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Keto 101: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to the Ketogenic Diet

By
Elizabeth Williams

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that can help you burn more fat. Welcome to Keto 101! Check out our ultimate beginner’s guide to the ketogenic diet.

Did you know that obesity affects more than 35% of American adults while more than 34% are overweight? With statistics like this, it’s no surprise that more and more people are looking for ways to lose weight. If you’re one of them, you may have heard of the ketogenic diet.

Among other diet plans, it’s one of the most effective. But what does ketogenic mean and how does this diet work? What are the benefits and risks?

Read our keto 101 guide for everybody and anybody ready to make a lifestyle change. 

  1. Keto 101: What Is the Keto Diet?

The keto diet or ketogenic diet involves the intake of proteins from a low-carb, high-fat diet. It has similarities with the Atkins diet and the low-carb diet. This diet promotes ketogenesis, which is a natural occurrence in the human body. 

Your body needs organic protein and carbs to function well. When your diet changes into a fat-heavy kind, your body will start looking for a new calorie source. This survival mode is what we call ketogenesis or ketosis.

Ketogenesis happens when you eat a very low amount of carbohydrates. Your blood sugar will drop and your brain will look for a glucose source. From the stored fats in your body, your liver creates ketones, which are a reserve energy source.

The keto diet is somewhat of a contrast to the Atkins diet. The typical Atkins diet involves getting 75% of calories from protein, 25% from fat, and less than 5% from carbs. Meanwhile, in the keto diet, you get 75% of your calories from fat, 25% from protein and less than 5% from carbs.

  1. What Must You Eat on the Keto Diet?

For the keto diet to work, 60-80% of your calories should come from fat. Protein could provide around 20% of calories. For your carb intake, it should be 20-30 grams per day only. 

The keto diet has very strict control over carb intake and moderate control over proteins. Water is the best drink to have while on this diet but you can also have plain coffee and black tea. However, be careful about the fibers you eat and be sure to look for more info about it here.

You don’t have to follow the Atkins-opposite ratio above for this diet. Only remember this rule: very low carb intake, moderate protein intake, and high fat intake.

Of course, this isn’t keto 101 if we didn’t include an example meal plan for a day.

For your first breakfast, eat eggs scrambled in butter on a bed of lettuce and topped with avocado. Grab salmon baked in olive oil and asparagus with butter for lunch. Prepare a pork chop with cauliflower mash and red cabbage slaw for dinner. 

Whenever you feel hungry, snack on low-carb cheese and sunflower seeds between meals. If you need a new snack, try celery and pepper strips dipped in guacamole.

  1. Who Should Take the Keto Diet?

This diet will work for certain kinds of people but not all. For starters, people who can’t stick to the diet won’t see any results from it.

Although it’s one of the most effective diets out there, you should be careful when trying it. 

There are other groups of people who should ask their doctors first if they’re considering this diet. The first group is people who take medication for diabetes like insulin. You’re still allowed to get the keto diet but you may need to lower your insulin doses by a lot.

The next group is breastfeeding mothers. It’s understandable that you want to get rid of the post-pregnancy fat as soon as possible. However, a low-carb diet may be dangerous for you and your child.

The last group is people who are taking blood pressure medication. The diet change can normalize your blood pressure but your meds can be too strong for your condition. Talk to your doctor about your plans as well as getting extra salt and bouillon. 

  1. Benefits of the Keto Diet

Many doctors recommend the keto diet because it’s far more superior to the typical low-fat diet. Also, this diet is not only a quick weight loss solution. It’s also a treatment for epilepsy. 

If you have type-2 diabetes, a ketogenic diet can help you lose the excess weight well. It can even reverse your type-2 diabetes until you don’t have to medicate anymore. If you have type-1 diabetes, you can control your blood sugar levels with it.

The diet also helps treat several types of cancer and tumor growth. Avoid heart disease by reducing risk factors like HDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Researches show that the keto diet also has benefits for people with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, brain injury, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

  1. Does the Keto Diet Have Any Side Effects?

Now, you may think that the ketogenic diet is pretty solid. However, you might also think about any cons this diet has in store. As with most diet, your body will take some time to adjust to using much fewer carbs.

In the beginning, you may experience the “keto flu.” Symptoms include headaches, nausea, fogginess, muscle cramps, and fatigue. Stay hydrated and rested and you should be alright within the week.

Cutting down on carbs may affect your defecation as well. Note that your breath may stink too due to the acetone compound in ketones. To be safe, see your doctor for any recommendations or advice.

  1. What Not to Do (and Eat) on a Keto Diet

Since ketosis happens when the majority of your diet involves fats, how do you know when you’re in ketosis? One thing’s for sure: maintaining it isn’t easy.  For one, you should have the self-discipline to avoid too much protein or too many carbs. 

Avoid sugary foods and almost all fruits. Reduce the intake of beans, legumes, root vegetables, and tubers. Grains, starches, and processed low-fat diet products have to go too.

Supplements are not enough to jumpstart your body into ketosis so don’t rely on them. Also, drinking alcohol can put you out of ketosis and back to square one, even on a cheat day. If you want, you can use an over-the-counter ketosis test to see if you’re in ketosis. 

Take the Keto Diet

That is Keto 101 for beginners. Remember that everyone’s regimen is as unique as their metabolism and body. The keto diet may work for you or it may not but it wouldn’t hurt to give it a go. Fasting schedule is the best option during the keto diet plan for maximum benefits. 

It doesn’t end here! There are other details to learn and more diets to discover. Don’t hesitate to explore our other posts for more guides like this one.

Medical Misdiagnosis Is More Common Than You Think

By
Elizabeth Williams

Medical misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose are considered medical malpractice. The statistics and common conditions missed by specialists are startling.

Did you know that an estimated 12 million Americans are victims of some form of medical misdiagnosis each year? Not only this, but a recent Mayo Clinic study suggests that more than 20% of patients suffering from serious illnesses were initially misdiagnosed.

Misdiagnosis is an increasingly common problem in the medical industry, and its consequences can be severe, ranging from delayed and improper treatment to severe injury and even death. Read on to learn more about medical misdiagnosis, how it occurs, and how it can be prevented!

What Is Medical Misdiagnosis?

At first blush, the term “medical misdiagnosis” might seem pretty self-explanatory. But it’s actually much more than just incorrectly identifying a patient’s illness, injury, or condition.

Medical misdiagnosis, in fact, refers to any error that results in an incorrect, missed, or delayed diagnosis of the patient’s condition. In other words, misdiagnosis is not just about the diagnosis you receive and treating you for Disease X when you really have Disease Y.

It’s also about a doctor or clinician telling you you’re perfectly healthy when, in fact, the clinical signs of your condition are there and yet not properly or promptly recognized by your care provider. It’s even about taking months to perform batteries of follow-up tests when there were adequate signs for a proper diagnosis from day one.

So, whether it’s a matter of improperly identifying a condition or of failing to recognize the signs and symptoms of the condition, medical misdiagnosis is a form of medical malpractice that can cost you or your loved one precious time in getting the treatment you need.

How Does It Happen?

Let’s face it: the doctor/patient relationship is among the most important relationships you will ever have. Your doctor is the person you share your most intimate secrets with, private matters that you may not even share with your closest loved ones.

Your doctor knows you, literally, inside and out. In many ways, he knows you better than you know yourself. From the first day of your relationship with your doctor to the last, you are quite literally agreeing to put your life into her hands.

But did you know that the average doctor’s appointment in the United States lasts just twenty minutes? Or that patients generally get a mere 18 seconds on average to talk before their doctor interrupts them?

It’s little wonder, then, that misdiagnoses happen so often. In an increasingly burdened healthcare system, with high patient volumes and fewer and fewer clinicians to care for them, doctors all too often find themselves overworked and lacking for time.

The simple fact is that when a doctor encounters scores of patients each day recounting the same sets of symptoms, it can be tempting to jump to conclusions. It can be easy to listen to the patient, but without actually hearing her.

 And the consequences can be devastating, ranging from the simple progression of the disorder to injuries borne of improper treatment. It can cost the patient and the medical system thousands or even millions of dollars for treatments that could have been avoided. It can rob patients not only of their quality of life but also their peace of mind. It can take their function and it can take their life.

What Can Be Done?

In an already overtaxed healthcare system, where patients may too readily feel more like a number on an assembly line than a human being in search of compassionate care, it’s hard to know what to do to avoid misdiagnosis.

However, there are a few steps you can take to decreases the chances of it happening to you or your loved one.

Be Thorough and Clear

One of the most common causes of misdiagnosis is insufficient patient information. So make sure that you are communicating clearly and thoroughly with your doctor. Make notes and take a loved one with you to help ensure that you don’t miss any important details when communicating with your doctor.

Don’t Just List Your Symptoms: Tell the Story

Doctors are used to hearing the same list of symptoms repeated to them day in and day out. This can lead to a diagnostic error in which the doctor prematurely settles on a familiar and expected disorder while unconsciously ignoring signs that point away from that expected diagnosis.

However, when you tell the story of your symptoms, rather than just listing them, you’re helping your doctor focus on and better remember. Best of all, you’re providing the context that just might hold that vital clue needed to make the proper diagnosis.

It’s Your Time. Take It.

Remember what we said about the average doctor’s appointment lasting just 20 minutes? Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. You are paying for that time with your doctor. You deserve her attention, even if that means you have to demand it. 

After all, it is your right and it is your health. Nothing is more important. Your doctor should be more than willing to sit with you, hear what you have to say, and answer your questions and concerns. If he isn’t, then it’s time to start looking for a new one.

Get a Second Opinion        

Yes, your doctor may have the training, but you have the experience. You’ve lived in your body your whole life. No one knows it better than you do. And when a diagnosis (or a failure to diagnose) just doesn’t feel right, pay attention.  Listen to your intuition.

That gut instinct is an evolutionary tool meant to ensure our survival. It’s maybe the strongest ally we have in determining what is right and wrong for us. So when your gut is telling you something is not right about your diagnosis or treatment plan, take action. Get a second opinion. Or a third or a fourth if need be. It may well save your life.

The Takeaway

Medical misdiagnosis is all too common in the American healthcare system, but that doesn’t mean you or your loved ones have to experience it. With the right strategies and a bit of support, you can protect yourself and those you love from becoming another statistic. 

Please keep browsing our website to read more about your health and how to make the most of it!

 

Factual Details to Note about Noopept

By
Elizabeth Williams

Noopept was a synthetic drug initially developed in Russia in the 1990s. It was made with the primary purpose to help cure the problem of deteriorating cognitive abilities in the elderly. Scientists in Russia used Piracetam to develop Noopept during the 1990s, and it was ready for sale by 1996. Noopept was seen as the cheapest solution to the growing problem of social care for people in their old age. It was then realized that it offered far more benefits, for example, cognitive improvements, a sense of well-being, and more mental and physical energy, minimal negative side-effects. Here are more details about Noopept.

Effects of Noopept

This is a fast acting powder that as soon as its active components hit the brain, it will improve the movement of alpha brain waves, which are vital to cognitive performance. Furthermore, it increases two essential brain chemicals that is BDNF and NGF located in the hippocampus. Even though these two chemicals are mostly associated with long- term memory improvements, under the influence of Noopept, they increase in activity and number, thereby improving short-term memory.

Additionally, Noopept appears to increase the ability of receptors in the brain to work together with the neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine. This, in turn, enables faster transportation of the brain signals hence resulting in increased mental clarity and performance. Therefore, Noopept is a chemical stimulant of fundamental brain neurotransmitters which improves the mental functions like memory improvement, speed of thought and clarity, focus, enthusiasm and lastly positivity.

Noopept Dosage and Cycle

Noopept shared heritage with Piracetam that has made people think their dosage is similar. This is not the case as Piracetam requires a dosage of up to 500 mg, while 10 mg of Noopept is enough to trigger all the benefits one would want. You can click here to know the effects of Noopept, which are usually quick and short last, taking about 15 minutes onset and at most taking one hour for the effects to last.

Legality of Noopept

Noopept is legal but not in all states in the USA where it is not regulated thus not operated under any laws. Although it is not illegal, you are not allowed to advertise the drug for consumption by a human for medical purpose but as a general supplement.

Side Effects of Noopept

Noopept has minimal noted side effects that are short term and long term. The usual short term side-effect is headaches, which is usually at the beginning or when you take a high dose. The headaches can be counter-balanced by taking the dosage of Noopept with around 300 mg of Choline. Some of the long term side effects can be a dependency, due to the way the neurological receptors in the brain become dependent on the impact of the drug to function fully.

Conclusion

Since it is unregulated finding a place to buy a pure, good quality Noopept that fit the purpose is an issue. Therefore, you can click here to get genuine and good quality Noopept. Ensure you take the drug as recommended.

 

Be Ready for Anything: How to Survive a Plane Crash

By
Elizabeth Williams

Plane crashes don’t happen often, but when they do, they can be deadly. Keep reading below to learn how to survive a plane crash.

Did you know that your odds of being on a crashing plane are one in 5.4 million by some estimates and one in 11 million by others? You’ve got a better chance of being attacked by a shark or struck by lightning.

And when it comes to automobiles? Car transportation proves 100 times more deadly than plane travel.

Yet, the very act of soaring through the atmosphere at 31,000 to 38,000 feet still makes us nervous. And when we do hear about plane crashes and the casualties involved, these tragedies only further cement our anxiety. 

What’s the best way to assuage your fear of plane crashes? Understanding your odds of surviving a plane crash and what to do should the worst happen. Read on to learn more about surviving a plane crash.

Know Your Odds

Many airplane passengers climb on a plane with a certain sense of resigned hopelessness. They mistakenly feel that should their plane crash, it’s over. Period.

That may be why 50 percent of airline passengers don’t pay attention to the emergency briefing by flight attendants before takeoff, let alone read the brochure in the seat-back pocket in front of them. 

But inaction and ignorance founded in hopelessness won’t do you any favors should you beat the odds and find yourself in a plane that’s going down. 

When it comes to an airplane crash, your odds of surviving prove much better than you think. 96 percent of all airplane crash victims survive. 

What’s more, when researchers crunched the numbers for some of the worst crashes between 1983 and 2000, they found that even with the addition of fire, substantial damage, and injuries, 77 percent of passengers still walked away. 

Of course, there are instances where no one survives a plane crash. But they prove fewer and farther between than you probably realize.

Despite the rarity of such events, they get splashed in news headlines about 1,500 times more than auto accidents and 6,000 times more than cancer. By the way, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the US after heart disease. 

Where to Sit to Survive a Plane Crash

When it comes to surviving a plane crash, one thing remains outside of your control: the nature of the crash. If you happen to be seated where the impact of a plane crash occurs, your odds of survival drop significantly.

But some seats do prove safer than others, no matter what the FAA states about their equivalent safety. Always try to sit in the rear third of the plane.

The safest seats on the plane are located in the last row because of their proximity to the rear exit. You can also increase your odds of survival by following the five-row rule. Position yourself within five rows of an exit door. 

Although only a marginal difference, sitting in an aisle seat also ups your odds of survival. 

Ways to Further Improve Your Survival Chances

Besides sitting in what are considered to be the safest seats, don’t make the mistake that half of your fellow passengers do. Instead of ignoring the safety presentation and seat-back card, pay attention.

Why? Because aircrafts each have unique safety procedures and features. Don’t assume that all plane safety protocols are the same. 

Most crashes occur during the first three minutes of takeoff or the last eight minutes of the flight. So, make sure your shoes are on at these times. Stay alert and prepared to take action should events change rapidly.

You should also consider your flight wardrobe carefully. Avoid shorts, skirts, dresses, and loose-fitting clothes. Wear close-toed shoes with good shoes and traction. And avoid synthetic fabrics that prove flammable. 

If possible, opt for flame-resistant clothing. If portions of the plane are on fire, this type of clothing could mean the difference between perishing and escaping.

And Don’t Forget Your Seatbelt

While it shouldn’t surprise you that passengers who wear seatbelts are far more likely to survive, after the crash seatbelts do present an escape hazard.

Many passengers who’ve survived plane crashes reported losing precious minutes to exit the plane due to problems getting their seatbelts off.

In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to forget that the buckles of airplane seatbelts must be lifted for removal. Instead, many passengers resort to trying to press them in the middle of the buckle to release them.

So, make sure you practice this a few times to get it in your muscle memory just in case.

The Best Brace Position for a Crash

As for the best position during the actual crash, make sure you have your seatbelt pulled as tightly as possible. Remember that the g-force of the crash triples with every centimeter of slack in the belt. 

Also, make sure that the belt is pulled down over your pelvis as much as possible to avoid damage to organs or soft tissue.

Brace for impact by following the positions outlined in the seat-back book. The positions include either having your head down while hugging your knees or cradling your head on the seat in front of you.

If possible, pad your heads, shins, and ankles with pillows and blankets. It also reduces the risk of shin injury when you place your feet flat on the floor and as far back under your knees as possible.

After the initial crash, prepare for additional impacts to the plane. Stay in the brace position until the plane comes to a complete stop. 

If at any point during the crash oxygen masks drop, put yours on first. You’re only as good as your ability to breathe. After that, help other individuals such as children who may not be able to get their masks on without assistance.

How to Get Off the Plane

Once the plane comes to a resting position, listen to the flight crew. If they give instructions, follow them to a tee. The flight crew is thoroughly trained in post-crash protocol.

But should they be dazed, confused, or dead, don’t wait. Time is of the essence.

If you want to survive, then you’ve got to evacuate the plane as quickly as possible. Don’t try to bring anything with you. Material items are replaceable. Your life is not.

Get out of the cabin and as far away from the plane as possible. Aim for a 500-foot distance between you and the plane. Should the exit nearest you be blocked, don’t head towards the front of the plane, no matter what your instincts may tell you.

Instead, head straight for the back. The rear emergency exit will be among the easiest to find, especially in the chaos and disorientation following a crash.

Don’t climb seats unless there’s no other way to access the emergency exit. Planes are made to be evacuated within 90 seconds. So, don’t cut line or else you stand to make the exit area so congested that nobody can get off.

Once you’re off the plane and a safe distance away, check yourself for wounds. If you’re seriously bleeding, use clothing to tie off your wound. Rescuers should arrive soon, so stay in the general vicinity of the crash.

Finally, once you’ve survived the crash and gotten back home, these attorneys a call. Following an aviation accident, you need to understand your rights and the legal recourse available to you. 

Surviving a Plane Crash

Should you find yourself in the rare position of an impending plane crash, the tips above could save your life.

While they apply primarily to commercial planes, they also have applications for a single-engine plane crash. Of course, avian crashes and deaths go up significantly when you fly in a private plane. So, think twice before departing on a small plane.

Now that we’ve satisfied your curiosity when it comes to plane crash survival, are ready for some more fascinating reads? If so, browse our blog for more stories to pique your curiosity. 

 

Top 10 Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush

By
Elizabeth Williams

Using an electric toothbrush has its many benefits. Click here to learn all about why you should be using an electric toothbrush to brush your teeth.

So you’ve got a smartphone, a smartwatch, a smart refrigerator, and who knows what else. But you’re still scrubbing the inside of your mouth with some neglected brush? 

Upgrading to an electric toothbrush will improve your dental health and hygiene considerably.

Read on to learn about the top 10 benefits of an electric toothbrush. 

  1. Oral Health

So you’re young now and have a beautiful set of chompers. Done the line, however, you may wish you took better care of your teeth.

An electric toothbrush will keep your teeth clean and healthy for years to come.

  1. Better Brushing

An electric toothbrush moves and vibrates in such a way that is superior to a conventional toothbrush. This makes it more efficient at cleaning your teeth.

  1. Let Your Toothbrush Do the Work for You

The process is easier for the user. Instead of having to back and forth and up and down you essentially just leave the vibrating toothbrushes against your teeth and it does the word for you.

  1. Fights Bad Breath

Since this method is superior at removing bacteria and food particles from places that normal toothbrushes miss, you can expect to have a fresher smelling breath.

  1. Say Goodbye to Gingivitis

Gingivitis refers to an inflammation of the gums. It is a very common condition that leads to pain, redness, and swelling. If left untreated, it can have serious consequences.

An electric toothbrush cleans away the plaque and bacteria that cause gingivitis.

  1. Cleanliness

Studies have shown that a typical toothbrush found in our bathroom contains about one hundred million bacteria.

Switch to an electric toothbrush that is easy to clean and replacing the head is a snap.

  1. Works for Everybody

Some people can have a lot of difficulties using conventional toothbrushes. This can be due to pain, such as those with carpal tunnel syndrome, or due to mobility issues (broken wrist, Parkinson’s). It is very easy to teach someone how to use an electric toothbrush.

Self vibrating toothbrushes are easier for the user.

  1. No More Plaque

Dental plaque is sticky biofilm around our teeth that is created by bacteria. The build-up of plaque can lead to gingivitis and other condition.

Electric toothbrushes are designed to get rid of plaque, letting your teet be as healthy as possible.

  1. Cost-Benefit Analysis

Although purchasing an electric toothbrush requires an initial investment, the replacement heads are cheap and easy to replace. Plus, over time, improved dental health will translate to less dental visits and procedures, possibly saving you money in the long term.

  1. Style

OK, so style points won’t actually make your teeth whiter or anything but electric toothbrushes are simply really cool and sleek looking. Also, it is possible to buy customized toothbrushes that match your bathroom.

The best electric toothbrushes of 2019 will certainly surprise you.

Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush: It’s Time to Ditch Your Old Brush

When you look at your old blue toothbrush compared to the benefits of an electric toothbrush, it’s really a nice brainer which one wins.

You certainly have many options. Whether you want to find a deal or simply want the best Sonicare toothbrush available, your mouth and teeth will definitely appreciate it.

 

Why You Should Consider Taking Adrafinil

By
Elizabeth Williams

Everyday life can sometimes be demanding to the extent that you can feel overwhelmed. You might be expected to meet targets in the workplace, carry out chores, take care of the family, or even organize and attend events every week, among many other tasks.  

Such responsibilities can leave your mind and body tired and unable to function at the required level. Lucky for you, there is a drug known as adrafinil that is designed to help you during such periods. The drug is also beneficial to a person suffering from health conditions that impair the brain.

How the Drug Benefit your Body

When your mind and body are tired, you likely to feel sleepy at times when you are supposed to be functioning at the highest level. This can occur anywhere, whether in the workplace or in an event where probably you are the main guest. Adrafinil can help you avoid such awkward moments. It promotes alertness and wakefulness, which ensures that you remain active throughout the day.

Been unable to concentrate and make informed decisions is common when your mind is tired. This can also happen if you are suffering from a health condition that affects the functioning brain. If you are going through such experiences, you should consider taking adrafinil.

This because the drug leads to better mental clarity, increases reaction time, improves focus, and improves short-term memory. All these benefits ensure that you remain attentive, especially at times when you are required to be on high alert.

One other benefit associated with adrafinil is mood improvement. Most of the drugs in the market that are meant for the same function makes one irritable. This can make it difficult to relate to others. That is not the case with adrafinil. The drug has been found to improve behavior and reduce symptoms of depression. This means that you are not likely to jeopardize valuable relationships when your body is under the influence of adrafinil.  

However, if you want to enjoy the benefits or even avoid becoming overwhelmed by the effects of the drug, you should ensure that you take the right dosage. Click here for details about the recommended dosage.

Side Effects     

It is worth noting that adrafinil has the least side effects compared to most of the drugs designed for the same function. As already indicated, it does not result in mood disturbances but rather an improvement. Individuals that use the drug are also less likely to become addicted.

The only known negative side effects are delayed feeling of sleepiness and decrease in appetite. However, this should not be a concern. This is because most of the studies carried out indicate that the side effects are rare. This means that only a small percentage of users report experiencing them.

The Takeaway

Adrafinil is a drug that can help you keep up with the demands of everyday life. It promotes alertness and wakefulness, enhances mental clarity, and improves mood. All these lead to improved cognitive function. It also has the least side effects when compared to most of the drugs meant to offer the same benefits. Visit here for the best place to buy adrafinil.    

                                                  

How can you make your Business Stand out in the Crowd?

By
Elizabeth Williams

You may feel like there is a long way to go before you become as successful as someone like Richard Branson, but it is important to remember that the man who is now worth approximately $4 billion started off at the bottom as well. Small business owners are getting in on the ground level, and there is no denying that it is a tough climb to get up the ladder. Those that want to be successful need to stand out from the crowd. With every industry being hugely competitive in the online world, being recognizable is more pertinent than ever.

Make sure everything is above board

One of the simplest things that business owners can do to boost the number of clients that want to deal with them is to make sure everything is above board and legal. This information can be included on the home page of your website. For example, sites in the online casino industry need to show that they are regulated by the relevant authorities.

Other businesses need to check the federal and state regulations in their area of operation. These include things like tax codes and environmental and privacy rules. It’s also a good idea to show that you have insurance. Liability insurance for small business is especially crucial, as the company may not make enough revenue to deal with any potential lawsuits.

Show that your team is committed to professional development

Clients are most likely to want to work with up and coming businesses which can show they are committed to professional development. There is a vast amount of research to show that keeping employees engaged and constantly learning is beneficial to a business. This, in turn, makes that business more attractive for others to deal with. 87 percent of millennials stated that the opportunity for professional development was a huge persuading factor to stay in a job, and companies with engaged employees outperform those without by up to 202 percent.

Include recommendations from clients on your website

Once the above points are covered, it should be much easier to attract clients than when you were starting out. But that is just the start. Use early dealing with other businesses and clients as a way to garner some feedback from them. If possible, have them make recommendations and use quotes on your website homepage. If others can see that reputable companies have recommended you, they are much more likely to want to do business. This is the same for any industry and is a vital tactic for standing out. If two websites both offer the same thing but only one has recommendations, which one do you think people are most likely to deal with?

Some other ways to make your small business stand out from the crowd include colorful and unique website design, innovative offers, and interactivity. If you get all these things right, you could end up being as successful as Branson one day.

Two Inspirational Scandinavian Holiday Ideas to Lift Your Spirits

By
Elizabeth Williams

Travel is a great way to recharge your energy, stimulate your mind and strengthen your soul. However, some trips will inspire you more than others. For example, a week sat by a pool at an all-inclusive resort might help you relax but it might not give you the cultural and spiritual stimulation you are craving. Sometimes, you have to think a little differently to find the right experience for you.

If you’re looking for a holiday with a difference, Scandinavia provides some great options. Here we look at two truly inspirational Scandinavian vacation ideas.  

A trip to the Ice Hotel

Located in the small village of Jukkasjärvi, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden, the Ice Hotel offers a unique holiday experience. The hotel is built every year using ice from the River Torne on whose banks it stands. Traditionally, the design and layout of the hotel have been different each year, although new technology now allows part of it to open all year round. The artic location offers a unique landscape dominated by the silence of the surrounding wilderness.

Visitors can choose to spend a night or more in one of the hotel’s many themed ice rooms, each featuring ice sculptures commissioned by artists from around the globe. However, there are also warm and cosy chalets available nearby.

During the winter, there is very little daylight, temperatures are well below freezing and the snow can be metres deep. Some lucky guests may even get to see the Northern Lights during their stay.

Despite the location, there is plenty to do with snowmobile experiences, dog-sled tours, wilderness dinners, fishing trips and photography adventures among the huge choice of excursions in this winter wonderland.

Visit a Viking location

Scandinavia is the original home of the Vikings. These ancient Norse seafarers were known for travelling far and wide to trade, conquer and discover new lands. They even made it to North America hundreds of years before Christopher Columbus where they built a settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows.

There are many Viking locations scattered across Scandinavia and a visit to any will transport you back to an era when Vikings dominated the north of Europe. At the Viking Centre in Ribe, Denmark, you can see how the Vikings used to live by visiting the reconstructed village and marketplace. Ribe is the oldest town in the country and is an important part of Norse history.

The Vikings had their own culture, mythology and language. Norse mythology features Gods such as Thor and Odin who, along with the entity Loki, were popularised in the Marvel comic and movie series. Their tales are told in the runestones that were a popular part of Viking culture.

Also in Denmark, the Trelleborg Viking Fortress near Slagelse is home to the remains of an original circular Viking fort. There are seven more similar fortresses located across Denmark and Sweden all worth a visit.


“Trelleborg, a viking fortification from” (CC BY 2.0) by Daily LOL Pics

The famous town of Jelling is full of Viking sites and artefacts such as burial mounds, rune stones and the 900-year-old Jelling Church which was one of the first signs of the Viking transition to Christianity.

In summary, these are just two ways to experience Scandinavia – there are many more incredible experiences to be found in this fascinating and awe-inspiring part of the world. Why not take a trip to the Norwegian Fjords or enjoy the wonderful cities of Stockholm in Sweden or Helsinki in Finland? The possibilities are endless.

This Is How You Love Purely, Unconditionally And Free Of Any Attachment

By
Stephanie Reeds

True love is free-flowing, pure, wild, untamed, unconditional and limitless. It doesn’t have any shape. It cannot be broken. And it exists independently on its own. It is not based on attachment. It is based on mutual understanding, compromise and trust.

The only thing that destroys it and eventually kills it, is attachment. Yup, you read it right. Attachment is the death of true, unconditional love.

Attachment is the nasty villain that comes in and sweeps everything away. And you know that. Deep down, all of you know it. The thing is, you are just too afraid to admit it.

You see, most of you may say that you unconditionally love someone, but if you are someone who behaves co-dependently and cannot spend a day without your partner beside you (or in other words, you cannot live your life without them),  I have news for you. That is not unconditional love. In fact, that is the opposite of unconditional love. It is called codependency.

Codependency is easily mistaken for real, unconditional love. Those fiery, can’t-live-without-each-other feelings are often misinterpreted and most of the people often think that they’ve found real love. When in reality, they’ve actually put themselves into a dangerous cage.

Well, let’s make things clearer, shall we?

This is how you love purely, unconditionally and free of any kind of attachment:

1. You love without boundary. When you truly love someone, your love should know no boundary. If you say that you are truly in love with someone, you should be able to love them passionately and from the bottom of your heart. Without any fear that your heart might get broken again.

Having said that, attachment is what makes us absolutely addicted to a person. It is what makes us fear for our life without them. As a result of being attached, we forget about ourselves. We forget that real love has no end and it exists freely on its own.

2. You have a huge sense of happiness and freedom. More importantly, you feel like you can be yourself. When you truly love another human being, everything feels just right. There is no pressure, no fear of being rejected and no doubts. This is a sign that you love someone unconditionally and free of attachment.

3. You fully accept your partner as they are. This goes without a saying. The definition of unconditional love is acceptance of imperfection. Loving someone purely and without attachment means loving them for who they truly are. A flawed, peculiar, imperfect human being who’ve done many mistakes in life. This kind of love liberates, whereas love based on attachment entraps.

It is truly important for you to be able to make a difference between these two. Because if you are being controlled and criticized by your partner, you shouldn’t convince yourself that they love you. You should know that this person cannot love you the right way.

Unconditional love doesn’t allow you to go down the road to attachment. It simply teaches you to love without boundaries.

10 Reasons Why People Who Overthink Everything Have A Hard Time Falling In Love

By
Stephanie Reeds

Overanalyzing. Misinterpreting. Exaggerating. Overstressing. Thinking. Overthinking.

If you ask me, it’s all the same. Because it all involves using your mind to overanalyze everything that is happening around you and sometimes even up to a point where it gets more harmful than helpful for you.

It’s crazy, I am telling you. I myself am a passionate overthinker. Those who are struggling with the same know exactly how deep thinkers go through life.

Here are 10 reasons why people who overthink usually have trouble finding love:

1. They overthink the obvious. They are the masters of making something unnecessary complicated and hard. Overthinkers or in other words, deep thinkers internalize their feelings. They always feel and think more than it is needed. Even when the truth is obvious.

2. They know that love is not enough to sustain one relationship. People who overthink know that loving someone is not all there is. They believe that compatibility is one of the most important things for a relationship to thrive.

3. They often attract partners in order to fulfill their voids. Their mind is loud, and their thoughts are often chaotic. So, in order to fulfill their voids and hush their fears, they attract people who they think can help them go through the pain. The sad thing is, in most cases, the relationships they create with these people are not real.

4. However, they are also afraid that they might get hurt. Deep thinkers are very conflicted human beings. The first thing you need to know about them is the fact that they are wounded. Their scars are a part of who they are, and they are the reminders that keep them up at night.

5. They are in love with the realms inside their minds. They like how things sound in theory more than in practice. That is why when reality suddenly disrupts their fantasies, they have no idea how to react. Instead of actually doing something, they retreat to the safety of their comfort zones.

6. They are afraid of how much they feel. And this often makes them very cautious about their decisions. The truth is, deep thinkers know that they feel too much, they are very well aware of what is going on inside their hearts. The problem is putting their feelings on the line and showing everyone how vulnerable are.

7. They analyze and carefully evaluate situations before they take a leap. Overthinkers have a storm of thoughts in their minds before they actually make a decision. They can’t help it, it’s just who they are.

8. They have high standards. Even though they sometimes make mistakes like falling for people just because they need to fill their voids, deep thinkers actually believe in love. And they are convinced that there is someone for everyone.

9. They want a partner who is more than just what they make them feel. As I previously said, deep thinkers believe in compatibility. They need someone who will share the same ideas, passions, and insecurities as them. They need someone who is more than just attractive.

10. They find it hard to follow their hearts because most of the time this involves trusting themselves. And doing that is not simple for these people.

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