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What is Hemp

Let’s start with the obvious. What exactly is hemp anyway? Well, this plant belongs to the same family of plants as marijuana and cannabis. What makes it different is the low concentrations of THC or tetrahydrocannabinol – which happens to be the psychoactive compound. Any cannabis strain that carries less than 0.3% THC is identified as hemp.

Hemp is a remarkable crop due to the sheer fact that everything from its seeds to the leaves to the fiber and everything in between can be used for a diverse number of applications and products. Hemp is used for making industrial material, paper, clothing, food, health products, and so much more.

In addition to being a versatile crop, it’s also a sustainable, low-maintenance, and highly tolerant demanding little input. In exchange, it produces a ton of yield. In comparison with other mainstream crops, this one is a definite winner. The best thing is that it can grow practically in kinds of weather conditions and it is also thought to improve the soil. It does so by increasing the level of CO2 and removing toxic substances.

Hemp Farming

Hemp farming is certainly in its infancy and the nation is yet to figure out exactly how the future of this crop looks like before they can come up with concrete steps to ensure profitable and predictable farming on a large scale.

Although there are some ground regulations, the FDA and the USDA are yet to come up with full-fledged guidelines and rules for hemp farming. Of course, the states will need to figure out their own processes and policies as well.

Since it has close ties with marijuana which has always been controversial, it might make for some tricky business. However, it is natural that the nation will have to go through some errors and trials to finally have the best practices in place.

What We Can Expect in the Future?

●    Growth Projections

Experts feel that the hemp acres are likely to increase at a yearly rate of roughly 75% through to the year 2023. This roughly translates to around 2.7 million acres of plantation.

●    Traceability

What does traceability mean? Well, it’s the ability to track the food back to its origin or the fields where it came from. Traceability is becoming a huge deal in the farming aspect since more and more consumers are showing interest in knowing where their food came from. Clearly, traceability will be all the more important with hemp due to its close ties with marijuana.

It will be essential for farmers to report on the specificities of hemp production in order to become a successful grower. This is something to be expected more of in the future; the tools to encourage traceability of hemp and hemp products. For more information on hemp farming practices, visit The Weed Center.

●    Challenges

Like any other new industry, hemp farming won’t be without its fair share of challenges. To start with, there’s the seeming challenge of infrastructure to build around it once the crop has matured for storage purposes.

However, since hemp has been descheduled, the USDA has opened a lot of doors for funding and value-added grants to have good infrastructure in place. On top of that, there’s a lot of growing interest from the private sector to offer to fund.

Another challenge is that of having so much of this crop that the prices actually end-up going low due to swamp in demand. Let’s not forget that ensuring THC levels are below the legal requirement is a challenge of its own.

It needs thorough testing to make sure the crop doesn’t exceed the legal THC levels. Harvesting at the right time is paramount to make sure you don’t end up with a crop that doesn’t match the FDA guidelines which would render the entire harvest useless.

Growing Hemp Plants for CBD Oil

CBD oil is famous for offering a host of medicinal and mental health benefits from pain management, relaxation, fighting inflammation, and whatnot. This oil comes from the buds and flowers of hemp.

Growing hemp for CBD oil is a labor-intensive process since you have to meticulously pluck just the right parts for processing. However, the margin for profit is huge. Roughly you can expect around $15,000 worth of returns per acre of coverage.

How Can a Grower Get into the Business of Hemp Farming?

First of all, you would need to check out the local state guidelines to see if hemp farming is legal or not. All states except nine have legalized hemp farming. However, thanks to the Farm Bill 2018 more leniency is to be expected in terms of hemp farming nationwide.

After that, you would need to obtain a license. Due to the possible complications in the process, it is best to work with a lawyer before applying.

A couple of years ago, getting the paperwork and applying for funding might have been a challenge. But in the light of recent improvements such as the legalization of hemp and the introduction of Farm Bill, farmers get to enjoy a lot of relaxation and leniency to get the resources they need.

Final Thoughts

Hemp certain holds a lot of potential. Being such a versatile crop, the country definitely needs more avenues that support its farming. The future for hemp farming is surely bright and these are good times to invest in it; in case you’ve been contemplating this decision.

Should I Get a Higher Education?

There are constant disputes around higher education. Some people think that there is nowhere without it, others are sure that studying at a university is a waste of time. Whether you get a college degree (read more) or not depends on the direction you choose. Either way, to succeed, you will have to work hard and constantly improve yourself. So who’s right? Let’s work this out together.

Advantages and disadvantages of higher education

Higher education has its pros and cons. The main advantages:

Opportunity for career growth. In most government agencies it is impossible to hold management positions without higher education.

Gaining special knowledge. There are a number of professions that can only be studied at a university.

The advantage in employment. Employers most often want to see specialists with higher qualifications in their home country.

Gaining useful skills. At university, you will learn how to quickly find the information you need, as well as how to organize and process it. You will develop the ability to learn by yourself.

Expand your horizons. You will have to study many different disciplines that you would not normally be familiar with.

Acquire communication skills and useful connections. You will learn to negotiate and find common ground with different people. You will make many new acquaintances that may be helpful in the future.

Some of the disadvantages are:

A long learning period. You will spend 5-6 years of your life at the desk. All this time you will have to sit on your parents’ neck because not everyone can learn and work at the same time. And if you do find a job, it will be very difficult to combine.

It’s a high tuition fee. Getting on the budget is not possible to all, so be prepared to lay out a considerable amount for the entire period of training. Especially if you want to enter a prestigious university.

Insufficient practical skills. Universities give more theory than practice. In the end, you have to learn on the job.

Heavy loads of learning. Since the university provides a wide range of knowledge, you will find many new disciplines waiting for you. Most of the time you have to study on your own. Plus, you will have to take tests, coursework, essays, credits, and exams. That’s a rhythm not everyone can handle.

How do you make the right decision?

Here are some tips and recommendations:

Listen to yourself. Do not go to university just because it is considered prestigious or parents insist. Live and work for you later.

When choosing a profession, consider not only its prestige but also your abilities and inclinations. Career guidance tests can help you do this.

Study the labor market. Find out which occupations are most in-demand and pay attention to your salary level.

You shouldn’t choose too many popular destinations. Oversupply can make it difficult to find a job.

If you have chosen a university, visit it in advance, talk to current students. Study the conditions of study, the level of teaching, etc.

If you haven’t made up your mind about your choice of destination, take your time. Do not enter, just to enter. Get into college or get a job. This way you don’t waste your time. It’s never too late to get a college degree.

Best Ways to Care of Yourself During Pregnancy

Being pregnant and expecting a child is one of the most exciting parts of any young woman’s life, but that does not mean that there are not some pretty big challenges along the way.

If it is your first time ever being pregnant, there are going to be a lot of physical and mental changes that you are going to experience along the way. For that exact reason, it is crucially important that you know some of the best ways to manage your pregnancy self care.

If you’re curious about some of the best ways to take care of your body during your pregnancy, keep reading!

Make sure to get some rest 

Surely you know that growing a baby in your body takes up a lot of energy that your body is not used to tapping into. For that reason, you should feel free to take just as much rest as you feel like you have to. Especially as your birth date starts to get closer and closer. Ensure that you get plenty of sleep overnight and feel free to take a couple cat naps (15-20 minutes) per day if you feel like you need to.

Stay active 

Just like rest is important for you and you baby, so is staying healthy and active. Make sure that you are doing activities that are good for both the body and mind such as yoga, going on a light job, swimming, and more! 

Eat well 

This should be a no-brainer, but it is so important that we are going to go over it anyway. The food and liquid that you put into your body is also going into your baby’s body, so eat well, drink lots of water and stay away from things that seem a little too indulgent or are otherwise unhealthy.

Find ways to reduce stress 

We live in a stressful world and it can be easy to let the stress of the outside world impact the incredible world that is growing inside your womb. Put emphasis on maintaining a peaceful state of mind. Maybe pick up a light and pleasant book or start practicing meditation. Being as calm as possible throughout your pregnancy is a great way to ensure that you give birth to a happy and healthy baby.

Break out of the norm 

It can be easy to get down on yourself during pregnancy. After all, your belly is getting bigger and bigger and you are finding it harder to do things that would otherwise be a piece of cake. That’s why breaking out of the normal routine of life and getting away for a week (or a week) can be really good for your mental state. Head to the mountains for some fresh air or to the ocean for some saltwater and Vitamin D.

Stay intimate 

Make sure that you and your spouse are staying intimate throughout your pregnancy. Snuggling is a great way to get the body to release serotonin and oxytocin and intimacy is a wonderful way to keep the relationship alive and thriving through this exciting time.

SPIKE IN DEMAND FOR HEALTHCARE DEGREES

healthcare

Want to have an influential career future? Inspired by the superheroes working at the front line selflessly during this Pandemic? You don’t have to have an MBBS degree to work in the healthcare sector. Many healthcare jobs are not only essential but also pay well. There has been a dramatic rise in the demand for healthcare administrators, nurses, personal care aides, physician assistants, genetic counselors, and many more. Thus the higher the demand, the higher would be the salaries of the healthcare professionals. The positions mentioned above fall under the chart of the healthcare team, emphasizing on the disease treatment and wellness as well as prevention of any sort of disease.

Currently, in the U.S, over 6000 hospitals are running in the country. By the end of 2018, over 16.2 million people were employed in the healthcare sector, which is around 11% of the overall jobs present in the economy. This outstripped almost every other sector in the economy in 2018, this includes:

  • food services (261,000)
  • construction (280,000)
  • manufacturing (284,000)
  • retail sales (92,000).

Here are some possible reasons for the sudden increase in the need for healthcare degrees:

COVID-19 Pandemic and an increase in other health concerns

The ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic is probably a significant reason for the year 2020 to have sparked an increase in the need for the healthcare workforce on the frontline. The passion of working in the healthcare sector has made the youth of today to rethink about their careers and opt for something they would genuinely be recognized for.

Countries are aiming to be armed by all types of healthcare professionals to combat any other disease coming their way in the near future. This Pandemic has taught us all a very valuable lesson of taking precautions beforehand.

Click here if you are looking to do your bs in healthcare management online.

The ‘Baby Boomer’ myth is real (1946-1964)

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, aka BLS, from 2018 to 2028, employment in the healthcare sector is predicted to grow 14 percent, it is speeding up much faster as compared to the average rate for the rest of the occupations, making it up to 1.9 million new jobs. The reason behind this sparked growth is highly due to the ‘aging population.’ Consider these demographics:

  • More than 3.5 million Baby Boomers born between 1946-1964 would turn 55 every year.
  • The age group of 65 and older in the U.S that was around 35 million in the year 2000 was expected to rise by 54 million in 2020.
  • When the last round of the boomers would reach their retirement age by 2029, 65 or older age group would go all the way up to 71 million, a 73 percent increase calculated from about 41 million in 2011.

However, this year there has been a massive decline in the 50 and above age group population due to the COVID-19. The new statistics are yet to come forth.

If you analyze the median annual wage for a healthcare technician and professional, you would be surprised to know that the figures sum up to $68,190 for May 2019, a lot higher than the average $39,810 annual wage for every other occupation in the economy.

More access to medical health care

With the change in time, there has also been a huge change in health awareness. A lot of people have been gaining more access to affordable healthcare facilities. This has been possible due to the establishment of health insurance policies based on The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. You are offered health insurance at various workplaces; you can even apply them privately, making health care affordable to all.

More and more people are coming in; there would be an obvious increase in the demand for healthcare workers of all sorts.

Nurses are reaching their retirement age

Yes, it is true; there is around a million nursing staff that has reached the brink of the retirement age. This means that around one-third of them would end up retired in the coming years. It has been predicted that by 2024, around 700,000 nurses would leave the labor force entirely.

Online Health degrees in demand

This lockdown is a great opportunity for you to initiate as well as spend your free time in something healthy and productive that could also earn you a degree. Here is a list of the highly demanded healthcare degrees of 2020:

  • Physical Therapist- the top of the health care career list due to its moneymaking position as well as its demand in the coming years. The lifestyle it offers is very flexible and comfortable, as well. The average annual wage for physical therapists recorded was $87,930, whereas the demand for this profession would grow by 22 percent by 2028. You get to choose your working hours, and your clients, and are usually considered self-employed.
  • Dental Hygienist – somewhere between 2018 and 2028, there would be a great increase in the dental hygienist job to 23,700. The growth rate this represents is around 11 percent. As a dental hygienist, you can earn an average annual wage of $74,820.
  • Physician Assistant – Do not bother confusing them with medical assistants that is a separate category. A physician assistant is a highly trained health worker possessing advanced degrees since their job is to work closely with medical doctors to treat and diagnose illnesses. The average annual salary of a physician assistant is around $108,610.
  • Nurse Practitioner – as of some of the states in the U.S., a nurse practitioner has the legal license to perform the tasks of a physician. Since there is an expected increase in the demand of healthcare professionals over the next decade, the probable demand for a nurse practitioner will rise by 26 percent. The average salary goes around $113,930 annually, way more than a physician.
  • Home Health Aide – To be a health worker, you don’t need to work at a hospital or clinic. With this, you are given the license to assist your patients in the patient’s home. The projected growth rate for this profession would go around 41 percent, whereas the average salary is around $25,280 annually. To qualify for a home health aide degree, all you need is a high school diploma or equivalent. If you are still confused, the job description of a home health aide is to aid patients having disabilities, cognitive impairment, or chronic illnesses and help them improve their condition in their day-to-day activities.

Conclusion

If you had planned on acquiring a certain healthcare degree, now is the right time to prove yourself. Make the most out of your quarantine days as you can also get your healthcare degree online, thanks to technology. As it is rightly said, when there is a will, there is a way.

Ways to Strengthen Hair Follicles and Reduce Thinning Hair

What causes thinning hair

Thinning hair can cause distress and a lack of self-confidence because we associate attractiveness and youth with full, healthy hair. Numerous factors, such as: can cause thinning hair

  • Genetics—hair thinning and balding has a strong genetic relationship.
  • Over-treating hair—chemicals in perms, relaxers, and color treatments take a toll on the health of hair over time.
  • Stress—abundant stress causes the release of hormones like cortisol that can damage hair follicles, causing hair to thin.
  • A diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals—many vitamins and minerals play a significant role in the health of your hair, so eating a diet lacking in these essential nutrients can result in hair thinning.
  • Hormonal changes caused by contraceptives, childbirth, aging, or medical conditions can result in thinning hair. 

Steps to prevent or reverse thinning hair

If you notice your hair is breaking, thinning, or changing in texture and appearance, there are proactive steps you can take to restore your hair’s healthy look other than using wigs and hair toppers.

  • You can try Calecim’s advanced hair serum to improve your hair texture and improve growth and naturally reduce both male and female hair loss.
  • Talk with your stylist about reducing the frequency of coloring, or switching to a less harsh coloring process.
  • Use an advanced hair supplement that contains biotin, niacin, vitamins B and C, and other vitamins that are known to support hair health.
  • Reduce stress in as many ways as possible. Stress is a common problem that can come from a variety of life issues. Institute a stress-reduction plan in your life that can include meditation, getting more sleep, and splurging on things like a relaxing body massage. Reducing stress is critical for a healthy lifestyle, and unrelenting stress should be managed like a health condition.
  • Eat a healthy diet rich in essential nutrients. A healthy diet will improve how you look and feel, as well as help promote the growth of healthy hair.
  • Do not style your hair as frequently using heat and dense sprays and gels. Take the time to explore more natural hairstyles that do not put as much stress on your hair, and incorporate those styles into your routine. Reduce the temperature settings on your styling tools to prevent excessive damage from heat.
  • Do a frequent scalp massage. Scalp massages are easy, relaxing, and should be done anytime you shampoo your hair. Use your fingers to rub in gentle circular motions around your scalp to stimulate circulation. There are also handheld scalp massagers that improve circulation in the scalp while removing dead skin cells.
  • Look for a shampoo that contains vitamins and amino acids that promote a healthier scalp.
  • Avoid tight hairstyles such as severe buns and ponytails that can damage the follicles of your hair when worn frequently or for long periods.

Have your hair trimmed every three to four weeks if you are experiencing thinning or excessive breakage. Cutting your hair frequently, even if just a few centimeters, will keep your hair less prone to breakage. Brittle hair needs to be trimmed more often than thick hair, but all hair types can benefit from frequent trimming that keeps the ends of hair healthy.

Use a coconut oil treatment once or twice a week. Coconut oil provides natural nourishment to your scalp and contains nutrients that help prevent hair loss. Saturate your hair, starting from the scalp, and leave the coconut oil on for fifteen minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual.

Always use a wide-toothed comb to remove tangles from wet hair. Pulling the bristles of a brush, or a smaller comb, through damp, tangled hair can cause extensive damage. A wide-tooth comb gently separates hair, removing tangles without damaging the hair. If you do encounter a snag or knot, remember to use a gentle hand in working out the tangle. Do not use excessive tugging or force.

Use a hair thickening mask with nutrients for your scalp once or twice a week.

The hair thickening mask should be left on according to the instructions and can serve to provide nourishment to both hair and the hair follicles. Most masks contain biotin, which helps regulate cell growth and cell repair. Glycerin is also a popular ingredient, as it acts as helps to keep hair hydrated without irritating the scalp.

If you suddenly experience significant thinning of your hair or bald spots, make sure and consult your physician. Various medical issues can cause hair loss, such as pregnancy, anemia, and different types of anemia. Sudden hair loss should always warrant a visit to your health care provider.

Touching from a distance – Father’s Day ideas for lockdown

Father’s Day falls on June 21st this year, a date that would traditionally be one of great joy, falling as it does right after the longest day of the summer. However, with the world on lockdown due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, it is unlikely we’ll be able to see our father’s this year, let alone hug and comfort them on their special day.

What can you do for him, however, is to make sure he knows just how appreciated he is and how much you care for him. At other times, things like experience days that you can enjoy together are ideal presents but that’s just not feasible right now. So, what could you do this year to ensure your dad know you’re thinking about him this lockdown Father’s Day?

Arrange a family quiz – Quizzes conducted over video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams have become one of the breakout success stories of this pandemic. These are incredibly simple to set up and, by putting one together (perhaps focused on the things you know your dad loves the most) you’ll show him that you’re willing to put time and effort into doing something genuinely unique for him.

Surprise him with a gift – It’s incredibly easy to get things delivered remotely to another address. So why not show him how you feel from a distance this year? Have a box of his favourite chocolates delivered right to his front door or perhaps a gift basket of his favourite things (a good bottle of Father’s Day booze never goes amiss, particularly in times like these!).

Host a virtual BBQ – Nothing says ‘dad’ quite like a BBQ and whilst you might not be able to crack open a cold beer with the old man this year, it is possible to replicate the experience online. Get some high-quality meat delivered to him and set up a conference call. Then key up a playlist of some of his favourite songs on Spotify and take the laptop outside. You’ll be amazed how easy it is to replicate the vibe of a family BBQ with the wonders of modern technology! And imagine how proud he’ll be bragging to his mates that his kids there him a virtual BBQ!

Finally, if you really can’t do any of the above for any reason, why not just give him a call and lose a few hours catching up? It might sound simple, but sometimes it’s the simple things that have the greatest impact and he might prefer a couple of hours on the phone to an extravagant gift. And you can always send your dad chocolate too, just in case!

Exercising at Home: 7 Ways to Stay in Shape During Quarantine

With the closures of gyms due to the spread of COVID-19, your home can become a suitable replacement. Here are options for exercising at home during quarantine.

COVID-19 has closed gyms and forced us all to stay in our homes. If you’ve turned into a couch potato during this pandemic, then you’re probably not alone, but you can turn that around! 

The good thing is that you can still find ways to work out from the comfort of your own home. 

You might think that you need fancy equipment or weights to get a good workout but there are plenty of things that you can do in your home to still get a great workout in. 

Keep reading for 7 ways to start exercising at home and stay in shape during the quarantine. 

  1. Get out of the House

Exercising at home means that you can still get out of the house and get some fresh air. Some options for cardio could be a jog or walk around your neighborhood. Make sure to keep a six-foot distance from anyone else who is also outside. 

Especially if you’re used to walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike, then you should aim to use your neighborhood as your new gym during the quarantine. Depending on the weather, you may need to dress in a few layers until it warms up some more. 

A brisk walk or jog is a great way to get your heart rate up and burn some calories. It could be a warmup to your workout or even just a way to get you moving during the quarantine. 

  1. Use Household Items in Your Workout

Not everyone has gym equipment lying around. It’s been said that you don’t need anything besides your own bodyweight to workout, but you can always get creative with exercise equipment tips for home if you’re looking for something more. 

If you are the type to use the equipment for weightlifting during your workout, then you could use a broomstick as a barbell while doing squats. It will obviously be less challenging but you can still work on your form while outside of the gym. 

When looking to add a little weight while doing squats, lunges, shoulder presses, or other movements, then you could hold a jug of water or something that is heavy. Get creative when finding gym equipment around your house for a full-body workout. 

  1. Free Fitness Apps

One thing that you should totally be taking advantage of during the quarantine is the number of free fitness apps that have been released due to the pandemic. These apps feature a variety of different workouts that can help you target different parts of your body that you’re trying to work on. 

Another big part of fitness apps is that they can help you track your progress. You should make sure you’re using all of the features that the fitness apps have to offer so you know exactly how much you’re doing during the quarantine. 

Lastly, fitness apps can also help you create a weekly exercise schedule. If you want to work on abs one day, legs the next, and rotate, then your app should help you do that. Fitness apps are a great way to help you work out during the quarantine. 

  1. Try Something New 

Quarantine is also a great time to try a workout that you’ve never done before such as yoga. Yoga is awesome because it can help relieve stress as well as any aches and pains that you might have. 

When doing yoga you can get in a great full-body workout but also help to clear your mind. 

There are plenty of online videos that can help a beginner learn how to do yoga. It is something that you should try and practice every single day. 

Check out some of the best free online courses for yoga as well as other free classes that you can learn during the quarantine. 

  1. YouTube Workout Videos

Another awesome resource for finding workout videos for free is YouTube. There are many different workouts that target anything and everything on YouTube.

A great thing about looking for workout videos on YouTube is that you can type in how long you want to work out and then you will get so many different workout videos with that time frame. 

There are lots of YouTube channels on YouTube to choose from. Once you find your favorite one, you will feel like you’re working out with your own personal trainer from the comfort of your own home. 

  1. Try a Dancing Working

Dancing is a great way to workout from home! You can turn on some of your favorite music and bust a move however you want. 

If you’re looking for something a bit more structured, then try and follow a dance video. Zumba is a great form of dancing as a workout and there are tons of videos that you can follow along with!

Dancing for a workout is fun and you might not even realize that you’re working out until it’s all over. You’ll definitely feel it once you’ve sweated your butt off with some awesome dance moves. 

  1. Make Sure to Stretch

Along with your workouts, you should also add stretching to your routine. It is a great way for you to get more flexible which can definitely help with working out in the future. 

Another benefit of stretching is to prevent stiffness or pain in your muscles and joints. Stretching while working out at home will help to make you feel comfortable and more relaxed during the quarantine.  

The best time to stretch is after your muscles are warmed up such as after you’ve done a cardio workout or strength training. 

Exercising at Home During Quarantine 

The good news is that there are plenty of ways that you can start exercising at home. Whether you have workout equipment or not there are still ways that you can stay in shape throughout the quarantine. 

Make sure that you’re doing whatever you can to get up and stay active every single day. It’s a great way to help relieve any anxiety or stress that you might be feeling especially during this tough time. 

Make sure to bookmark our page for more tips on self-improvement!

The Top 5 Countries to Visit for First-Time Travelers

Are you looking to travel overseas for the first time? Check out our list of the top five countries to visit overseas you won’t want to miss!

Are you looking to travel overseas for the first time? Not sure which countries to visit?

Perhaps you want to see the world with your special someone, or you’re looking for the perfect honeymoon destination.

Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered. Check out these top five countries you simply don’t want to miss.

  1. Iceland

Iceland is one of the hottest travel destinations right now, known for its black sand beaches, hot springs, glacial lagoons, volcanoes, and waterfalls. The entire county seems like another planet, making it an ideal vacation for first-time travelers. 

It’s easy to get there and practically everybody speaks English. Crime is practically non-existent and tourism is strong.

It’s even possible to see the northern lights between late September and March. Talk about the perfect romantic getaway!

  1. Ireland

Another country ending inland, Ireland is one of the safest and most beautiful countries to visit. The people are friendly, and the scenery is breathtaking. 

You can expect a lot of hospitality, the notorious Irish humor and charm, emerald hills, beautiful coastlines, castles, and lochs. No matter where you go, people will help show you around.

With huge cities like Galway, Dublin, and Cork, you can connect and experience the local life, all within reach to the beautiful landscapes of the Aran Islands, Dingle, Wicklow park, and more.

  1. Mexico

Landscapes? Check. Nightlife? Check. People? Check. Art? Check. Culture? Check.

Mexico has so much to offer and gets a bad rap from the media. But there are plenty of ways to travel safely when you visit this beautiful country.

The country is vast, ranging in culture from one Peninsula to the other.

Wherever you go, the people will be charitable and accommodating. The culture is colorful and energetic, the food is tasteful, and the music is bright and joyful. You also have to see the ancient and unique architecture.

Interested in seeing Mexico for yourself? Your unforgettable vacation awaits on our award winning cruise to Mexico.

  1. Netherlands

The Dutch are very accepting, and almost all speak English. Getting lost in the narrow streets of Amsterdam, crossing the bridges over the canals, architectural marvels…all of this is part of the experience. Make sure to visit world-class museums like Rijksmuseum.

Amsterdam is very safe, and one can walk or bike around the entire city. It’s also inexpensive to get to other cities, like Maastricht, Utrecht, Hague, and they all boast their own culture and history.

  1. Thailand

Thailand is one of the happiest nations in the world. The hospitality and affordability make Thailand the best country to visit for budget travelers. There’s something to do for all travelers, starting with party-central Bangkok to the isolated beaches and jungles of the coast. 

There is also a combination of temples and monasteries within reach, generating a necessary contrast of opposing forces. Head to Chiang Mai to explore the farms and fields or go for a motorcycle tour across the country. 

You can do anything you want here without spending much or blowing your budget.

Put These Best Countries to Visit on Your Bucket List

Now that you’ve discovered the top countries to visit as a first-time traveler, you’re well on your way to starting your journey across the world. 

Whichever country you choose for your first overseas trip will have a tremendous lasting impact on you. So whether you’re looking for a honeymoon destination or looking to spend time with your partner, you really can’t go wrong with these options.

If you’re looking for more exciting or romantic locales to visit, check out the rest of our site for ideas.

7 Brilliant Ideas for Working With Kids at Home This Season

When you are working with kids at home, you might experience numerous distractions. Fortunately, these brilliant tips will ensure you remain focused.

You’re working with kids at home this season? Nice!

By this point, you’ve tried every trick you can think of to maintain the work-from-home dance and balancing act. 

In the United States, over 55.1 million students have been affected by school closures. 

Times are challenging at the moment and now more than ever it’s hard to decide how to work with kids at home.

For those looking for ways to work in the midst of all the distractions, we’ve compiled a list of seven brilliant ideas for working with kids at home.

  1. Use Technology to Your Benefit

Overnight, you’ve added teacher and entertainer to your list of parenting duties. Don’t do it all alone. Use technology to your benefit. Try introducing new avenues of learning for your child such as:

  • Educational videos
  • Virtual puzzles
  • Video chat

Changing up your kid’s traditional studying habits with technology helps keep them engaged and yearning for more.

Telecommuting is very versatile and can work wonders when you’re working from home with babies and young kids. 

  1. Find a Designated Place to Work

Kids trying to pester you while you work? Find a designated place to work in your home for both you and your child. Avoid communal areas of the house while you work.

Create a space that is unique to learning time for your child to make it feel special. Try to clear off a space in the house for them to make their own.

Add things like photos, quotes, and drawings to make their workplace feel like a real-life office. Let your child take the lead on decorating the space so they feel like it belongs to them and it needs to be treated with respect.

Choose a location with minimal distractions. A corner, landing, hallway, or closet is the perfect nook. Don’t forget to organize learning supplies for easy use. Consider a cup filled with writing utensils and a tray with writing paper. 

Don’t forget to add stress relievers to help your child concentrate. Try items like:

  • Rubik’s cube
  • Silly Putty
  • Fidget spinner

Items like these help your child release built-up energy while allowing them to stay on task.

  1. Communicate with Your Family Members

The tip of the day for work and at home is communication. Communication with your family members helps set clear expectations for everyone. 

If you’re part of a two-member household, remember to discuss the workload with your significant other. Try working in shifts to allow one parent to work on business and the other to take charge of the kids. 

When communicating with your children remember to:

  1. Let your child finish speaking before responding
  2. Make instructions straightforward
  3. Avoid blaming

If you experience an in-house conflict, remember to be specific and pay attention to the superficial. Encourage emotional literacy and keep your expectations consistent with all members of the family. 

  1. Establish a Routine

When working with kids from home is crucial to establish a routine. Set small, specific goals to achieve throughout the day. Don’t forget to offer incentives to further encourage your child.

Learning looks different for everyone. There are seven learning styles, which include:

  1. Aural
  2. Logical
  3. Physical
  4. Visual
  5. Social
  6. Solitary
  7. Verbal

Some work better with pictures, images, and spatial understanding, while others enjoy studying through writing and speech. Try to offer different learning opportunities throughout the week.

Don’t be afraid to build in free time. It serves as a great goal for your child to reach.

  1. Take a Break

Sometimes it’s inevitable. You feel burnt out and overextended with everything going on. Remember it’s okay to take a break.

Give yourself a ten-minute break for every fifty minutes of work. Completely unplug and take this time to reset. Take this time to encourage your kids to take a break too. It’s the perfect opportunity to get some of their energy out and refocus. 

Try to create activity boxes for your children. Include items like:

  • Art projects
  • Mazes
  • Coloring pages 

This helps your kids entertain themselves and allow you a few minutes to breathe.

  1. Set Boundaries

There are some tasks you’ll need to get done without your kids popping in every few minutes. Be upfront with your kids and tell them when you need to be alone to concentrate. Try adding visual signals such as:

  • Close the door
  • Put up a sign
  • Show a thumbs up or down

Your kids may be doing some extra activities more often right now, such as watching television or playing video games. Be clear to your kids that this is a special privilege and it’s a freedom that is temporary right now.

  1. Be Honest with Your Employer

It is important, to be honest with your employer. Once you have set boundaries and established a routine, don’t be afraid to share your needs with your boss. Ask for flexibility and be upfront with your availability. 

During the conversation with your employer, remember to:

  • Take ownership of your career
  • Ask what you want
  • Offer solutions
  • Be open-minded

Be proactive with your communication. Let your employers know you can’t guarantee every conference call to be interruption-free. Remember your boss is also a person. They’ll likely be more than willing to work with you.

Working with Kids at Home

Work can be challenging enough. When you are working with kids at home, you experience numerous distractions. Fortunately, these brilliant tips will make sure you stay focused.

Don’t let working with kids at home add to your stress. You’ve got this!

Want to see more posts like this one? Check out the rest of our blog to learn more!

Know What Is Autoimmune Arthritis On This World Autoimmune Arthritis Day

May 20th of every year is celebrated as a World Autoimmune Arthritis Day. In honour of this day, let us get to know what Autoimmune Arthritis is, what are the symptoms, who gets it, what are the causes, how it is diagnosed, what is the treatment, and how the health insurance policy is helpful.

What Is Autoimmune Arthritis?

When the immune system of our body, mistakenly attacks our normal cells, it results in Autoimmune diseases. In autoimmune arthritis, such as RA or rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system attacks the tissue of your joints. It causes inflammation in the lining of your joints, as a result, your joints may get warm, red, swollen, and painful.

There is no cure for this long-term disease, but there are several treatments that can help improve the life of the person suffering from Autoimmune Arthritis.

Symptoms

Here are the signs and symptoms of a person suffering from Autoimmune Arthritis. If you have any, contact your doctor immediately.

  • Pleurisy (chest pain when you breathe)
  • Dry mouth
  • Weight loss
  • Eye inflammation, eye discharge, itchy eyes, dry eyes
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Difficulty in sleeping
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Deformed joints
  • Anemia
  • Hard bumps of tissue under the skin on your arms

Who Gets It?

Anyone can get RA. However, studies have shown that this disease is 2 to 3 times more common in women than in men. But one must know that in men this disease shows more severe symptoms. It usually starts in the mid-40s, but it can start at a young age.

Causes

As of now, doctors don’t know the exact cause of Autoimmune Arthritis. Some experts say that a virus or bacteria may change your immune system, causing it to attack your joints, and sometimes, other organs. Other theories say smoking may lead to Autoimmune Arthritis. Genetic patterns in some people may also lead to this disease.

Diagnosis

Autoimmune diseases show symptoms that are common in other conditions as well. So, it is difficult to diagnose this disease, especially at an early stage. There is no specific test to diagnose Autoimmune Arthritis, but the following test may help:

  • Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Test
  • Blood Count
  • Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody Test
  • Ultrasound
  • Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate And C-Reactive Protein
  • MRI Scan
  • X-Ray

Treatment

Treatment varies from person to person. For instance, given below are the certain medication that your rheumatologist may prescribe you, depending on the degree of involvement of your RA:

  • Corticosteroids
  • Immunosuppressant Drugs
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Biologic Agents
  • Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
  • Other Biologics Like TNF-Alpha Inhibitors

Physical therapy is also recommended as it helps reduce pain and improve flexibility. In some severe cases, you may need surgery to replace or repair damaged joints.

Health Insurance Policy!

There is no cure available in the market, however, there is autoimmune disease treatment. This treatment can be very costly. That’s why it is recommended to buy a health insurance policy online so that you don’t have to worry about your finances and just focus on getting better. So, this world Autoimmune Arthritis Day, buy health insurance online from reputable insurers, so that you will have a friend that will help you financially in the time of need.