New York City is a magical place where dreams are made for many. As one of the oldest cities in the country, this mecca is one of the premier destinations in the world. New York is a hub for top businesses, the financial market, Broadway musicals, museums, and television shows. 

When you walk around the streets of New York, it feels like nothing else you will ever experience. The streets are alive with foot traffic, buildings are always buzzing, and there are activities anywhere you go.

Throughout the city, you see different types of people. Some areas see more foot traffic from tourists or tour groups, whereas other parts of the city may a higher presence of locals and business professionals.

Various Areas in the City

Throughout the city, there are various burrows or districts. Each area has a different feel to it.

With the most notoriety, Times Square is the most well know city square in the world. This area in New York brings travelers from around the world, just to snap a picture in Times Square. Times Square may have the most foot traffic and is typically a coveted location for advertisers from large companies that carry an endless budget of advertising dollars.

Another popular area in New York City in the Financial District. This area is the home to the stock exchange, hedge funds, and financial companies. In this area, you will find many people that work in the area heading to and from their offices.

New York City isn’t all buildings, there is also the world-renowned Central Park. For many locals, this park is one of the few places they can lay a blanket and sit outside. This park has many paths to walk and things to see. The park will attract both locals and visitors.

Depending on where you decide to advertise in the city, you will reach a different demographic. Before purchasing advertisement space, take a detailed look at your marketing plan to see who your ideal customer or client is. With over 8 million people in the city, you will be sure to find some new customers with the paid advertisements.

Where to Advertise in New York City

New York City is a unique city and one of the best cities. Whereas many cities have a more drivable audience, New York City sees the most foot traffic. Many people in this city do not have cars and rely on public transportation, like the subway, taxi cabs, or walking. When planning to advertise in New York City, keep in mind the way people move about the city and where the most exposure for the advertisement will be. With this in mind, outdoor advertising in new york is the best option for your company. Potential customers or clients will see your advertisement as they are movings around the city.

In New York, the most popular places to advertise include the following—

Digital Billboards

Digital billboards are seen more frequently as technology advances in the world. With a digital billboard, everything can be set up remotely and uploaded into the billboard. The advertisements can be times for the advertising hours paid for. The owner of the billboard can maximize the digital billboard sales because these billboards require less transition time when switching from ad to ad.

Conventional Billboards

Conventional billboards are typically what you see on many of the highways. These billboards will showcase an advertisement that must be installed by a professional. These types of advertisements typically take more lead time. The graphics must be approved and the art must be prepared in advance before the professional installs it.

New York City Transit

With New York City relying on the public transportation system so much, advertising in these spaces is a fantastic option. The New York City Subway and Bus System are used by the majority of people in the city. They use this transportation to get from one end of Manhattan to the other and all of the surrounding areas. Many people ride for several stops and will be face to face with your advertisement for an extensive time.

Wildposting Around The City

In the city, there are many spots where Wildposting can be done. Wildposting is done when static posters can be placed in large numbers in multiple locations. You may see this on a wall that is covered by side-by-side posters for the same advertisement. Wildposting is very cost-effective and should be done in high-traffic areas.

Entertainment is something that keeps us moving forward. After all the hectic days, you need to have a refreshing time. A weekend movie, binge-watching, matches, seasons, and series, anything that suits your taste and mood, refresh your mind and helps you learn/explore something new.

Many new streaming devices have also stepped up the game, making the streaming scene more exciting. Roku is among the devices highly loved by people all around the world for online streaming. Cord cutters can now enjoy more because they can now easily watch Disney Plus on Roku.

Roku is a package that brings you everything at once without any fuss. From free to paid, unlimited entertainment is right here for streaming enthusiasts. Whether you love series, serials, movies, documentaries, sports, or even cartoons, you get everything at once. Along with combining the platforms, it offers you some crazy hacks.

Follow this guide to know some of the best tricks that Roku users can take advantage of to make their streaming experience all the more amazing.

1.  Access mobile navigation

We like to use our mobile phones a lot. There is no doubt that smartphones enable us to access and control pretty much everything. Similar is the case with Roku: Using the Roku navigating app for android or iOS, you can navigate channels on Roku. There is no need to press the remote buttons and be confused about where to move and how to change a channel. Install the app, swipe, and tap to change channels.

Disney Plus has been among the popular streaming apps for iOS users, but ever since Roku users have realized that they can use Disney+ on Roku, it has become popular among Roku users, too.

2.  Watch it silently with the remote headphone jack.

When it is hard to watch your favorite content at night because you do not want to disturb people in the house, the headphone jack in the Roku remote is a savior. Plugin the headphones in your Roku remote and hit the headphone option on the screen. You can directly enjoy the audio stream right from the TV to your headphones.

3.  There is a private channel list for you

Even if there are numerous channels and platforms available on Roku, there is still some secret content you’re missing out on. Especially if you are a Disney lover, it is not possible to find the blast from the past available online easily.

Roku has a list of secret channels with some hidden content. These channels contain content that is a bar of old gold. You will find the ultimate playlist there and will be able to watch it privately.

4.  Limit your streaming hours

Streaming on a budget is a significant concern when you are an entertainment freak. Having Roku around, it is not possible to limit the streaming hours manually. Stopping anyone from watching the shows or Disney content is not a good idea.

The good news is, Roku offers you a solution: you can restrict the streaming hours in Roku settings. It will manage your usage and streaming according to your streaming volume. Things will be within budget, and you’ll feel a sense of control.

5.  Easy reordering of channels

Want to bring all your Disney-related channels and content in the preference order? No biggie! You can do it by reordering the channels quickly. Just drag and drop the channels in a new order using your smartphone app. It is even possible to regulate them using the remote.

6.  Play the personal content

Roku does not only support your content preferences and bring the ultimate channels to you; it also keeps your streaming private. When there is something to watch on your phone or flash drive, Roku lets you connect to it.

Just plug in the drive or connect the phone using the Wi-Fi option, and you are sorted. It is also possible to have private streams simultaneously.

7.  Catch missed out dialogues with instant replay

It is annoying to get calls in the middle of your favorite movie or show, and you really miss the pause button at such times. However, Roku saves the situation for you. An instant replay option will bring you the missed-out dialogues from the show or movie immediately. The settings might not work with all channels, but most of them let you have a quick catch-up.

8.  Connect Roku with Google Assistant

The best hack of Roku is the Google Assistant connection. There is no need to get another assistant for your Roku operations. The compatibility of Google and Roku smart devices will work excellently for you.

All you need is to connect the devices to the same wireless connection. It helps you to have a seamless entertainment experience.

9.  Do quick content searches.

Along with a channel portfolio, Roku has a quick search tool. You can search for the show names, character names, and even dialogues in the search bar to get accurate results.

Not only that, but you can also look for ways to access geo-restricted content and watch movies that are not available in your region.

10. Use Roku even on the roads

Roku is not just a home device. It works great even in hotels and on trips. You can connect with the hotel Wi-Fi during vacations and have fun watching your favorite content.

Using the above tricks, you can make the most out of Roku. Let us know in the comments which trick you tried and how well it worked for you!

The worst of the virus and lockdowns are behind us. What now? Many companies are saying it’s time to come back to the office, and plenty of employees are happy to finally get into the workplace once again.

These are still unprecedented times, however, and there may be some bumps in the road as we make our way back to work. We spoke with business owners who offered tips for successfully re-entering the workplace.

Rebuild Community

Despite having stayed in touch via video and email for the past year, many employees might feel disconnected from the traditional office community. This should be a focus for companies to ensure smooth re-entry.

“Returning to work post-pandemic has for sure been challenging,” said Jing Gao, CEO of Fly By Jing. “The key to easing anxiety has been implementing an incredible amount of team building activities. Socialization is the biggest aspect we have all been lacking, so bringing our team back together to readjust is crucial. We are in the works to figure out a plan in which we can keep the community aspect of our employees while we’re slowly integrating back into the office.”

A cohesive community won’t be built overnight, so don’t rush things.

Get Into the Groove

There are some pressures that come with the office experience that aren’t present in the work-from-home environment. Test the waters by showing up for a few days here and there, rather than diving in headfirst.

“It’s a good idea to mentally prepare yourself to re-enter the workplace after the last two years of chaos,” said Tri Nguyen, CEO of Network Capital. “The world has been upside-down for most so give yourself some time to mentally get back into the swing of office life. If you have enjoyed working remotely, speak with your company about the possibility of working in a hybrid remote work fashion. Coming in twice a month or twice a week. This will help you mentally get back into office life slowly or find a better balance for your life as a whole.” 

Companies should be flexible and understanding of employees who want to take their time making the shift back to the office.

Opportunity for Growth

The “hybrid office” is the big buzzword right now, and executives are trying to figure out the best balance of remote work and in-office interaction to maximize productivity and employee satisfaction.

“Success in a hybrid work environment requires employers to move beyond viewing remote or hybrid environments as a temporary or short-term strategy and to treat it as an opportunity.” George Penn, VP at Gartner.

While many will try to plan the hybrid work environment from the top down, it will more likely happen organically and change with the times, as all things do.

Have No Fear

Now that the coast is clear with regard to the virus and shutdowns, it’s time to set fear aside and get back to living life. For some people, however, they still might feel some residual fear from the experience.

“Re-entering the workforce can be a scary thing, but it doesn’t have to be,” said Omid Semino, CEO of Diamond Mansion. “The pandemic has caused fear in many people about catching this illness. If you have some inhibitions about heading back to the office, know that you can continue to wear your mask for your comfort. Also, you can have some hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies at your desk to help you feel more comfortable about heading back into the office. Do what you need to ease yourself back into the workplace.” 

Remember to stay rational and remind employees (and yourself) that all is well.

Spruce Up the Attire

If you’ve been spending the last year lounging around at home in sweatpants and t-shirts, now is the time to do some shopping and freshen up your look for the office.

“It’s time to say goodbye to PJ-all-day workdays and hello to professional work attire once again,” said Alex Czarnecki, CEO of Cottage. “Go through your wardrobe and find some professional outfits that you can wear into the workplace once again. It’s a good time to update anything in your wardrobe that is uncomfortable, outdated, or does not fit anymore. Dressing for success will help you feel confident and be successful in your return to the workplace.” 

Once you get back into that business casual attire, you’ll feel way more confident and have an easier time with re-entry.

Set a Plan

Whether your company is doors-open and fully back to normal or you want to take things more slowly, inform everyone in your organization of the game plan so there’s no confusion.

“While we had to leave in-office work abruptly due to the quick ascent of the pandemic, we don’t need to re-enter the office abruptly. It’s going to take some time for your workforce to adjust to working in an office (and commuting), so make it easier on them by allowing a hybrid work model at the beginning of your reopening – or indefinitely,” said Bill Glaser, CEO of Outstanding Foods. “At the end of the day, it’s about which type of office best suits your employees’ needs.”

Employees are in need of some real leadership right now, so executives and managers must step up to the plate.

Positive Energy

This is an exciting time and everyone is eager to get back to normal, but it might take some time to socialize and readjust to regular society. Positivity and patience will be key for everyone.

“Stay positive as you re-enter the workplace,” said John Levisay, CEO of The Pro’s Closet. “The whole world has had a crazy, strange, and trying two years due to the pandemic. So be kind to yourself and others and try to keep a positive attitude as the world slowly returns to normal. Everyone had a different experience during the pandemic and returning to the workplace will be a shock for some. Keep looking at things in a positive light and you will be successful in your re-entry to the workplace.” 

Be ready for new challenges and rewards in the workplace, and be accommodating of others’ needs as well.

Spark Communication

A new precedent has been set for communication thanks to remote work, and team leaders need to enforce those standards as everyone makes the move back to a physical office.

“Effective communication and opportunities for innovation while managing a remote team stemmed from our willingness to listen, learn, and make ourselves available at all times,” said Chris Vaughn, CEO of Saucey. “We couldn’t keep a business afloat from home without an open line of communication with our employees, and we have absolutely planned to continue the same communication practices as we headed back into in-office work.”

It will be easy to let communication protocols slide now that we can speak to each other in person, so be aware of letting things slide or be forgotten.

Culture Shift

There have been many touchy subjects in the news lately, and coworkers might not see eye-to-eye on everything. Do what’s necessary to help people get along and work together.

“A lot of experts, as well as myself, were concerned about toxicity in the workplace,” said Kaz Amor, Founder of VoCe Haircare. “With strong, differing opinions being at the forefront of the past year, you have to create a culture that fosters respect for one another. The best you can do is put together a team of dedicated HR professionals that will commit to creating a great, healthy culture that celebrates diversity and uplifts one another.”

A good HR team will also help bring new employees into the company and help them feel comfortable.

Get Social

Haven’t exercised that small talk muscle in a while? Now is the time to warm back up socially, because you’ll need to be on point for meetings and daily interactions with coworkers and customers.

“It’s a good idea to brush up on your people skills before heading back to the workplace,” said Ajay Mehta, CEO of Birthdate Candles. “It’s been a minute since everyone has had to interact with coworkers on a daily basis. Just remind yourself of who your coworkers are and some small talk topics if you’re feeling nervous about being around everyone again.” 

Everyone will feel a little awkward at first, so just work on getting through those first few days.

Hybrid is Here

For all the advantages we’ve enjoyed from remote work, even the top executives in the world know the power of being face-to-face with people on your team to accomplish great things.

“We firmly believe that in-person, being together, having that sense of community, is super important for whenever you have to solve hard problems, you have to create something new,” said Google CEO Sundar Pichai. “So we don’t see that changing, so we don’t think the future is just 100% remote or something.”

Every company will have a unique take on the hybrid office, so start mapping out a plan now.

Safety First

Now that many restrictions are being rolled back, employees will be happy to live life normally with handshakes, high-fives, and all the rest. Still, safety policies will be important for executives to promote and manage.

“We have all of our employee’s safety at the forefront of our plans for returning to work,” said William Schumacher, CEO and Founder of Uprising Food. “We plan to stay relatively distanced in-office and have plenty of sanitizing stations so each employee feels absolutely safe and comfortable while working. We also have plans to figure out a PPE strategy for employees. Beyond physical safety, we’re considering the mental toll of returning to work as well. We are really trying to push transparency and openness. We aren’t mind readers, so we want to schedule meetings with all of our employees to hear their concerns in order to work out a solid plan we can implement to improve their mental health during this transition.”

Even if you can’t be 100% perfect about safety and sanitation, try to encourage it in the workplace and set a high standard.

Create Policies

What are the policies that work best without limiting productivity? That will be up for business leaders to decide, but it can help by asking employees for their input as well.

“While the world is opening back up, many businesses feel lost when implementing new policies to optimize the safety of our clients and our employees,” said Tirzah Shirai, CEO and Founder of The Blink Bar. “The most important initiative is comfortability. We are all new to this post-pandemic world and we are all trying to figure out what works best for us. Treat every client and employee with kindness, their needs are important to operating the company smoothly and safely.”

Not every policy will be popular or followed to perfection, but it’s worth putting in the effort up front.

Ease Back In

Managers and supervisors will not have a one-size-fits-all solution for employee re-entry, so it’s better to take things case-by-case. This will take some extra time, but it’s better than taking a free-for-all approach.

“Heading back into the workplace is happening more and more these days,” said Jim Beard, COO of Box Genie. “With the vaccination going out, companies are starting to request that workers come back in. If you have any reservations about heading back to work you can ask your company if it’s possible to work from home a few days a week and from the office the other days. This will allow you to ease back into your routine.” 

As long as employees are happy and productivity remains high, any type of flexible policy should do the job.

Avoid Workplace Distractions

The distractions of working from home can be hard to manage, but we may have forgotten that the office has many distractions of its own. Employees and execs should prepare for challenges that they may have overlooked in terms of re-entry.

“Going back to the workplace will definitely require some adjustments, with the least being that you’ll have to leave your pajamas at home,” said Travis Killian, Owner and CEO of Everlasting Comfort. “After some time away, you’ll need to get used to the idea of working in-person with others again, as well as the distractions that may accompany it.”

The work-from-home era might not be over, but it’s certainly time to make a move back to the office and resume business as usual. These insights should help you and your staff navigate this tricky situation and make the most of the workplace once again.

With the face of the medical health industry changing ever so often, it’s astounding to see how far the discipline has come. Not only has there been an explosion of information and research on medical sciences, but now there are several sub-disciplines, thanks to awareness and exploration. With students going through med school and then further specializing, you can now receive treatment from various specialists. From psychiatry to cardiology, there are now specific doctors for every band of illness. However, sometimes it can be hard to differentiate between doctors. Some people have a hard time deciding which specialist to go to for what health issues.

In this article, we will be looking at some of the most common health issues and differentiating between which specialists to go to. By the end of this write-up, you should have a fair idea of which doctor does what and who to go to for your medical issues.

• Nurses For Everyday Injuries And Illnesses

We often forget that nurses are specialists as well. If you have a run-of-the-mill bruise, cut, or injury, it might be a good idea to go to the ER and seek out a nurse. Rather than going to a doctor, a nurse can tend to you and send you on your way quicker than you would have thought.

Thanks to the advancement in education today, it has become easier for nursing students to proceed with their education. This means that they can opt for an online masters degree in nursing to boost their skills and knowledge while carrying on with their duties as a nurse. The more resources that enter the medical field, the better it is for everyone. So remember, if you have an issue of a smaller scale, consider seeing a nurse rather than a doctor.  Either way, they will guide you in the right direction.

• Psychiatrist For Mental Health Issues

Even today, far too many people head over to their general physician, not knowing that the issue they are facing is mental. A general practitioner isn’t equipped to deal with complex mental health issues. In such a case, it would be best for you to seek out a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist. With years of experience in the subject, they can tend to your issues and start an adequate therapy plan.

Psychiatrists have intricate knowledge of how the mind works. Whether it’s a case of the blues or something more severe, you might want to consider heading over to a psychiatrist for the best solution for your issue. Thankfully, with the rising awareness of mental health, psychiatrists and psychologists alike are learning new ways to tend to their clients.

• Cardiologists For People With Heart Conditions

Heart disease is one of the most common chronic illnesses in the world. Millions of people globally suffer from heart conditions and need a specially trained doctor to tend to their issues. Going to the wrong doctor could spell disaster for these people as an untrained professional could make a bad situation worse.

A cardiologist goes through years of training to gain specialization in the field. With knowledge supported by years of experience, these individuals play a pivotal role in treating heart patients and bring solace to their lives. Without the aid and assistance of these specialists, millions would fall victim to heart attacks and die every year. Heart surgeons and cardiologists play an integral part in the healthcare system. Treating everything from cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure issues, they ensure that our hearts are functioning properly and performing at 100%.

• Dermatologists For Skin-Related Issues

When it comes to skin-related issues, your go-to specialist is a dermatologist. Not only are they trained to deal with skin issues and everything related, but they can also perform surgeries where the need arises. Dermatologists deal with everything skin-related, from acne to legions and fungal infections on the skin. They are some of the most sought-after doctors, as a fair number of people in the general population suffer from some sort of skin-related issue.

Additionally, dermatologists play an extremely important part in vanity maintenance in the 21^st century. People look to dermatologists to bring out the best in appearance and create a flawless appeal.

• Geriatric Specialists For The Aging Population

In countries with an aging population, the need for geriatric professionals is extremely important. Geriatric doctors tend to all the aging needs of the adult population and tend to whatever illnesses they have. General checkups ensure that the elderly are in sound health and can take on the rest of their days with ease. They need doctors at this age more frequently as they tend to become frail and sick fairly easily. Moreover, because of their impaired coordination, they are likely to injure themselves more than the average population.

That is why geriatric specialists are an important part of the healthcare industry. If aged people do not get treatment in time, their sicknesses could exaggerate rapidly, and in extreme cases, they could die.

• Dentists For Oral Care

You would be surprised to learn how many people go to general physicians, expecting help with their dental care. A general physician is simply not equipped to deal with something like your oral care. There’s a reason why dentistry is an entirely different field. It takes years to become a dentist/dental surgeon. Not only is the journey to becoming a dentist a long and stressful one, but the career is fairly challenging as well.

So, to deal with issues such as toothache, cavity, or general dental health, the best person to go to is a dentist.

With all that said, we hope that your confusion about which specialist to consult in what situation has been cleared. It’s best to visit the right specialist to get yourself treated the right way. In addition to that, if you have any medical issues that need tending to, it’s best to address the issue sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the more complications can arise. Therefore, go to the nearest relevant specialist and put your health first. Remember, health is wealth.

Wearing perfume is simple – or is it? If you’re like most people, you’re probably wearing perfume the wrong way. Whether you’re wearing Maison 21g or your favorite body spray, it’s important to know how and where to apply your perfume.

Here are 5 perfume mistakes to avoid.

1. Rubbing Your Wrists Together After Spraying

Do you rub your wrists together after spraying your perfume? It’s a common habit, but it’s a bad one. 

When you rub your wrists together, you create friction that heats up the skin. The heat causes your skin to produce enzymes that change the course of the scent. The top and middle notes are most affected by the heat.

Ultimately, your wrist-rubbing habit will shorten your perfume’s life and dull the crispness of some scents.

The good news is that it’s easy to avoid this mistake. 

• Spray your wrists with your favorite perfume.
• Allow the scent to soak in and work its magic.
• Enjoy!

Just spray and go. That’s all you need to do to make your perfume last a little longer and preserve those top and middle notes.

2. Storing Your Perfume in the Wrong Environment

Where do you keep your perfume? If you’re like most people, you probably store your scents in the bathroom. 

The problem with storing your scent in the bathroom is that perfume is very sensitive to environmental changes. Temperature swings from hot to cold can change the scent and even create unintended chemical reactions. 

Environmental changes can cause your perfumes to age more quickly, and some scents are more sensitive to these changes than others. 

Leaving your perfume in the sun can also alter its scent. 

So, what’s the best way to store your perfume?

• In the original box it came in.
• In a room with a steady temperature (70 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal).

If you really want to go above and beyond, you can store your favorite scent in the refrigerator to extend its lifespan.

3. Saving Your Perfume for Special Occasions

Do you have a perfume that you save only for special occasions? Maybe it’s an expensive bottle of scent that you want to stretch as much as you can. 

But perfumes are meant to be used quickly. Ideally, you should use up a bottle in three months or less. That’s why it’s best to buy perfumes in small bottles that are easy to use quickly. 

If you wear scent every day, you can likely buy a larger bottle and go through it before it starts to go off.

If larger bottles are your only option, you can decant the scent into small vials or store your half-empty bottles in the refrigerator. 

4. Applying Scent to the Wrong Areas

Where you apply your scent matters. Ideally, you want to spray your perfume:

• On exposed areas of the skin (wrists, neck, or elbows)
• On your hair, OR
• On your clothing

If you don’t have any skin exposed, you can spray your hair with perfume. If it’s especially hot or humid, it’s best to apply your scent to your clothing. The natural oils in your sweat will degrade the scent faster.

Also, make sure that you’re not covering up your scent with your clothing. 

5. You’re Applying Scent to Skin That’s Too Dry

Perfume doesn’t play well with dry skin – the scent fades quickly. Make sure that you’re applying an unscented moisturizer before spraying scent. You don’t want your moisturizer to compete with your perfume, so make sure that your product is free of scent.

These five common perfume mistakes are easy to avoid. It’s all about understanding how perfume works and how it’s affected by its environment. Use the tips above to maximize your perfume’s life.

The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) conducted in-depth research into smoking, cardiovascular disease, and the impact on cognitive functionality. The senior author of the study, Dr Matt Huentelman, a Professor of Neurogenomics, found that the results indicate, ‘Smoking and cardiovascular disease impact learning and memory throughout adulthood, starting as early as age 18.’ The in-depth study found that smoking has an effect on mental acuity over time. The study published in the Scientific Reports Journal indicated that quitting smoking can improve brain function, among others.

Mixed Signals: Smoking and Mental Illness?

Source: Pixabay No Attribution Required

High levels of smoking are common among individuals with mental illness. This is particularly true of those suffering from ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression. These psychiatric disorders are often paired with poor cognitive function, including response inhibition functions, working memory, and attention deficit. Nicotine tends to assist in this regard, however, increased consumption of nicotine results in all manner of physical and mental health concerns over time.

The jury is out on nicotine’s cognitive effects, with a substantial body of evidence through human and animal studies indicating that there are cognitive enhancing effects of nicotine. People with psychiatric disorders tend to be twice as likely to smoke. These people are known to have severe nicotine dependence and are unlikely to stop smoking. A detailed paper on what happens when you stop smoking points to the real challenges faced by nicotine addicts. Smoking prevalence and mental health conditions are strongly correlated, according to the following statistics:

• Schizophrenia – 44% – 88%
• Major depression – 40% – 60%
• Bipolar disorder – 55% – 70%
• PTSD – 40% – 50%

Feelings of Relaxation While Smoking

For their part, smokers enjoy the feeling of calm and relaxation that nicotine intake provides. This bolsters self-administration of tobacco, and the attendant ‘cognitive-enhancing’ effects demonstrated with initial tobacco use. From a smoker’s perspective, nicotine has a strong effect on episodic memory function, working memory, attention, and fine motor skills. This flies in the face of clinical research which indicates that over a prolonged period of time, smoking is detrimental to cognitive function.

Nicotine has a serious chemical impact on brain function. Since this chemical substance presents as a neurotransmitter (similar to ACh), it activates dopamine signals, creating pleasurable feelings. Unfortunately, the brain will respond to the nicotine intake by reducing the ACh receptors. This in turn creates increased tolerance for nicotine. As more is consumed, more is required.

Smokers Are at Risk of Dementia and Loss of Brain Volume

The withdrawal effects are notable. This dependence cycle becomes an addiction and the heart and lungs are the first organs to bear the effects. However, over time cognitive decline takes place. A 2012 study by PubMed Central found that smoking is a ‘possible risk factor for dementia although that impact may have been underestimated in elderly populations due to the shorter lifespan of smokers’.

In the middle-aged male population, the 10-year cognitive decline was much faster among smokers compared to those who had never smoked before. Therefore, the deduction was made: Middle-aged male smokers experienced faster cognitive decline in global cognition and executive function. Some 7,000 men and women were included in the study over a period of 12 years.

A Research Review study from 2015 titled, ‘Smoking Is Associated with An Increased Risk Of Dementia: A Meta-Analysis Of Prospective Cohort Studies With Investigation Of Potential Effect Modifiers,’ compared smokers and non-smokers from over three dozen studies. They found that the smoking contingent were 30% more likely to develop dementia than the non-smokers.

However, cessation of smoking activity rapidly decreases the risks of dementia to the same levels of non-smokers. The duration of smoking activity is directly correlated to the levels of risk for age-related brain volume loss. This was published in a 2017 study titled, ‘Cigarette smoking is associated with amplified age-related volume lost in some cortical brain regions’.

Best Forex Brokers is a term that has been frequently used over the last few years as a measure of the quality of forex brokers available to investors. Investors have come to appreciate the many benefits that they can obtain through the use of a forex broker, and these investors typically want to receive the same services at a better price.

There is no single forex broker that provides investors with all of the services that they need. In forex brokers ratings, different criteria have been taken into consideration, from spreads and minimum transaction costs to trading platforms, forex trading options, and more.

The forex broker that is chosen for an investor depends largely on his or her goals and the reasons for seeking advice. Best Forex Brokers offers advice on a variety of different currency pairs depending on what the investor is looking to trade. The information that is provided will include the trading platform, information on the pair being traded, various tools that provide indicators and signals, and predictions on future movements in those currency pairs.

Most platforms available today include tools for technical analysis, candlestick charts, points, and moving averages. The information that is provided will give the investor a general idea of how the currency pairs are likely to change over time.

While many forex brokers offer traders the ability to begin trading forex without a large deposit, some require a minimum deposit to open an account. Minimum deposits can vary, so it is important to shop around before making a final decision on which broker to go with. For any forex broker that requires a minimum deposit, it is recommended that a user receive a trial account before opening a real money account.

By opening a demo account, an investor can learn how does forex trading work, how to make trades, and learn about strategies that can be utilized while trading without risking any real money.

In addition to requiring a minimum deposit, most forex brokers have a set trade size that a trader must maintain. The trade size is the maximum amount of money that a trader will invest on any single trade and is usually between one and four hundred dollars.

Most new traders do not want to invest more than this amount, as they do not want to end up losing all of their money while still learning how to trade forex. To prevent any potentially large losses, a trader should stick to the trade size that his or her broker has set and try to increase that amount over time.

Finally, forex brokers will all offer a variety of payment methods that are ideal for new traders. Unless a trader has a good relationship with their broker or has taken out a top-of-the-line software program, most traders will be able to trade with a credit card.

Some forex brokers also offer a debit card that can be used for electronic payments. If you prefer to pay through the computer, you should make sure that your payment method is accepting at all times, as even those accepting credit cards sometimes experience delays when processing payments.

Forex brokers can be an excellent way to start trading the forex market. They offer safe investment opportunities with great profit potential, but there is no guarantee that you will make money. Before making any decisions regarding trading with forex brokers, it is important to take the time to look at each broker’s services, track records, and fees. By doing so, you can ensure that you will be making the best decision for yourself and your trading experience.

Best Forex Brokers For Beginners

The best forex brokers for new traders provide three key services. First, they are a fully regulated and secure brand that provides a user-friendly online platform with clear instructions and a comprehensive learning portal. Second, they also provide a solid range of educational tools. Last, but not least, the forex brokers provide effective use of their trading tools and services to clients.

New traders should focus on the uses and benefits offered by the platform when deciding which broker to use. For instance, a broker must have a trading platform that is designed for easy navigation and ease of understanding. Learning materials and tutorials should be accessible and easy to use and provided by the company.

New forex trading platforms for beginners should allow easy navigation of options, menus, and screens. These should also be supported by clear, legible written material and informative videos.

The broker should also offer tutorials and manuals which explain how the platform works and how to use its tools and features. The brokers listed in this article are both government-regulated and fully accredited. They meet all the regulatory guidelines necessary to ensure full compliance by their clients.

The two primary brokers that offer affordable trading platforms for beginners are Forex Yard and Forex Spot. These brokers provide trading platforms for five popular currency pairs, including EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, NZD/USD/JPY.

Forex Yard is available for new clients at no cost and provides a demo account that allows a free account facility. It also offers several tips and tutorial videos. Spot offers the standard Forex trading platform and has recently upgraded its software, which offers better reporting and analysis tools and makes it easier to follow the daily market activity.

To find the best forex brokers, beginners should review the reviews and qualifications of each one. You can usually find these on the company’s website along with performance figures and customer service awards. You must consider each broker according to your personal needs and experience level.

Some brokers also offer “no risk” and “no contract” trades. While these are not usually covered in the initial registration, most offer traders the ability to open and close new accounts on a “limited time basis” using an initial minimum deposit of only $100.

The “no risk” trades are usually the forex trading platforms offered by brokerages with lower commission rates as a means of attracting new clients. A “no contract” trade will only result in a profit if the trader has reached his or her initial investment cap.

The world of every AWS Cloud aspirant changed in 2017 when the vendor announced the release of the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification from Amazon. Without asking for any formal prerequisites, this certificate makes embarking on the career journey effortless. Nevertheless, these are not the only perks to enjoy with the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification after passing the Exam-Labs – Amazon AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Certification PDF exam, and basically, there are many more others. Thus, here is a compiled look at all of them:

• Enough of exposure to a wide range of expertise

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is famous and has earned great significance at the global level because of the wide range of expertise that it infuses in the holders. Key AWS cloud concepts, functional technologies, security & compliance aspects, and the pricing structure are discussed in detail in its affiliated CLF-C01 test. The great thing is that its focus is on practical subject matter knowledge, which is highly useful in the real world.

• Easy way to aim higher

Though this certificate is at the lowest certification ladder, it paves the path for higher-level validations and provides substantial foundational expertise to move ahead in the career. After completing the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner journey successfully, one can gain confidence and expertise for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate, and other upper-level designations. Because of this, moving ahead in the career becomes easier than ever.

• No undesired expenses

Unlike other entry-level certifications, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner doesn’t charge you heavily. For one attempt, $100 is what one has to pay to take up the CLF-C01 exam. Considering this, it is a wise move.

• Explore assorted job opportunities

The path that the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner paves leads to multiple roads. The expertise that one earns all through the certification journey can be used to become a Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer, or Cloud Developer just to mention a few. All these are pivotal job roles and have huge market demand. If the words of ZipRecruiter are to be believed, the entry-level AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner designation can easily make $89,643 at the beginning of their careers. For a starter, it is a good figure. What is more, in superior job roles like an AWS Solutions Architect, minting around $120k annually is possible as PayScale says. In a nutshell, the future seems bright and shiny after the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner validation.

• Global exposure

Such an AWS designation targets global audiences and is obtainable from every nook and corner of the world. Presently, AWS holds 32% of the global cloud market share, which is highly impressive and means that companies of all sorts and types are banking on AWS Cloud services as well as tools for their infrastructure. So, once you have PrepAway – Amazon AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Certification PDF to support your expertise, the whole sky is yours.

Final Say

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is what one needs to lay a strong foundation for exploring the AWS platform. Whether you belong to a technical domain or a non-technical one, making big into the world of AWS Cloud is easier than ever with the help of such a designation. By validating the right set of cloud computing skills, giving enough exposure to the cloud as a whole, and opening ways to endless opportunities, this certification has proved to be a real game-changer for IT beginners. So, don’t waste a single moment and start pursuing it as soon as possible.

Anyone in a band will know that band rehearsals can sometimes be the biggest waste of time. They get derailed easily, no one is on the same page, and it can be a total mess. If you and your band struggle to make the most out of your time in rehearsals, read on for some tried and tested tips.

The Space Itself

Firstly, the space you are rehearsing needs to be maximized for productivity. Ideally, you should be using a space that is solely for the rehearsals; anything else can lead to distractions. Rehearsing in a band member’s house can lead to issues such as noise complaints. Renting a rehearsal space can be a wise choice for bands, but it can be hard to know where to look, especially for bigger cities. Imagine looking for rehearsal space in New York; however, there are companies that can help. For example, Pirate has a number of studio and rehearsal spaces across various cities in several countries. They also offer discounted day rates, so renting space may not be as expensive as you once thought.

Structure

Having a decisive plan of what you want to do in the rehearsal is essential. Band rehearsal is usually for one of three reasons: building a setlist, refining a setlist, or songwriting. Depending on your purpose, your structure will need to be different. When building a setlist, try to focus on four or five songs; doing any more than that is too much if you want to get them perfect. Refining a setlist is when you should go through the setlist in order and make any notes about where you think something is or isn’t working and come back to them at the end. Songwriting is notoriously tricky and deserves its own standalone session. When trying to create, the distractions need to be at a minimum, and sometimes your existing material can be distracting to the process. Finally, schedule breaks into your practice as not only are they vital for the process; it also puts a stop to any unnecessary halts to the practice when there are designated break times.

Prioritise

You may find that this is a part of your structuring process, but deciding what areas need work is key. Decide on what needs work as opposed to what you want to work on. Usually, bands should endeavour to have any existing material totally polished before they introduce any new things. As a band, you should all be communicating and making sure each member is happy with something before it’s signed off on. For example, if you find yourself constantly struggling with one song or one aspect, then dedicate more time to it at the next rehearsal. Some bands may find prioritising easier if they appoint a point person. Although the best bands are a democracy, sometimes it can be helpful to have someone in charge to lead the others through the process.

Pre-Rehearsal Prep

Another way to ensure that a rehearsal runs smoothly is to make sure each member is prepared for it. Everyone should know their parts and prepare individually before coming together for the rehearsal. It is a waste of the band’s time and resources to work on something that could be done at home. Try to allocate any ‘homework’ to each band member; for example, after a songwriting section, decide on one member whose job is to circulate tabs/chords/lyrics and any relevant references.

Record & Review

You should record your rehearsals as a standard practice. You don’t need a professional setup to do this; any smartphone will do. Visuals are ideal, but audio recordings will do in a pinch. Seeing your rehearsals back can help to identify areas of concern and allow you to see if the execution matches the vision that you had. You may think that you have got something down, but when you watch it back, it needs more work. Recording your practices can give you a rough idea of what the audience will experience.

Post-Rehearsal

Try to leave a little bit of time at the end of the practice for the band to discuss how it went. Getting these ideas out in the open quickly is vital to the process as otherwise, they could be forgotten or derail the next rehearsal. Take notes and use these notes to help you decide what should be prioritised next time. Keeping the lines of communication open between band members is crucial to the creative process.

In Conclusion

These tips provide a good foundation for you to work from but remember that every band is different and may have different needs or creative processes. The pre and post-rehearsal processes are just as important as the time spent rehearsing. A solid few hours a week rehearsing is usually enough for most bands to keep themselves fresh. Remember, any band that wants to progress in their career needs to make sure that they are getting the most out of their rehearsals.

When your loved one struggles with substance addiction, it’s easy to feel powerless or unsure of how to cope with their substance abuse. Adult children of alcoholics, in particular, are known to feel the sting of emotional wounds inflicted by years of exposure to alcoholic behaviors. 

Whether your parents have coerced you into enabling their drinking disorder or your caretakers neglected you, it’s natural to feel angry and hurt by their addiction. You might not be sure how to continue to support your loved ones as they battle their addictions. 

If you’re wondering how you can continue maintaining a healthy relationship with your parent, here are five tips for helping the substance abuse survivor in your family while also taking care of yourself.

Don’t blame yourself

Alcoholics often deny responsibility for their drinking by blaming their behavior on their circumstances and the people around them. If your parents ever accused you of being the reason they drink, you mustn’t give their accusations any weight. 

Remember, if your loved one exhibits alcoholic behaviors, talking your way out of their addiction will prove unsuccessful time and time again. Regardless of what you say or do, your parents will likely still succumb to their cravings. Though assigning blame and stew in guilt may come as second nature, your loved one’s substance dependency is not your fault.

Stop trying to control them

It’s natural to want to control your loved one’s substance abuse. You might think there’s undoubtedly something you could do to prevent your parents from drinking or using drugs, but this way of thinking will only leave you feeling frustrated and helpless. 

Your parents will only heal if they willingly reach out, so rushing to their rescue may only delay their decision to ask for help. It can be excruciating to watch your loved one fall deeper and deeper into a crisis, but the best method of helping your parents is to allow the situation to play out fully. 

To cope in the face of crisis, learn detachment to let go of your need for control—for the sake of your mental health and their healing process.

Don’t brush off unacceptable behavior

Inevitably, your family member will have an incident when drinking, whether it’s a small verbal argument or a significant physical altercation. Brushing off their behavior by blaming it on their drunken state will allow you to continue to accept their behavior, even as incidents begin to escalate. 

The longer you tolerate their behavior, the more likely it is that you’ll find yourself in a full-blown abusive relationship. Regardless of your loved one’s addiction, you should never have to suffer abuse. Instead of simply accepting unacceptable behavior, set boundaries for yourself with your parents, and don’t be afraid to protect yourself.

Stop your enabling behaviors in their tracks 

While it may seem right to make excuses for your loved one’s behavior and protect them from the consequences of their actions, these instincts enable your family member’s addiction. It’s vital to be aware of your behaviors surrounding your loved one’s substance abuse. If you’re paying bills and doing chores for your parents that they could otherwise do when they’re sober, you’re allowing them to escape the consequences of their addiction. 

That said, don’t loan your family member money. Avoid reacting to their misbehavior, and don’t drink with them. Instead, set boundaries, and allow them to face the ramifications of their actions on their own.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help

Though your loved one may be struggling with addiction, the pain you feel at seeing your family member succumb to their disease is genuine. It’s easy to push aside your own needs to focus on your parents, but neglecting yourself will only make it more difficult to cope. Reach out for help from a support group like Al-Anon Family Groups or pursue therapy if you feel you need support. Your loved one’s addiction affects everyone around them, and there’s no shame in seeking help.

The bottom line

While it may be challenging to accept that your parent’s willingness to heal isn’t within your control, detaching from your loved one’s addiction can help you nurse the wounds of wrongdoings past. Prioritizing your healing and health will allow you to better cope with the challenges that come with loving someone who struggles with substance abuse. Ultimately, you should never be afraid to seek out support for yourself and make choices that keep you healthy, both in mind and body.