Category Archives: ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Tips from fixing the room to finding health remedies in the kitchen.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Thou Shall Not… The Energy Cutting Commandments

Thou Shall Not… The Energy Cutting Commandments

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Energy prices are rising, and that isn’t good news for the average homeowner. Keeping the finances out of the red isn’t easy as it stands currently, but higher energy bills only make it harder. The result is that the majority of people are looking for ways to cut their expenses in half. Unfortunately, there are so many tips on the Web that finding the ones that work is difficult. In fact, it’s almost like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Thankfully, this post has put together the great and the good of energy cutting tips.

Here are the commandments that you need to implement in your household.

Go Green

Run of the mill homes burn fossil fuels to keep warm. Although it’s effective, it is also expensive and bad for the environment. The obvious solution is to implement eco-friendly methods to help save the planet and your bank balance. Take the kitchen appliances as an example. On an average day, a family can use these devices dozens of times. Some don’t even turn off at all, such as the fridge. By turning them down, the amount of energy they use is a lot less throughout the week. By the end of the month, this should reflect in your bill.

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Switch Providers

Almost everyone picks a supplier and never changes. The reason is the hassle. Apparently, it is too much bother to pick up the phone or browse the internet. The truth is that it couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is click on a comparison website and input your search. The results then appear, and you choose the one which seems the most beneficial. Quite simply, they do all the heavy lifting so that you don’t have to worry. Because energy providers are rivals, the discounts they offer to new customers are significant.

Maintain The Boiler

The boiler is without a doubt the biggest culprit when it comes to energy bills. Most of them are outdated and use energy as if it grows on trees. Thankfully, there are ways to get it to tow the party line. For starters, you can replace it with a newer model. Yes, this is expensive in the beginning, but the savings are quite remarkable after a couple of years. Or, you can use experts like Heat-line to prevent heat loss. The electric heat tape that they sell, for example, regulates water temperatures so that it doesn’t keep on heating and cooling down. If this doesn’t sound appealing, you can do it yourself with a furnace cover or foil.

Replace Light Bulbs

Standard light bulbs are remarkably inefficient. In essence, they produce more heat than they do light. That means the majority of the energy is wasted on needlessly. It’s almost like throwing money down the drain. By installing CFLS bulbs, there is no reason to lose money any longer. These are eco-friendly bulbs that have a much better light to heat ratio. Sure, they are not as bright, yet they get brighter with time.

Follow these commandments and there won’t be any nasty surprises.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, SEX & LIFE

Everything You Need To Do Before Handing In Your Keys

Everything You Need To Do Before Handing In Your Keys

Getting ready to move home? If you are moving out of a rented apartment, you will need to make sure you do certain things so that you get your deposit back in full. Not sure you’ve done everything? Just make sure you can check everything off this complete checklist for moving out before you hand your keys back to the landlord!

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Contact All Utility Providers

About a month or so before you move out, you need to let all your utility providers know that you are going. You might be able to simply move your account over to your new address with some companies. However, with some, such as electricity and gas, you might be required to close your account completely and open a new one once you are in your new home.

Change Your Address On Documents And Contracts

As well as informing all your utilities, you will need to let a few other companies that you have updated your address. They will then be able to change your address on many official contracts and documents. For example, your bank is one of the first organizations you tell and then they can change your address for all your banking. Remember to get your address changed on your driving license and inform your employer.

Clean Your Old Apartment

Before you leave your old apartment, you need to clean it so that it is in the same condition in which you found it. If it is messy or dirty, then there is no way you will be getting your deposit back! That’s because your landlord has the right to use the money from the deposit to clean the apartment. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, you might want to use the Whizz exit cleaner service. You can then be confident that the apartment has been cleaned up to a professional standard.

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Fill Out The Inventory

You will have probably had to fill in an inventory when you first moved into the apartment. This will just have been a list of different household items and furniture, and you will have had to tick off all the ones in the flat. You now have to revisit the list and tick all the items that are still in the flat. If there are any pieces of furniture or appliances that are now missing or broken, your landlord might use money from your deposit to replace them for the next tenants.

Clear Out The Entire Flat

It’s a good idea to remove everything from the flat, even items that you might think the next tenants might find useful. That’s because your landlord might not realize you’ve left these for the next occupants, and they might remove them. If they do remove anything after you have left, they will be within their rights to charge you for the removal. So don’t expect to receive your deposit back in full!

Now that you have this complete checklist, you can get organized before moving day and handing the keys over!

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

What’s Causing Your Debilitating Joint Pains?

What’s Causing Your Debilitating Joint Pains?

 

Joint pain is no laughing matter. Pain is the body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. It’s a cry for help, a scream of agony, and a warning that if you don’t do something soon, the damage could be long-lasting and affect your daily activities. Joint pains can be particularly painful and annoying to deal with because they impact your ability to move around and get things done. Nothing’s worse than trying to get up and down the steps, only to stall midway because your knees suddenly give in. However, there are many different types of joint pain and it’s impossible to go through all of them and give advice. We can, however, go through some of the more common types of joint pain and how to relieve it.

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Arthritis

Arthritis is actually an umbrella term for many different types of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Treatments usually depend on what type of arthritis you have, but medication such as Caruso’s arthritis supplements can help you ease the pains and also prevent you from further injuring your points. However, if your arthritis is severe and debilitating, you’ll need to visit your doctor to determine what type it is and how to treat it. Osteoarthritis, for instance, is pain that is the result of typical wear and tear of the joints and therapy, exercise and medication are required to treat it. Arthritis is common when you’re ageing, but it can also happen as a result of repetitive strain and overworking your body.

Flu

Influenza can cause a number of varying symptoms depending on the severity. Sometimes the effects can be negligible, but at other times the flu can be devastating and completely shut down your regular activities. In some cases, the symptoms can be so severe that it will cause vomiting, diarrhea or even joint pains. If you suspect you have influenza, then it’s important to get plenty of rest, drink a lot of water and take over-the-counter medication to deal with the pain. Painkillers can also help reduce the pressure on your joints, but rest will be the main determining factor.

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Fibromyalgia

This is a condition that causes musculoskeletal pain. Symptoms include painful joints, stiffness and a tender feeling at certain joints in the body. Fibromyalgia can also cause fatigue or increase your sensitivity to pain, and you might have difficulty sleeping as a result of it. In some cases, the condition can also lead to bowel problems and frequent stomach pains. Fibromyalgia happens for unknown reasons, but it’s usually linked to stressful situations such as giving birth, injury or infection. It’s commonly treated with medication, but therapy can also help to reduce your stress and lifestyle changes are always welcome.

Summary

Joint pains can happen for a number of reasons and it’s important to identify what is actually causing the pain before you take over-the-counter medication in an attempt to remedy it. It could make your symptoms worse if you misdiagnose the condition, and this may lead to further complications.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, SEX & LIFE

How to Set Up Your Home Yoga and Meditation Space

By Guest Blogger Diana S.

How to Set Up Your Home Yoga and Meditation Space

 

For many people, yoga is the one thing that keeps them healthy – body, mind and soul. While it is all about finding the time to slow down, be still, and listen to your inner self, a lot of us just don’t have as much time as we would like to head down to the yoga studio. Have you ever thought how much simpler life would be if you could just create your own personal yoga studio? Here is a simple guide on how to create a designated yoga corner at home.

Do I need a yoga space at home?

Having a yoga space at home is not just a matter of convenience. Sure, sometimes when you are tired after work, or it’s raining outside, you just don’t feel like leaving home and heading down to the studio. But it’s not just about what is easy. Don’t be discouraged thinking your home is just too small. Your studio doesn’t even have to take up an entire room. Just choose one corner of a room where you feel pleasant. It could be in your bedroom, living room, or, if you enjoy fresh air, even your garden. Your yoga corner will affect the energy of the space making you feel calmer whenever you see it. It will also remind you to take the time to practice and meditate more often.

Prepare your space

Whether you have chosen an entire room, a rarely used corner or the outdoors, your first step should be not to add objects, but to declutter. Yoga is all about clarity and the free flow of energy. Too many objects, especially inconsequential ones, will staunch this energy flow. For optimal energy, you can consult the rules of Feng Shui. Take a look at your space: anything that distracts you and disturbs your sense of clarity and calm needs to go. For starters, clear out all the mess and all unnecessary objects, and get quality gym flooring.

Decorate and supply

Apart from your yoga mat, there’s very little supplies that you actually need. Depending on the type of yoga you practice, you might also need beads, a pillow or a singing bowl. If you like meditating to certain sounds, relaxing music, or practice guided meditation, try to set up your sound system to be as unobtrusive as possible. You could paint the walls a soothing color, or choose a corner by the window if you feel that looking out the window helps you stay connected to nature and your environment.

Finishing touches

Choose the details you want to add carefully and sparingly. Don’t give in to temptation to clutter the space again. Choose a few details that you love seeing and that will instantly help your mind go into a meditative state. A lot of people choose a potted plant and perhaps a drawing or a painting that speaks to them. A small statue of Buddha is also found at plenty of home studios. If you have children and would like to teach them how to practice mindfulness too, you could make calming glitter jars together and keep them in your home yoga studio as well.

Having your own tiny studio, or even just a corner of your home where you can practice or meditate could help you use your time to the fullest, even when you are too busy or tired to leave home. Actually, setting up this space doesn’t take too much money or effort at all, and it will bring you many relaxing hours enjoying the calming, beneficial effects of yoga at your own home.

 Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram 

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, SEX & LIFE

Top 6 Tips To Manage Diabetes Effectively

By Guest Blogger Dona W,

Top 6 Tips To Manage Diabetes Effectively

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Diabetes cases across the world are on the rise and many people are facing major health complications because of failure to effectively manage the disease. Diabetes is a life-long disease that requires a lot of effort and time to manage. As the disease continues wiping a large part of the world population, majority of the affected individuals have refused to let it get on the way of their lives. Most people have learnt how to manage diabetes effectively and they are now living a comfortable life with a few complications. You can also be one of them by learning a few tips to manage diabetes. Remember that the main aim of managing diabetes is to keep the blood glucose levels as normal as possible. Below are some of the best tips that you can use so as to manage diabetes:

1.Eat Well

When it comes to managing diabetes, diet plays an extremely important role. However, you should know the best foods to take, how the combinations of those foods affect blood sugar levels, and how, much you’re supposed to eat. Carbohydrates usually have the largest impact on blood sugar levels. As such, you should learn the appropriate amount of carbohydrates that you should consume by using scales or measuring cups. Balance your meals by making sure that every plate has a good mix of fats, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, and proteins. It’s also important to pay attention to the type of carbohydrates and the amount that you’re supposed to consume. Avoid all beverages and foods that are known to spike the blood sugar levels. However, in case you’re experiencing low blood sugar levels, then you might use sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, sports drink or juice to raise the glucose levels.

In order to get the best juices to manage diabetes, it’s highly recommended that you get the best masticating juicer. Masticating is basically a slow almost cold-press and comprehensive way for extracting juice and nutrients from fruits and vegetables. Masticating juicer usually use a gear that rotates slowly so as to effectively crush the cell walls of veggies and fruits to release extra juice as well as nutrients. Breaking through those cell walls is important as it greatly increases the amount of antioxidants and other important nutrients in produce.

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Blenders are also effective at producing nutritious juices. Having the best ninja blender like SharkNinja BL456 Nutri-Pro will ensure that you get the best out of your fruits. This blender has pro extractor blades that can blend and crunch any kind of fruit, seed, vegetable, leaf or nut. The functionality and shape of the blades help when extracting the vitamins and nutrients in the food that you’re processing. This will ensure that your smoothies will be packed with vitamins and nutrients. In addition, they will be broken down, easily digestible and also quickly absorbed by the body.

2. Get Physical

Exercise is a very important part of managing diabetes. Exercising has lot of benefits: It improves one’s blood sugar levels, cholesterol as well as blood pressure. It also lowers your risk for stroke and heart disease. Remaining fit will also help you to maintain a healthy weight. In addition, the exercises will give you more energy while still keeping your joints flexible. According to health experts, exercise is always going to help any diabetes treatment plan. Your goal ought to be a minimum of half an hour of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercises at least 5 days a week. Pick an activity that you like, be it walking, swimming, dancing, golfing or tennis, so that you will want to stick with it.

3. Stick to Your Diabetes Treatment Schedule

Just like with the other health complications, the usage of medication can have a significant effect on its effectiveness. To remain on top of your diabetes management, set an alarm for each time that you need to take pills or insulin. Your mobile phone alarm is great for this because you’ll have it wherever you are. Another effective trick is to link taking insulin or pills to other daily habits like brushing your teeth early in the morning or before you go to bed at night.

4. Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels

When managing diabetes, you should keep your blood sugar level within a healthy range. Your physician will determine this range based on your age group, your overall health, your specific diabetes treatment and how long you’ve had diabetes. To be sure that you are staying within that recommended range and that your diabetes management plan is working well, you must monitor the blood sugar levels by testing the blood. The testing schedule can be weekly, 2/3 times a week, daily, or several times in a day. Sticking to your personal schedule is very important. You should therefore make it a routine that you’re sure to remember.

5. Be Safe With Insulin Needles

If you take insulin using traditional syringes and needles, it is important to handle them carefully. Ask your physician if it is safe for you to reuse the syringes so as to save money and reduce waste. If you are prone to infections, it might not be a good idea. However, if you are given the okay to reuse the syringes, ensure that you keep the needle clean. You should always cap it when not in use. You should also clean the needle using alcohol before each and every injection. Cleaning will also help the needle to slide into your skin with a lot of ease. Discard any bent or dull syringes.

6. Get high-quality sleep to ease stress

Stress and anxiety are huge triggers for most diseases. For diabetics in particular, anxiety and stress is positively correlated with the blood sugar levels. This simply means that when stress shoots up, so does the blood glucose levels. And since getting restless sleep or insufficient sleep increases your body’s stress levels during the day, getting sufficient and good sleep is going to be a big priority for easy disease management.

Happily, most individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes find this to be one of the most favorite diabetes prescriptions. After all, who doesn’t like the excuse to tell his/her boss, loved ones or friends that their physician insists they must go home and get adequate sleep?

Conclusion

Diabetes is a common disease, and while it can be managed effectively, it often requires significant lifestyle changes and it can present a few challenges. Managing diabetes requires everyday care. However, it does not have to be complicated. Learning about the basics, getting support and advice from health professionals such as your physician, certified registered dietitian and diabetes educator, can help you to live well with diabetes.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram

Author Bio

Dona is a part-time blogger and a full-time housewife with big love for cooking. She is the founder and editor of donaskitchen.com an avenue for sharing her passion about juicing, plant-based diet and living a healthier lifestyle.

Email: dona.donaskitchen@gmail.com

Twitter: @donajwilliams