quietly in the mornings and reflect on your inner world without distractions. Notice what thoughts come up – are they positive or negative? If you want to create a more peaceful, fulfilling life, use positive affirmations such as:

I am enough.
I can do this!
I’m a happy, positive person.
I love myself and everyone around me.
I believe in myself.

Saying these statements to yourself each day will help you become your energy healer and move past distressing emotions. Remember, you’re the one you’ve been waiting for; what you think, you become.

Final Thoughts on Lessons From an Energy Healer to Raise Your Vibration

Be careful what you speak into your life; it’s a conversation with the Universe. If you want a happy life, pay attention to your innermost thoughts and feelings. Energy healer Christie Sheldon explains that you have to go deep within to bring about healing in your life.

By peeling back these layers, you can start to reflect on your true self: a loving, blissful, conscious being. You’re a manifestation of the universe and have a divine purpose on this Earth. You have to quiet the noise in your head and remember who you indeed are.

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What Can the Colors of Roses Symbolize?

1. Red Roses

2. Pink

3. White

4. Yellow Roses

5. Orange

6. Ivory

7. Blush Roses

8. Multicolored

9. Green

10. Lavender Roses

11. Blue

12. Black Roses

Final Thoughts on the Connection Between Roses and Romance

The researcher made a bold statement about highly processed foods

OSU researchers explain how highly processed foods harm the brain

The results:

Rats in DHA-supplemented diet fared better.

What Barrientos had to say:

Final thoughts on a study linking highly processed foods to brain inflammation

New AI Can Detect Anxiety Symptoms With 90% Accuracy

Know the Fourteen Primary Signs of Anxiety

Three Useful Ways to Combat Anxious Thoughts

Final Thoughts on How New AI Sensor Technology Can Detect Anxiety

Meet a Car Surfing Cockatoo Who Thinks He’s “Superbird.”

Gera and Koko became fast friends.

Gera’s advice to anyone who wants a cockatoo:

Final thoughts on the cockatoo who loves to car surf

Advantages of Early Exposure to Technology

1. Better Job Opportunities

2. They Learn Academics Early

Five Ways Smartphones Might Harm Child Mental Health

1. They Forgo Outdoor Fun

2. Hinders Social Skills and Child Mental Health

3. Filter-Induced Body Dysmorphia, a Severe Child Mental Health Crisis

4. Sedentary Living Leads to Hyperactivity, a Fairly Common Child Mental Health Challenge

5. Obesity

Tips for Controlling Smartphone Addiction to Improve Child Mental Health

Final Thoughts on the Impact of Child Mental Health and Smartphones

Energy Healer Explains How to Raise Your Vibration to Change Your Life

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life

How to Understand These Numbers

Final Thoughts on Lessons From an Energy Healer to Raise Your Vibration

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