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10 Habits That Create an Inflated Ego (In a Healthy Way)

September 5, 2021 by Chris Butler

What comes to mind when you hear the term ego? Most folks dub this a negative word that means someone full of themselves, but your ego is your center of awareness and identity. It’s what helps you stay in touch with your body, thoughts, and emotions.

Sure, it’s about how you express yourself to the world around you, but it’s what helps you form your personality and how your brain structures your identity. Within your ego is the formation of your ideas, your thought processes, and your perceptions of life.

The ego is closely tied with your self-esteem and how you view your self-worth. Someone with a healthy ego will positively look at themselves, whereas someone with a negative ego will view themselves poorly.

An inflated ego can get you in trouble, especially if you tend to be a bit narcissistic in nature. However, having a large ego can be beneficial as it gives you the moxie you need to get ahead in the workforce, and it gives you the boost required to believe in yourself even when no one else does.

Ten Ways To Boost Your Ego

If you tend to have a poor view of yourself, you need to learn to gain an inflated ego to get you through life. According to the National Library of Medicine, ego enhancement can be done by using a step-by-step approach. No, you don’t need to be self-centered or self-absorbed, but you need to know your worth and value.

Assume you have a used car to sell. Would you sell that car for $5,000 without even knowing its worth? You would find out the automobile’s value before you listed it for sale, as you wouldn’t want to shortchange yourself.

That car might be worth $8,000, and you would be out all that money. So, if you don’t want to cut yourself short on selling a car, why do you cut yourself short on the big things that really matter?

If you lack confidence in your abilities, your worth, and your value as a human being, then each day, you’re hurting your overall self-worth. Thankfully, there are ways to get the inflated ego you need to get through life, and developing some simple habits can change your life.

1. Speak Positively to and About Yourself

Enough with being so hard on yourself. It’s time you start speaking to yourself as someone who knows their worth. Rather than beating yourself up over things you could have or should have done better, why not praise yourself for all the things you’ve done right?

You need to encourage and support yourself just like you do those around you. Try pulling out some positive affirmations to start each day.

2. Stay In Your Lane

One way to boost or have an inflated ego is to stop comparing yourself to those around you. How many times have you driven down the highway and were jealous of the car next to you? Quit comparing yourself to those next to you and be proud of what you’ve accomplished.

You might not have the sport’s car you want with all the bells and whistles, but you have a nice sedan that has AC and a good stereo. Stay in your lane, and stop being overly concerned about what’s going on next to you. Be proud of the things that you’ve accomplished and where you are in life.

3. Improve Self-Confidence by Giving Back

Nothing in this world feels better than to give to others. Remember the Golden Rule; well, putting this practice into use can change everything. If you want an improved level of self-confidence, then start by giving back.

Plus, the Universe rewards those who are kind and good to others, and it will make you feel amazing to know you’re doing what you can to help those in need.

4. Don’t Expect Perfection

Do you know anyone in this world who is perfect? Even the sainted Mother Teresa made mistakes. So why do you expect yourself to be so flawless when everyone around you hasn’t achieved sainthood yet?

Life is hard, and there is no way that you’re going to get everything right along the way. Sure, it’s okay to have a pity party occasionally, but you need to acknowledge your mistakes, learn lessons from them, and move on.

5. Make Sure Others Hear Your Voice

You’ve got to speak up in this world if you want to be heard. How many times have you asked your partner or your children to speak up because you couldn’t hear what they were saying? Chances are they were mumbling or weren’t speaking loud enough for you to get the message.

Wow, it’s powerful to consider how many times you were overlooked for a job promotion or some other advancement in life because you weren’t heard. The person with the inflated ego stands right up and makes their request and opinions known. How can you ever get ahead if people can’t hear what you have to say?

6. Pace Yourself

Running is a fascinating sport. While it seems relatively straightforward, it requires endurance and talent. If you bust out of the gate using all the energy you have, then it won’t be long before you lag. However, if you start at a good pace, you won’t run out of steam.

Taking small steps each day will equal big rewards. Do you remember in school when your teacher gave you a significant size novel to read? Your first thought was to panic that there was no way you could accomplish this task.

However, you had to change your mindset and pace yourself to complete the assignment. If you had 600 pages to reed and 30 days to do it, then you should break it down into small, manageable bits. If you were to read twenty pages a day, then you would complete the book. The feeling of accomplishment at the end of the 30 days would be great.

Now, if you try to read it all in a week, it’s going to be overwhelming for most. Pace yourself for success so that you’re winning and not failing.

7. Say No to Negativity

Negative talk and thought processes will only bring you down. When you surround yourself with positive things, then good things will happen. You have the power to speak things into existence.

8. Trust Your Instincts

Do you trust yourself? According to the National Library of Medicine, each person has an intuitive side to guide them through life. It’s this ability that lets you know something without having any conscious reasoning for this knowledge. You can think of it as an internal GPS that’s guiding you to where you need to be.

Learn to trust this instinct and inner voice to help you get ahead and avoid some mistakes.

9. Get Moving!

Remember Sir Isaac Newton and his laws of motion? Something that is in motion tends to stay in motion. How can you expect things to get done if you never act? You can improve your ego by putting your legs on your hopes and dreams.

How many times have you said things like:

• “I’ve always wanted to be a painter.”

• “I want to go back to school, but I don’t have time.”

• “My dream is to one day live on the beach.”

• “I want to be debt-free.”

Now, what are you doing to make these things happen? If you keep throwing these blanket statements out into the atmosphere without doing anything about them, then nothing will happen. However, if you get up and start moving, then you can have anything your heart desires. Imagine what it will do to your ego when you start accomplishing those things that seem to be impossible.

10. Let Go of the Baggage

When you board an airplane, the airlines require how much luggage you can carry. If you’re over the baggage limit, they will need you to pay more or lighten your load. It’s costly to overpack and take too much with you, and wow, what a profound concept for life.

Quit carrying around the regrets and hurts from years ago. It’s time to unpack your bags with all the stuff that’s weighing you down, as it costs you dearly. Pitch some of the junk you carry in your being that keeps you from getting where you need to go.

Final Thoughts on Having an Inflated Ego (in a Healthy Way!)

So many people confuse ego because it reminds them of the person with the big head. While an overinflated ego can undoubtedly come across the wrong way, it’s good to have a healthy one as it boosts you through life. If you don’t believe in yourself, then how will anyone else?

Much of the things you go through will require you to sell yourself. Imagine you sold vacuum cleaners for a living. How many would you sell if you didn’t like or believe in the product? You wouldn’t be phenomenally successful.

Now, what if you believed that this was the best vacuum on the market. You go into every home for a demonstration with enthusiasm and making them feel you had an inside secret to making their life easier? You would sell more vacuums than you can imagine.

It’s time to know your worth, sell yourself to the world around you, and accomplish your goals. An inflated ego and a boost of inner strength will help you, and it will keep you moving and shaking. Change the way you look at yourself, and it will change your entire life.

8 Positive Benefits of a Self Care Journal That Most People Overlook

September 5, 2021 by Kristen Butler

Did you ever keep a diary or journal as a kid? It was an ideal way for you to record all your secret thoughts and dreams. Even as an adult, you can discover many benefits of keeping a self care journal.

Maybe you’re one of the countless people who try to start a journal at the beginning of the year and slack off after a few days. There may be stacks of unfinished notebooks from various years in your desk drawer. Once you’ve determined to make journaling a habit, you’ll be glad you did.

Keeping a journal is more than just chronicling daily events in your life. An article published by the University of Rochester Medical Center says that journaling can help you control your emotions and possibly boost your mental health. As you reflect on your positive and negative feelings and most profound thoughts, you see how far you’ve come.

Whether you use a pen or save your reflections on a thumb drive, journaling can help you identify recurring negative or anxious thoughts. Identifying these thought patterns can be your first step to finding a solution for them. Regardless of why you want to make journaling a habit, you’ll discover how helpful it can be in your life.

The desire to track current events, personal thoughts, and reflections is as old as civilization itself. According to his article published in the New York Times Magazine, Patrick Huyghe explains that some of the earliest journals discovered were from 10th century Japan. Huyghe also states that at least 10,000 journals have been published alone in the English language.

Different Types of Journals

Did you know that there are various types of journals you can write? The good news is that you can choose the type that most suits your style.

•Traditional

This is the classic journal meant to chronicle events of the day or special occasions. In a professional sense, they are often called logs. Youngsters usually prefer traditional journaling with a “dear diary” style. You may enjoy this simplistic journal for daily, weekly, or monthly happenings in your life.

•Dream Journal

Are you a vivid dreamer who often forgets your dreams by morning? Maybe keeping a small notebook on your nightstand can help. If you awaken from a dream you want to remember for later, write it down in your journal. Keeping a record of your dreams is often beneficial for dream recall and for studying your hidden emotions.

•List

The first step in achieving your goals is to identify them. Recording your dreams and goals in a list journal can help you stay focused on what you want. Consider making bullet-style lists and add to them as necessary.

•Gratitude

Have you ever noticed how gratitude boosts your mood and sense of well-being? Being grateful allows you to be content with what you have as you make every moment count. Many people keep ongoing lists in a gratitude journal to remind them of their many blessings.

•Guided

Maybe the very thought of composing thoughts from the top of your head makes you anxious. You may experience sudden writer’s block, and your pencil will refuse to move. Guided journals have prepared subjects in each section to give you some inspiration.

•Self Care Journal

Remember that there’s never been anyone just like you in the Universe, nor will there ever be. It’s essential to extend as much understanding, compassion, and love to yourself as possible. Having a healthy respect for yourself doesn’t make you a narcissist because you can’t love others until you learn to love yourself.

Nichole Nattrass, a journaling expert, shares her insights in an article published by the International Association for Journal Writing. Nattrass says that this journaling style enables you to connect with your emotions, thoughts, and ideas on a deeper level. She also confirms that it’s an optimal tool to unlock your creativity and intuitive skills, as well as engaging in self care.

Journaling 101

Are you ready to take advantage of the benefits that journaling holds for you? The good news is that it’s easy to do and doesn’t require a bunch of equipment. Plus, you decide how much time you want to devote to your new writing routine.

•Supplies

Keeping a self care journal can be as elaborate or as down-to-earth as you please. Many people prefer to buy inexpensive bound notebooks for their journal entries. You can also find a plethora of dedicated journals in department stores or online to fit any budget.

Feel free to embellish your private musings with drawings, stickers, or anything else that makes you smile. While many journalists are content with using a wooden pencil, you might prefer to use brightly colored gel pens or thin-lined markers for your entries.

Are you more comfortable with a technical version? It’s also easy to gather your thoughts in a word processing program on your computer. Save it on a thumb drive or your computer’s main memory.

•There Are No Rules

This journal is all about you and how to keep your best interests at heart. Therefore, you decide how your journal will be organized and what it will contain. You have the final say, and you needn’t share it with anyone unless you choose.

Once you’ve decided your journal’s purpose, you can choose how often you write in it. It can be daily or weekly, as your schedule permits. You can compose a few sentences, a full page, or several pages. It’s up to you.

•Ready, Set, Write

After you have the necessary supplies and know how you want to journal, it’s time to start. The best place for the journal is a nook where you won’t be disturbed. If you have a home office or a little corner dedicated to quiet reflection, it’s perfect for writing.

Try not to force anything, and just let your words come naturally. Write whatever comes to your mind. This free-flow style may help you uncover some thoughts or ideas you have about your life. You can journal in the mornings or the evenings as you reflect on the day’s events.

Eight Benefits of Writing in a Self Care Journal

Did you know that putting your thoughts on paper can provide several benefits? It’s like having a meaningful conversation with yourself. If you see negative thought patterns, you can find ways of changing them into positive ones.

1. Enhances Your Writing Skills

You’re not required to be an award-winning novelist to keep a journal. However, the more you write each day or week, the better your writing skills can be. You may also find that it’s easier to put your feelings into words.

2. Helps Organize Your Thoughts

As you write events, thoughts, and dreams in your journal, it’s allowing you to organize your thinking better. Seeing them on paper gives you a clear idea of chronological order or the steps it takes to achieve your goals. You’re able to focus on the meaningful things you want to do and remember.

3. Boosts Your Creativity

Journaling is an ideal way to be creative with your thoughts and dreams. Many people enjoy illustrating their daily or weekly entries with pictures or inspirational words they’ve clipped from magazines. Others like to include their drawings and doodles.

4. May Improve Your Memory

Wouldn’t you enjoy recalling some of your favorite moments? When you record them in your journal, you can relive them again whenever you like. Also, the very act of putting things on paper can help imprint them in your mind.

5. Allows You Time to Rest

The more you get into journaling, the more you’ll look forward to it. If you do your writing at the end of the day, it provides a time of relaxation and peaceful reflection. In the space of time, you hush the external noise of the world and listen to your inner voice.

6. May Reduce Your Stress Levels

One of the many purposes of a self care journal is to record the things that bother you. It’s a safe place where you can reflect on these things and find any negative patterns. Journaling can help ease your stress levels and find ways to cope with or change conditions in your life.

7. Helps You Understand Your Emotions

Sometimes the emotions of the moment may rekindle as you journal events of the day. It may be easier for you to sort through these emotions now that you have time to think about them. You may also get some insight into emotional triggers for you and how to better deal with them or avoid them altogether.

8. Provides Family History

If you are chronicling the events of your life–or that of your family–it can be an enlightening gift to future generations. Of course, that’s only if you choose to leave your writings to your family. Family histories are an essential part of the preservation of any area or culture.

Final Thoughts on Keeping a Self Care Journal

There are many reasons you may choose to keep a periodic journal of your life. It can be a valuable tool to help you remember special events as well as your emotions, thoughts, and dreams. Journaling reinforces the idea that you are the author of your destination, and you’ll enjoy seeing how far you’ve come.

10 Ways to Stay Protected from Ultraviolet Rays

September 5, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause many problems for you. From skin cancer to blindness and abnormal growth, they are all problems that you want to avoid. There are ways to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays, helping you stay healthy.

Usually, ultraviolet rays come from the sun, but you are exposed to them when you use a tanning bed or lamp, too. There are a few types of UV rays to beware of, and there is a specific time of the day when the rays are more powerful.

You might think that UV rays aren’t an issue for you every day, but they are. Thinking about them even when you aren’t spending the day at the beach or pool is essential. Each day, you are exposed to UV rays no matter what you are doing.

Ultraviolet rays are even an issue during the winter when there is snow on the ground. No matter the time of year, you should think about staying protected from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Staying protected isn’t to say that you should avoid the sun. Instead, it means that you should do what it takes to protect yourself.

Factors that Determine the Strength of Ultraviolet Rays

Many factors determine the strength of UV rays, including the time of day and the season. During the spring and summer months, they are more powerful than in the fall or winter. The distance you are from the equator also plays a part because the UV ways get stronger as you get closer.

Your altitude plays a role in the strength, too, because the UV rays are more powerful at higher elevations. Clouds can lessen the strength of UV rays but don’t eliminate them.

Plus, you have to factor in any reflective surfaces nearby. UV rays bounce off certain surfaces, which makes the rays stronger.

Types of UV Rays

You might think that there is only one type of UV ray, but there are a few. The two that affect people on earth include UVA and UVB rays. They are both dangerous, but each for different reasons, and the severity is different.

UVA Rays

These rays cause issues that are often associated with aging. UVA rays cause sun spots, wrinkles, and skin sagging, often making people look older than they are. The rays are powerful and cause long-term damage and even lead to macular degeneration and cataracts.

UVA rays can cause cancer, too. They aren’t as powerful as the UVB rays, but they are still incredibly dangerous. For those reasons alone, you will want to learn to stay protected from ultraviolet rays.

UVB Rays

These rays are what cause you to develop painful sunburns. The sunburn can become so bad that even sunburn treatment doesn’t help. UVB rays can affect the cornea and lens of your eyes, too. Not only that, but UVB rays can cause cancer.

How to Stay Protected from Ultraviolet Rays

1. Use Sunscreen

Using sunscreen is essential to protecting yourself from UV rays. While it doesn’t protect you from all of them, it does offer your skin a layer of defense. You want to make sure to use sunscreen that contains SPF, which is what blocks the harmful rays from your skin.

Some makeup and skincare products also contain SPF, helping to protect you every day. The amount found in makeup isn’t enough to protect you in direct sunlight, though. So, make sure to put on sunscreen even if you are wearing makeup. It’s important to choose a cosmetic products manufacturer that includes SPF in their formulations for added daily protection.

If you use facial moisturizer, cover-up, or concealer, opt for a brand that contains SPF. While it won’t block out all of the harmful rays, it will still offer some protection. You might as well make the most of your daily routine, and you can start with your skincare. For a more targeted approach to skin care, the expert team of licensed estheticians from a helpful place like lindsaykeith.com offers a comprehensive range of facial services designed to rejuvenate and enhance your natural beauty.

You can find sunscreen in multiple forms including, lotions, creams, gels, sprays, wipes, and ointments. Try them all out until you decide which one you prefer to use the most. It is also helpful to keep sunscreen in your vehicle for when you are unexpectedly in the sun.

2. Avoid Tanning Beds

Just because tanning beds and booths are easily accessible doesn’t mean that they are safe. Tanning beds let out both UVA and UVB rays, which can cause long-term skin damage and cancer. The more time spent in these beds, the higher the risk of skin and eye damage.

If you want a quick tan without lying in the sun, skip the tanning bed and look for another option. You can use a sunless tanning lotion, which makes you look tan without damaging your skin or putting you at risk.

3. Stay in the Shade

If you try to stay in the shade whenever possible, you will protect yourself from UV rays. You can follow the rule that if your shadow is shorter than you, it is time to seek a shaded area. Those are the times when UV rays are the strongest.

UV rays can go through windows, too. Even if you are inside if the sun is beating down on you, move to a different location or close the shades. In your car, wear long sleeves and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes, too.

4. Be Careful When You are Near Water, Sand, or Snow

Water, sand, and snow are all surfaces that reflect UV rays, increasing your chance of getting sunburned. It causes more UV ray exposure, which will cause your skin to burn more quickly. Reapply your sunscreen often in these situations, and cover your skin as best as you can.

Be extra careful when you are lying on the beach. You will have both the sun and the sand reflecting the UV rays onto your skin and into your eyes.

5. Wear Lip Balm With SPF

Sunscreen is great, but you don’t want to apply it to your lips. Instead, look for a lip balm that contains SPF to protect your lips. It will keep them healthy and help you avoid a painful burn.

6. Wear Clothes that Cover Your Skin

Even when you are wearing sunscreen, you should consider wearing clothes that cover your skin. Clothing offers more protection, and dark colors are better at protecting you than light colors. Keep in mind that if you can see through the clothing, they won’t offer much protection.

It can be tempting to wear fewer clothes when the temperatures get warm but keep your skin safety in mind. You will want to cover your body after getting out of water or when lying on the beach.

7. Stay Inside During Peak Hours

When UV rays are strongest, you should stay indoors. They are most intense during the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. If you must be outside during that time, limit your exposure as much as possible.

8. Wear Sunglasses

Sunglasses can protect your eyes and the skin around them from UV rays. Without protecting your eyes from the sun, you are putting yourself at risk of eye diseases. Make sure to purchase sunglasses that specify that they block UVA and UVB rays.

For more protection, try to use sunglasses that have large frames and that wrap around your face. These types protect your eyes when the sun is coming from different angles.

9. Check the UV Index

You can usually check the UV index on your weather app or another weather report. The higher the index is, the more protection you will need when you are outside. If the index is higher than 10, try to avoid going outdoors altogether.

10. Wear a Hat

Wearing a hat can protect your face, eyes, ears, and scalp. If you can, find a hat with a 3-inch brim so that it can offer more protection. For more neck protection, wear a hat that has fabric draping down the sides and the back.

There are many options when it comes to wearing a hat to protect yourself. Figure out how much protection you need, and choose your hat based on that information.

Keep in mind that baseball caps only protect your face and the top of your head. Your neck and ears remain exposed to the UV rays. Straw hats aren’t very effective, either, as the UV rays can make their way through the lightly woven fabric.

Final Thoughts on Ways to Stay Protected from Ultraviolet Rays

The sun is great, but the ultraviolet rays that come from it are dangerous. Stay protected from ultraviolet rays every day, and be especially vigilant when in the sun for prolonged periods.

Developing these habits right away will be beneficial for you now and in the future. If you do, you will have no regrets regarding your skin and eye health except not starting sooner.

Protect yourself so that your skin looks good, you stay healthy, and your eyes aren’t damaged. You don’t want to find out later on that damage was caused by UV rays. Follow these tips so you can enjoy the sun in a healthy way that won’t cause lasting damage.

European Immunologists Reveal an Effective New Cat Allergy Treatment

September 4, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

European immunologists recently discovered a new cat allergy treatment.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, about twice as many people are allergic to cats as dogs. Researchers believe more people have a cat allergy due to the size and shape of protein molecules on cat skin. Cat allergens stay airborne for longer, making it easier to breathe them in.

In this new study, researchers have successfully regulated the immune system’s response to the main cat allergen Fel d 1. They have found that a specific adjuvant molecule called CpG oligonucleotide can inhibit the immune response to a cat allergy. After studying the molecular mechanisms behind this response, they have suggested immunotherapy to control the allergies. The results were published in the journal Allergy, the official journal of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), in December of 2020.

Cat allergies have been on the rise for decades due to oversensitivity to specific cat allergens, mainly Fel d 1. This protein is found in a cat’s saliva, glands, skin, and fur. Cat allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe reactions characterized by rhinitis and asthma. An allergic response may even lead to death in rare cases.

Certain medications can treat a mild cat allergy. However, researchers have found that only allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) will work in severe cases. For people with extreme reactions, immunotherapy provides a more effective, permanent option. AIT involves subcutaneous injections of progressively increasing doses of the cat allergen until lasting immune tolerance occurs.

However, researchers still need to make adjustments to cat AIT to ensure safety and effectiveness. The team from the Department of Infection and Immunity of the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) has made headway.

How immunotherapy could successfully treat a cat allergy

They believe that optimizing the immune system T- and B-cells response through adjuvant molecules holds the key to treating feline allergies. This would trigger the production of antibodies against the cat allergens while reducing inflammatory reactions. Therefore, the immune system would gain tolerance to a cat allergy.

“We sought to explore new means of increasing the anti-inflammatory activity of AIT with the known immunomodulatory adjuvant CpG, but at a higher safe dose than previously used for this type of therapy,” explains Dr. Cathy Léonard, a scientist within the Allergy and Clinical Immunology research group at the LIH Department of Infection and Immunity. She also was co-corresponding first author of the study.

The team used mice with a cat allergy to observe the effects of injecting them with the cat allergen. Along with the Fel d 1, they also injected them with a high dose of CpG adjuvant. For the study, they tested the mice in both the presence and absence of AIT.

The scientists found that the allergic mice treated with AIT had better lung resistance, similar to that of the control group. They also observed reduced airway inflammation and hypersensitivity in immune reactions.

Antibodies and immune cells determine the severity of allergic reactions to cats.

Furthermore, when analyzing the Fel d 1 antibodies specifically, they found that the AIT-treated allergic mice had lower IgE levels. This antibody is a hallmark of allergic reactions. This group of mice also showed higher levels of IgA and IgG, which help to lower inflammation. Finally, the mice treated with immunotherapy had reduced levels of pro-allergic cytokine molecules compared to untreated mice.

Also, the immunologists discovered an increase in the number of immune cell types in the treated mice’s tissues. These immune cells played a considerable role in allergy regulation and tolerance and included:

plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs);
Natural Killer cells (NKs);
regulatory T cells (T-regs) and;
regulatory B cells (B-regs).

These cells expressed more of the Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) receptor 2 (TNFR-2). NK cells also produced the TNF-α cytokine. These cell types help to inhibit the allergen-specific immune response, which therefore aids in suppressing sensitivity to allergens.

“At a later stage, we observed a clear increase of TNF-α in the lungs. Interestingly, AIT also triggered the appearance of a novel and unique type of Tregs, known as biTregs, which is even better equipped to counterbalance the allergic and inflammatory reaction in response to the antigen,” adds Dr. Léonard.

Final thoughts: Allergen-specific immunotherapy can successfully treat a cat allergy

This study shows how AIT, along with high doses of CpG adjuvant, can successfully treat a feline allergy. However, the team found that the mechanism behind the treatment varies. The researchers observed differences between mice that previously had exposure to the Fel d 1 antigen and those that hadn’t. They hope that new allergy vaccines using CpG adjuvant will be created by discovering these alternative pathways for treatments.

In this study, the team injected the treatment subcutaneously instead of opting for the more invasive intraperitoneal (abdominal cavity) route. The results proved that this method is just as effective in treating a cat allergy.

“In essence, we propose a pre-clinical model of AIT for cat allergy, which mimics the conditions required for human AIT clinical trials and which is already optimized for future use in translational studies. Indeed, our study presents several novelties, including the use of endotoxin-free Fel d 1 allergen, which is mandatory in the clinical setting, to prevent the onset of collateral inflammatory responses, which could compromise the desired induction of the tolerance-promoting mechanisms.”

“Moreover, we show for the first time that the use of the maximum dose of CpG tolerated in humans has the ability to modulate the allergic response when combined with Fel d 1 allergen, with very favorable safety profiles and through a well-established and medically-approved delivery mode. Based on our data, we believe that CpG deserves reconsideration as an effective AIT adjuvant in humans and that our work sets the bases for the development of novel successful immunotherapeutic treatments for allergies,” concludes Prof Markus Ollert, Director of the LIH Department of Infection and Immunity and senior lead author of the study.

20 Behaviors That Reveal Someone Is a Logical Thinker

September 4, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Becoming a logical thinker isn’t something that comes by chance. Thinking logically happens when a person behaves in certain ways and thinks things through differently than others.

You have to develop intellectual habits that are only achieved through critical thinking and continual learning.

Logical thinkers can sift through incomplete information and determine what still needs to be known. Then, they ask the questions that will lead to the answers, decide their argument, and use that to make decisions.

Thinking logically can solve problems, figure things out, and enhance productivity. If you want to be a more logical thinker, learn the behaviors that reveal someone thinks logically. Then, you can practice the behaviors yourself to develop logically.

Twenty Behaviors That Reveal a Person Is a Logical Thinker

1. They Pay Close Attention

People who think logically are attentive in all situations. They pay attention to the details even when they are comfortable with where they are and who they are around. When a place is unfamiliar, they’re even more vigilant than usual.

This attentiveness helps them see things that others won’t see, allowing them more information. They can think logically and make decisions based on those little details that they have noticed.

2. A Logical Thinker Will Admit When They Aren’t Correct

Logical thinkers want to get things right, and they prioritize it. They admit a lack of knowledge or a mistake when they don’t have all the pertinent information.

3. Logical People Have the Right Words to Convey Their Ideas

Communication can be hard for some people, but those who think logically are good at finding the words. They ensure that their words match the idea, and they can only do this by fully understanding it.

4. They Are Open to New Ideas and Differing Opinions

Staying open-minded is a behavior that allows them to be flexible and understanding. They want to see differing perspectives to get a full view of all sides of a situation. This behavior allows them to be more effective in their approach and gives them confidence in their thinking.

5. They Make Sure to Have all of the Facts

While it is sometimes easy to do some research and find the facts, it isn’t always possible. When using logic, people will still want to have the facts, even when they aren’t easy to find. They will even rest the ideas themselves to determine the factualness.

This behavior ensures that their ideas are concrete before presenting them. They don’t want to be unprepared or get caught up in a failure if they can prevent it. If you know someone that has to test everything before presenting it, you can assume they are a person of logic.

6. They Don’t Jump to Conclusions

Those with logic take their time to gather all of the information they need to understand a situation. They tend to do this when they know something is important and requires an accurate conclusion. This behavior helps them avoid jumping to conclusions or making an early judgment call.

7. A Logical Thinker Does Not Use Evasive Language

Evasive language is not a form of effective communication. Ambiguous statements or explanations are used when someone wants to hide something like offensive or unpleasant information.

This type of language not only deceives the listeners but can also confuse their sense of reality. Those who think logically naturally avoid evasive language because they want everyone to have the same information.

8. They Think Critically and Ask Themselves Necessary Questions

Explaining how they came up with an idea or conclusion is natural for them. They have the answers to explain their reasoning, and this is due to critical thinking and self-examination. Some questions they ask themselves are about whether they have all the necessary information, and what might happen after their conclusion.

From the questions that they ask themselves and the results of their self-examination, they solidify their views. If the answers they come up with aren’t accurate, they can change their viewpoint based on the new information.

9. A Logical Thinker Always Presents Information Clearly

Since they always test their ideas for accuracy, you can count on their ideas to be clear. Having clear ideas allows them to have a clearer understanding of the world around them, too.

10. They Avoid Accepting Information at Face Value

Logical people must have all of the answers before they can conclude. They want to know the data or proof of anything they are dealing with. Plus, they want to ensure that the information is pertinent to the task at hand.

They also want to know if any information was left out when it was presented. Whether it was left out by mistake or purposely, they want to know all of the details before accepting the information.

When they fact-check something, they use multiple sources to determine the answer. This ensures that all of the information they receive has been thought about from different angles, confirming accuracy and truth.

11. They are Good at Effective Communication

Effective communication is essential because it allows others that are involved to understand the situation. Effectively communicating involves clear explanations based on fact with all necessary background information.

They don’t assume that everyone knows what they mean, so they explain everything thoroughly. You will notice that they speak directly to others, speak in complete sentences, and avoid opinion-based statements.

12. They Have Distinctive Habits

When it comes to getting things done, they have habits that they do not sway away from. Handling things as they come doesn’t work well for these people because they want a plan and stick to it. If they have to stray from their normal behaviors, then they will feel disrupted and off-center.

13. Logical People Pay Attention to Where Ideas Come From

You will often find that those who are logical know where ideas originated. They know where the idea comes from but also understand the history behind it. Having this information helps them make sound decisions based on full understanding.

Sometimes the answer is easy to find or determine. Other times, though, it takes a large amount of research and reason. The more complex the idea, the harder it is to figure out where it originated.

14. They Avoid Over-Analyzing Things

With over-analysis, decisions could be made based on information that was forced to fit. They know when they have enough information based on looking at the big picture and what they have in front of them. Then, they stop looking for information to avoid over-thinking it.

15. They Strive to Always Know the Truth

Logic will help you find the truth of all situations and is what logical thinkers strive for. They don’t stop searching for answers until everything makes sense and the details fall into place. The truth needs to come from solid proof or evidence, or they won’t accept it as truth.

16. Logical People Tend to Procrastinate

With all of the logical thinking going on, it is only natural that they procrastinate. They want to spend as much time as possible gathering information and coming to a sound conclusion. Because of that desire, they tend to put things off until the last minute.

Sometimes, they procrastinate because they have too much information. All of the excesses can make them feel anxious and overwhelmed, so they put it off.

17. They Debate Ideas

Debating isn’t their way of starting or participating in an argument. Instead, they debate improving their understanding of the situation. They argue their ideas and the ideas of other people to expose weaknesses in the argument. This way, they know if more information is necessary.

18. They Never Stop Learning

Logical people want to stay well-informed and on top of their game. Because of this, they strive to continue learning all of the time. They ask many questions and find ways to gather knowledge of a wide range of topics and situations.

Since they are always learning, they are improving their ability to make wise decisions. They read instruction manuals, study for every situation, and take in as much information as they can.

19. They Avoid Vague Explanations and Words

Similar to the way they avoid using evasive language, those with logic also avoid vague explanations. Vague conversations tend to discuss issues surrounding the main situation rather than discussing the issue directly. Logical people avoid this and choose to use precise language so the listener can fully understand, though.

20. They Always Have a Plan

Those that think logically always seem to have a plan or strategy. They notice details that no one else does and creates a plan based on that information.

One way they do this so effectively is by questioning everything and determining patterns. They learn from their mistakes and the mistakes of other people, and they keep the big picture in mind.

Final Thoughts on Behaviors That Reveal Someone Is a Logical Thinker

While you can’t learn logical thinking skills overnight, you can practice them and become better over time. Practicing the behaviors that reveal someone is thinking logically is one step in the right direction.

Learning to think logically will help you make better decisions that benefit everyone involved. Implement these behaviors in your life to help you along, and you will quickly develop beneficial habits.

What Does Your September 2021 Horoscope Reveal According to Your Zodiac Sign?

September 1, 2021 by Linda Joyce

September 2021 is a month of action and positive change. With trines from the Sun to Uranus and Mars to Pluto moving forward and taking charge should not be challenging the first two weeks of the month. By the 27^th, Mercury goes retrograde in Libra, and you won’t have a choice on what you accomplish. The emphasis will be on the past. Saturn has been square Uranus since December 18, 2020, and it is changing the structure of our lives forever.

We can’t go back to how things were, and we need to create a new normal. In many ways, there are improvements: the ability to work from both home and the office, the realization that we are all connected and not isolated beings. You can make your list of positives and negatives. The Sun in Virgo and the New Moon on the 7th, in the house of work, shines a light on your goals and the daily demands imposed upon you.

Venus trine Jupiter brings a blessing and contentment until it enters Scorpio on the 11^th. Enjoy the first week of the month. It offers a bit of magic and self-indulgence. Venus squares Pluto until the 11^th and adds intensity to most of your relationships. Don’t take control by avoiding the issues that arise. It just makes things worse in the long run. Look at the change that is being asked of you and adjust. It won’t be as difficult as it seems.

With Uranus trine Mars, September 2021 is your chance to assert yourself, no matter how shy you may feel. If you never speak up, you can’t get angry at others for not knowing what you want. The Full Moon in Pisces on the 20^th enhances your creativity and intuition. If you use it properly, you won’t feel defeated or insecure. Don’t let a lack of certainty or clarity interfere with your success. Meet the moment with all that you are, and it will lead you down the path you were meant to be on.

Aries (March 21^st – April 20^th)

Aries starts the journey in September 2021, and that requires faith and the strength to begin something new. Remind yourself that when you face the unknown, and a part of you wants to shrink from the challenge. From the 1^st to the 16^th, your Mars is opposed to Neptune, and your strength and drive feels depleted. Neptune is calling you to turn inward and pay attention to your spiritual life. If you don’t, then it will turn into a feeling of exhaustion and fear.

This is a chance to feel inspired or defeated. If you can listen to yourself, you’ll get in touch with what turns you on. Mars trine Uranus helps reenergize your finances and find new ways to make money. Change is happening, and it may slow you down, but it’s necessary. An Aries loves life when it’s fast-paced. For now, what you encounter is intensity. Mars trine Pluto helps you feel strong and ready to tackle the world, but if you’re too much in a hurry, you’ll lose strength.

The New Moon in Virgo on the 7^th points out the areas of your life that are not safe or organized. If you pay attention, there will be a reward. Venus trine Jupiter until the 11^th, gives you a little over a week of magic and ease. Please take advantage of it and get things done. Mercury goes retrograde on the 27^th at 25 degrees of Libra. This may bring an old relationship back into your life. Use this time to get old projects done, putting new ideas aside until October 18^th, when Mercury goes direct.

If you’re in a relationship, old issues will reemerge. Don’t ignore them, or they’ll just return. If you’re single, you may have the urge to call an old love. Go ahead. Perhaps there’s something there you didn’t value in the past.

Taurus (April 21^th – May 20^th)

Taurus is slow, soft, and persevering. You know how to get your way without others paying attention. Like the earth that accepts the roots of a flower, a Taurus can be a nurturer. If you are a Taurus who provides support when needed, then you’re a healer and a good friend. With Venus in Libra and your sixth house of work and health, most of your relationships are doing well. Saturn in your 10^th house reminds you that the power of slowing down and doing things right is the only way to go.

When you move at a normal pace, you get ahead. The ability to be present is a challenging lesson for any Taurus but worth the effort. Jupiter has returned to your 10^th house, and it brings expansion and opportunity. Just be choosy about what you decide to pursue. Not everything offered is good for you. Mercury goes retrograde on the 27^th in Libra, and relationships, as well as work, becomes your focus. Pay attention to how something makes you feel. If it doesn’t feel right, take a deeper look. It may not be the right choice.

You have powerful instincts, and it’s important to listen to them. The New Moon in Virgo on 7^th squares Uranus bringing with it a change in your career. Go for it. It’s a new path with great possibilities. The Full Moon on the 20^th in Pisces activates your sense of community and inspires your dreams. Your creativity is strong, and you have an acute sensitivity to those around you. Pay attention. You may learn something that surprises you.

Things are not peaceful if you’re in a relationship because part of you still lives in fantasy. Speak your truth throughout September of 2021. If you’re single, love is difficult at the moment, so have a good time and don’t worry about commitment.

Gemini (May 21^st – June 20^th)

Gemini is a sign of communication and intelligence. It gathers information and experience and becomes a source of wisdom if you learn to choose wisely. Mercury, your ruler, goes retrograde on the 27^th and trines Saturn. There are a few crucial issues that require your attention. The retrograde will help you take care of them. Don’t let the brief square to the Moon make you feel emotionally depressed.

If you begin to feel down, remind yourself it’s short-lived. Venus trine Jupiter creates and opens the door to some of your desires. You get results without much effort. It’s a magical time until the 11^th, so take advantage of it. Jupiter rules your relationships, so you can meet someone special if that’s on your wish list. Venus square Pluto brings up unresolved feelings about old failures or mistakes. Turn self-judgment into a lesson, and be grateful for the experience. Saturn square Uranus creates the unexpected, and it throws you off the balance if you let it.

Use your instincts more than your logic, and things will work out well. The New Moon on the 7^th happens in Virgo, ruler of your 4^th house of the home. It’s a new beginning with those you are close to. What you’re looking for is a greater feeling of safety and security. You value order, and this is a good month to attain it. The Full Moon in Pisces increases your creativity. It rules your 10^th house of career, so new ideas and ways of handling your challenges may become apparent.

If you’re in a relationship, things are going exceptionally well. It’s easy to make each other happy. If you’re single, it’s a good time to either advance a present relationship or meet someone new.

Cancer (June 21^st – July 22^nd)

Cancer is a sign of belonging to a family, community, or an idea that unites others. The emotional bonds that you make are essential to your happiness and sense of safety. The Moon is constantly in a state of change, so you need to feel connected and separate from your feelings. Can you step back and understand what they’re telling you, or do you get lost in the highs and lows of life?

The balance to our emotions is Saturn, the boundaries and limits of life. Take control of your feelings and direct them down a path that leads to your purpose. Put them to good use during September of 2021. The Full Moon in Pieces in your 9^th house brings your ideals and aspirations to a head. You may long to improve your spiritual connection, or perhaps you feel like learning something new. Both are good ideas. Mercury goes retrograde on the 27 in Libra, ruler of your 4^th house of the home and mother. You will take the time to tackle jobs that in the past have been put aside. Retrogrades always help you clean up old projects.

New ideas don’t get the same attention. Mars opposite Neptune brings a sense of uncertainty or a lack of confidence to what you want to accomplish. When Mars enters Libra, your mood changes, and you feel more in charge. However, there’s always a battle between what you want and the need to please those you care about. Sometimes it’s important to be selfish. Venus trine Jupiter in Aquarius makes accomplishing your tasks easy. Desires you’ve ignored are suddenly being fulfilled. Emotionally, you’re intense, and with Venus square Pluto you can be overly obsessive.

If you’re in a relationship, things are unsettled and have been for some time. Change has to happen. If you’re single, it’s not a great time to consolidate a relationship, but you may be ready to try something different. Why not?

Leo (July 23^rd – August 22^nd)

Leos are confident. They believe in themselves and their dreams. Your ego is strong and wants to be acknowledged. With the Sun in Virgo, your focus is on finances. With the Sun trine Uranus, there is a desire to make changes. Either you have a new way of making money, or you’re using your money in new ways. Just pay attention to your limitations and don’t take unnecessary risks. Work is intense with Venus square Pluto.

Something is going on around your goals and career that has you engaged. Whatever you see that you’d like to change – it will take time. Don’t be in a hurry, do it right. When you know your position, the rest takes care of itself. With Saturn in your 7^th house, some relationships may let you down or just not work out. Don’t make excuses. Remember what Maya Angelou said. “When someone shows you who they are, believe them.”

If you don’t pay attention, you’ll pay the price. With Uranus in your 10^th house, your career has been asking for change. Have you listened? If you haven’t, things will change on their own. Your job is not at risk, but the way you have performed it is now obsolete. Embrace the new, and you’ll be fine. This is not a time to be stubborn. It will work against you. Mercury goes retrograde on the 27^th in Libra, your 3^rd house of communication. Be careful of the messages you receive in September 2021. If they’re essential, double-check them. Mistakes are easily made during this time.

If you’re in a relationship, things are both going well and changing. The changing part may not be easy for you. Your partner could be demanding and inflexible. If you’re single, follow your instincts. Take a risk. Meet someone new. It may just work out.

Virgo (August 23^rd – September 22^nd)

Virgos need order and a feeling of safety. However, the irony is. They often find themselves in the unknown and having to rely on faith. The more faith you have, the easier it is to manage your life. Your ruler, Mercury, goes retrograde on the 27 in Gemini, ruler of your 10^th house of career. If you’re looking for a job, someone from the past may contact you. If that’s not your issue, use this time to clean out your desk and get rid of old projects.

It goes direct on October 18^th. Financial issues may be a worry with Venus square Pluto. There are strong feelings involved, so try to get distance from any issues and take your time in deciding. When you do, the truth finds its way to the surface. Mars opposite Neptune has both a positive and negative side. It may increase your creativity, intuition, and imagination. However, if you don’t use this energy in this way, its presence can reduce your confidence by decreasing the ego and increasing the need for spirituality and faith. If you’re on a spiritual path, your soul gets nurtured, and faith becomes stronger.

The New Moon in your sign on the 7^th emphasizes a need for order and safety to advance and succeed. It’s a Virgo thing. Jupiter trine Venus is a gift of the Gods, and it makes life a little magical. Certain things just fall into place. Enjoy the gift. It won’t last forever. Saturn square Uranus creates change. The system you’re used to using isn’t working. Don’t let anxiety take over. Just adjust.

If you’re in a relationship, it should be good this week. The ego is subdued, and it’s easier to connect. If you’re single, you could meet someone interesting without effort. Just go with the flow and see where it ends up.

Libra (September 23^rd – October 22^nd)

Libra is the sign where individualization ends and shared experiences begin – it’s the sign of relationships. The soul needs a purpose and a cooperative spirit to use this energy properly. Venus, your ruler, is love and values. Values provide invisible boundaries that tell us when to stop and when pursuing a desire is safe or good for us.

This month Venus is trine Jupiter, and things go smoothly until the 11^th. Take advantage of this time by tackling complicated projects. Neptune opposite Mars creates a desire to connect to others more than usual. Your ego is softened, and life is not all about you. Mercury goes retrograde on the 27^th in your sign, and it encourages you to complete old projects. New ideas need to be put on hold. The New Moon in Virgo on the 7^th creates a need for order and clarity.

Organize your workplace and any other part of your life that’s in chaos. The more order you create, the safer and stronger you feel. Saturn square Uranus brings change with or without your consent. Don’t fight it; embrace it. It’s there for the right reason, even if it makes you uncomfortable. Uranus trine the Sun and Mars help you accept what you can’t control. It brings you faith in the process. The Full Moon in Pisces on the 20^th affects your work schedule and how you feel about the people you engage with. You may find you’re more sensitive than usual. So be prepared.

If you’re in a relationship, your partner is feeling vulnerable. Pay attention to their needs during September 2021. If you’re single, it’s a good time to fall in love. However, it doesn’t mean it will work, but it’s a great experience either way.

Scorpio (October 23^rd – November 21^st)

Scorpio gains power through relationships and the consolidation of joint effort and resources. As a water sign, you are intuitive, and you listen to your instincts almost more than any other sign. Mars in Libra on the 16^th puts your drive and ego in the 12^th house. You feel unsure of yourself and your instincts. This is increased by the opposition Mars makes to Neptune. It’s a spiritual time, and it calls for reflection.

Uranus trine the Sun and Mars encourage change that is easy to make during September 2021. However, Uranus square Saturn challenges the old boundaries of your life and demands you go deeper into what is needed now, not what was. Saturn in your 4^th house of the home makes your family and safety more important than in the past, and it doesn’t disappear until March of 2023. You may find yourself more critical of yourself and others during this time. Be careful you don’t overdo.

The New Moon in Virgo on the 7^th brings a deeper relationship with present friends or a new partner. The Full Moon in Pisces on the 20^th happens in the 5^th house of authority and children. Your creative energies are enhanced, and unresolved issues will be prominent and require your attention. If there’s a project that needs imagination, you will be able to improve it. Mercury goes retrograde on the 27^th, and old projects become a priority. It’s happening in your 12^th house, so that some challenges will arise beyond your control.

If you’re in a relationship, things are good with Venus trine Jupiter. There is an ease that comes with this combination, and it’s a great time to take a trip together. If you’re single, you could meet someone on a trip or vacation. You’re open to new experiences and people.

Sagittarius (November 22^nd – December 21^st)

Sagittarius is the opposite of the concrete mind. It’s the philosopher, attracted to abstract thoughts. With Jupiter, your ruler, back in Aquarius, the pursuit of your dreams is very much a part of your vision. If you feel you have a purpose, it may be activated now. Mars opposes Neptune until it enters Libra on the 16^th.

The opposition creates insecurity and may diminish your confidence in September 2021. However, if you have faith in what you’re doing, then it could empower you. Mars in your 10^th house of career, trine Pluto, ruler of your 12^th house, creates a strong quest for power. However, once again, faith is necessary to make it work. Believe in yourself. The more confidence you have, the easier this month will be.

Pluto square Venus, the ruler of your 6^th house of work and your 11^th house of friends and dreams, reveals the obstacles that have been holding you back. Don’t get discouraged. You can’t change what you’re not aware of. If you are committed, you’ll overcome them. Mercury goes retrograde on the 27^th in Libra.

Relationships go through changes as your truth becomes clear and defined. People you need may be unavailable. Don’t get discouraged. You will connect at the right time. Accept what you can’t control. Jupiter is trine Venus until the 11^this a gift of the Gods. Things happen magically, so take advantage of the energy. Uranus trine the Sun and Mars bring positive new ideas. Don’t be afraid to embrace them. Uranus square Saturn shows you what’s wrong with how you communicate your needs.

If you’re in a relationship, things are good throughout September of 2021. However, be prepared to talk about serious issues. If you’re single, it’s a good time to meet someone in your neighborhood. Keep your eyes open.

Capricorn (December 22^nd – January 19^th)

Capricorn keeps you focused on where you belong in the social structure of your world. Have you carved out your place in the world or at least know where you want it to be? Libra rules your 10^th house of career. You lean toward partnerships, or at least, good business relationships. If you’ve used your skills to secure them, then you will get through your difficult times with ease. Your ruler, Saturn, has been under assault by Uranus for some time.

It’s changing how you see yourself in the world. How you approach, life will change because you’ve learned a few important lessons. Putting wisdom into practice is necessary for growth. Mars opposite Neptune diminishes your confidence or increases it, depending on how much faith you have in yourself. You need to operate on your reputation. If you haven’t, pay attention to this essential element of success, then it’s time to realize it’s important.

When others know they can count on you due to your integrity and values, you ensure your survival, even in the most difficult times. The Full Moon in Pisces and your third house brings communication to a head. There is something that needs to be expressed, and it brings about change. Jupiter trines Venus until the 11^th is a gift of the Gods. Use this time to get things done. You’ll achieve your goals with little effort.

If you’re in a relationship, things are both good and challenging. You’re not the best at communicating your feelings, but it’s important now. If you’re single, meeting new people may be easy, but it requires you to be very selective in your choices.

Aquarius (January 20^th – February 18^th)

Aquarius is both comfortable in a group and one on one. You’re a unique individual. With Uranus in Taurus in September 2021, you find that your values and your taste have been shifting. What’s essential has evolved, and that’s a good thing. As you grow throughout the month of September, so does your vision of yourself and the world.

With Uranus square Saturn, your past and present conflict. You’re about to go down a path that may leave a few souls behind. You can remain friends, but it will feel different. Don’t hold yourself back to make others feel good. Change is a good thing. It keeps you current and robust. With Pluto square Venus, your philosophical view of the world has also shifted. Your vision is being reshaped, and you see yourself with new eyes. The key now is to let go of the control and go with the flow.

If you listen to your instincts, you’ll find your way with ease. What’s required is faith in yourself and your dreams. Faith helps you move through uncertainty by giving you something to hold on to – your belief in your purpose and destiny. Mercury goes retrograde on the 27^th in Libra, and you can reframe yourself in a bigger picture. Raise your goals and aim for more. The Full Moon in Pisces brings financial issues to a head. With Neptune in Pisces opposite Mars, intelligence and gut feeling are required for a good decision. Listen to your instincts. They hold the truth.

If you’re in a relationship, your partner is also changing, and it’s a challenge to keep the connection going. If you’re single, it’s time to reexamine what you think you’re looking for in a partner. Since you’ve changed, who you’re attracted to may have shifted also.

Pisces (February 19^th – March 20^th)

Pisces is where one feels their success and failures deeply. The path you choose in September 2021 reveals whether or not you’ve learned from your past. If you keep doing what you’ve always done and it doesn’t work, then you’re responsible for whatever happens. Experiences, positive and negative, have great value when you use what happens to learn and grow.

Neptune, your ruler, opposite Mars, makes financial issues unclear. You need to rely on your instincts and what you know, not your expectations. Neptune decreases the power of your ego and enhances your spiritual nature. If you haven’t worked on your spirit, then it could leave you feeling insecure and lost. Without confidence, it’s difficult to follow the path less traveled, and that is always your path. Indeed, you will find your unique way.

Uranus square Saturn creates difficulties with friendships and social gatherings. Either you’re changing where you hang out and why, or friends have come and gone because their lives have changed. The Full Moon in your sign brings your perspective to a crisis on the 20^th. You may have to choose which way to go. If you listen to your heart, it won’t be a problem. Uranus trine the Sun and Mars make relationships that are changing still good. You need to adjust, and it’s easier to do it when someone else takes the lead.

If you’re in a relationship, your partner is in the spotlight or has taken charge. You probably don’t mind because it gives you more freedom. If you’re single, you may feel the need to meet someone now more than ever. Keep your eyes open, but relationships have to evolve on their own. You can’t force them to work.

Researchers Found a Link Between Lyme Disease and Mental Health

August 31, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

U.S. and Danish researchers have found an unexpected link between Lyme disease and mental health. The study revealed that patients hospitalized with Lyme disease had a 28% higher rate of mental disorders. They also had twice the likelihood of attempting suicide after being infected compared to people without Lyme disease.

Columbia University and the Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health collaborated on the study. In fact, it marked the first large, population-based study of its kind to investigate the link between Lyme disease and mental health. The research was published in the July 28, 2021, online edition of the American Journal of Psychiatry.

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is an infection caused by a spiral-shaped bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. It’s normally transmitted to humans by a tick bite. The first sign of Lyme disease is usually around or oval-shaped red rash that resembles a bullseye. The disease’s name comes from the first place it was discovered: Lyme, Connecticut.

When is tick season?

Tick season occurs from April to October, but humans can contract Lyme disease year-round. Aside from a rash, other symptoms of Lyme disease tend to occur after a few days or weeks. They include flu-like symptoms such as the following:

Headache
Stiff neck
Muscle and/or joint pain
Low-grade fever and chills
Fatigue
Decreased appetite
Swollen glands

Know the importance of seeking treatment

If left untreated for weeks or months, Lyme disease can also cause neurological and heart problems. It also leads to a 60% chance of developing Lyme arthritis or inflammation of joints due to Lyme disease.

“It is time to move beyond thinking of Lyme disease as a simple illness that only causes a rash,” said Brian Fallon, MD, MPH, a psychiatrist with the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University who is the lead author of the paper. “In addition to the risk of severe cardiac, rheumatologic, and neurologic problems, Lyme disease can cause severe mental health problems as well.”

Dr. Fallon is one of the leading researchers of the association between Lyme disease and psychiatric disorders. He’s also the director of the Lyme and Tick-borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia. Other investigators on the study included Michael Benros MD, Ph.D., principal investigator; Trine Madsen, Ph.D., co-first author; and Annette Erlangsen, Ph.D., all psychiatric epidemiologists at the Research Centre for Mental Health.

Lyme disease appears to link to higher suicide rates.

For the study, researchers analyzed the medical records of almost 7 million people in Denmark over a 22-year period. They compared the mental health data of individuals hospitalized with Lyme disease to people who had never had a Lyme diagnosis. Researchers excluded patients with a history of mental disorders or suicidality before the Lyme disease diagnosis.

The study found that patients with Lyme disease had a higher risk of mental disorders and suicide attempts. Specifically, they had a 42% higher rate of affective disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Perhaps most disturbing of all, Lyme disease patients had a 75% higher death rate by suicide than those without the diagnosis.

Even worse, being diagnosed with Lyme disease multiple times heightened the rate of mental disorders, affective disorders, and suicidal thoughts.

Nearly 500,000 people contract Lyme disease annually in the U.S.

Each year, almost 500,000 people in the U.S. get diagnosed with and treated for Lyme disease. Also called Lyme borreliosis, it transfers to humans through the bite of a deer tick infected with the bacteria. Most American cases come from the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central states. However, according to data from the CDC, nearly every state reported cases of Lyme disease in 2019.

To treat Lyme disease, doctors normally prescribe a two- to a four-week round of oral antibiotics. However, 10-20% of patients report symptoms such as pain, cognitive impairments, or fatigue months or even years after treatment. Several studies have determined a connection between Lyme disease and mental health problems after antibiotic treatment or untreated patients. People with late-stage Lyme disease may experience the following symptoms in severe cases:

difficulty concentrating
irritability
memory and sleep problems
painful nerve disorders

However, Dr. Michael Benros says that most people don’t experience severe mental health issues after contracting Lyme disease. The study found that only 7% of almost 13,000 individuals diagnosed with Lyme disease complained of mental problems. They followed up with hospital clinicians who determined the link between Lyme disease and mental health issues. Most people fully recover from Lyme disease after treatment.

We must not ignore the link between Lyme disease and mental health.

Researchers say these unexpected findings warrant more attention from the public regarding the risks of Lyme disease and mental health problems. Unfortunately, it’s likely a more widespread issue than the data portrays. The Danish medical registry only includes psychiatric diagnoses made in hospitals. With clinicians’ diagnoses, the number of people suffering new onset mental problems following Lyme infections is probably much higher.

“This nationwide study confirms the association between Lyme disease and psychiatric disorders,” Dr. Benros said. “Treating clinicians and patients should be aware of an increased risk of mental health problems, particularly during the first year after a severe Lyme disease infection, and if mental health issues arise, patients should seek treatment and guidance.”

Final thoughts: Lyme disease may cause mental health problems

An alarming new study by US and Danish researchers found a link between Lyme disease and mental health. People who contracted Lyme disease had a significantly higher risk of new-onset mental health problems. Shockingly, patients also had a 75% higher risk of death by suicide than people without Lyme disease.

The study sheds new light on the dangers of Lyme disease, which most people only associate with a rash. So never overlook the hidden dangers of this tick-borne disease. The effects of untreated infections can last for years and even lead to permanent nerve or heart problems.

If you live in an area where ticks are prevalent, apply insect repellent when you spend time outdoors. Also, protect your body by wearing pants tucked into your socks and long-sleeved shirts. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience symptoms of Lyme disease.

Sleep Quality Versus Quantity…Which is More Essential?

August 31, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Many people debate about sleep quality versus quantity – which should we prioritize? A new MIT study reveals the answer. Eye-opening sleep research on the working poor in India found that sleep quality rather than quantity made a more significant impact on health.

According to the sleep study, getting more sleep didn’t alter work productivity or overall health for impoverished workers in India. However, naps or better quality sleep at night did produce positive results.

This counters the advice of modern scientists who tell us to get more shut-eye. It seems that five hours of high-quality sleep may have more benefits than eight hours of interrupted sleep. For people who almost have to pencil sleep into their schedules, this should come as welcome news. It certainly makes a difference for poor workers in India who can’t afford to sleep longer hours.

About the Study on Sleep Quality Versus Quantity

Based on a field experiment of low-income workers in Chennai, India, the study yielded essential findings about sleep. For the experiment, researchers observed residents at home during their everyday routines. The scientists gave participants tips for better sleep, which seemed to pay off. On average, the participants slept about 30 extra minutes per night, a significant gain.

However, the researchers found no difference in the following metrics from increased sleep:

work productivity
earnings
financial choices
sense of well-being
blood pressure

In fact, sleeping more only cut into their work hours, resulting in lower pay.

“To our surprise, these night-sleep interventions had no positive effects whatsoever on any of the outcomes we measured,” says Frank Schilbach, an MIT economist and co-author of the paper summarizing the study.

The paper is titled “The Economic Consequences of Increasing Sleep Among the Urban Poor.” It’s been published in the August issue of The Quarterly Journal of Economics.

How poverty impacts sleep quality

The results seem counterintuitive; wouldn’t more sleep yield a better quality of life? Researchers say not necessarily.

Nighttime sleep quality and duration depend primarily on environmental and societal factors. For example, the participants living in Chennai dealt with many interruptions and challenges at night, leading to low-quality sleep. So, even if they slept longer hours, that didn’t mean they necessarily got deeper, better sleep.

However, they did find that daytime naps increased productivity and well-being, partially countering the adverse effects of poor nighttime sleep. The findings show that sleeping more soundly, regardless of hours slept, may significantly impact health.

“People’s sleep quality is so low in these circumstances in Chennai that adding sleep of poor quality may not have the benefits that another half hour of sleep would have if it’s of higher quality,” Schilbach suggests.

Schilbach, a development economist, says the study builds on previous research he and his colleagues have done in areas like Chennai. In these settings, the researchers found that low-income people often live in regions inconducive to sleep. Compounded with other daily challenges, this makes it challenging to get restful sleep at night.

“In Chennai, you can see people sleeping on their rickshaws,” says Schilbach, who is also a faculty affiliate at MIT’s Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL). “Often, there are four or five people sleeping in the same room where it’s loud and noisy. You see people sleep in between road segments next to a highway. It’s incredibly hot even at night, and there are lots of mosquitos. Essentially, in Chennai, you can find any potential irritant or adverse sleep factor.”

The study on sleep quality versus quantity

For the study, researchers gave the participants actigraphs or wristwatches to track sleep states from body movements. This gave the team access to critical data while the participants slept. Most sleep studies occur in labs, so this experiment offered unique insight on sleep quality versus quantity.

The study observed 452 people over the course of a month. Researchers offered some participants encouragement and tips for improved sleep. Others received financial incentives to sleep longer hours. In addition, some members from both groups took daytime naps to see how they impacted their sleep.

Finally, the participants took data-entry jobs with flexible hours for the duration of the study. This made it easier for researchers to track the effects of sleep on worker output and income.

On average, the study participants slept about 5.5 hours per night before the study. During the study, they slept about 27 extra minutes per night. However, the participants stayed in bed an extra 38 minutes a night to gain additional sleep. This observation reveals how difficult it is for Chennai residents to sleep soundly at night. Sadly, they woke up about 31 times per night on average due to noise, bugs, or other disturbances.

“A key thing that stands out is that people’s sleep efficiency is low, that is, their sleep is heavily fragmented,” Schilbach says. “They have extremely few periods experiencing what’s thought to be the restorative benefits of deep sleep. People’s sleep quantity went up due to the interventions, because they spent more time in bed, but their sleep quality was unchanged.”

This explains why most people in the study didn’t benefit from sleeping longer.

Schilbach added, “We find one negative effect, which is on hours worked. If you spend more time in bed, then you have less time for other things in your life.”

Naps help but cut into earnings for low-income workers

Researchers found that the participants who took naps had improved markers in several areas.

“In contrast to the night sleep intervention, we find clear evidence of naps improving a range of outcomes, including their productivity, their cognitive function, and their psychological well-being, as well as some evidence on savings,” Schilbach says. “These two interventions have different effects.”

However, the naps only led to higher income when compared to workers who took a break instead. Workers didn’t actually earn more due to the naps; they had increased productivity but spent less time working.

“It’s not the case that naps just pay for themselves,” Schilbach says. “People don’t actually stay longer in the office when they nap, presumably because they have other things to do, such as taking care of their families. If people nap for about half an hour, their hours worked falls by almost half an hour, almost a one-to-one ratio, and as a result, people’s earnings in that group are lower.”

Final Thought: Everyone can benefit from better sleep quality (versus quantity)

Schilbach says he hopes the study on sleep quality versus quantity will lead to further research in the future. For instance, changing the sleeping environment of low-income workers could yield different results. Perhaps their sleep quality, not just quantity, would improve if their circumstances changed.

The economist added that it’s important to consider how psychological factors impact sleep quality in low-income people. Schilbach says the following:

“Being poor is very stressful, and that might interfere with people’s sleep. Addressing how environmental and psychological factors affect sleep quality is something worth examining.”

He says that using wristwatches that track sleep quality will change the scope of studies in the future. This allows researchers more flexibility since they can observe people in their everyday lives rather than just a laboratory.

“There’s not a lot of work studying people’s sleep in their everyday lives,” Schilbach says. “And I really hope people will study sleep more in developing countries and poor countries, focusing on outcomes that people value.”

“Sleep might be important as an avenue for improved productivity or other types of choices people make,” Schilbach says. “But I think a good night’s sleep is also important in and of itself. We should value being able to afford to sleep well and not be worried at night. Poverty indices are about income and material consumption. But now that we can measure sleep better, a good night’s sleep should be part of a more comprehensive measure of people’s well-being. I hope that’s where we’re going eventually.”

In conclusion, the study on sleep quality versus quantity shows how poverty creates even more obstacles to a good night’s sleep. However, everyone deserves and needs restful sleep. Hopefully, further research will help those who live in poverty improve their sleep quality and overall well-being.

You’re Not an Introvert or Extrovert…Are You An Ambivert?

August 31, 2021 by Kristen Butler

Have you ever heard of an ambivert? It’s a relatively new term that experts use to describe someone who falls between the category of an introvert and an extrovert. The personality comes with both positive and negatives, but gaining some knowledge will help you understand it better.

Understanding an Ambivert

Extroverts are the life of the party, while introverts need to be alone and have time to recharge their batteries. One prefers solitude while the other one wants people all around them. Well, the ambivert’s personality is a mixture of both.

The individual with this charisma isn’t as quiet as the introvert, but they’re not as loud or outgoing as the extrovert either. The range from introversion to extroversion has many facets, and it’s not always a straight line. Think of it as a personality that comes with many curves along the way.

You can’t always package people up into an excellent little category, as many folks will fall somewhere in the middle. When you’re riding the center lane, you’ll draw attributes from both sides, which means you have the best of both worlds.

Do You Think You Might Be An Ambivert?

So, how do you find out where you fall on the spectrum of personalities? An easy test is to ask yourself what you do when you come home after a hard day at work. Do you head straight to the club, a restaurant, or some other social engagement, or do you prefer to get into your pajamas and relax in solitude?

Maybe you want to sit on your porch or take a walk in nature as you destress from the day. Now, from these analogies, the extrovert is the one that has a hopping social life and prefers to be with people. However, the introvert wants to be alone and doesn’t need stimulation from other folks.

However, the ambivert falls right in-between or in the cracks. Sometimes they like to go out and socialize, but they don’t want too much of a good thing. Other times, they like to be alone with their thoughts and to have time to reflect. Their mood dictates what they will do that night and which personality type they will nurture.

The Hardwired Brain

Each brain consists of a hardwired system that affects how someone will respond to stimuli. Did you know that as a baby, the hardwiring is already in place? Think about all the babies you’ve encountered.

Some of them love to be cuddled and hugged and be the center of attention, while others are content to be alone in their swing, cooing away. No one showed these children how to act, but it was hardwired in their brains from birth. You often hear mothers describe their babies as either “good” or a “handful.”

Some children are very content and learn to self-soothe from an early age, while others need constant stimulation from their parents. Is it possible that being your personality is determined before anything happens to you in life? The extrovert needs that activity from external stimulation, but the introvert does most of their internal processing.

According to Laurie Helgoe, Ph.D., at The Ross University of Medicine, one personality turns inward, while the other turns outward.

Seven Key Indicators That You Might Be An Ambivert

If you’re still not sure where you fit on the personality spectrum, there are a few ways that can help you decide. Here are common characteristics of the ambivert that you might be able to identify.

1. Focused and Not Easily Distracted

Unlike the extrovert, external stimuli don’t bother the person who rides the middle of the curve. A study was conducted in Malaysia and published by the International Journal of Science. They want to see how this personality type is measured when it came to brain response.

They found that their focus and ability to stay on task were remarkable. The brain scans proved that most of the responses were coming from the front area of their brains, which is why they reacted the way they did.

2. Flexible Enough To Roll With the Punches

Another characteristic of this personality is that you can act either like an introvert or an extrovert, depending on the situation. You can chat with employees while riding an elevator, but the difference is that you’re listening to every word they say and carefully analyzing it. Think of it like flipping a light switch; you know which personality characteristics to bring out when the situation warrants.

Having a personality that balances in the middle means that you can adjust to various people and places. Many people wrongly think that introverts lack social skills or emotional intelligence, but they can be quite charming. The difference is they prefer to step back and observe more than speak.

Paulette Kouffman Sherman, Psy.D., says this about ambiverts in her relaxation guide, The Book of Sacred Baths:

“Ambiverts can get energy from being with people and from being alone and they can be self-reflective in situations and also work things through by talking with others.”

3. Very Persuasive

Did you know that the ambivert is an ideal sales professional? They make way more money than the introvert and extrovert combined. Why are they so good at this kind of career?

For starters, they are listening to your needs and wants before you tell them. They’re very in-tune with their customers, so they want to find the product that makes your life better. They want to make a sale, but customer satisfaction is a big priority.

To be a good salesperson, you need to know how to be enthusiastic and listen to the customer’s needs. In fact, Psychological Science, a psychology journal, published a study noting how this gift of persuasion translates to a fruitful sales career for many ambiverts.

Study author, Adam M. Grant, with the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, stated the following:

“…ambiverts are likely to express sufficient assertiveness and enthusiasm to persuade and close a sale but are more inclined to listen to customers’ interests and less vulnerable to appearing too excited or overconfident.”

4. Standing up for Yourself

Many people think that the introvert is shy and won’t speak in public, which is not valid. They will speak in public only after they’ve determined they absolutely must, and they’ve connected all the dots. Sadly, they can often become paralyzed by the analysis they feel needs to be done.

The ambivert loves to share their ideas, but they aren’t as boisterous with them as the extrovert would be. They know when to speak and when to hold their tongue, which comes hard to the extroverted personality.

5. Decision Making Is Challenging

Making a simple decision like where to eat dinner that night might be draining. The third personality type uses a lot of energy because they’re not too far to the right or left, which is like lacking a home base. Introverts know not to go to a party because they hate small talk and crowds.

The person in the middle might waffle a bit on their decisions. It takes them a great deal of energy to make any choices, so it creates an even more challenging dynamic.

6. A Lack of Direction

Have you ever seen a car that’s crashed and is sent spiraling in all directions? The personality that rides the middle lane can be like that at times. You’re very self-aware, but the freedoms that you have can be very overwhelming.

You may be very indecisive, which can be annoying to a spouse.

7. Change Like the Wind

Do you tend to change your mind like the wind? One minute, you’re ready to jump in the car and head on a spur-of-the-moment vacation, but the next minute you come back to your senses and realize it’s a foolish move. When you flip-flop, it can be very confusing to those around you, and it can make some folks downright mad.

The problem is that you were sure the idea was great about an hour ago, but you’ve had a change of heart. Being stuck between introversion and extroversion can lead to some mental confusion.

Final Thoughts on Being an Ambivert

Whether you go to the left, the right, or stay in the middle doesn’t matter, you need to learn to embrace yourself and your gifts. While some folks with this third personality like to be stimulated, the other half will hate being in a crowd. It would help if you acknowledged the introvert and extrovert characteristics you like to form your own identity.

Gaining self-awareness will make your life much easier. If you’re unsure how you do that, you should try taking a few personality tests to help you identify patterns. You need to figure out if you’re more of a person who loves a low-key atmosphere or one that’s revved up.

The beautiful thing about being this third personality is that you get to pave the way for your life and bust through typical stereotypes. There is no general rule with these folks, and you can shift between introversion and extroversion with ease. Don’t beat yourself up because you don’t fit into a specific mold. Instead, try doing what feels good for you.

If you feel lost in your thoughts and feelings, you may want to keep a journal. Set goals for yourself. Writing things down can help you during the times when you feel lost or out of sorts. It’s also an excellent way to keep checks and balance records so that you can help to identify the things that work for you and those that don’t. Once you start tracking these things, you might realize that you are neither an introvert nor an extrovert. Indeed, you are an ambivert!

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