Stay Safe On The Roads This Summer: Top Tips For Drivers

Stay Safe On The Roads This Summer: Top Tips For Drivers

Summer is here, and what better way to celebrate than planning a road trip? If you’re looking to get out and about on the roads in the weeks ahead, here are some top tips to stay safe.

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Driving in bright sunshine

We tend to think of winter as the most dangerous season to drive but there are risks associated with getting behind the wheel on bright, sunny days. The most common hazard drivers face in the summer is glare on the roads, which makes it difficult to see. The sun can also pose problems when it’s low in the sky. If you’re driving on a bright day, always make sure that you have sunglasses with you and use your visor to enhance visibility. If you have an old car, or your visor is damaged, look into sun visor replacement. If you wear glasses or contact lenses for driving, you’ll need to invest in prescription sunglasses. Keep up to date with assessments and buy new sunglasses if your prescription has changed. 

Paying attention to speed restrictions

When the sun is shining, the skies and blue and you’ve got music playing, it can be tempting to put your foot down. While there are few things that are better than driving on the open roads on a warm, sunny day, it’s crucial to understand the importance of adhering to speed restrictions. Driving too fast increases the risk of losing control and sustaining serious or even fatal injuries. Keep an eye out for signs, and make sure you stick to the recommended speed. If you’re going too fast and you cause a crash, you will be held liable for the accident. 

Concentrating

There’s something special about driving in the summer, especially if you’re off on a road trip with friends, or you’re planning a vacation with your partner or family. It can be easy to lose concentration if you’re singing along to a playlist, chatting or staring at the scenery around you. When driving, it’s critical to focus on the road at all times. Try not to get distracted, keep your hands on the wheel and look out for hazards. It can take a second for the landscape to change, and you need to be able to react instantly. Avoid texting, making calls or changing the radio unless you can do it via voice control. 

Drinking

Many of us drink more in the summer, and we enjoy social occasions such as barbecues, garden parties and al fresco brunches and lunches. There’s nothing wrong with having a glass of wine or a cold beer on a hot day but if you do want to have a drink, don’t drive. Organize a lift home, book a cab, or make sure one member of the group isn’t drinking. Drinking affects reaction times and it can also impact your ability to make sound judgments. You may take more risks, and you may not be able to control the vehicle, even if you feel fine. If you cause a collision and you have drunk too much, you could face legal charges. According to the CDC, 29 lives are lost in the US every day as a direct result of alcohol-impaired driving. 

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Are you planning a summer road trip? If so, take these tips on board to stay safe on the roads. 

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.

Tips to Gain Back Confidence After You’ve Been Diagnosed with a Chronic Illness

Tips to Gain Back Confidence After You’ve Been Diagnosed with a Chronic Illness

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Once you get diagnosed with a chronic illness, it can drastically reduce your self-esteem. This may probably sound strange, given that chronic diseases are more likely to deteriorate your physical and mental health. But to some extent, a chronic illness can affect how you value yourself.

But how does a chronic disease affect one’s confidence? Foremost, when your body lacks the physical strength to do a particular task, your sense of capabilities and who you are may be shaken. 

Also, if you are physically weak, you are more likely to ask for help from your friends and family, and you may feel embarrassed or ashamed. Today, living with a chronic illness has a diminished view in society, leading to all sorts of mental issues. And if your mental state gets interfered with, you may lack self-esteem.

Fortunately, there are ways to gain back your confidence if you are living with a chronic illness. Read on.

Work on Your Body

A chronic illness will affect your physical appearance, and if left unchecked, it can quickly diminish your confidence. But a good, healthy, and fit body can build it. So, to regain lost confidence, it would be best to work on your body.

However, note that you do not have to break a bone while trying to achieve this. Sometimes, it can be as simple as reframing your thoughts positively about the physical appearance of your body. 

In addition, there are many ways to fix your body. For instance, you may want to consider a digital posture corrector to improve your posture, which can leave you feeling and looking great.

You may also want to consider a few simple yet effective workouts to help transform your body physically and gain back lost strength. Your body is one of the best defense mechanisms for a chronic illness, and working on it can improve its disease-fighting capabilities.

Focus on Positive Things

Being positive about everything in life is one of the best ways to keep it moving despite going through all sorts of challenges that life may throw at you. So perhaps you should try being positive by listing good things about yourself to gain back your confidence.

Make it a habit to note down positive things such as your achievements, what you have in life, your capabilities, and plenty of other things. Doing this every day can go a long way in enabling you to view yourself positively, which can help build your confidence.

Find New Purpose in Life

Lastly, if you want to gain back your confidence, you should invest in finding a new purpose in life or creating new goals. When living with a chronic illness, it can be daunting to feel satisfied with life. 

But suppose you consider finding a new purpose, such as focusing your energy on a new hobby, starting a business, or learning a new course. In that case, it can provide a new beginning, motivation, and excitement. Ultimately, this will boost your self-confidence.

Everyone deserves to be happy in life. Therefore, you should not let a chronic illness limit you from attaining the happiness you deserve. Instead, use the above tips to help gain back lost confidence and lead a happy life.

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.

Hair Loss in Pregnancy: Causes and What to Expect

Hair Loss in Pregnancy: Causes and What to Expect

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Soon-to-be moms often complain about hair loss. Why does it happen? Is it normal? Can we prevent it? Can it be treated? Here, we are breaking down everything related to hair loss during pregnancy. Keep reading to learn the answers!

Are you expecting your little bundle of joy? Congratulations! It’s such a happiness to carry a baby inside your body! However, you may experience pregnancy-related issues like morning sickness, weight gain, high blood pressure, mood swings, and some changes in appearance, e.g., hair loss.

Today, we’ll talk about hair thinning and falling out during and after pregnancy. This, alas, is an unpleasant but common condition for future and new mothers. Hair loss can be caused by various reasons, e.g., stress, changing hormones, or more serious medical problems.

Here, we’ll share some insight on hair loss during pregnancy and find out whether you can prevent or treat it.

What Can Cause Hair Loss In Pregnancy?

Many expecting mothers are wondering whether hair loss is normal during pregnancy. However, there is no short answer. On the one hand, small patches of hair falling out are completely normal while pregnant. On the other hand, there can be medical problems that can cause excessive shedding. So, let’s discuss possible reasons for hair loss during pregnancy.  

Hormonal Shifts

The first trimester of pregnancy can greatly stress the body since the balance of hormones dramatically changes to help you develop your little one. It may lead to Telogen Effluvium – stress-induced hair falling out – it puts up to 30% of hair into the resting phase, that’s why you lose about 300 hairs per day instead of the normal amount – 50-100 hairs per day. However, hair thinning due to hormonal shifts doesn’t happen right away, it usually takes about 2-4 months to notice this issue.

Good news! Telogen Effluvium doesn’t result in permanent hair loss and should resolve itself within several months. The only thing you can do to support your hair during and after pregnancy is taking good care of it. It would be a good idea to use gentle sodium chloride free shampoo recommended by Evelyn Harper and take pregnancy vitamins recommended by your doctor.

Health Issues

Growing a baby may be quite a challenging task, therefore, some health problems may arise, e.g. gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, vitamin deficiencies, etc. Depending on their severity, these conditions can lead to Telogen Effluvium.

Pregnancy can also increase the risk of the following issues:

Thyroid problems – sometimes pregnancy hormone levels can shift into the danger zone due to thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism). Excessive shedding is one of the symptoms, other symptoms can include constipation, muscle cramps, and constipation.

Iron deficiency – this condition occurs in women who are carrying multiples, experiencing morning sickness, or expecting soon after giving birth. Iron deficiency or anemia means you have a low amount of red blood cells that supply oxygen to different tissues in your body. This condition may cause hair falling out and other symptoms, e.g., fatigue, headaches, irregular heartbeat, exertional shortness of breath, etc.

If you suspect iron deficiency or thyroid issues, you should update your healthcare provider and do necessary blood tests to determine whether you need special treatment. Your hair won’t return to its normal condition unless you address these health problems.

Is There Any Treatment For Hair Loss In Pregnancy?

If your hair loss is caused by hormonal shifts, you don’t need any special treatment – your locks will bounce back over time. On the flip side, if it’s happening due to health problems, work with your healthcare provider to find the safest vitamin supplements or medications. Note that most medications are dangerous for the fetus, so don’t take anything unless your doctor gives you the go-ahead!

Anyway, you shouldn’t sit back with your arms folded! There are several well-tried home remedies that can help return your hair to normal sooner. Here they are:

● Eat a well-balanced diet – nourishing foods and vitamins are a must for you, especially if you are experiencing hair loss during or after pregnancy! Eat more legumes, dairy products, sweet potatoes, broccoli, leafy greens, eggs, berries, meat, fish, seeds, chia, walnuts, and drink orange juice.

● Fenugreek hair mask – it’s an amazing skin and hair booster! Soak seeds for several hours, mash them well, and apply this paste to your scalp. It’ll enhance your hair’s thickness and shine.

● Scalp massage with warm oil – it improves circulation, therefore hair growth. Use peppermint, jojoba, almond, or olive oil for moisturizing, nourishing, and stimulating hair growth.

How To Prevent Hair Loss In Pregnancy?

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It depends on what’s causing hair loss – if it’s a medical condition, you’ll be able neither prevent nor cure it without the right treatment. Anyway, the following recommendations will help to avoid more breakage and thinning:

● Use hair loss shampoo for pregnancy, it should be DHT-blocking or mild sodium chloride-free shampoo.

● If you take any supplements or meds, ask your healthcare provider whether they can cause excessive shedding and what you can do about it.

● Opt for comfortable hairstyles, do not use tight braids, buns, or ponytails.

● Comb your hair gently with a wide-toothed brush.

● Avoid using permanent treatment, hot rollers, and curling irons.

● If you are going to use a new solution, do a patch test to be sure you won’t develop an allergic reaction. 

Is Hair Loss After Pregnancy Normal?

Lots of women complain of hair loss within several months after birth, typically peaking around 4 months postpartum. It’s caused by the drop in estrogen, and as a result – Telogen Effluvium. Although it may be a bit intimidating to see up to 300 strands or more a day, it must resolve on its own within 6 to 12 months. 

Bottom Line

If you’re experiencing hair loss during pregnancy, don’t stress out too much unless you suspect any health issues. If so, do contact your healthcare provider to rule out possible problems. And remember, most mommies say that their hair becomes thicker and healthier by the baby’s first birthday.

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’s Bio: Rachel Hudson is a copywriter with 7 years of experience. She’s been writing on topics related to parenthood, kids’ development, healthy lifestyles, and fitness. Rachel is a mom to 2 kids, she enjoys spending all her free time with them.

Foods to Eat and Avoid to Help Your Dental Health

Foods to Eat and Avoid to Help Your Dental Health

Dental health is essential for healthy living, strong teeth, and a beautiful smile. There are plenty of things you can do to help your dental health: brush twice daily, visit the dentist regularly, and floss. However, there are also some lifestyle changes you can make to ensure your dental health is the best it can be.

Food and drink are essential for dental health. This is because the food and drink we consume affect the bacteria levels on our teeth and their likelihood to sustain tooth decay. Therefore, by choosing the right kinds of food, we can strengthen our teeth. On the other hand, if we consume lots of harmful foods, our teeth may become weaker. Therefore, it’s key to understand which foods you should eat and avoid (or enjoy in moderation) to ensure strong and healthy teeth.

Bad Foods

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Sugary foods, especially sweets, are a problem for your teeth. The worst kind of sweets are those that stick in your mouth for a long time. Examples of these could include lollipops or caramels. Sugar is bad for your teeth as it feeds the bacteria on your teeth, causing toothache, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Food that gets trapped in your mouth, especially if it is starchy. The kind of food that gets trapped in between your teeth, such as crisps and bread, is no good for your teeth. When they get trapped, it takes longer for your saliva to flush out the bad bacteria that causes tooth problems.

Carbonated drinks are one of the worst things for your teeth. Carbonated soft drinks are often packed full of sugar and will only do bad things for your teeth. In addition, the acid in these drinks is incredibly damaging.

Good Foods

Dairy is great for teeth. This can include most dairy products, but key ones include cheese, milk, and yogurt. Dairy contains calcium, which strengthens your teeth. They can even rebuild enamel on your teeth.

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Fruits and vegetables rich in fiber are great to eat to benefit your teeth. This is because fiber-rich fruit and veg make saliva flow in your mouth. Saliva is great for tooth health, as it dulls the power of acids on your teeth, caused by sugar reacting with plaque.

Sugarless chewing gum is useful for the same reason – it gets saliva flowing in your mouth. If you have one of the worse foods for your teeth – such as a sweet – chew sugarless gum after to clean your teeth quicker. It also can remove food from your teeth.

Food should be enjoyed in moderation.

Cutting certain foods out completely is often difficult and can develop into bad eating behaviors. For this reason, said “bad” foods should be enjoyed in moderation, rather than cut out completely.

Managing your food and drink intake will help the strength and health of your teeth, but you may still run into issues with your dental health. For this reason, ensure you see a dentist as soon as you notice any problems with your teeth. Look to http://bruggemandental.com/ for a great dentist to help you with your dental hygiene.

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.

Methods to Save on Buying a Home That Actually Work

Methods to Save on Buying a Home That Actually Work

A home is definitely not an inexpensive purchase. In fact, it’s likely to be the most expensive thing that you ever buy. However, you can still find ways to save money and stick to a budget when you’re looking for the right home. There are plenty of ways to secure a home for a good price and make sure you don’t overpay. Offering too much on a property not only means paying more than you need to, but it could cause problems for you later. If you’re in the market for a new home, try these ideas to save some money.

Have a Plan

Ready to make a home purchase? It’s best to have a plan for what you need and what you want in a house. If you are building from scratch with a company like Hallmark Homes Group, you can specify what is important to have in your house and where you want it. If you are buying an established home, understand that not every house will have both your needs and your wants under one roof, but some can come pretty close if you’re patient and willing to do some work.

Consider Off-Plan

One of the ways to possibly save on a new home is by buying a property that hasn’t been built yet. Looking at off the plan apartments for sale or off-plan houses is a potential way to get a brand new home but spend less money. Off-plan properties have yet to be built, which means that the trade-off is that you have to wait longer. In addition, you might get to look at a show home or example photos, but you won’t be able to see your new home until it has been built. However, it could be worth it if it helps you to save.

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Negotiate with Sellers

Buying a property doesn’t just mean paying the asking price. There’s room to make an offer that you think is a good deal. And even after you have had your offer accepted, you could still have a chance to negotiate the price with sellers. If your lender has an appraisal carried out but they value the property well below what you’ve offered, you may have no choice but to renegotiate the price. Unless you’re able to provide a larger down payment, you’ll need to lower the price so that you can get a mortgage large enough.

Take Your Time

The worst thing you can do when you’re buying a property is to rush into it. It’s a big purchase and one that you could be paying off for many years to come. You don’t want to realize that you’ve made a mistake when it’s too late, and changing your mind could cost you a lot of money. When you set a budget and decide what you’re looking for in a home, allow yourself the time to find what you’re looking for. Don’t rush into anything because you want to get the process done sooner.

Do Your Research

When you’re deciding how much a property is really worth, it’s smart to do plenty of research. Take a look at how much recently sold properties were sold for, as well as the listed prices for properties that are currently for sale. It’s smart to do this not only to save yourself money but also to make sure you don’t offer too much and then end up having the property undervalued by your lender.

With some smart techniques, you can save money when you’re buying a property and avoid paying too much.

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.

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