Page 786

Therapists Explain Why Parents Need a Weekly Date Night (no kids!)

June 26, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Parents have a big responsibility on their shoulders. Not only do you have a career that you must keep up with, but you also juggle your household responsibilities while raising children. Is it any wonder why therapists say that date night and bonding time with your partner is essential?

Somewhere in the mix of all the things, you must do in a day is the responsibility to take care of you. Your partner also has essential needs. Think of your relationship as a plant. If you never water your houseplant, what will happen in a week, month, or a year?

The plant will lose its color as it dries up and dies. Your relationship must be watered and pruned to blossom into something great. Bonding time with the one you love is not something that is done when you have nothing else to do, but it should be prioritized.

Why is Date Night Important?

Therapists explain how to set boundaries if you work from home with the kids nearby.

If you’ve put your relationship on the back burner so that you can focus on the kids, your job, and all the other things you need to do, you may find yourself alone. Here are the reasons why therapists say that you need to incorporate weekly date night into your life as the social isolation can be damaging.

1 – You Need to Stay Connected

You need to have a set date night where it is all about you and your love. You want your relationship to take precedence in your life too. When you have a scheduled night, it gives you time dedicated to talking about all the things going on in your life.

Many couples just give each other a quick kiss on the way out the door in the morning, come back home to a house of chaos with dinner, chores, and get the kids bathed and to bed. There is little time to devote to one another’s needs. Some people find it quite romantic to have a time set aside that is just for them.

During your date, make sure there is a quiet place where you can talk. Just because you have children and careers doesn’t mean that you stop dreaming. Where do you see yourself in a year, five years, or a decade from now? Growing old together takes careful planning, and you want to make sure you’re both on the same page.

Connecting with your partner is about more than romance. You need to communicate on a spiritual level. If you want your relationship to last and thrive, then you will ensure that a date night is planned each week. Don’t give them the leftovers of your hectic life. Instead, make sure that they are a priority.

2 – Your Children are Watching

Teaching and training children are a big responsibility. They watch your every move, and they will even mimic you throughout life. How many times did you say that you didn’t want to be like your mom or dad, yet you find yourself using the same phrases and punishment methods with your children?

Your children are also watching how you treat their other parent. They will pattern their life and relationships based on what you teach them. If they grow up in a home of dysfunction where the parents are fighting and arguing constantly, they will think this toxic behavior is normal.

However, if they grow up in a home where they see their parents love and nurturing their relationship, these behaviors become commonplace. Think of it as planting seeds in a garden of life. One day, those seeds will sprout and form into mature plants.

Your children are like seeds. They are slowly growing and becoming wiser and stronger. When they are fully grown, you want them to be healthy and full of sustenance. They will use what they learn in their formative years to raise their family, and you are a significant part of this development.

Healthy relationships are essential as your children are watching you. If dad opens the door for mom, then the son learns that he should open the door for his partner in life. Showing the proper way to treat a lady or man has a ripple effect, and it will come back around.

3 – Your Needs Are Important Too

Every man and woman needs companionship as it’s a part of their makeup. You need to be cuddled, kissed, hugged, and have someone think you are spectacular. Your needs are essential in life.

If you do not have someone who makes you feel like the man or woman you are, then you will feel like something is lacking in your life. When the world seems cold and dark, you can always find sunshine and light in the eyes and heart of the one you share a relationship with.

Many couples put a great deal of emphasis on each other and their needs in the beginning. However, the cares of life tend to bog you down. When you’re no longer in active pursuit, it’s commonplace to lose the zeal and thrill of the chase.

However, you must put your needs at the top of your to-do-list. Love and relationships are an essential part of life, and they are just as necessary to a human being as getting your next meal.

Here are 15 rules of etiquette every parent should teach their kids.

4 – Parenting is Tough

One of the reasons therapists suggest that you go on a date night without the kids is because parenting is tough. You need to have one day where you can get out without your brood in tow.

You need one night where you don’t have children hanging on your every word and clinging to your legs, calling your name. Your mind, body, and soul need a break from parenting on occasion. Don’t feel guilty or like you are letting your kids down if you take a break.

The parent who takes time for their needs will do a better job and be more relaxed. Have you ever got to the point where you were so stressed out that any little sound made you feel like you were reaching the boiling point? Feelings like that can cause you to lash out when the situation isn’t nearly as bad as it seems.

You need a date night so that you can be a better parent. You will be surprised how wonderful you feel once you’ve had a break from the daily grind. It gives you a whole new perspective on life.

5 – You Need Something to Look Forward Too

Life would be pretty dull if all you had to look forward to was going to work and coming home to make dinner. It doesn’t matter if you’re 25 or 50 years of age, you need to have something that you anticipate.

Having a bright spot in your week can give you the strength to get up one more day. Life would be boring if all you ever did was work. Your date night should include things like:

•Trying new restaurants

•Watching the latest movies

•Taking long drives in the country with the radio blaring

•Going to concerts

•Going wine tasting

•Walks along the beach of a lake or the ocean

•Hitting the shopping mall

•Bowling or playing other games together

Doctors explain how too much screen time affects brain development in children.

6 – Avoid Becoming Logistical Partners

The final reason you need to make sure you have a night for dates each week is that you will become logistical partners if not. Does the bulk of your conversations involve around who will take Suzie to piano practice, while picking up Bobbie from his baseball game?

Children can run you ragged, especially if they are involved in extracurricular activities. If you are like two ships that pass in the night, then your relationship will suffer. If your conversations are always about someone or something else, then you need to refocus your attention.

How many times have you heard someone say that they broke up because they just drifted apart? They are not mad at each other, and they didn’t leave on bad terms. It is just that they lost the closeness that they once felt. It’s sad because it happens every day.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Weekly Date Night

You probably feel like you’re pulled in 150 directions during the week. Your children need you; your job requires you, and your household needs you. However, the most important thing of all is that your spouse needs you.

To create a healthy family environment where your children can grow and be well balanced requires you to have a good relationship with your partner. Your children are watching how you treat each other, seeing if there is any affection, and they know if you would rather fight than be in the same room.

Remember all the reasons why you got together in the first place. Keep the flame and passion alive by incorporating a date night into your routine. The bonding time you create during this dedicated time is what you need to get through the pressures of life. It’s okay to feel like you are dating again and having fun. It’s what life’s all about.

Doctors Reveal How to Use a Sitz Bath to Relieve Hemorrhoids Naturally

June 26, 2020 by Power of Positivity

If you suffer from hemorrhoids, a sitz bath could be an ideal natural remedy to cool the burning sensation.

Most people have heard of inflammation. However, very few understand why it occurs or how it impacts the body. If you’re among those few, you know that inflammation is the body’s natural way of fighting off the things that would otherwise cause it harm. These dangers include infections and toxins. It also plays an integral role in enabling the body to heal itself from injuries.

To better understand this physiological response, it helps to know a little more about what is taking place when any part of the body become inflamed. If you get injured, develop an infection, or get exposed to harmful toxins, it causes cell damage.

Then, the body releases chemicals, which triggers an immune system response in the form of inflammation. And that response can also cause certain parts of the body to become inflamed. Inflammation is the body’s way of protecting and healing itself. Still, it can cause severe pain and discomfort when it occurs.

For that reason, many people take prescription and over-the-counter drugs to relieve their symptoms. However, for those who struggle with inflammation and are opposed to taking medication, you will be happy to know that there are other treatment options.

Why Americans Are Opposed to Taking Medication

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 50 million people in America report struggling with chronic pain. Of those, an estimated 20 million describe their pain as being so intense that it significantly disrupts their professional and personal life. And in nearly all of these cases, severe inflammation was said to be a factor in the pain and discomfort they felt. It is also worth noting that many individuals who struggle with pain and inflammation do not take medication even though doing so could spell relief.

To understand why so many Americans possess this mindset, it helps to take a look at a 2017 Gallup poll. For reference, Gallup is an analytics and advisory firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. According to the Gallup poll, an estimated 23 percent of Americans believe that taking medication is not particularly safe. And approximately 8 percent of Americans believe that taking medication is not safe at all.

The 2017 survey further revealed that more than 78 percent of Americans will try to resolve pain naturally before they ever think about taking medication. That said, one all-natural pain remedy that has been gaining a lot of attention as of late is sitz baths.

Sitz Baths: An Easy and All-Natural Way to Relieve Pain and Inflammation

Doctors share eighteen foods that can help you eliminate hemorrhoids.

For those who might not be as familiar with them, a sitz bath, as the name might suggest, is a warm bath that individuals sit in to relieve pain associated with a plurality of health problems, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and arthritis. And pain stemming from inflammation resulting from injuries, infections, or exposure to toxins are no exception.

Along with providing pain relief, these warm baths can also help reduce swelling, which is often par for the course when it comes to inflammation. Although this approach to relieving pain and inflammation might sound peculiar, those who have tried them have attested to their effectiveness in terms of easing pain and reducing swelling. And this was especially true among those struggling with hemorrhoids, as relieving pain and reducing swelling enables people to go about their daily life.

Although these soothing and pain-relieving baths require nothing more than clean, warm water, you can add one or more of the following for even better results:

Epsom salt
Non-iodized sea salt
Apple cider vinegar
Baking soda

Learn how to relieve hemorrhoids without medicine.

Who Should Consider Sitz Baths?

A warm sitz bath can provide relief from mild to moderate pain affecting nearly any part of the body; however, they are especially beneficial to those struggling with lower body pain caused by anorectal disorders, according to Wiley Online. Wiley Online is a website that publishes well-researched online journals related to biological, chemical, and health sciences.

That said, along with anal fissures and hemorrhoids, taking a warm sitz bath can help relieve pain and inflammation brought on by the following painful anorectal disorders:

Constipation
Anal herpes
Anal fistulas

Because these baths effectively target and relieve lower body pain, they can also benefit individuals seeking relief from osteoarthritis, which often causes joint pain in the knees, hips, and feet. They can also provide, though to a lesser extent, relief from lower body joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, which, unlike osteoarthritis, is an autoimmune disease. It is also worth noting that a study published by the Arthritis Foundation revealed that soaking in a warm bath, with or without additional chemicals, provides considerable relief from musculoskeletal pain, such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and back pain.

How to Use a Sitz Bath to Relieve Pain Naturally

Now that we are a little more familiar with sitz baths, who should consider them, and the kind of pain they can help resolve, let’s take a look at how to use them to relieve pain naturally. First and foremost, as noted earlier, these baths can consist of water only or water combined with Epsom salt, non-iodized sea salt, or other ingredients. So it might be a good idea to speak with a physician regarding which approach will be best for you based on your unique pain symptoms. That aside, here are a few tips to get you moving in the right direction:

Bathtub Instructions for a Sitz Bath

The most common way to use a sitz bath to relieve pain is in a bathtub. And doing so will entail the following:

1 – Preparing the bathtub

The first step in preparing your bath should entail cleaning the tub. Studies show that even a small amount of bacteria or other contaminants left in the bathtub can irritate the skin, which can worsen pain and inflammation. And this is especially true for those using these baths to treat an anorectal disorder.

2 – Filling the bathtub

After cleaning the bathtub, you will then want to fill it with about 3 to 4 inches of water. It is important to make sure that the water is not scalding hot as this can lead to severe burns, which will only make matters worse. According to drugs.com, an online pharmaceutical encyclopedia that provides drug information aimed at consumers and physicians alike, the ideal water temperature for sitz bathwater is between 94 and 98 degrees Fahrenheit.

3 – Adding additional ingredients to the bathwater

Although optional, you might want to consider adding some Epsom salt, non-iodized sea salt, apple cider vinegar, or baking soda to the bathwater if you’re seeking relief from pain brought on by an anorectal disorder. The same applies to arthritic pain as well. Studies show that these chemicals, especially Epsom salt, can soothe irritated skin in and around the anus, shrink painful hemorrhoids, and provide relief from painful arthritis faster than using just water alone.

4 – Getting in the bathtub

Before lowering yourself into the bathtub, it is a good idea to check the temperature of the water one more time. You need to make sure you can tolerate the temperature. From there, carefully lower yourself into the sitz bathwater. Most people will sit in these baths with their knees bent. However, you should choose a seated position that works best for you. Lastly, you will want to sit in the water for 10 to 20 minutes.

Toilet Sitz Bath Instructions

Along with a bathtub, you can also use a sitz bowl to relieve hemorrhoid pain. You can find this unit in most pharmacies and medical supply stores. These bath bowls, which are specialized plastic containers, fit over the opening on any standard toilet. If you choose this option, you will want to follow these steps:

1. Lift both the toilet lid and seat before placing the plastic container on the rim of the toilet.
2. Double-check the fitting to ensure the container will not move once you put your weight on it.
3. Using a pitcher or a small bowl of some kind, fill the plastic container with enough warm water to cover your perineum once you sit on it.
4. Add Epsom salt or other ingredients to the water as needed.
5. Gently lower yourself on to the toilet, making sure to submerge your entire perineum into the warm water.
6. Lastly, you will want to soak in the water for about 10 to 20 minutes. You will feel the inflammation, irritation, and pain starts to subside.

Science explains why a daily aspirin regimen might do your body more harm than good.

Final Thoughts on Using a Sitz Bath to Ease Inflammation

Are you among the thousands of Americans who are averse to taking medication but struggling with hemorrhoid pain? If so, then sitting in warm sitz bathwater is worth considering. Soaking, whether in a bathtub or on a toilet, can provide significant relief from these symptoms and others. Perform this treatment two to three times per day.

Even if you’re taking medications to combat these symptoms, add a sitz bath to your treatment. It can still serve as a form of complementary therapy to help relieve pain and discomfort that much faster.

20 Lifestyle Changes That Help You Be Happier

June 26, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Many lifestyle changes can help you be happier. Happiness isn’t something that happens by chance or by luck, it’s something that you can work on.

Happiness is the ultimate life goal, and it sometimes may seem out of reach. This outcome isn’t the case, however, because you can easily be happier. By changing some aspects of your life, you’ll notice a significant change in the way that you feel.

Before you know it, you’ll be happier all the time, and your life will continuously get better.

Lifestyle Changes That Help You Be Happier

1. Be Positive

This advice goes for both your thoughts and the words that you speak. While you may not think that you can control your musings, it is entirely possible.

When you find yourself thinking negatively, make an effort to change it into something positive. Likewise, when you are tempted to say something negative, say something else instead.

Over time, you’ll find these positive thoughts and words forming without effort. With this change, you’ll notice yourself being much happier overall.

2. Count Your Blessings

Even when it seems that everything is going wrong, there are still things to be grateful for. Think of all the good parts of your life.

This could be your favorite place to go or your favorite person to see. It can be your home or yard, or anything else that brings a smile to your face.

There is always something that you can be grateful for. You just have to find it. Remind yourself of your blessings each time you find yourself experiencing unhappiness. This, too, will become natural for you, and it won’t take much effort after a while.

3. Manage Your Finances

Money can be an enormous obstacle when it comes to living a happy life. When bills get behind, or there isn’t enough money to do what you want, it can be discouraging. The sooner you get your finances in order, the happier you’ll be.

You can do this by setting and following a budget. Another easy way to get your finances under control is to find things you can do without.

If you pay for cable each month but rarely use it, that is a good one to drop. Same with unused gym memberships, or any other subscription that you don’t utilize enough. Additionally, you can lower utility payments by being wiser about your water or electricity usage.

You could also come up with a savings plan to set aside money for upcoming purchases. This will make it easier and less stressful when the time comes to use the money.

4. Make Exercise a Priority

Exercise can be life-changing in more ways than one. Aside from the physical effects, it can also help your mind. Research shows that regular exercise can make you happier and smarter.

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to combat unhappiness, stress, anxiety, and depression. Plus, it can increase your self-esteem. With all of these perks combined, exercise is the perfect way to help you be happier.

Start gradually, increasing the length and intensity over time. Taking a walk each evening or doing yoga once a day is an excellent place to start. There are many exercise options, however, so find the one that you enjoy best.

5. Eat a Well-Balanced Diet

Taking care of your body is essential when it comes to your happiness. You’ll feel better, think more clearly, and be happier if you are eating a healthy diet.

Research shows this is because healthier food options can increase the amounts of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in your body. These are all hormones that will make you feel good, boost your energy levels, and help you concentrate.

6. Forgive Those Who Have Hurt You

Harboring negative feelings will make you unhappy, no matter the circumstances. By forgiving those who have hurt you, you’ll be letting go of some of the pain. Then, you’ll be able to move on and be happy fully.

7. Smile More Often

Of all the lifestyle changes that will help you, this one may be the easiest to implement. It may seem far-fetched that forcing a smile can make you happier, but there is research to back this theory.

The research shows that simple facial expressions can initiate emotions. Your brain can recognize the feeling you are trying to convey, and you’ll begin to feel a little happier.

8. Spend Time Doing Something You Love

Life gets busy, and leisure seems to be the activity that gets skipped when time is short. It’s important to make relaxation a priority, however, or you’ll get stressed out and unhappy. Make time to do something you enjoy, and you’ll experience happiness.

9. Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others

In the age of social media, it’s easy to get caught up in comparisons. It’s essential to avoid this, however, because it can interfere with your happiness.

Just remember, you aren’t the only one moving laundry baskets out of the background of photos. No one’s life is as perfect as it appears, so it’s not fair to compare yourself to anyone else.

10. Be Encouraging

While it’s important to encourage yourself, it’s also important to inspire others. By being encouraging, you’ll find yourself being more positive in general. If you make it a habit, you’ll find yourself happier.

11. Practice Deep Breathing

It’s only natural that you get stressed at some point. When you feel yourself getting tense, follow these steps:

Close your eyes and think of something happy
Take deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth
Repeat the deep breathing until you feel calmer

12. Get Enough Rest

Sleep is vital for your body and mind. You will have a more positive mindset if you have gotten enough rest. This will help you think happier thoughts and be more positive overall.

13. Use Your Time Wisely

You’ll be happier if you use your time wisely. Your deadlines won’t be so overwhelming, and you’ll be able to relax and feel calmer.

When you waste time doing things that don’t matter, you’re only causing problems for yourself. Avoid this if you want to be happy.

14. Write in a Journal

When you’re having negative thoughts, write them down. Getting them out on paper will help you release the feelings and move on.

By releasing those feelings and getting them out in a positive way, you’ll feel happier. The more often you do this, the easier it’ll be to let go of bad things in your life.

15. Declutter Your Space

Clutter can cause stress and other overwhelming feelings that can interfere with your happiness. If you make your space a place you enjoy, you’ll feel better.

Put up photos that inspire you or remind you of what makes you happy. Decorate with simple things that make you feel relaxed. Then, make sure everything is put away so that you can enjoy the space you put together.

16. Make a List of Things You Want to Do

This list can be short-term or long-term, or can even be your bucket list. Make sure you’re crossing things off your list regularly. This will help you feel personally accomplished, which will make you happier.

It’s essential to feel like you are getting things done for yourself, rather than just for work or home. When you do something you want to do, you’ll feel more in control of your life. Leisure is just as important as work.

17. Take Some Time Each Week to Unplug

Cell phones, laptops, and tablets can drain you mentally. Take some time to shut it all off and spend time unplugged and out of touch with the world. This will help you refocus and think more positively.

18. Spend Time Outside

Fresh air and nature can help you feel happier and inspired. Whether you enjoy the beauty in nature or you just bask in the fresh air, you’ll find yourself more relaxed.

This easy lifestyle change is one you should make a regular part of your day. Even a short amount of time outside can boost your mood and help you think more positively.

19. Re-think Your Relationships

If there are any relationships in your life that make you feel bad about yourself, it may be time for a change. Likewise, if there are any relationships that you think are holding you back, re-think those, too—the people you surround yourself with play a significant role in your happiness.

20. Spend Time with People You Love

Once you have re-thought your relationships, spend time with those who are left. Spending time with close friends and family will boost your spirits. Making sure to do this regularly will make you happier even when you aren’t with them.

Final Thoughts on Lifestyle Changes That Help You Be Happier

You won’t be happier if you aren’t willing to make some lifestyle changes. These changes will make you a better, happier person.

By implementing and practicing a few of them, you’ll find a significant change in yourself. Then, you can work on some of the other lifestyle changes later. You owe it to yourself to be happy, so make sure to make it becoming a happier person your top priority.

Vets Reveal 10 Ways to Rid Your Home of Fleas Without Poison

June 25, 2020 by Power of Positivity

If you are a devoted animal lover, you are in good company. Sources estimate that at least 80,000 homes in American have pets in them. While it’s comforting and entertaining to keep your furry friends indoors, the accompanying fleas, also called bloodsuckers, are not fun.

The Plagued Past of Fleas

These minuscule menaces have a sordid history throughout civilization. Modern science has identified at least 2,000 species, including the notorious rat flea and ones that bite cats, dogs, and humans. Because these biting bugs are bloodsuckers, they are known to carry lethal diseases to humans and animals.

Some of the earliest historical records mention tiny pests that invaded homes and inflicted bites on man and beast. They were causing death and disease centuries before microbes were discovered. Perhaps the deadliest recorded flea-born pandemic was the Black Plague in the 14th century.

As the population of European countries increased, so did lack of hygiene and proper sanitation. Human waste and trash were often pitched in the streets, which further contaminated the drinking water. With such muck and mayhem, flea-infested rats were living in luxury.

The bugs bit the infected rats, then dined on human blood. Because both rats and insects were carrying the lethal bubonic bacteria, Europe broke out into a plague that lasted nearly seven years, costing an estimated 50 million people.

Almost three centuries later, bubonic plague struck Great Britain and claimed at least 100,000 lives. The same conditions and another flea-bitten rat infestation were to blame. Bubonic plague may not be a threat in most of our modern world, but we’re still battling these biting insects on our pets and in our homes.

These bitsy bugs have bitten their way into literature, art, and music over time. Many ingenious entertainers have created tiny circuses with make-believe bloodsuckers. They lend their buggy name to the buy-and-sell markets across America.

Some Itchy Statistics

Bloodsuckers may be little, but they are robust insects for their size. Like most insects, their life cycle is in four stages: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult. Did you know that the average bloodsucker can jump at least 150 times their body length?

If a six-foot-tall human had the same ability, he could jump 900 feet, which is the length of 2.5 football fields. No wonder these parasitic pests have no trouble jumping from the ground unto animals and humans. Since fleas can live up to three months and a female usually lays 20-30 eggs at a time, infestations can happen within days.

These infernal insects use your beloved pets to invade your home, but they can also sneak in on your shoes, clothes, or even through doors and windows. Since they require their hosts’ blood to lay eggs and survive, they don’t discriminate between furry mammals or humans.

Fleas often leave multiple bites on their hosts that cause swelling, redness, burning, and severe itching. A tell-tale sign that your fur baby is infested with bloodsuckers is chronic scratching, fur loss, irritated skin, and specks of fecal matter in their fur.

Not only do bloodsuckers pose a threat of blood-borne illnesses to animals and people, but they also can cause anemia, infection, and skin maladies. They can burrow into your carpet, furniture, beddings, and even wood floor seams. Bloodsuckers can survive up to two weeks without a parasitic meal.

Beat the Bugs Naturally

Ever since these appalling parasites have been tormenting civilizations, people have tried ways to eradicate them. In early times, people relied on natural remedies like powdered alum, sulfur, or plain salt for bug control. These were eventually replaced by chemical solutions that were often useless or poisonous.

Are you searching for a way to eradicate fleas without hurting your family, pets, or the environment? You can stop the itching and other potential hazards of an infestation safely, efficiently, and organically. To rid your house of these pesky bloodsuckers, try these ten simple home remedies.

1. Frequent Vacuuming

It’s a comforting feeling to wake up in the morning, get out of bed, and place your feet on the cozy carpet. Not only does it add an extra layer of insulation to your floors, but it provides beauty and texture throughout the house. Unfortunately, your lovely carpet can create a haven for invading pests like bloodsuckers.

To minimize these biting nuisances, vacuum your carpets daily with a quality vacuum cleaner. Use a crevice tool to get into corners and along baseboards. After each cleaning, place the disposable cleaner bag in a small sealed trash bag and dispose of it in an outdoor container. In a bagless sweeper, empty the collection container the same way.

2. Dash of Salt

Dehydration means certain death for pesky insects, including ticks and other bloodsuckers. For a quick and inexpensive way to dehydrate them, sprinkle some fine-grade salt on your floors or carpet, and it should set for at least 24 hours, which will kill out all adult fleas. Vacuum your carpet and repeat, if necessary.

3. Diatomaceous Earth

Mother Nature supplies some of the best insecticides available, such as diatomaceous earth or DE. Millions of years ago, microscopic organisms called diatoms died in primordial bodies of water, leaving countless fossilized skeletons in the dried- up muck and clay.

For centuries, people have used DE for medicinal purposes and a natural insecticide. It was easy to collect around lakes, rivers, and oceans. DE is safe for humans and animals but deadly for invading insects.

Unlike most members of the animal kingdom, insects don’t have an internal skeleton. Instead, their bodies are covered with a shell called an exoskeleton that must stay moist and pliable. If not, it will crack, and the insect will dehydrate and die.

You can buy food-grade DE at most gardening or farming equipment stores at bargain prices. Sprinkle it in your yard or in your house to kill bloodsuckers and other damaging insects. The sharp microscopic diatom grains pierce the exoskeletons, and the pests will soon die.

4. Sulfur

You already know the pungent aroma of this element if you’ve ever smelled rotten eggs or cooked cabbage. Ancient cultures such as the Egyptians prized sulfur as a medicine and a cure for body lice. When using sulfur, take care that you sprinkle it lightly, because it stinks and too much isn’t suitable for your pet.

5. Visit Your Herb Garden

How to grow herbs for household use.

When you search for something to rid your beloved pets and home of biting bloodsuckers, why not take a stroll through your herb garden. Many of your favorite culinary herbs like basil, lavender, oregano, and mint, are bad news bugs. Use the herbs fresh or their essential oils to make an effective bloodsucker repellant.

6. Lemons

You may enjoy the refreshing scent of fresh lemon juice, but bugs and bloodsuckers hate it. While you are experimenting with some natural herbal insecticides, mix them with fresh lemon juice or zest. Mix it up and pour it into a spray bottle.

Lemon juice can be an organic bleach, so test it on an inconspicuous surface spot before using it. It is a pleasant smelling spray that can even be safe on you or your pets. Refill spray bottle with the mixture as needed.

7. Baking Soda

Like salt and sulfur, baking soda is a natural ingredient you can sprinkle inside or out to repel all sorts of nasty bugs. You can also lightly powder your pets and their bedding with it to keep bloodsuckers at bay. Sprinkle it on your floors and upholstery, allow it to sit overnight, then vacuum it away.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

Scientific reports abound with the benefits of apple cider vinegar. Not only can it be good for your health and be useful around the house, but it can repel biting bloodsuckers. Add a little to a cotton ball and leave it in places you see these pests.

When you bathe your pets, use a little apple cider vinegar in the rinse to repel nasty bloodsuckers. Vinegar can also fight pet dandruff and make their coats smooth and shiny. It is a cheap and all-natural home remedy.

9. Dishwashing Liquid Traps

Since bloodsuckers aren’t good swimmers, here is an easy trap that can clear your house in no time. Pour a little water in a shallow dish and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid, then place it where you notice insect activity. The bloodsuckers will hop in by the scores for a little swim, but they will never come out alive.

10. Neem Oil

Do your precious pets have sensitive skin or are they battling bloodsucking insects? Vets have recommended organic neem oil for years as a natural way to get rid of the bugs and heal animal skin maladies. All you need to do is rub a little into their fur and skin to see impressive results.

Final Thoughts on Dealing with Fleas

Are you and your furry friends tired of battling fleas and don’t want the risk of poisonous chemicals? Consider these natural remedies that have been tried and true over the years. You can get rid of the pesky fleas while preserving the safety of your family, pets, and the earth.

8 Amazing Reasons to Add Figs to Your Diet

June 25, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Historians often cite the Middle East as the home of civilization. Some of these culture’s earliest records describe the grains, vegetables, and fruit they learned to cultivate from native wild species, such as fig trees. Modern science is discovering the many benefits of adding figs to your diet.

Figs: Ambrosia of the Gods

For thousands of years, Eastern cultures recognized figs as a delicacy fit for divinity, royalty, and laborers alike. As trade and discovery spread from the Eastern to the Western hemisphere, fig-trees were among the many plants shared.

Sacred texts, art, and literature from around the world adore this tender fruit. In Christian tradition, the first humans sewed together fig leaves to make aprons to hide their nakedness. To those of the Muslim faith, these sweet orbs were considered a divine blessing, along with olives and grapes.

In Ancient Egypt’s afterworld traditions, the souls of royalty were said to be enclosed in one of these fruits after death. Early myths associated certain species with natural spirits, both good and evil. For some cultures, they were both feared and worshiped.

They have been a respectful representation of history and culture, which continues today. If you can’t find figs seasonally, you can usually find them dried or canned as a paste. While they tend to be a bit pricey, they are worth it.

Dietitians share fifteen foods high in soluble fiber to relieve constipation. Hint: the list includes figs!

Fruit or Flower?

When you mention these teardrop fruits, many people immediately associate them with an eponymous stuffed cookie. If you enjoy these yummy pastries, you will adore figs in their fresh form. The tender, meaty insides provide a delicate sweetness that can complement savory or sweet dishes.

The common fig, also known as Ficus, is a relative of the mulberry tree, with at least 840 known varieties. Although we usually consider them fruit in culinary traditions, they are botanically an inverted flower. Ficus bulbs encase their blooms, which nourishes them to ripeness.

The complex sweetness and delicate aroma of Ficus have often been compared to honey. Their tiny seeds are edible and lend a bit of texture to them. In Mediterranean cuisines, Ficus is classically paired with cheeses, nuts, and wine, or cooked with bold meat dishes.

The pureed form is often used to make delicious cookies and cakes in many global cuisines. It’s often turned into lovely jellies, jams, and syrups. Some people around the world use Ficus syrup to flavor coffee, tea, and pastries.

8 Amazing Benefits of Consuming Figs Regularly

Did you know that including delicious figs to your diet and fitness regimen may benefit your health? They have natural sugars and a lovely taste that can be savored in moderation, since eating too many can act as a laxative. You can enjoy them fresh or as dried fruit like dates and plums.

Medical research has not only focused on the whole fruit but has also studied the effects of Ficus leaf extraction. This essential oil can be ingested as a supplement or used topically. Either form of the fruit suggests possible benefits for several health conditions.

Before you incorporate Ficus or leaf extract into your diet, discuss it with your professional healthcare provider. Their natural sugars or enzymes may counteract certain medications or be a risk for some disorders. Here are eight ways that enjoying figs may benefit your wellbeing.

1. Nourish Your Skin

Do you have a dry, irritated complexion? Instead of relying on chemical-based salves and lotions, Ficus may do the trick. Dermatological studies have demonstrated that Ficus-infused lotion can soothe the burning and itching of dermatitis as well as common prescriptions.

Eating these luscious fruits from the Ficus tree may also keep your skin feeling fresh and younger. Scientific research into Ficus enzymes found that they are powerful antioxidants that can destroy cell-damaging free radicals. Don’t be surprised if you discover that your skin is glowing, and fine lines and wrinkles are less noticeable.

2. Benefit Your Cardiovascular System

Cardiovascular disease is one of the top killers in our country. Your professional healthcare provider has probably discussed the importance of good nutrition and exercise for heart health. Perhaps you are learning to avoid fat-laden processed foods for fresh whole foods, like figs.

This tasty fresh or dried fruit has shown promising results in lowering LDL levels, which is the bad cholesterol. Lowering your LHD means less plaque buildup in your vascular system, which can cause heart attacks and strokes. If you are on a statin medication for high cholesterol, never change or stop your doses without your healthcare provider’s advice, but nature can help.

Are you being treated for high blood pressure or hypertension? Ficus may also help lower your blood pressure, which reduces your cardiovascular disease risks. Monitor your blood pressure regularly as your healthcare provider recommends.

3. X Your Blood Glucose Levels

While some adults may develop Type 1 diabetes, the second type is most common. Unlike Type 1, Type 2 diabetes may be preventable and more manageable with proper lifestyle changes. One food that you might consider adding to the menu is fruit from the Ficus tree.

Fruits and some other foods have natural sugars that can cause your blood glucose levels to spike and suddenly drop. It can make you feel tired, irritable, and hungry and can be dangerous in the long run. Nutritionists recommend that you eat whole foods with a low glycemic index, such as Ficus fruits.

4. May Promote Healthy Digestion

With the poor food choices in the average American diet, it’s no wonder so many people battle gastrointestinal health issues. Feasting on overly processed products that are loaded with chemicals and artificial ingredients can wreak havoc on your gut, resulting in serious consequences.

Ficus is a nutritious food that is bountiful in probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Along with promoting healthy gut nutrition, the extra fiber helps move waste through your system more efficiently. The probiotics encourage the growth of beneficial flora in your digestive tract.

5. May Lower Your Risks of Certain Cancers

As of now, no miracle food or supplement has been discovered that can prevent or cure cancer. However, countless studies show positive correlations between certain foods and possible anti-cancer benefits. One of these foods is delicious Ficus.

Some science focused on eating the fruit while others studied the positive effects of its leaf extraction. Many researchers are encouraged by how Ficus leaf extraction has shrunk or destroyed tumor cells in test tubes. Testing is still in its infancy, and more research is needed.

6. May Promote Bone Health

Our bodies depend on our skeleton for protection and support. What you eat and your physical activity can either benefit or be detrimental to your bones. While it’s normal for your bones to get weaker as you age, a healthy lifestyle may keep them strong long into your golden years.

For optimal bone health, bone, and joint specialists recommend that you enjoy foods rich in calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, and magnesium. Did you know that Ficus fruit is chock full of these bone-healthy nutrients? Eating them in moderation can be a delicious way to prevent osteoporosis and brittle bone disease.

7. Bring on the Vitamin A

For years, people have munched on healthy carrots because experts touted the veggie’s high content of Vitamin A, which is good for your eyes. You may be pleasantly pleased to find that Ficus are also an excellent source of this vital nutrient.

Not only is Vitamin A beneficial to your vision, but it also boosts your immunity system in the process of building new blood cells. Each system in your body needs Vitamin A for optimal health and function. It benefits all your internal organs.

8. May Promote Your Reproductive Health

Maybe it’s not a coincidence that many ancient cultures considered the Ficus as an aphrodisiac. Before nutrients like magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron were discovered, they intuitively knew that this fruit benefited reproductive systems.

If PMS is an issue for you, it might be worth adding a few figs to your diet. It is a perennial folk remedy for painful periods. Some medical reports found that Ficus may help regulate female hormones and reduce PMS symptoms for some women.

Some Precautions for Consideration

Almost everything has its exceptions, including Ficus. Although the fruit’s boost of fiber can promote healthy digestion, it might cause diarrhea and bloat for people with gastrointestinal conditions. The dried fruits can act like their notorious colon-cleansing cousins, the prune.

Talk to your professional healthcare provider if you take blood-thinning medications, since the Ficus’ Vitamin K content may be counteractive. If you are allergic to latex, steer clear of these fruits. Their thick flesh is a natural source of latex.

Final Thoughts on Adding Figs to a Healthy Diet

Whether you savor them fresh, dried, or pureed into a velvety syrup, figs may be a healthy addition to your diet. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about any conditions or medications you take before starting. Discover the culinary love people have shared for this divine fruit since the beginning as they’re delicious and nutritious.

If You See Ravens Often, This Might Be Why

June 25, 2020 by Power of Positivity

If you’ve been seeing ravens often in your life, the universe wants you to pay attention to the subtle meanings behind their presence. This spirit animal comes to you when you need guidance or reassurance on your path in life. People often associate ravens with bad omens or darker energy, but they also symbolize other, more positive things as well.

Seeing ravens often signifies that you have a strong, mysterious energy force in your life. They may show up when you feel you need to reflect on your character and your life as a whole. Perhaps your strong energy may influence others in a negative way, so this bird shows up when you need some introspection. Below, we’ll talk about the history of ravens and their relationship with humans.

Cultural depictions of ravens

In ancient texts and mythology, people often associated ravens with loss and ill omens. However, their symbolism carries many meanings depending on culture and belief systems. Ravens also represent great insight, prophecy, and a medium between the human and spirit world. They are said to bring messages from beyond for the people who really need them.

French anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss came up with a theory that people associated the raven with mystical properties because it served as a totem between life and death. Because ravens eat the decaying flesh of other birds, they have a long association with death and bad omens. For instance, in Swedish folklore, ravens are the ghosts of those who’d been murdered without a proper burial. In German literature, ravens are damned souls.

In Greek mythology, ravens are associated with Apollo or the god of prophecy. They have been historically known to bring bad luck. According to one story, Apollo sent a white raven, or a crow in some versions, to spy on his lover, Coronis. When the raven brought him news that she had been unfaithful to him, he burned the raven with his anger, turning the raven’s feathers black. According to this story, that’s why all ravens are black today.

Research about raven behavior

Though they have small brains, ravens have a lot of intelligence that we humans don’t give them enough credit for. A new study found that ravens can work out social dynamics in other raven groups, which only humans had been shown to do previously.

Jorg Massen and his colleagues of the University of Vienna wanted to discover more about the social skills among birds, so they studied ravens, which live in social groups. In their study, researchers looked at whether ravens had enough intelligence to understand relationships in their own social group as well as in groups they had never been part of. Ravens in a social group fight over their ranking in the group, like ravens who have a higher social status get first dibs on food and other important resources.

The pecking order in a flock of ravens

Males always outrank females and fights usually occur between members of the same sex only. These confrontations, not surprisingly, are fueled by the higher-ranking birds who seek out the lower-ranking birds in order to assert their dominance and reinforce their social status. In the groups, the submissive birds put out a specific call to say they recognize the dominance of the higher-ranking birds. Just the same, the dominant birds put out a call to reiterate their high ranking.

However, sometimes the lower-ranking birds respond to the dominant birds in a non-submissive way. This is known as a dominance reversal call, which usually results in confrontations that sometimes change the social structure among the raven social groups.

Massen and his team gathered a group of ravens to make note of their conflicts. These included normal conflicts and dominance reversal calls. They also recorded calls from a different group of ravens housed separately. The team moved some ravens from the group to a separate enclosure. Then, researchers played recordings of different calls to mimic situations in nature where the ravens would overhear other ravens in a conflict.

Massen said they monitored the ravens’ responses to the calls to see if they responded differently to normal dominance calls and reversals. They used recordings taken from the other group to see if the ravens recognized that same behavior in other social groups.

Relationship stress

When ravens heard a reversal call within their own group, they showed higher stress levels because they expected some conflict to arise and bring changes in the social structure to follow. They either ran around or pecked at their own feathers, clear signs of stress in ravens. They showed even higher levels of stress when the dominant reversal calls came from members of the same sex. This isn’t surprising, because ranking confrontations only occur between members of the same sex.

Female ravens showed higher stress than males, likely because they already have a lower ranking than males so changes in the social structure affect the females at the bottom more drastically.

Hidden meanings of this spirit animal

Many people feel that ravens represent spiritual signs or messages. If you see ravens often, this is probably why:

You have great wisdom or intelligence, which people often come to you for.
Magical, mysterious forces surround you
The raven totem may appear when you need a spiritual rebirth
You need to cast darkness from your life so the light can get in
It could mean death or a bad omen, in some cases
Signifies recovery and healing
A great transformation will take place in your life

Is the raven your spirit animal?

Some cultures believe that everyone has a certain spirit animal that brings them greater wisdom from beyond. You will relate deeply to this animal, and you may even act like it sometimes. If you resonate with the raven, you have strong, powerful energy. However, you need to use it wisely, because it can overpower your judgment and bring negative energy back to you.

Read to find out how to identify your spirit animal.

Other spirit animal traits of the raven:

Fearless and strong – ravens have a powerful energy force and don’t fear anything in life.
Transformation- Ravens symbolize rebirth and grand transformation.
Solitude – Though ravens are social creatures, they need plenty of time alone to recharge and reflect.
Not afraid of the darkness – you see the importance of balancing both sides of creation.
Mischievous- If you’ve been told that you play pranks on people often, this might be your spirit totem. However, make sure to keep others’ feelings in mind so you don’t take it too far.

If this black-winged bird is your spirit animal, others might regard you as a prophet or bringer of important news. If you resonate with the raven, you have traveled to the darkest depths of your soul to bring forth the light. You may also enjoy being alone more than you like being around others.

So, if you see ravens often, this is what it means:

Expect change.

Ravens can have both negative and positive symbolism, so if you see these birds often, expect a change of some sort in your life. No matter what change may happen, try to remain even-minded, and remember that the universe will only give you what you can handle. If you’ve been having more vivid dreams lately that seem to have strong messages or omens, then the raven totem may be calling to you.

Your strength and bravery will reward you.

Other people may look to you when a crisis happens because they see you solid like a rock. Ravens carry this strong energy as well, so if you’ve been seeing them more lately, perhaps they want to warn you of a big change coming that you need to prepare for.

You should pay attention to how you treat others.

Even though others enjoy your playful, sometimes mischievous nature, you need to make sure to not overdo it. Sometimes you can forget about others’ feelings, so just be mindful of how others react to you so that you can adjust your behavior accordingly. Others may say you intimidate them with your powerful energy, but this doesn’t mean you should change. Perhaps just tone it down a little and avoid being brash with people.

You’re not afraid of the darkness.

You’ve explored both the dark and light sides of yourself and know that much can be learned by making friends with your dark side. However, choose your battles wisely, because you don’t need to travel into darkness unless you have a good reason.

Learn five ways to tell if the spirit world is trying to contact you.

Final thoughts on why you see ravens often

As with any other totem spirit guide, animals will show up when you need certain messages and signs relayed from another realm. Maybe you’ve lost your way recently and need the powerful raven energy to remind you of your inner strength. Or, you may be on the verge of a huge awakening, and this animal came at just the right time. If you see ravens often, know that they symbolize prophecy and ancient wisdom. And, they are protecting you and providing you with a source of universal energy.

Expect change.

Your strength and bravery will reward you.

You should pay attention to how you treat others.

You’re not afraid of the darkness.

The Community

Our Free Community of Positively Powerful SuperFans

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!