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14 Reasons Why Strong People Don’t Give Their Energy to Toxic People

July 30, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Every person you spend time around gets some of your energy. When you give them your energy, you also receive things from them, good or bad. Toxic people can deplete you; strong people eventually learn not to let them anymore.

Taking control of who you give your energy to can improve your life and overall happiness. You don’t have to let negative people interfere with your well-being. If you want to live a good life, you must decide to stop feeding into the people who trigger you.

You’re going to encounter many people who don’t deserve your energy. It’s up to you to decide how and why you’ll limit your time with them.

Why Strong People Don’t Give Their Energy to Toxic People

Sometimes the toxic people in your life are close friends and family, making the situation harder. Breaking free from their influence will help you flourish, even when letting go is hard.

1. Toxicity Holds Them Back

Someone is toxic if they don’t help you grow or hold you back. You don’t need and shouldn’t want these people interfering with your life. Sometimes you’ll think you can ignore their negativity, but it’ll affect you even when your guard is up.

2. They Know They Don’t Need Toxic People

You don’t have to surround yourself with many people to live your best life. Instead, choosing a select few people who contribute to your life in meaningful ways is the best way to go. It provides you with the opportunity for connection and growth.

3. They Know They Won’t Live Up to Their Potential

When surrounded by toxicity, these people know they can’t live up to their full potential. You’re tough, too, and you deserve nothing but the best from the people in your life.

4. They Make You Feel Lousy

At the very least, stop letting toxic people ask you for favors, and don’t go out of your way to see them. They will only steal your energy and make you feel lousy. You might feel bad at first, but once you notice the improvement in your life, you’ll realize it was well worth it.

5. They Don’t Feel Sorry for Themselves

When people mistreat a firm person, they don’t waste time feeling sorry for themselves. They count their losses and move on, not giving the person another chance to hurt them. These people take responsibility for their life and acknowledge that they can choose to who to give their energy.

6. They Choose Their Attitude

Spending time with negative people makes it easy to take on their attitude. You’ll start to think in pessimistic or gloomy ways, but you don’t have to. Strong people know they can choose their attitude even when toxic people threaten their well-being.

Rather than letting them ruin your well-being, decide to stay motivated. When you make this decision, it’s easier to change the areas of your life that disrupt your positive attitude. It gives a negative person too much control over you if you let them dictate your mood or mindset.

7. Strong People Aren’t Afraid to Spend Time Alone

Strong people aren’t afraid to spend time alone. They’d rather have silence than spend their time with toxic people. Their thoughts don’t scare them, so they either embrace the silence or spend that time being productive.

8. They Don’t Feel Obligated

These people don’t feel obligated to keep people in their life. They know who is bad for them and willingly let go of that relationship. Guilt trips don’t work with them because they know what decision to make to improve their life.

9. They Behave Productively

Firm people know that toxic people bring out the worst in them. They don’t give them their energy because they prefer to behave productively. When they want to do what’s best for their life, they must focus on beneficial aspects and people.

10. Strong People Stay in Control

It’s not worth giving in to toxic people because it takes away your power. Strong people don’t give their energy because they know it’ll cause them to lose control. They take responsibility and ownership of their life rather than placing blame on others.

11. They Surround Themselves with Positive Energy Instead of Toxic People

When someone knows what they want in their life, they surround themselves with it. Surrounding yourself with positive people helps eliminate any toxicity. When you give your energy to good people, it helps you prevent giving it to anyone else.

Surrounding yourself with positive people helps you stay on track. You’ll keep your eye on your goals and find ways to grow as a person. Positive people impact you in beneficial ways, helping you become the best version of yourself.

12. They Know Their Time is Worth More

Toxic people can zap all of your energy. It’s not worth giving in when you know you’ll receive nothing. Don’t waste a minute worrying about encounters with the person because no matter what happens, it’s not worth the lost time.

If a strong person starts thinking about a toxic person, they find ways to shift their thinking. They know that giving the negative person attention will only worsen the situation.

13. They Won’t Spend Their Time Dwelling on the Past

Toxic people often spend their time dwelling on the past. People who recognize their inner strength refuse to do the same. They don’t want to waste their energy rehashing the past when they could be looking forward.

Those with inner strength know they must acknowledge and learn from their past. However, these people don’t want it to affect who they are now. When they spend time with negative people, the past seems to resurface, so they try to avoid it whenever possible.

14. Strong People Don’t Mind Change

Some people dread life changes, but those with inner strength don’t. They welcome change because they know it can improve their life and well-being. There’s no reason for them to give their energy to negative people when they aren’t afraid to make a life change.

How to Identify a Toxic Person

If you’re ready to take control of your life and stop giving your energy to toxic people, you must identify them. There are red flags to watch for that will help you identify the negative influences in your life.

Toxic People Talk Badly About Others

If someone is comfortable talking badly about others, they’re likely toxic. There’s a good chance they’re talking about you when you’re not around.

They Don’t Follow Through

Pay attention to what someone says they’ll do. If the person rarely follows through on what they say, it’s a good chance they’re toxic.

Toxic People Are Inconsistent

While it’s common for people to have good times and bad, a toxic person is constantly inconsistent. They will behave erratically and never follow through on commitments. You won’t know what to expect from them because they rarely do what they say they will.

They Always Seek Attention

When someone in your life always needs something from you, it’s a sign of seeking attention. They’ll always want you to drop your actions to offer emotional support. However, they won’t often return the favor and seem to disappear when you’re in need.

They seek attention by only showcasing their positive aspects. You’ll notice that they only think with self-interest, never caring how it’ll affect others.

They Always Have Ongoing Drama

Drama seems to follow some people, and there’s a reason. Toxic people always seem to have dramatic situations going on, and they also create conflict. They want to see what happens when they cause issues in their inner circle.

Toxic People Don’t Respect Boundaries

When you tell someone your needs, they should respect what you say. Toxic people will ignore what you say and continue doing whatever they want. They can’t help but disrespect you by crossing your boundaries and making you feel uncomfortable.

Toxic People Manipulate and Take Advantage of Others

If someone takes advantage of you, they’re a toxic person. They manipulate people to get what they want and give nothing in return. You might notice that they lie, exaggerate, and leave out information to ensure they get their way.

How to Let Go of Toxic People From Your Life

Breaking free of toxic people can be tricky, especially if they’re close to you. However, you must do what is best for your life and what allows you to grow.

Don’t Feel Bad

When you cut people out of your life or minimize your time with them, they might make you feel bad. Sometimes you make yourself feel guilty about cutting them off. However, you shouldn’t feel bad for letting go of the relationship if you know it wasn’t good for you.

You don’t owe them anything even if you blow them off or ghost them. The person will be okay, so focus on your happiness instead. This life is yours to live, and you’re in charge of making the most of it.

Speak Up

When you recognize toxic behaviors in someone in your life, speak up and confront them. Don’t let their lies go unnoticed.

When you see inconsistencies, tell them you’re onto their tactics. It shows them that you notice the issues and gives them a chance to explain themselves.

Final Thoughts on Reasons Why Strong People Don’t Give Their Energy to Toxic People

Giving your energy to toxic people is detrimental to your well-being. Strong people don’t give energy to these people, and you shouldn’t, either. You’re stronger than you think, so put yourself first.

Make a change if someone in your life makes you feel bad about yourself or holds you back. You don’t need these people in your life; you’ll be better if you stop giving them your energy.

12 Signs Someone Is Oversharing in a New Relationship

July 30, 2022 by Chris Butler

A new relationship is probably one of the most exciting things in your life. You’re more than happy to share the news with everyone. But what if your partner shares too much, putting you in an awkward position? Are they oversharing? Do they need to start listening to you more?

If your significant other has been through a toxic relationship, they are probably nervous about a new one. They may go overboard by discussing every detail of your relationship to feel more secure. They also may feel the need to gain other people’s acceptance.

Twelve Signs Someone is Oversharing in a Relationship

It’s normal for couples to talk to their friends, family members, and coworkers about each other. They go beyond respectful boundaries when they discuss things without your consent. It’s an invasion of your privacy and a breach of your trust.

Another negative consequence of sharing too much is that others may start to resent you. Your partner may force them to form opinions from information that may be biased. It’s almost like how the tabloids exploit and add to the private information of celebrity couples.

When the conversation goes from charming to sharing too much information, it may signal a problem. Here are twelve warning signs to notice if your partner is oversharing in the relationship.

1. Your Whole Relationship Is Chronicled on Social Media

In the good old days, lovers carried pictures of each other in their wallets. They would also keep thick photo albums of your vacations and travels as a couple. If they got married, they preserved the memories on a VHS tape to show anyone who visits their home.

Now, couples flood their social media accounts with posts and pictures. Often, they go overboard as if they are chronicling every second of their lives. Such oversharing is a popular reason that some people get blocked and unfriended on these social sites,

Yes, sharing photos, meaningful stories, and occasional videos are expected. However, it becomes obsessive if your friends and family feel like they are stuck in a reality show with you. Is your mate talking too much about your relationship on social media?

2. They Breach Their Confidence by Oversharing

If you can’t trust the one you love, it’s time to question your relationship. According to an article published by Sage Journals, a lack of trust can play a significant role in relationship problems. When you confidently share something with your partner, you expect it to stay between you.

Sharing too much and discussing your personal information and details about your relationship is taboo. It’s incredibly embarrassing if they share intimate things that nobody wants to hear. Plus, you have other items about your individual life that you don’t want spreading to whoever is listening, including things that happen behind closed doors.

3. Oversharing Might Reveal How They Have No Boundaries

One of the essential parts of starting a new relationship is to set mutual boundaries. These are the parameters you’ve established where you feel comfortable. You don’t want to discuss particular subjects until your relationship grows.

Your potential partner may be toxic if they initially talk too much. Why would they overshare about money, future children, and an inclusive relationship when you don’t know each other well enough? A lack of boundaries this early in the game can spell trouble in the future.

4. You’ve Had Past Arguments about Them Oversharing

Sometimes, talking too much comes naturally when you’re their first serious love interest. You may have noticed that talking too much has become a pattern for them. You’ve confronted them in the past, which led to several arguments.

If your relationship is healthy, your person will listen to you and change their habits. However, past behavior can often predict future behavior. If they are still sharing too much, it may be an issue that isn’t fixable.

5. Instead of Really Listening to Your Concern, They Become Defensive If You Mention Their Oversharing

At first, give your partner the benefit of the doubt and talk to them about their oversharing habit. Maybe they’ve been so caught up in the relationship that they overlook it. In this case, they may apologize and try to do better.

It is a red flag if they get defensive when you mention the subject. They may shift the blame to you and say that you’re being too sensitive. Or maybe they may view your objections to their oversharing as not loving them enough.

6. Your Mutual Friends Joke About the Issue

One of Shakespeare’s memorable lines is how truth sometimes masquerades as a jest. Your family and friends may tease you about how obsessed your partner is with the relationship. The truth is that it’s getting on their nerves, and they are using humor to spare your feelings.

Maybe you’ve been so infatuated that you didn’t notice your partner talking too much. Don’t be afraid to speak to a close friend or family member for an honest opinion. Their honesty may give you a different perspective on your new relationship.

7. The Only Topic They Can Discuss is Your Relationship

When you’re a new couple, you often want to proclaim your love to the world. Your friends and family will usually understand and share in your joy. They’ll happily look at pictures and listen to stories about how you met and your first kiss.

At some point, you go beyond the “honeymoon” phase and have other discussion topics. If your new partner talks too much about your relationship, other folks will get bored. Sharing too much can make people dread meeting up with them for a one-sided chat.

8. They Bring Others into Your Relationship Problems

As long as humans are part of a relationship, there are bound to be problems. Learning how to solve these issues together can make your relationship stronger. These are problems between you, and you don’t need an audience.

Talking too much tends to bring outsiders into your private business. Does your partner freely share details of your arguments and other personal information? Communicating confidential information drags unwilling participants into fights to referee.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek couples counseling from a mental health professional or trusted spiritual advisor. It can get nasty if they coerce family and mutual friends into taking sides. Oversharing relationship problems can potentially break couples apart.

9. They Often Speak For You Without Listening to Your Views

It’s one thing for your significant other to share their opinion, but quite another when they share yours. Sometimes, you may share thoughts and ideas you don’t want to air to the general public. However, they may decide to be your voice and talk too much.

You may be shocked and irritated when you hear second-hand about all you’ve supposedly said or thought. Your partner gets so caught up with oversharing that they must include you. Remember that even though you’re a couple, you still maintain your individuality and your right to speak for yourself.

10. They Often Don’t Share What’s Important

An article published by Frontiers in Psychology maintains that communication is the heart of a relationship. You and your person can chat often, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re communicating. It involves active listening and sharing important information with you as a couple.

You should be the first person your partner comes to with problems and concerns. It’s critical when they talk too much about it with others, not you. Somebody isn’t communicating honestly if you’re the last person to hear stuff from the rumor mill about your relationship.

11. Oversharing the Past

When you’re in a committed relationship with someone, you don’t want to hear about all their past romances. If they’re talking too much about it, they may have issues. Does your partner habitually speak about their past loves to your friends and family?

Being present and having to listen to these ramblings is incredibly awkward. You feel like you’re being compared to past lovers, and your current company is embarrassed for you. Being honest doesn’t mean sharing every sordid detail about their former partners.

12. Sharing too Much with You

Sure, you’re both still human and may find other people attractive. It is OK to tell others you think someone is handsome or beautiful. However, it crosses a line when they are nearly obsessed with other people’s attractiveness.

You don’t want to hear them rave about how gorgeous one of your friends, coworkers, or family members is. Some things are best left to the imagination, and this is one of them. If your partner can become this infatuated, do they have eyes for more people than you?

Final Thoughts on Oversharing in a Relationship

If you want a loving, healthy relationship that lasts, be judicious about what you share with others. Some things should remain between you and your lover. Knowing and respecting these mutual boundaries can help your relationship flourish.

10 Exercises to Prevent Falls

July 30, 2022 by Chris Butler

Falls are among the most significant causes of fatal injuries, especially in older adults. As you age, your balance alters, making you not as steady on your feet as you once were, but there’s hope for older adults. You don’t have to take this sitting down; you can improve your balance and prevent falls by strengthening your muscles.

The National Council on Aging offers some alarming statistics on falls. Did you know that one in every four people over 65 will have a severe fall annually? In hospitals across America, older adults seek treatments for a fall every ten seconds.

Sadly, every twenty seconds, someone will die from a severe fall. The NCOA also states that 2.8 million people are admitted to the hospital annually due to falls, and 27,000 will perish. You probably knew it was a risk, but you might not have realized how serious it can be to you.

Ten Easy Strengthening Exercises to Prevent Falls

The good news is that you can do something about it. Sure, you can’t turn back the hands of time, but you can strengthen your muscles, enhance your flexibility, and improve your balance. Here are ten exercises to help you boost your system and prevent falls.

1. Toe Raises (You Gain Stability to Help Prevent Falls)

Could you do something as small as toe raises to impact your balance? This milder exercise can help you prevent falls and strengthen those vital muscles in the bottoms of your legs, feet, and ankles. You’ll need a chair to sustain your balance during this maneuver. Here’s how:

1. Sit in a chair, straight and with good posture, while keeping your body comfortable.

2. Stretch your arms straight in front of you or relax them at your sides.

3. Slowly lift toes off the ground, shifting weight to your heels.

4. Try to do ten repetitions and increase as you develop more stamina.

2. Marching in Place

Marching in place is an easy exercise anyone can do, and you’ve probably done it a dozen times. However, you probably didn’t know its impact on strengthening your muscles. The key here is to use muscles instead of momentum and ensure you have a chair for balance. Here’s how:

1. Stand up straight with your arms at your side.

2. Start marching slowly, paying more attention to stretching those muscles rather than gaining speed.

3. Now, lift your legs to your chest area.

4. Try to do ten leg lifts on each side, alternating to avoid pain and stiffness.

3. Balance on One Leg (Older Adults Can Use a Chair to Aid Them)

Balancing on one leg is easy and benefits the goal of toughening those muscles. You will need to keep that chair handy for support. Here’s how:

1. Place your hands on the chair and slowly bend your knee to allow you to raise your foot with ease.

2. You should be supporting your entire body weight on one leg.

3. Place this foot on the ground and repeat with the other leg.

4. Try it with no hands if you feel you can do it safely, or use one hand as you become steadier.

4. Side Twist (Core Strength Will Help Prevent Falls)

This exercise is more challenging, so older adults can use a chair if needed. Here’s how:

1. Place a chair on either side of you that is the same height. The chair provides stability if you need it. However, those with good balance can also do this without assistance.

2. Stand firmly on the floor, keeping your feet about a shoulder’s width apart.

3. Slowly turn your body from the mid-section to your head in one direction, holding onto the chair for balance.

4. Hold this position for five to ten seconds.

5. Bring your body back to the straight position and turn to the other side.

5. Wall Pushups

You can stretch and strengthen your entire body while focusing on your upper chest and arm area. This will help your muscle flexibility and enhance your balance to prevent falls. Here’s how:

1. You need to find a wall to lean on for support and place your hands flat on this surface. Try to keep your feet about one foot from the wall.

2. The palms should be about shoulder-width apart and kept at shoulder height.

3. Your feet should never leave the floor as you slowly move your upper body towards and hold the wall.

4. Using your strength, push yourself back from the wall until your arms are straight.

5. Strive to do ten or twenty repetitions but stop if you feel any pain or discomfort in your chest.

6. Balancing Wand (Seated Exercise for Older Adults)

You can take a seat and do this strengthening exercise to prevent falls. Make sure to have a cane and chair near you. Here’s how:

1. Keep the cane’s bottom in the palm of your hand. You want to ensure the cane stays in the upright position.

2. Hold the cane and maintain balance for five to ten seconds.

3. Now, use the other hand and balance the cane.

7. Single Limb Stance

This move is for you to prevent falls while strengthening your muscles. It will target your legs, lower back, and hip region. With this maneuver, you should be able to stand on one foot while keeping your balance against the back of a chair. Here’s how:

1. Use a nice, sturdy chair and stand behind it, holding onto the back. You can skip the chair if you feel steady enough on your feet.

2. Slowly lift your right foot and balance your body on the left side. Strive to hold this position for fifteen or twenty seconds, if possible.

3. Switch to the left side and hold between fifteen to twenty seconds. Try to do five reps on each side.

8. Clock Reach

This one is a psychological exercise and a physical challenge, so you must be ready to use your imagination. You get to sit for the whole activity, which benefits older adults, who might want to learn a new chair exercise.

Picture yourself like you’re standing in the center of a giant clock. The twelve on the clock should be in front of you, while the six will be behind you. Here’s how to do the maneuver:

1. Start with your right leg and lift it to point towards the twelve. Your arm should also point in the same direction.

2. Rotate your arm till it’s facing the nine on the clock.

3. Now, point to the six, which will be behind you.

4. Rotate the arm to return to the nine and then move it on to the twelve.

5. Now, move on to the left arm, and try the numbers three and nine rather than six and twelve.

9. Walking Heel to Toe, A Leg Strengthener to Prevent Falls

The core area you should address to prevent falls is to strengthen your legs, and walking heel to toe can do it for you. This will help you walk with increased stability and reduce the tumble risk. Here’s how:

1. Take your right foot and put it in front of the left one.

2. The left foot’s heel should be touching the toes on the right foot.

3. Now, alter your weight so that your toes bear the brunt of it, and do the same with your left foot.

10. Shoulder Rolls for Older Adults

This strengthening exercise is for you if you want something simple to enhance your body balance. The significant part of this maneuver is that you can sit down or stand up.

1. Decide if sitting or standing is the most comfortable for you.

2. Move your shoulders around and upwards towards the ceiling.

3. Roll shoulders back to the starting position.

4. Now, rotate your shoulders forward and then downward.

Final Thoughts on Preventing Falls

If you have poor balance by nature, or you’re aging and noticing a decline in your stamina, you’ll find these exercises helpful. When you work to strengthen your muscles in specific areas, you’ll lower the risk of falls, which can be catastrophic.

While these are a few exercises to help, there are many other things that older adults–or anyone else–can do to help enhance your mobility. Here are some things to consider:

Take the stairs instead of the elevator at work or in travel
Go up and down your stairs at home a few more times a day
Develop a walking routine each evening
Stay active for at least an hour daily, cleaning the house, cooking, or shopping. The more you move, the more limber your muscles will become.

Another consideration is to add a creatine supplement to help strengthen your body. According to the National Library of Medicine, including a simple supplement in studies showed dramatic improvement to muscle injuries. It can be something to consider adding to your exercise routines to prevent falls.

Study Warns That 75% of Teens Don’t Get Enough Daily Exercise

July 29, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

University of Georgia researchers found that 75% of teens don’t meet daily exercise requirements. The research revealed that female students participated in physical activity less often than males. The result? A decrease in general wellness heightened anxiety and more.

However, the research team theorized that improvements in school environments could help students get more daily exercise. A positive school climate can encourage students to adopt healthy behaviors. These include following a nutritious diet and engaging in regular activity, said lead study author Janani R. Thapa.

“The length of recess, physical facilities, and social environments at schools have been found to affect physical activity among students,” said Thapa, an associate professor of health policy and management at UGA’s College of Public Health.

Because of this study, the state of Georgia enacted policies and programs to increase daily exercise in K-12 schools. Thapa serves as one of the lead evaluators of these programs.

“Over time, the state has observed declining levels of physical activity among all adolescents, but the rate is higher among female middle and high school students,” she said.

Thapa believed that a healthy school environment would encourage students to become more active in sports. She suggested that the more confident they feel, the more daily exercise they would get at school. The school climate includes safety, bullying, and social support.

If students feel included and accepted by peers, they’re more likely to participate in regular physical activity. However, before this study, researchers didn’t realize the effect that school climate had on students’ daily exercise.

“We do not know much about the role of school climate on physical activity,” said Thapa. “There must have been barriers that were faced by certain groups of students. Hence, we wanted to investigate the difference by gender.”

What the Study Found About Teens’ Daily Exercise Habits

The research team compiled data from a statewide survey including over 360,000 Georgia high school students. The survey consisted of questions regarding daily exercise habits and school climate. Using this data, Thapa and her colleagues tested the relationship between school environment and physical activity.

The data measured school climate by eight factors:

school connectedness
adult social support
peer social support
physical environment
school support environment
school safety
cultural acceptance
peer victimization (bullying)

The survey revealed that female students received less daily exercise than males. Only 35% of females reported being active compared to 57% of males. Physical activity decreased dramatically for male and female students in the 9-12th grade.

However, students of both genders participated in daily exercise more often in a positive school environment. Researchers noted that bullying had a particularly pronounced effect on physical activity levels.

Female students who reported instances of bullying received more daily exercise. However, male students who experienced bullying didn’t engage in as much physical activity. Bullying stood out to the research team since it impacted male and female students differently. Other measures of school climate showed more significant similarities among both genders.

The authors believe the disparity regarding bullying may exist because of masculine and feminine stereotypes. Regarding exercise, highly active females and less active males stand out more.

“For example, female students who are active in sports and physically active may not fit the gender norm and hence may face bullying,” said Thapa.

The findings suggest that school districts should improve school environments to increase daily exercise among students. For instance, they could focus on promoting student safety and acceptance while bolstering exercise programs. Students who feel safe and comfortable at school will find physical activity more appealing.

Daily Exercise Can Reduce Anxiety and Suicidal Thoughts in Teens

Exercise doesn’t just help teens improve their physical health. Studies show that regular physical activity can give their mental health a boost as well. With more teens than ever experiencing anxiety, researchers have been searching for a remedy. They have found that lifestyle changes such as increasing exercise and practicing mindfulness can lower stress.

In fact, one study by University of Vermont researchers found that bullied teens who exercised regularly had better mental health. The findings showed that teenage suicide attempts decreased by 23% with at least four days of physical activity per week.

“I was surprised that it was that significant and that positive effects of exercise extended to kids actually trying to harm themselves,” said lead author Jeremy Sibold, associate professor and chair of the Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science.

“Even if one kid is protected because we got them involved in an after-school activity or in a physical education program it’s worth it.”

However, students can also benefit from other forms of daily exercise. Some students who don’t enjoy sports may prefer solitary workouts like yoga or Tai Chi. Studies have found that mindfulness exercises can lower stress hormone levels and promote mental wellness.

One study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics confirmed these findings. It revealed that yoga classes could improve mood and lower anxiety in high school students. Yoga can also have beneficial psychological impacts on children, helping to foster resilience and enhance emotional regulation.

The World Health Organization recommends that adolescents engage in moderate to vigorous exercise for at least one hour per day. Unfortunately, the study above shows that most teens don’t meet these requirements.

Many schools have phased out physical education programs and placed more emphasis on academics. However, daily exercise would help improve academic performance and increase well-being among children and adolescents. Perhaps school districts should mandate physical activity again due to overwhelming evidence of its benefits.

Final Thoughts on Study Showing Most Teens Don’t Get Enough Exercise

A recent study by the University of Georgia discovered an alarming fact about teen physical fitness. About 75% of teenagers don’t meet daily exercise requirements for several reasons. Many schools have eliminated physical education classes and focused more on bolstering curriculums.

However, children and teens today have worse mental health and anxiety due to sedentary lifestyles. The study found that creating a positive school environment while promoting physical activity could reverse this trend. Teenagers should have an opportunity to learn various subjects, but not at the expense of their physical health.

JJ Watt Covers Funeral Costs for Fan Trying to Sell His Gear

July 29, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

It’s nice to know that many good people are still in the world, like NFL star JJ Watt, for instance.

Watt, a superstar defensive end currently on the Arizona Cardinals’ starting roster, previously played for the Houston Texans for ten years until 2021.

A man with great concern for other people, Watt stepped up in a show of excellent care and compassion on Twitter on Wednesday, July 20th, 2022, responding to a fan who had an urgent financial need. The fan, Jennifer Simpson (on Twitter @JenniferSimpson2004), posted some of her JJ Watt Houston Texans fan gear for sale. She explained in her Tweet that she was selling these treasured personal items to help cover her grandfather’s funeral costs.

Her grandfather, Jerry R. Roderick, Sr., passed on Monday, June 20, 2022. The family continues to try to raise the burial costs.

Simpson’s Tweet–and Watt’s response–went like this:

Don’t sell your shoes and jersey, we’ll help with the funeral.

I’m sorry for your loss.

https://t.co/gMttmVGZCL

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 21, 2022

Simpson responded with a statement of thanks and posted information on how to donate. Many Twitter users, inspired by Watt’s generous heart, also offered to pitch in some funds.

On the other hand, some Twitter users felt uncomfortable helping a random person from the platform. Power of Positivity reached out to Brookside Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Houston, the funeral home handling Mr. Roderick’s final arrangements. A representative named Paulina confirmed. She stated: “We can confirm that we do have Mr. Roderick in our care.”

The JJ Watt Foundation

This is not the only time JJ Watt has stepped up and helped those less fortunate than he. Previously, Watt established the JJ Watt Foundation to allow middle-school children to participate in after-school sports programs. Since Watt founded the program, the program has funded over $6,500,000 in schools in 39 states and Washington, D.C.

The foundation’s mission statement is as follows:

“Our mission is to provide after-school opportunities for middle-school aged children in the community to become involved in athletics, so that they may learn the character traits of accountability, teamwork, leadership, work ethic, and perseverance, while in a safe and supervised environment with their peers.”

The Watt Foundation helps children participate in after-school sports, keeping them in a safe place while their parents are still at work. The program developed out of Watt identifying a problem during his junior year at the University of Wisconsin. He realized that his middle-class upbringing allowed him to play hockey, baseball, football, and soccer–and even compete in track. At the same time, his less fortunate peers could not always reap the same benefits. He vowed to do all he could to help uplift those less fortunate if he ever had the chance.

Multiple studies indicate that children involved in athletics learn discipline, teamwork, and other social and emotional skills that equip them for adulthood. Furthermore, after-school programs keep them physically safe and off of the streets until parents can supervise them. Often, children from the lowest-income families do not receive these benefits–a recognition that Watt helps to correct.

Thus, supporting athletic-based after-school programs for middle school students in at-risk communities is a positive step toward helping make the world fairer for all.

Hurricane Harvey Relief

Watt played for the Houston Texans when Hurricane Harvey decimated the Gulf Coast of Texas in 2017. Watt led a donation drive with a goal of $200,000 to help ease the pain of the hardest-hit location in Houston. Much to his delight, his appeal brought in over $37,000,000–shattering his initial goal. In a press release, he thanked all the generous donors and explained that the funds would go to the agencies that would spend months on the ground performing rescue, recovery, and clean-up after the destructive storm.

Recipients of these funds, which included Feeding America, Save the Children, Americares, and other strategic partners, assisted residents of Houston through 2018 during the long restoration. To this date, five years after the hurricane, clean-up efforts continue. The generosity of Watt and his donors certainly helped the ongoing recovery and eased the pain and suffering of the families hardest hit.

Final Thoughts: JJ Watt Helped a Fan Pay Funeral Expenses, But He Does So Much More for Others

The world needs more outstanding individuals like JJ Watt. He makes a difference in his current community. People can feel the impact of his kindness across the United States of America. Watt leads by example and exemplifies the positivity we all need to see in the world. Shine on, JJ Watt, shine on.

Meet Sisters Who Turned Their Town Into the Kindness Capital of Kentucky

July 29, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

This world needs more kindness, and thankfully, two sisters in Kentucky have plenty to give. Raegan and her younger sister Rylyn Richins (13 and 10) felt inspired to uplift their community after a family outing.

One day in 2019, they noticed a few yard signs along a country road during a ride home. The signs had the simple message “Just Be Kind” written on them. The message pulled at the girls’ heart strings since they have two sisters with Down Syndrome.

“We have siblings with special needs,” Raegan told People Magazine. “And we both felt that people sometimes were not as kind to them as they should be.”

After witnessing others mistreating their siblings, they felt motivated to enact change. When the girls got back home later that day, they wanted to spread more kindness somehow.

They decided to construct their own eye-catching yard signs to place all over their hometown of La Grange, Kentucky. After talking about what message to write, they agreed on “Be Kind.”

In an interview with The Oldham Era, Raegan said the girls believed they could be more than kind. For instance, showing courage and being an example to the community are also important. So, they decided on the simple message of “Be Kind” instead.

Little did they know that this message would reach thousands of people across Oldham County. Eventually, people around the world would hear their call for kindness as well.

So, the sisters gathered supplies and began working on their yard signs. A picnic table in their backyard served as a creative workspace where all the magic happened. They used only spray paint and wooden block letters to create the colorful signs, selling them for $10 each. All the proceeds would go to local charities, they decided.

Sisters Spread Kindness Throughout Their Small Town

Initially, they aimed to sell at least 65 signs to members of their community. However, they underestimated how many people would resonate with their kindness message. Since they started the project in August 2019, they have sold over 3,500 hand-painted signs!

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A post shared by Raegan and Rylyn – Be Kind Sisters (@bekindsisters)

The sisters have raised over $40,000 for the Humane Society, food banks, and other private businesses. The girls hoped that their message would catch on at Locust Grove Elementary, where they attend school. Thankfully, they got their wish.

An anonymous donor bought signs to display throughout all the public schools in Oldham County!

When people drive through the county, it’s hard to miss the numerous signs in shop windows and front yards. The signs serve as a reminder for everyone to look out for each other and spread kindness.

It doesn’t take much time or effort to show people you care, but the memory will last forever. After all, people may forget your words or actions, but they never forget how you make them feel.

Rylyn added, “Kindness makes the world a better place. An act of kindness doesn’t have to be something big. It can be as simple as holding the door open for someone, which is what I do at school all the time and it always makes me happy.”

The young children couldn’t believe the impact their signs had on the community. The local city council and the mayor even agreed to call the city of La Grange “Kentucky’s kindness capital!”

Raegan and Rylyn’s parents taught them from a young age about the importance of showing kindness. Their parents, Rhonda and Ryan, a La Grange police officer, adopted two children with Down Syndrome. They joined the family right after the girls’ brother Kallen, who also had the condition, died shortly after birth.

Tragically, their oldest sister Kendall, who had Down Syndrome as well, died in 2021 following an illness. In order to cope with their grief, the girls focused their attention on painting the kindness signs. Raegan recalled that working on the signs lifted their spirits when Kendall fell ill.

Their Movement Is Spreading Far and Wide

Because the sisters have had such a positive influence on the community, their message quickly reached others. They even got featured on the Today Show, where an enormous billboard displayed “Be Kind” in Times Square.

The sisters also appeared on the HGTV show Home Town Kickstart Presented by PEOPLE! On the episode Love for La Grange, which aired on May 15, 2022, the duo helped paint a mural for the community.

While the girls have made a huge impact on the world so far, they aren’t finished yet. They will keep making their signs to remind people to show kindness more often. Also, they sell T-shirts and cards through their website. The girls have even started writing a book about the importance of kindness!

“I cannot tell you how many of our signs we see each day,” Raegan concluded. “But every time we see one, it makes us happy because we know we’re spreading kindness.”

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A post shared by Raegan and Rylyn – Be Kind Sisters (@bekindsisters)

The girls prove that it doesn’t take a revolution to change the world. A smile or other kind gesture can move mountains and create a ripple effect throughout communities. As they say, kindness is contagious, and it doesn’t cost a penny to give.

Raegan told The Oldham Era that just sitting next to someone who’s alone can make a difference. Oftentimes, it’s the small acts of kindness that create the largest impact on people, anyway. By being kind to others, we can create a happier, more equitable world.

If you would like to purchase any Be Kind products or give a donation, please visit their website.

Final Thoughts on Sisters Turning Their Town Into Kentucky’s Kindness Capital

When two sisters from a small town in Kentucky decided to spread kindness, their movement quickly gained traction. After creating yard signs stating “Be Kind,” they placed them throughout their hometown of La Grange, Kentucky. They also began selling them and donating all the proceeds to local charities.

They felt inspired to make the signs after noticing that people sometimes treated their siblings with Down Syndrome differently. So, they wanted to remind the public that everyone deserves kindness, and to treat others with respect.

Clearly, their message has touched the hearts of thousands and continues to make an impact on communities. These young girls are wise beyond their years, as they remind us what’s truly important in life.

89-Year-Old Earns Ph.D. in Physics, Proving Age is Just a Number

July 28, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

In October 2021, 89-year-old Manfred Steiner achieved his lifelong dream of earning a Ph.D. in physics. He received his Ph.D. after completing his Brown University in Rhode Island dissertation. While he enjoyed a career in hematology, his dream of becoming a physicist remained one of his lifelong goals.

“It’s an old dream that starts in my childhood. I always wanted to become a physicist,” Steiner said. “I knew physics was my true passion by the time I graduated high school. But after the war, my uncle and my mother advised me to take up medicine because it would be a better choice in these turbulent after-war years.”

Steiner encountered many roadblocks on his path to earning a Ph.D. in physics but never gave up. He put his goals on hold until it became feasible to attend college again.

Also, fleeing his home country of Vienna after World War II impacted his career path. When he eventually arrived in the U.S., he listened to his family’s advice about pursuing a medical degree. He wanted to play it safe and have a stable job in those uncertain times.

Steiner Followed an Unconventional Path to Becoming a Physicist

“My uncle was a physician, an ear, nose, and throat specialist, and he had taught in the United States for a while,” Steiner said in a statement. “He taught plastic surgery — showing people how to make noses smaller or how to straighten them out. My family’s advice was that medicine was the best path for me. So I reconciled myself, ‘they are older and wiser,’ and I followed their advice.”

So, Steiner earned a medical doctorate in 1955 from the University of Vienna and set his sights on Washington D.C. after graduating. There, he completed his training courses in internal medicine.

Afterward, he began training in hematology at Tufts University under the esteemed. Dr. William Damashek. In addition, Steiner earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1967.

Upon completing his rigorous schooling, Steiner moved to Rhode Island. He began working as a hematologist at Brown University (now the Warren Alpert Medical School).

In 1968, he became an assistant professor of medicine, mainly doing research work. He was appointed as a professor in 1978. In 1985, Steiner earned the title head of hematology at the medical school. He continued working there until 1994.

After nearly 30 years, Steiner felt ready to retire and enjoy his golden years. However, one of his colleagues approached him about creating a research program in hematology. He couldn’t turn down the offer and helped direct the program until 2000, when he finally retired from a long medical career.

89-Year-Old Earns Ph.D. in Physics, Proving Age is Just a Number

Throughout his years as a hematologist, he managed to keep his true goal alive, however. His love of physics never left him, so he attended classes despite his age.

“Physics was always a part of me,” he said, “and when I retired from medicine, and I was approaching age 70, I decided to enter the world of physics.”

So, Steiner enrolled in undergraduate physics classes at MIT, but found the commute to Boston too draining. Then, he transferred to Brown University, his old stomping grounds.

Teachers at the Brown Physics Department welcomed him with open arms and felt thrilled to have him in class. The students also treated him kindly and took an instant liking to him.

While Steiner thoroughly enjoyed the physics classes, he didn’t intend to earn a third doctoral degree. Initially, he just wanted to keep his mind sharp by taking a few classes. However, by the spring semester of 2007, he’d completed the necessary coursework to enroll in graduate school.

So, he thought, “Why stop now?” He earned a spot in the Ph.D. program and began searching for a dissertation mentor. Soon after, he came across condensed matter theorist Brad Marston, who assigned Steiner a detailed project on bosonization. While Marston initially hesitated to accept Steiner as his student, he quickly embraced the idea.

“To be honest, I was skeptical because people do not usually do physics, especially theoretical physics, at an advanced age,” Marston said. “But in a moment of weakness, I agreed and said ‘yes.’ I knew his story, and I was very sympathetic to his desire to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a physicist.”

After Successfully Defending His Thesis, Steiner Completed His Goal of a Physics Degree

Despite Steiner’s old age, Marston didn’t water down his Ph.D. dissertation topic. He gave him a challenging project about bosonization, a mathematical procedure involving various fundamental particles.

In the universe, two types of particles exist: fermions and bosons. They’re differentiated by a quantum property known as angular momentum or “spin.” Particles with half-integer spins are fermions such as quarks and electrons. Particles with whole integer spins are classified as bosons, such as photons and the Higgs boson.

However, in some instances, you can classify a fermion as a boson, known as bosonization. Usually, researchers approach this as a one-dimensional problem, but Marston and a former colleague also applied it to higher dimensions. They encountered obstacles in their experiments, so Marston passed the torch along to Steiner for his dissertation project.

The duo then worked on preparing Steiner’s dissertation for publication, and Steiner continued with his physics research. After earning his third doctoral degree, Steiner couldn’t have been happier with his accomplishments.

“I am really on top of the world,” Steiner said. “This Ph.D. is the one that I most cherish because it’s the one that I was striving for my whole life.”

Final Thoughts on 89-Year-Old Earning Ph.D. in Physics, Reaching a Lifelong Goal

When Manfred Steiner earned a Ph.D. in physics at 89 years old, he surprised everyone, including himself. However, his lifelong goal was to become a physicist, so he didn’t let age stop him. After working as a hematologist for over thirty years, he finally had time to pursue his true passion. So, Steiner enrolled in physics classes and eventually earned his Ph.D. almost twenty years later.

What a hardworking and inspiring man! We can all learn this valuable lesson from Steiner: if you follow your heart, it will never disappoint you.

Psychology Explains Why the “Grey Divorce” Rate Keeps Rising

July 28, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Research shows a steady divorce rate increase among older couples, especially in recent years. Over the past few decades, family dynamics have shifted dramatically in the United States and other countries. While marriage rates have declined in younger generations, divorces have also decreased. On the other hand, people over fifty have the highest rates of divorce–grey divorce.

Many factors have contributed to these trends, including the rise in individualism and women joining the workforce. People have also begun prioritizing their happiness rather than the desires of family members. These societal changes and cultural shifts have transformed family life as we know it.

Some psychologists refer to the rising divorce rate in older couples as “grey divorce.” In 2012, Bowling Green State University researchers discovered that divorce rates in American adults over 50 doubled between 1990-2010. For adults over 65, rates of divorce more than doubled.

Half of the married people in the U.S. are fifty and over. So, researchers predict that by 2030, the divorce rate for people fifty and older will increase roughly 33%.

Furthermore, the grey divorce rate isn’t only increasing in the United States. Researchers have observed similar trends in countries like the UK, Canada, Japan, Europe, Australia, and India. Officials in Canada state that divorce rates have gradually risen among adults 55 and older. As the population ages, they expect this rate to increase further.

In the U.K., the Office for National Statistics reported that the grey divorce rate had doubled among adults 55 and older. In the last twenty years in Japan, divorce rates for couples married for thirty years or longer have quadrupled. So, it’s clear that grey divorce will only continue to increase as the worldwide population ages. But why are older people divorcing more frequently?

Why More Older Adults Are Getting Divorced

Many factors have contributed to rising grey divorce rates over the past few decades. In the 1960s, a cultural revolution took place where society emphasized personal fulfillment. People no longer wanted to stay in jobs or relationships that didn’t bring them happiness. So, in many developed countries, divorces became more common as people’s attitudes about marriage changed.

Instead of feeling pressured by societal expectations, people took their power back and redefined marriage. Before, families and communities looked down upon people who got divorced. However, these rigid beliefs left many unhappy couples without any options.

The Cultural Shifts That Contributed to a Higher Divorce Rate in the Last Half Century

In the 1960s and 70s, people started seeing marriage as optional rather than expected. If they didn’t feel satisfied in their relationship, a divorce wasn’t the end of the world. It simply represented the start of a new chapter in their lives. Furthermore, women began to join the workforce in record numbers, making them less dependent on men.

Growing individualism and flourishing economic opportunities have changed what people look for in relationships. Instead of marrying for status, money, or societal expectations, people get married based on compatibility. Even more than that, modern men and women want someone who can make them feel secure and comfortable. In fact, one study found that women who felt securely attached to their partners had better mental and emotional well-being.

Unsurprisingly, couples with deep bonds and mutual support tend to stay married longer. However, couples in unhappy marriages who feel distant from one another have higher divorce rates. They may realize they have grown apart and have different desires than when they first married.

Also, as people become invested in their careers, they may spend less time with their spouses. Children may have kept them together, but couples may find they have nothing in common when they move out.

Happy couples don’t mind an empty nest as it gives them more time for each other. However, married couples with frequent conflict or lack communication may dread all the extra time together.

Some couples will look elsewhere for happiness if they no longer feel satisfied in their relationships. The modern world offers endless options for new connections and personal fulfillment, contributing to rising divorce rates.

So, How Can Couples Find True Happiness?

While the definition of happiness differs for everyone, an 80-year Harvard study found what creates the most fulfilling marriages. The Harvard Study of Adult Development followed two groups of men for over 80 years. Researchers hoped to unlock the key to lasting happiness and health. They made unexpected discoveries throughout the research period, which remains one of the world’s most extensive studies on adult life.

“The surprising finding is that our relationships and how happy we are in our relationships has a powerful influence on our health,” said Robert Waldinger, director of the study, a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care too. That, I think, is the revelation.”

In a popular TED Talk, Dr. Waldinger said that people in happy relationships at age fifty had the best health at eighty. Part of his study showed that people in satisfying marriages felt happier even on days when they experienced physical pain. However, those in unhappy relationships had greater emotional and physical pain.

What Impedes Happiness and Raises the Divorce Rate?

The study’s main takeaways on what makes a happy marriage include:

Social connections promote well-being, while loneliness reduces it.
Being in a high-conflict relationship negatively impacts our health.
Happy relationships protect both our physical and mental health.

Final Thoughts on Why the Grey Divorce Rate Keeps Rising

Surprisingly, younger adults are divorcing less than older couples. A study showed that the divorce rate for U.S. adults over fifty doubled between 1990-2010. The rate for people over 65 increased even more over the same period. Furthermore, researchers noted this trend in countries across the globe.

In most cases, societal expectations and cultural shifts can explain the rising divorce rate. As divorce has become more acceptable in recent years, couples have finally decided to leave unhappy situations. This changing view of marriage and more emphasis on self-fulfillment make people feel less resistant to divorce.

Entomologist Explains Why You Should Let Spiders Live

July 28, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Do you kill spiders the moment you see them crawling around your home? If so, you may want to reconsider harsh pest control methods. While some people have an intense fear of spiders, they usually don’t harm humans. They may benefit your home in a variety of ways.

All creatures have a role to play in nature, helping maintain balance in ecosystems. Moreover, spiders are no exception, even if they look creepy. Learning to coexist with these eight-legged friends may seem impossible, but they deserve to live too.

Most of us want to think of our homes as fortresses separate from the outside world. However, all homes have a few cracks where small creatures like spiders can enter.

After all, our dwellings still exist in nature, and animals want food and shelter as we do. You might notice these unwanted visitors before a rainstorm or heatwave as they seek refuge from the elements.

When you see spiders in your home, your instinct tells you to eliminate them. Some people opt to catch and release spiders, but others immediately grab a tissue to kill them.

Before you smash it, however, remember that it doesn’t realize it’s invaded your space. It may have simply become trapped or wanted a cozy space to catch other insects.

Most spiders feel content to live in nature and usually steer clear of humans. But, spiders are also opportunistic creatures, so they build webs wherever they feel confident they will catch prey. Inside your home, you may see cobwebs in the dark corners of your room, for instance.

As secretive creatures, spiders typically remain on their webs for hours to catch prey. They prefer to stay in the shadows because they don’t like to draw too much attention to themselves. So, they won’t cause much trouble and don’t present a danger to humans.

Why Spiders Are Friends, Not Enemies

Dr. Matthew Bertone, a Professor of Entomology at North Carolina State University, explains why we should befriend rather than kill spiders. First, most arachnids don’t show aggression towards humans, preferring to stay in their corner of the world. We pose a more significant threat to them due to our size.

Secondly, spiders can help out around the house since they eat pests such as mosquitoes and ants. Some even eat other spiders to eliminate the competition.

A 2017 study found that the world’s spiders collectively consume around 400 to 800 million tons of insects annually. To put that in perspective, humans eat about 400 million tons of meat and fish. These tiny carnivores play a critical role in keeping our ecosystem balanced.

In 2016, Bertone and his colleagues conducted a survey of 50 North Carolina homes to investigate which spiders lived there. He said that every house had at least one type of spider inside. He often discovered common species such as harmless cobwebs and cellar spiders in the homes.

These opportunistic spiders sit patiently in their webs for other insects to get caught. However, cellar spiders will sometimes wander from their webs in search of fellow spiders. This hunting strategy confuses the other spiders, which is advantageous to the cellar spider.

Spiders aren’t ordinarily picky about what they eat, as most insects are on their menu. They act as natural pest control in homes, catching annoying pests and sometimes insects that carry diseases. For example, one jumping spider captures female mosquitoes in East Africa. Mosquitoes can carry several deadly diseases, such as the West Nile virus and malaria.

They may also eat tiny moths around your home, ensuring your clothes won’t have holes! Many people have problems with ants in the summertime, but spiders will also take care of them. So, killing arachnids may cause more harm than good. You not only carry its life but remove a helpful creature from your home that works hard to keep it pest-free. However, if your home requires expert assistance, contact Marietta OH pest control company.

Finally, even though many people fear spiders, their venom usually isn’t strong enough to cause harm. Often, their small fangs can’t even penetrate our skin, making spider bites relatively uncommon. Even the more venomous spiders, such as black widows and recluses, rarely pose a threat. Still, you should probably remove these poisonous spiders if you see them.

How to Humanely Remove Spiders From Your Home

If you can’t stand the thought of living with spiders lurking around your home, that’s understandable. However, you can still catch and release them into the wild safely–natural pest control! To do so, grab a paper towel and let it crawl on top. Then, place the spider on the ground outside where it can find a new place to live.

You can trap the spider under a cup and slide a piece of paper underneath. Then, carry the glass outside and remove the form. It will crawl out without giving you too much trouble.

Spiders can also help out around your garden, helping to remove any unwanted pests. Whether you decide to keep them indoors or release them, they will always benefit the environment in some way.

However, remember that you probably can never eliminate all spiders from your home. At least they pay their fair share and contribute to keeping your home free of other insects, though!

Final Thoughts on Why You Shouldn’t Kill Spiders (Use Kinder, Natural Pest Control Like Relocating Them)

Many people have an irrational fear of spiders based on what they’ve heard about them. Sure, they might look scary and lurk in the shadows, but they also play a vital role in our ecosystem. They eat unwanted, disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. Arachnids also keep to themselves and generally don’t get in the way, making them ideal house guests.

Despite their appearance, they also don’t pose much of a threat to humans, except in severe cases. Most people don’t even react badly to a black widow or brown recluse bite. In summary, spiders are our friends and deserve to live as much as we do. Giving them a home will do their part by getting rid of nuisance pests.

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