Parenting Advices

Today’s living space is getting smaller, while the challenge of keeping it clean is getting bigger. We may not be aware of it, but a cluttered space at home may affect us and our visitors more than we think.

Proper Identification

De-cluttering cannot begin without the homeowner’s realization that his living space is already cluttered. So when can we identify that a space already is cluttered? If there are things lying around that do not belong to a specific area or a specific place, if you want a neat look, everything has to be in its proper place. Any item should be there for a reason. So if there are things lying around without any rhyme or reason, that’s the time to de-clutter. Psychologically, living in such a space will also not be visually-comforting for the homeowners.

It is said that dirty shoes reflect a dirty person. Where you live reflects the kind of person that you are. Needless to say, if your house is cluttered, you probably have a disorganized mind. It can also imply that you’re too busy to organize your living space.

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Feeling sluggish, depressed, sensitive to the weather, or gaining weight while on a diet? Anyone with the above symptoms may be suffering from hypothyroidism.

To better understand the condition, it’s best to discuss the organ involved: the thyroid gland. This small and lightweight organ, which sits just below the Adam’s apple, influences many of the body’s metabolic functions. It produces tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), respectively. The release of the T3 and T4 is triggered by the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone from the pituitary gland situated in the brain. There is a feedback control mechanism that regulates the concentration of the T3 and T4 in the blood and keeps them at a safe level.

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The completeness of womanhood is measured by one’s capacity to bear offspring. However, another challenge is keeping the balance of being a responsible mother to the unborn child and being a loving wife as well. Normal marital relations are safe during until the last few weeks. However, if at any time sexual intercourse becomes uncomfortable, it is wiser to refrain.

The most common risk factors include a history or threat of miscarriage, a history of preterm labor or having premature contractions, unexplained vaginal discharge or cramping, having an abnormally implanted placenta that covers the cervix or is situated near the cervix, and pregnancy of multiple fetuses.

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In today’s urban jungle, towers of glass, metal, and concrete house a thriving and bustling populace. People scurry about at a dizzying pace like insects. It’s a fast-paced world we live in and admittedly, it can get crazy. For many urban dwellers who want to unwind and de-stress, going back to nature is at the top of their list. This usually means a trip outside the metro where plants still grow abundantly and one can get a lungful of smog-free air. It is undeniable that there is something about Mother Nature that soothes and heals a weary soul and body.

Green Therapy

As much as we want to retreat to a distant green sanctuary when our stress levels go up, it isn’t always a viable option. So, for a quick dose of green therapy, head on to the nearest park, or better yet, create your very own garden. A lush patch greeting you when you get home is just the ticket to ease some of the tension brought about by a long day. Just the sight of a well-tended garden with a display of wonderful colors and the amount of oxygen that the plants exude can soothe the nerves and the eyes of a tired individual. The rocks and boulders can provide meditative attention to someone who is enjoying the premises of the garden. If walking into or even just having a view of a garden is already calming, just imagine the benefits of growing your own plot of green. Stress starts to melt away the moment you step into a garden. The vivid plant colors are a pleasant sight for sore eyes. A whiff of floral scents floating in the air instantly puts one at ease. Hearing the sound of flowing water and touching the earth relaxes tense muscles and calms the mind.

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“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” This is according to Hippocrates, Father of Medicine some thousand plus years ago. During those times they really didn’t have the drugs we have today, so what they did was rely on natural and healthy fresh foods to cure sickness. And I’m sure a lot of us have experienced our elders giving us homemade herbal drinks and dishes that don’t taste so good but are very effective in relieving aches, pains, colds, and many other illnesses.

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Did you know that 30% of buildings worldwide are considered sick, causing building occupants to experience acute health and comfort effects when they spend time indoors? One of the causes of this is the accumulation and duplication of harmful microbes either in the air or in other innocent-looking surfaces like sinks, tables, and walls. To name just a few bacteria found at home, check out the following:

Salmonella - found in raw meat and food products and can cause diarrhea, gastroenteritis, and typhoid fever.

Cladosporium - a common fungus that is usually associated with plants, leather goods, and wood products. It may be hidden in places such as the backside of a dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling. This can cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions.

Shigella - 10 shigella bacteria make up an infection, which can be passed through direct contact with bacteria in the stool. People may get infected if they come in contact with anything contaminated by the stool from an infected person.