Healthy Post-Surgery Recovery Tips

Many of us will have to go through surgery at some point in our lives. The prospect of having an operation can be a scary one but for many people, it is the recovery after the surgery that causes the most worry.

Most people want to be able to get back on their feet and start feeling healthy again as soon as possible after surgery, but that is often easier said than done. The good news is, there are lots of things, as you will see below, that you can do to recover faster and more effectively from surgery.

recovery

Maintain excellent personal hygiene

 

Whether you have had major surgery like total hip replacement surgery or a minor keyhole procedure for an injury, there is always a risk that you will end up with an infection post-surgery. You can significantly reduce the chances of this happening by maintaining excellent personal hygiene, washing your hands regularly, and keeping your wounds clean. If you can shower, then try to do so daily too.

 

Eat a healthy diet

 

Food is the best medicine, so when you are recovering from surgery, if you want to be back up on your feet as soon as possible, eating a healthy diet rich in whole foods is the best way to do so. Staying hydrated is also vitally important because dehydration can make you feel weaker.

 

Move around

 

If your doctor has said it is okay to do so, then getting up and moving around for at least a few minutes each day will help to build your strength back and prevent issues like bed sores which can cause complications when you are recovering from surgery. If you feel worried about moving around, only do so when you have someone who can walk beside you to keep you steady and ensure you are safe.

 

Install a pill alarm

 

If you are taking painkillers post-surgery, then to maintain good health and avoid any accidental overdoses or to prevent yourself from forgetting to take any important medications that will keep you healthy, it is a good idea to install a medication alarm that will alert you when you need to take your next dose. Most smartphones support these apps and they will help to keep you safe if you are taking medication for whatever reason.

 

Check your wounds

 

Checking your wounds and incision sites daily is really important as it will help you to quickly detect any infections or other issues that might make you sicker for longer, healthy wounds tend to be pink whereas wounds with a yellow tinge may be infected and need quick attention, Kepo a close eye on them if you want to avoid any complications.

When recovering from surgery, you should always listen to what your doctors tell you and act accordingly, but if you are able to incorporate any of the above into your recovery period, it will definitely help you to heal faster and more effectively so you can start feeling healthy again as soon as possible.

How to Prepare Your Home for Fall

Fall is a beautiful season to enjoy in your home. The vibrant colors of leaves on the trees, cool weather, and cozy sweaters all make it the perfect time to curl up with a book, light some candles, and take in your home. With just a few minor adjustments, you can transform your home into a little nest perfect for cuddling with the ones you love this fall. How do you get ready for fall? Preparing your home for the fall season doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. You can ease into fall by making simple changes that significantly impact your home.

fall foliage

Service Your HVAC

First and foremost, your heating and cooling system will be the foundation of your home comfort during fall. Check your HVAC system for any issues, such as clogs, broken parts, or other malfunctions. If you find problems, it is best to fix them as soon as possible. Getting hvac maintenance booked in before the temperatures drop and demand for repairs grows can help you to save money on costs this fall and ensure your system is completely ready for winter.

 

Check Insulation Levels

As the weather changes from warm to cool, it’s essential to ensure your home stays comfortable. You may need to add more insulation if you live in an older home. You can add an extra layer of batting or fiberglass in your attic or look at newer insulation methods such as spray foam insulation. You can check your insulation levels to see where to add or remove insulation.

 

Inspect Windows & Doors For Drafts

Another important aspect of keeping your home comfortable is ensuring no drafts come in through your windows or doors. Check your windows for drafts, including the ones in your entries. If you find that you have a draft, you can either add weather stripping or replace the old door or window with a new one. 

 

Clean Roof and Guttering

Finally, clean your roof and gutters as the leaves fall to prevent clogs that could cause damage. If you are in an area with heavy leaf fall, you will want to clean your roof and gutters more frequently. When cleaning your roof and gutters, you can use a power washer to eliminate most leaves, pine needles, and other debris. Be careful not to use too much water to clean your roof and gutters as it could cause water to back into your home.

 

Conclusion

Now that you know how to prepare your home for fall, it is time to start! You can do many things to prepare your home for fall, from adding cozier decor and accessories such as blankets, candles, cushions, and so on to deep cleaning your home to prepare for the colder weather. However, making sure you look at some bigger, more vital parts of your home can help you to avoid any breakdowns or the need for emergency repairs. So take the time to check over the things mentioned in this post, and you can relax knowing your home is ready for fall.

Creating Privacy in and Around Your Home

restored home

Everyone wants their home to be private. It’s a place of sanctuary where you want to enjoy time on your own or with your family. Even if you invite guests in sometimes, you don’t want random people to peek in at what you’re doing while you’re at home. Fortunately, there are ways you can create privacy in your home and ensure you can enjoy it as you want to. Making some changes to both the interior and exterior of your home can help you to make your home more private. Take a look at these tips for creating privacy in and around your home.

 

Soundproof Your Home

 

Soundproofing your home is one of the best ways you can make it more private. Good soundproofing shuts out sound from outside but it also keeps sound in your home. So not only are you blocking out external noise, but you’re also preventing neighbors or passersby from hearing your conversations and other activities. You can soundproof your home in a number of ways. Outside, you can use fencing or plants to create a more soundproof space. Inside, you can consider your windows and doors to prevent sound from traveling between indoors and outdoors.

 

Protect the Perimeter

 

The perimeter of your home is important to think about if you want to create more privacy. If you protect the perimeter, you can prevent people from being nosy and create a private space that you can enjoy without worrying about others disturbing you. A fence or wall is a good option for creating privacy. You could consider automatic access gate installation to ensure you still have good access to your home. A gate will provide security while also making sure you’re still able to come and go as you please. Automatic gates make it easier to get in and out with your car too.

 

Prevent Neighbors Looking In

 

Worrying about your neighbors peering into your home can prevent you from enjoying it properly. They could see in when walking past or standing outside, or they might be able to look through your windows or down onto your backyard from the upper levels of their own homes. If you want to stop neighbors from looking into your home, you could use tinting or frosting on windows. Light window dressings can also create privacy while still letting light through. In your backyard, consider using your landscaping and hardscaping to create more privacy from above.

 

Use Security Tech

 

Using security technology can also help to create more privacy in your home. It can discourage people from getting too close so that you can keep your home to yourself. Installing a security camera could be a good idea if you want to make your home more private. Get a camera that will save the footage to the cloud so you can easily review it or check on it when you’re away from home.

Focus on creating privacy in and around your home and you can improve your enjoyment of your property whenever you’re home.

Ideas To Help You Spend More Quality Time With Your Partner

Noticing that you and your partner do not spend enough quality time together is not a red flag but a green flag. If you notice that you want more time, then it shows that you want to enhance your love and further romanticize your relationship. 

If you find it difficult to think of fun date ideas so that you can spend more quality time together, here are some tips.

love heart

Organize a romantic meal on a random occasion

Going out for a nice meal does not have to be when a celebration rolls around. Although it is nice to go out for dinner on a birthday or anniversary, why not go for more special dinners on random days of the week?

If you know that your partner loves steak then you could find a steakhouse in  Oklahoma city to treat your loved one to a special and memorable meal on any random occasion. It will be spontaneous and unexpected, which will help you appreciate each other more than just on special occasions. 

Take a trip

Taking a trip is a great way to spend extended time with your loved one. Make sure the dates and destination work for you both so that you know that you can fully switch off from work and other commitments. 

Whether this will be your first trip with your partner or your tenth, there is no better way to spend quality time together than while traveling. Traveling locally or abroad gives you both time to switch off and truly enjoy each other’s company. 

Cook together

Whether or not you enjoy cooking, it can be great fun to cook with your partner. You can either cook together or cook a separate dish each. Either way, being in the kitchen together can be special as you might not do it often. Or, you might do it every night but take the moment for granted. 

Taking time to plan and cook food in each other’s company can help you appreciate the moment more. The more you appreciate it and the more time you dedicate to it, the more often you could do it. You could even do it every day so that you both get quality time together everyday even if you both have a busy schedules. 

Go on a hike

Going on a hike together can be a great way to switch off for an hour or more and not have anything else on your mind other than each other. 

Many people say that their best thinking is on a walk/hike. Therefore, it will be a great time to clear your head and have a deeper conversation than you might have at home. 

Plus, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors together and find nature trails that inspire you and your love for each other.

Outdoor movie night

Why not take movie night outside instead of on the sofa?

If the night is mild or warm, then you could set up a movie outside with snacks and blankets so that you can cozy up under the stars and watch something new or old.

4 Ways to Get Your Business To Run Without You

new blogging tips

If you are a remote business owner, you may worry about how your business can run without you present. While many entrepreneurs are there, whether in the office or at least in the same country as their employees, remote business owners could be anywhere else in the world. The good news is that it is possible to get your business to run smoothly without you, so you can enjoy your vacation and cope with the time difference, enabling your company to thrive no matter where you are. 

Hire A Dependable Team 

No business can operate successfully without a dependable team. This factor is especially true if you want your business to run well even without you present. A dedicated team that is focused on professional development is perfect for this approach, but you need to empower your team to take the reins without you holding their hand. Preparing and training before you move on or reduce your office hours can ensure they have the confidence to take over, and if they need any confirmation, they can always send an email to double-check. 

Find Outsourcing Partnerships 

Small businesses do not have the vast workforce required to handle endless maintenance and networking services. If this sounds like your business, don’t hesitate to find outsourcing partnerships to minimize the office workload and give your employees all the time they need to focus on other aspects of the business. Working with an IT strategy firm can help maintain your networks, while content creation and finances, among other everyday essentials, are also an option. 

Automate Content 

No matter your industry, the modern world demands a consistent stream of content to keep customers engaged. But, asking anyone to sit at the computer all day posting content, whether tweets, infographics, or comments is ridiculous. It is not something a human should have to do. So, what’s the solution? Automating your content, whether social media marketing or blog posts allow you to provide a steady stream of entertainment without forcing someone to do it manually. Instead, preparing several months of content and scheduling posts can keep your audience engaged even if you aren’t there to post. 

Encourage Subscription Orders 

Subscriptions are nothing new, but they have recently become more apparent in online retail stores, especially the likes of Amazon and similar businesses. By offering subscriptions, combined with subscription-based pricing, you can provide a much-needed service to your customers and give them a better deal. What’s more, all of this is possible without you being there to fulfill the orders. As the subscriptions have already been set up, it’s as simple as the order is packaged already and sent out when necessary. When the customer no longer needs the subscription, they can simply cancel it. 

Running Smoothly 

Every business owner wants their company to run smoothly no matter where they are. If you need to take an extended trip or are planning on relocating yourself but not your small business, these tips are vital, so don’t ignore the potential of seeking a unique approach to keeping your business running even if you’re not always present. 

The Most Effective Remedies For Joint Pain

joint pain relief

One in four people experience arthritis in their lifetime. This results in joint deterioration and pain in joints – which in some cases can be seriously debilitating. Joint pain cannot always be cured, however there are many ways to reduce and even eliminate pain temporarily. This post explores some of the most effective remedies for joint pain. 

Explore different types of pain relief medication

For serious joint pain, a doctor will usually be able to prescribe medication. For less serious joint pain, over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen may be able to help.

Of course, there are alternative forms of pain relief medication that you can try too. Medicinal cannabis as supplied by companies like Harvest House of Cannabis is legal in many states and could be an option worth looking into (treat your joints with a joint!). Other herbal medicines that are more widely available include capsaicin creams, turmeric powder, devil’s claw powder and willow bark tea.

Reduce foods and drinks that cause inflammation

Some foods and drinks could be making your inflammation worse. Refined carbs like white bread and white rice could be worth switching out for brown bread and brown rice. Sugary foods like cakes, candy and chocolate should also be reduced, as well as sugary drinks like soda – these can cause inflammation by spiking insulin levels. Fried foods are also not ideal for this reason. 

Massage your joints to improve fluid flow

Lack of blood flow and fluids to joints can cause them to feel ‘stiff’ and can cause pain. Massages are one effective way of improving blood flow and flow of synovial fluids. 

A professional massage is the best option, however you can also massage your own joints using a tissue massager or just by using your hands. This guide at Healthline explains how to massage your joints yourself. 

Stay active (but not too active)

Exercise helps improve flow of blood and fluids to joints, as well as releasing feelgood endorphins to reduce pain. For this reason, you shouldn’t treat joint pain as an excuse to laze around all day on the sofa. At the same time, you don’t want to exercise too intensely as this may aggravate joint pain.

Low impact exercises are the best options for beating joint pain. These exercises don’t involve running or jumping (which can aggravate joints). Walking, swimming and yoga are some of the best examples of low impact exercise. 

Know when to use the heat and the cold

Both the heat and cold can be used to reduce inflammation, but you need to know when to use each. In the case of long-term pain, it’s usually better to use heat. A hot bath or even a hot flannel can help to reduce such pain. When it comes to fresh joint injuries, you’re better off using cold treatments. If you’ve recently sprained an ankle or developed whiplash, you can reduce inflammation and pain by placing an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables on the affected area. After 48 hours, it’s best to switch from cold treatments to hot treatments. 

7 Ways To Save Money In The Garden This Summer

garden at home

Having a garden means investing money both to create and maintain it. Fertilizing, planting, harvesting, pruning, and monitoring pests can become expensive in the long run. However, there are some great ways to cut back on costs. It pays to bear in mind that, on average, a well-kept fruit and vegetable garden can save you at least $600 per year. So if your garden is looking quite unkempt and you’re searching for budget-friendly ways to revamp it this summer, here are some useful tips to help you save money.

  • Go for second-hand tools

 

A well-maintained garden requires supplies, such as buckets, shovels, rakes, lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, and so on. All these tools are rather expensive when bought brand new, but there’s nothing stopping you from buying second-hand gardening tools. Of course, you have to check that it’s still in reasonable condition and won’t break after a short time. Look out for used products that come with a minimum guarantee period; your wallet will thank you.

  • Make compost yourself

 

One of the common garden expenses is fertilizer, as plants need compost to support strong growth. Store-bought fertilizer is sometimes quite expensive. But you may not know that you could easily make your own compost at home. You just have to check the numerous articles online that talk about how to make compost for your plants. And the best part is that it’s not an excessive effort; on the contrary, you will end up reusing the food waste that you would have otherwise thrown away. This waste is definitely ideal for providing the nutrients your plants need. Remember that strong growth also requires regular weed control, so if you cannot commit the time required for this task, consider using a local professional service such as http://masterscapes.com/. These experts can also take care of all your gardening repair and maintenance requirements.

  • Your garden can cut your grocery bills

 

If you have a reasonable amount of space outside of your home for plants, flowers and trees, then it’s possible to intentionally create a garden to cut back on your spending at the supermarket. Of course, maintenance is something you can’t avoid, but what if your garden is designed to not waste money? You can analyze this by separating the cost of the garden from the money you will save. For example, if you have fruit trees, this means free fruits you no longer need to buy. This saves you money in the supermarket, and some of your savings can be spent on garden care products.

  • Make the whole family responsible for gardening

 

Having a garden means taking responsibility. Plants need regular care – you must prune them, compost them, and tend to them when they are sick. All this effort can become highly time-consuming. So what about if you set up gardening maintenance as a family activity?

Just as everyone in the house has a regular chore to do (cleaning, washing dishes, clearing the table, and so on), you can use this method in the garden to get everyone involved.

In addition, it is good practice for children because you will teach them how to take care of their environment and nature. And the back garden is a great place to start learning these skills.

  • Choose plants that are productive for you

 

Most avid gardeners are familiar with the feeling of falling in love with the gardens they’ve seen in pictures and magazines. The desire to recreate these dream gardens is sometimes unavoidable. However, before you commit to a compulsive purchase, you need to consider whether or not these plants will actually do you any good. Is it a plant that you will use for the kitchen? Maybe to take care of your health? Or is it just decorative? We’re not saying you can’t have a beautiful garden, but that shouldn’t be all. You must design a productive, functional garden that positively impacts your purse strings.

  • Recycle products for garden usage

 

It’s true that a garden with recycled products may not look as pretty and stylish as one with all branded accessories, but you certainly save a lot of money and also protect the environment. So it’s worth sacrificing the normal definition of beauty in order to be practical and avoid waste. For example, you could use forks to discourage certain animals from spoiling your plants. Likewise, you can use boots, plastic bottles, or similar containers as flower pots.

  • Use your own seeds instead of buying

 

A common mistake that is often made is the belief that you have to buy all the plants, seeds, and trees for your garden – this is certainly not the case. You can also plant them from the seeds of fruit you’ve already consumed. This is cheaper than seedlings or trees. While it will take years for some of them to bear fruit, don’t think solely about the duration; rather, focus on your future savings.

In this way, saving money on gardening is not only workable but can also be the solution you have been looking for to take the first step and build your garden.

Evening Rituals Before Bedtime: 6 Tips to Help your Baby Fall Asleep Faster

baby pic

It would seem so easy to put a child to bed, turn off the light and leave the room, but everything is not so simple. Especially if you need to put an infant to bed. Read the article to find out about some tips that can help a kid to fall asleep faster.

Keep the Schedule

As a rule, children have problems falling asleep if they go to bed at different times. That is why it is essential to ensure that a baby falls asleep and wakes up at the same time every day. Specialists believe that at every age there is a different time for going to bed and the amount of sleep needed. Infants usually need to sleep at least 12-14 hours, toddlers need to sleep from 9 to 16 hours, schoolchildren from 8 to 14 hours, etc. It’s essential to clearly define the time for preparing for sleep and the morning routine to follow. Routine is the most important part of a child’s lifestyle, which helps a kid to fall asleep faster.

Eating Regime

For a baby to fall asleep quickly and have a good sleep, along with rituals before bedtime, an important role is played by a hearty but easily digestible evening meal. Experts recommend allowing children to have a snack like whole grain toast, an apple, or crackers 45 minutes before bedtime. If a kid is under the age of 4 months, to avoid sleep disturbances and colic and improve the quality of sleep, it is recommended to give baby formula containing prebiotics. Their presence in the content promotes comfortable digestion, development, and maintenance of normal intestinal microflora, ensures regular bowel movements, and prevents the development of constipation.

Evening Bathing

To help an infant to fall asleep, bathe it before going to bed. For many babies, a warm scented bath has a calming effect after which children sleep sounder and sweeter. Bathing is a wonderful ritual to end the day. For a newborn, this procedure is a signal that it is time to go to bed.

Pleasant Bed Linen and Pajamas

Coziness will set a baby to sleep faster. The bedding should be soft and not cause irritation and allergies. But there is one factor that parents don’t always pay particular attention to and it’s color. Children have a strong psychological relationship with color. A baby will fall asleep faster and more peacefully among pastel tones, while bright colors will irritate its nervous system.

 

The same applies to drawings and patterns. By preferring gentle shades of blue, gray, beige, and green, you will increase the chances of peaceful sleep for your little one. The same with pajamas, which by the way can be several sets to give a kid the opportunity to choose which one to wear.

Prepare a Comfortable Room

A child’s sleep is influenced by several factors, the most important of which are its bed or crib, temperature, humidity in the room, noise, and lighting. If a baby sleeps in a crib there should not be extra pillows, lots of toys, etc. because they disturb it from sleeping. In case a child sleeps alone, protective sides are mandatory.  If you are taking a baby to sleep with you then you should put a newborn between you and the wall, placing something against the wall to protect from injuries. 

 

The temperature in the baby’s bedroom should not be higher than +18°..+20°, and the humidity should be 40-60%. Air circulation is also important, before going to bed you need to ventilate the room. There are eternal disputes about whether to leave the light or not in the room. The sleep hormone melatonin is produced depending on how bright or dark the room is. In bright light, this hormone stops being synthesized, so babies should sleep in a dark room. 

Cry It Out Method 

If you are a fan of different methods of putting children to sleep, then ask your pediatrician for more details about these. For example, pediatrician Richard’s Ferber Cry It Out method is generally based on allowing an infant who does not want to sleep to cry as much as it wants by putting it in the crib and leaving it alone. The pediatrician believes this is the natural way for a kid to learn to fall asleep independently. Besides, there is a method founded by Maria Montessori. According to her, to make a kid fall asleep the room should generally consist of several zones which are the zone where a child sleeps, eats, and changes clothes.