Lyme Prevention Starts at Home. Be prepared!

·       Create a tick kit for your family for use at home and make another for travel. Necessary items include a fine-tipped tweezer, alcohol pads, magnifier, and antibiotic ointment. Or, purchase a readymade kit, the TickEase Tick-Kit, that also includes tick ID, health risk assessment and tick testing info.

·       Remember to wear light-colored long sleeves and pants when in long grass areas

·       Tuck your pant legs into socks, especially if walking or hiking in wooded areas

·       Wear a bug repellent with DEET on your skin and Permethrin on your clothing to keep ticks away

Tick Safety in Your Yard

·       Clear tall grass and brush at the edge of the lawn and create a 3-foot barrier between lawns and wooded areas with wood chips, mulch, or gravel 

·       Cut lawn frequently and keep leaves raked because ticks prefer moist leafy areas rather than sunny open spaces

·       Locate patios and playground equipment in a sunny location, away from wooded areas

 

Tick Safety for Your Dog

·       After walking in wooded areas brush your dog vigorously and do a thorough tick check

·       Have your dog wear a permethrin-treated bandana, i.e. the TickEase Bandana to help repel ticks and other insects. 

·       Quickly remove embedded ticks from pets to reduce the chance of infection. The TickEase tweezer makes tick removal quick and easy as holding down a squirmy pet can be tricky.

Thanks to Erik Karits @erik_karits for making this photo available freely on Unsplash 🎁
https://unsplash.com/photos/r6PynlurQ2M

4 Useful Tips to Keep Your Home Tidy

 

Sometimes it can seem as if the mess builds up out of nowhere. No matter how much you wish your home was spotless, it somehow manages to slide back into chaos as soon as you turn your back. It isn't an uncommon phenomenon; life can get on top of you and push tidying out of your list of priorities. When the mess builds up past a certain point it can make it even more difficult to start the process of tidying and the procrastination creates a vicious cycle. Here you will find tips on how to break out of this cycle and keep up with the maintenance of a consistently tidy home.

 

1. Tidy As You Go

 

After completing a deep clean of your home, you will likely want to avoid having to do it again in the future. A great way to avoid this is to tidy as you go. Instead of leaving your belongings around the house and waiting until a quiet day to tidy every room, simply put items away when you have finished using them. This is much simpler and quicker thanplanning a day or weekend of intensive tidying.

 

2. Give Everything Its Place

 

Each item in your home should have a place it belongs to. For example, your kitchen utensils have designated drawers, so why shouldn't your keys or receipts? Take note of which items in particular you tend to misplace or find cluttering up your home, then choose somewhere appropriate for them to stay when not in use. Instead of keeping your paperwork piled up in the corner of a room, figure out a simple filing solution. When everything has its place, it's easier to find an item if it goes missing. If you can't find a place for something that you don't want to get rid of, consider Morespace Storage at morespacestorage.co.uk to keep belongings somewhere safe and out of the way.

 

3. Donate Unwanted Items

 

If you find that there are many unwanted and unused items in your home that take up too much space, consider giving them to people you know who might appreciate them. Have a cupboard or basket in your home with these items and let guests know that they are welcome to take anything from it when they leave. You could also donate these unwanted items to worthy causes or sell them online to make some money.There are plenty ways to get rid of your clutter without throwing it away.

 

4. Appreciate What You Own

 

When you are able to appreciate and value everything in your home, you can distinguish it from the items that don't need to take up your valuable space. This also helps when considering a new purchase. If you have something similar at home that fulfils the same role, you might think twice about adding an unnecessary object to your home out of impulse. Of course, this also means that if you truly need or want something you will know for sure that it deserves a place in your home.

Photo source 

5 Reasons You Need a Full-Service Laundry Solution Near You

 

Handling laundry needs in your home can prove hectic when you lack time and space. Seeking professional help, therefore, becomes paramount. The availability of laundry cleaning services can offer the solution you need. Here is how full-service laundry solutions can prove beneficial to your home.

Time-Saving

Note that balancing your job and cleaning needs in your home can be hard without help. However, you save time handling your cleaning needs with a full-service laundry solution. You get time to concentrate on other needs while meeting your cleaning expectations through the services provided by the professionals.

A Convenient Solution

As you get busy or incapacitated, handling laundry and other cleaning needs in your home can be hard. You get inconvenienced in many ways when you fail to maintain high cleanliness standards in your home. This is, however, different when you hire Clean Go Solutions as you avoid the stress of moving around looking for cleaning services.

You Get Organized

After the professionals take your laundry, expect them to deliver it back after organizing it. You find everything, including the socks, in the right place in your home. They clean, fold and arrange your laundry as instructed. Hiring full-service laundry solutions makes it easier to organize your home and increase its comfort.

Effective Cleaning Technology

The technology used by these services can help meet your expectations fast. Besides the team of experienced professionals, your home gets to utilize the state of the art technology and equipment to achieve laundry solutions. You get long-term results when you rely on highly effective cleaning technology.

You Get a Brand New Look

Getting a brand new look is another reason you need a full-service laundry solution in your home. The experts you hire can give your clothes a new look. The skills, experience, and technology give the best results fast. You easily take care of the fabrics and colors, making your clothes remain clean and functional for a long time.

The decision to hire a full-service cleaning solutions could prove beneficial to your home in many ways. You keep your home organized, increase your productivity by saving time and give your home a new look in the end. The reasons above should encourage you to hire a full-service laundry solution.

Thanks to Annie Spratt @anniespratt for making this photo available freely on Unsplash 🎁
https://unsplash.com/photos/5TfCI4nj6B4

Desirable Gifts To Take To A Baby Shower

 

 

 

 

When your best friend or family member is pregnant, it is an exciting time. If you have been invited to the baby shower, it can be a bit tricky to know which gifts to bring, especially if you have never attended one before or don't have kids. What do new parents want? 

Parents to be can never have enough baby clothes and bibs. Rest assured, the baby will have enough cuddly toys. However, you may want to get them something different that they will need. Here is a brief list of what you could give at a baby shower that will be useful. 

Breast pads

It may seem unusual, but any mother-to-be will thank you for gifting her breast pads. Even if she doesn't intend to breastfeed her baby. 

You can get disposable breast pads at any pharmacy, but why not opt for reusable ones? There are many options online made from cotton and bamboo. These options often reduce the likelihood of developing fungal issues. They allow the breast to breathe while also being hygienic. 

Swaddles

Who doesn't love a baby swaddle? They are timeless, functional, and look adorable! These cute baby swaddles will make any parent-to-be coo. While also offering a practical solution for those first few months. 

Look to get a swaddle that is light in color and made from natural material. Once again, cotton and bamboo are your friends here. They are both easy to wash and are reusable as the baby grows.

Room thermometer

Babies cannot regulate their body temperature. So, they almost need a climate-controlled environment to help them sleep and grow. 

There are many room thermometers online that can be a great gift at a baby shower. Many of them can indicate to parents in an instant if the room is too hot or too cold. This is a practical and easy to give gift, that is likely to be accepted with much thanks from parents-to-be.

Toiletries

There are many baby-based toiletry brands online, so it can be tough to choose which item is a must-have. The best option is to get a lotion or cream that is suitable for both mom-to-be and newborns. 

Be sure to get toiletries with a mild scent, preferable hypoallergenic and water-based. Steer clear of anything that is brightly colored or scented. It may also be worth looking for moisturizers that have aloe vera and cocoa butter in them. These can soothe aching muscles and are great for reducing dry skin naturally. They also smell divine, so they will go down a treat.

Pregnancy pillows

Who said the gift at the baby shower has to be solely for the baby? There are great present ideas for moms-to-be to enjoy  as well.  

In the later months of pregnancy, moms-to-be can find it tough to sleep. So, to earn best friend status in an instant, why not opt for a pregnancy pillow? 

This will support the growing bump throughout the later stages of pregnancy. All while helping the mom-to-be get some much-needed rest. Pregnancy pillows can also support aching legs and boobs too. Great for every stage of pregnancy and postnatal. 

Photo by Kampus Production from Pexels

Can You Get Out of a Lease Early?

Sometimes things don’t always go as planned and you need to get out of a lease early. Getting out of a lease early can seem like uncharted territory, but it can be possible under certain circumstances. 

How to Get Out of a Lease Early

Getting out of a lease early isn’t typically easy, but there are some ways to maximize your chances. Read the Lease: Focus on the fine print because this is where you will find the penalties and procedures of early termination. Leases generally protect the landlord more than the tenant, so you might owe money to your landlord. 

Communication Is Important: If you need to get out of the lease early, then you need to communicate with your landlord. Some may be more understanding and flexible. You may be able to reason with them before you do anything drastic. 

Get Everything in Writing: If your landlord does agree to end the lease early, then get that information in writing. Verbal agreements can’t be proved if you end up in court and it will be the lease that will prevail. Keep a paper trail if you have ongoing communication with your landlord, especially if there are maintenance issues that mean you need to get out of your lease early. 

Do a Walkthrough before Leaving: Before you leave the property for the final time, make sure you do a walkthrough with your landlord and take photos so you have proof of the state of the property. This will protect you if your landlord wants to sue for damages or keep your deposit.

Avoid Any Assumptions: You don’t want to assume that your deposit is going to cover overdue rent or property damage. Be sure to check local and state guidelines before you assume anything or seek legal advice. 

Get Legal Help: You may need to get legal help if you need to get out of your lease early and have exhausted other options. This is especially important if you think your landlord has acted illegally. 

Reasons to Get Out of Your Lease Early

There are some common reasons why it may be necessary to get out of a lease early. If you are an active-duty military member, then you may need to get out of your lease early if you are deployed. Landlords can be usually understanding in these circumstances. Other reasons to get out of your lease early include your rental unit not being habitable, your landlord enters your home illegally, or you can’t pay rent. 

Does It Cost Money to End Your Lease Early?

There is no set cost associated with ending a lease, but you may be required to pay a significant amount. If you aren’t able to find anyone to take over the lease, then your landlord may say that you have to pay rent until a new renter moves in or your lease is up. It’s possible you could also lose your security deposit if you want to get out of your lease early. 

Photo Source

Stomach Flu or COVID-19? Why getting tested is important

Apart from the usual cough and fever, COVID-19 can present with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea - which are similar to that of a stomach infection. While most COVID-19 patients experience respiratory symptoms, studies show that children may only experience gastrointestinal symptoms while infected with the coronavirus.  

How can parents tell the difference when it comes to the wellbeing of their children? Dr. Ruth Kanthula, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist at MedStar Health shares the information below:  

 

>> How common are gastrointestinal symptoms when children get infected with COVID-19? 

Patients with COVID-19 typically develop symptoms such as a cough, fever, wheezing and shortness of breath. However, studies have reported patients experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms at different frequencies. Diarrhea and vomiting are the most reported GI symptoms and often present themselves before a cough or fever. 

 

>> Can children experience GI symptoms during COVID-19 without any respiratory symptoms?

The answer is yes. Children may be infected with the coronavirus and only experience GI symptoms. In fact, a study on COVID-19 and the gastrointestinal tract in children found that 10% of children diagnosed with COVID-19 had only reported the presence of GI symptoms. 

 

>> Are children more likely to get these symptoms than adults?

Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports have suggested that the presence of  GI symptoms are more common in children than in adults. But the frequency and clinical outcomes of these gastrointestinal symptoms in children remains unknown. 

 

>> How are stomach viruses different from COVID-19? 

Doctors are still learning about the clinical symptoms associated with COVID-19. There is a small number of viruses that account for most cases of acute gastroenteritis in children, including rotavirus, adenovirus, norovirus, and astrovirus. There have been reports that children infected with other strains of the coronavirus may experience symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. However, the clinical symptoms caused by these viruses are indistinguishable.

 

>> When is it necessary to get COVID test if your child has GI symptoms?

Given that GI symptoms may be the first sign of COVID-19 in children, it is recommended to get tested for the coronavirus as soon as GI symptoms appear - rather than waiting for more common symptoms like cough or fever. 

 

>> How can you treat gastroenteritis symptoms associated with COVID-19?

Supportive care for gastroenteritis includes drinking plenty of fluids and treating with fever reducing medications if necessary. If your child is dehydrated, has severe abdominal pain or has blood in their stool, you should consult your doctor for other treatment options. 

 

>> How can parents prevent the spread of infection in children? 

It is recommended that children ages 5 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against the coronavirus. Hand washing is especially important if children are getting contact with someone who is experiencing gastroenteritis associated with a COVID-19 infection - as scientists have detected the virus in the stool of patients infected with COVID-19. Other preventive measures include wearing a mask for children aged two and up. 

Daily Meditative Reflections Inspire Hope and Faith Throughout Lent and Easter Seasons

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

Cleveland, OH, February 17, 2022 — It's that time of year again when we all start thinking about how we can make the most of Lent and Easter. Have you considered An Encounter: A Daily Discovery in Divine Word Volumes II and III? This series of books by Fr. Dr. Maurice Emelu can help you approach Lent and Easter with intention and purpose — even if it's just one day at a time. And, he explains, it will be a surprising, transformative, spiritual resource for you and your loved ones. 

 

“You see the eucharist, you see the sacraments, you see your neighbor, you see your friend, you see your family, you see the workplace, you see the road where you will walk — every part of that, in different degrees, are ways that you can really encounter the grace of God,” Fr. Emelu said in a recent interview.

 

Drawing upon his many years of pastoral ministry, Fr. Emelu combines story-telling with a Western worldview to offer a unique perspective on faith-life and what it means to grow closer to the Lord. He communicates his sentiments and ideas in compelling, relatable ways and applies them to today’s realities. Each passage aims to heal, inspire, teach and encourage through the power of God’s Word.

 

An Encounter is suitable for both personal and group faith sharing — for anyone seeking a daily walk with God. The topics of future volumes will be announced soon.

 

“Alone with God, the soul hears words that the noisy world often silences,” he said. “Call them a boost for the day or a spiritual companion for everyday life. They are empowering words meant to accompany readers on their own journey of life as they continue to discover the gentle Word of God.”

 

About the Author

Father Maurice Nkem Emelu, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of digital media and communication at John Carroll University in the United States. He is the chair of the John Carroll University core committee on humanities. The author of seven books, and over 700 blogs and professional articles, he provides robust cross-cultural educational programs through digital media. He is the host of EWTN’s The Faith with Father Maurice and the host/executive producer of Word for a Wounded World teaching series, plus numerous other television and radio works. He holds a Ph.D. from Liverpool Hope University, UK, focusing on digital storytelling, media aesthetics and theology, among other academic degrees. An encounter with the Lord when he was 14 changed him in fundamental ways, and today he describes himself as “passionately in love with God and His body, the Church.” 

 

For more information, please visit www.revemelu.com, or follow the author on Twitter (@revemelu) and YouTube (Fr. Maurice Emelu).

 

An Encounter: A Daily Discovery in Divine Word, Volume Two: Lent
Publisher: Bien LLC

ISBN-10: ‎ 0960109714

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0960109715 

 

An Encounter: A Daily Discovery in Divine Word, Volume Three: Easter
Publisher: Bien LLC

ISBN-10: ‎ 0960109722

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0960109722

 

Available from Amazon.com, BN.com, Revemelu.com and wherever books are sold

 

###

Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is among the common types of insulation that you can use in your home. It's a great way to improve your quality of life because it helps provide the optimal temperature, sound, and humidity levels in your home. The spray foam insulation will also help protect the integrity of your walls and provide a healthier environment for your family. Here are some ways spray foam insulation can benefit you.

Versatility

One of the merits of spray foam insulation is its versatility. Spray foam insulation can be used in many different ways, and it comes in various thicknesses depending on the needs of your home. There are many types of spray foam insulation like open-cell, closed-cell, extruded, expanded, and fluted.

Save on heating and cooling costs

If you're struggling with high energy bills, spray foam insulation can help. Spray foam insulation is a very efficient way to insulate your home. When the temperature in your home is increased, your heating and cooling costs are decreased because it's easier for your furnace and air conditioner to keep the house at a comfortable temperature. That's because the spray foam insulation creates a thermal barrier that doesn't allow excess heat or cold from outside sources to enter your home.

It protects against moisture damage

Moisture damage is also one of the most common problems for homeowners today, but spray foam insulation helps protect against this type of damage. Spray foam insulation generates a vapor barrier that prevents moisture from seeping into your walls or ceilings, causing expensive structural damage over time. The vapor barrier created by spray foam also prevents water from pooling on the surface of the insulation, which could cause mold or mildew growth in confined areas like rooms and attics, leading to unhealthy living conditions for you and your family members.

It protects against pests

Pests are another common problem that homeowners face today that spray foam insulation helps protect against. Pests like rodents can cause significant structural damage to homes over time if they aren't kept out by pest control services or preventive measures taken in advance, like building an enclosure around your foundation walls or using glue traps in attics.

PHOTO SOURCE

The Last Possession hits the Terror Films Channel on March 4 & VOD on March 11.

 THE LAST POSSESSION 

Ahhhh ok. I didn't hate this movie at all. My screener was hard to watch so I am frustrated right now. It kept buffering at the most stressful parts and there were many. I enjoyed this story of a family Kent and Stephanie and their kids Jack and Gabby who has moved into the home of the Kent's father's house. His father had committed suicide there and while estranged this was the only option for this struggling family. 

While having dinner they hear a big sound accompanied by a bright light in the backyard. They think earthquake even though it would be uncommon where they are. A huge sink hole or they believe well seems to have opened up in their backyard and things start getting strange. 

If a huge, endless, dark hole opened in my backyard the last thing I would be putting over it is two thin pieces of plywood but maybe that's just me.

Gabby starts talking to deceased Grandpa, Jack is seeing things in the bathtub and eventually even Stephanie sees something go into the bathroom. My question is what the heck does this "paranormal entity" need in the bathroom? 

Anyway, long story short, the kids are scared, mom and scared and poor Kent is just trying to protect his family so they hire a Spirit Guide to help them navigate what is going on in their home. 

Things go haywire and Gabby goes missing. What is it that is "haunting" this family? You will have to wait until the end to see but it is worth it. 

So while Kent and his wife Gabby think that the kids are just being kids. 

5 Reasons Why Divorced Dads Play a Vital Role in Their Child’s Life

 

Dads’ Resource Center reminds people just how important fathers are

STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania – (February 9, 2022) – According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there is a crisis in the country involving fathers. They report that one out of every three children, or 24 million, live without their biological father in the home. The problem is that fathers play an important role in their child’s life. When dad is missing from a child’s life, there’s a lot that society is missing out on as a result.

 

“Mothers and fathers give different, but equally important things to their children,” said Jeffrey Steiner, executive director of the Dads’ Resource Center. “Children need both their mother and father fully engaged in their upbringing to have the best chance to be successful in life."

 

The government report also says there is a “father factor” in nearly all the societal ills facing the country. Divorced dads must get the opportunity to play an active role in their child's life. In today's society, dads are far too often pushed aside by the court, legal, county, and human services systems.

According to the Dads’ Resource Center’s analysis of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, here are 5 reasons why divorced dads play a vital role in their child’s life:

• Prosperity verse poverty. Children who have the active involvement of their father during their childhood earn 26% more than those who don’t ($59,490 versus $43,938).
• Social program usage. Children who did not have the active involvement of their father during their childhood were 94% more likely to have used government programs such as Women, Infants & Children, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Workers Compensation.
• Better health. Children who did not have the active involvement of their father during their childhood were 11% more likely to have smoked and 20% more likely to have used hard drugs.
• Engaged citizens. Children who did not have the active involvement of their father during their childhood were 11% less likely to volunteer their time to the community,13% less likely to donate to a charity, and 26% less likely to vote.
• Increased resiliency. Children who did not have the active involvement of their father during their childhood were 13% more likely to have needed mental health treatment.

“Father absence either plays a role in or is the primary driver of every societal problem this country faces,” said Steiner. “But the systems meant to protect the well-being of children pervasively deny or hinder father family involvement. Many of those in these systems know the problem exists, but there is no will to reform in a way that better serves children."

 

Dads’ Resource Center was started by Dr. Joel N. Myers, a father of eight and the founder and CEO of AccuWeather. Its mission is to help combat the issues associated with children growing up without their fathers in the home. At its heart, the center is a child advocacy organization that aims to ensure that each child has the appropriate involvement and contributions from both parents. 

 

Dads’ Resource Center has been established to benefit children of separated or divorced parents by advocating the importance of fathers having adequate opportunities to fulfill their role of fatherhood. The group helps get information regarding the issues out to the public and works with fathers to help make improvements. To get more information, visit the site at: https://dadsrc.org.

 

About Dads’ Resource Center

The Dads' Resource Center is committed to providing education, resources, and advocacy for dads who are separated or divorced and are determined to uphold their sacred responsibility as fathers. The Dads' Resource Center was founded by Dr. Joel N. Myers, who is the founder and CEO of AccuWeather. His own experience as a single father led him to start the group. To get more information, visit the site at: https://dadsrc.org.

 

# # #

 

Sources:

 

National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. https://dadsrc.org/national-longitudinal-survey-of-youth/

 

 

U.S. Census Bureau. The Father Absence Crisis in America. https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/FATHERHOODFACTSHEET.PDF