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10 Ways A Good Man Handles His Relationships Differently

May 14, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

When it comes to relationships, a good man handles things differently than other men. He behaves a certain way, treating his partner with respect and kindness. Good men are capable of having a healthy relationship that is mutually beneficial without sacrificing who he is.

Being a good man doesn’t require money, a perfect appearance, or being extremely smart. Instead, it requires various realistic positive characteristics for any man to achieve. When you recognize these traits in a man, you can trust that he is likely a good man.

Good men are the ones that experience life but don’t let their experiences define or limit them. They learn and grow continually and don’t dwell on mistakes or insecurities. He will appreciate life and enjoy his time with the people he cares about.

Ten Ways A Good Man Handles His Relationships Differently

Their unique qualities set them apart from the rest of the men in the world, and the difference is clear. If you notice the following things about a man, he might be a good one to keep around.

1. He Loves and Respects His Partner for Who They Are

Good men love their partners for who they are on the inside. A person’s sensibilities, personality, and ethics are more important to them than anything else. Plus, a good man will accept what a woman believes in and her goals for life.

A good man will treat his partner with respect always, even during arguments and disagreements. He expects the same from his partner, too, though.

2. A Good Man Takes Initiative

Whether the decision is big or small, he will step in and handle it without being asked. He is decisive and doesn’t leave all the decisions up to his partner. While he makes decisions, he factors in the views and needs of his partner, too.

He doesn’t step in to make the decisions to be controlling. Instead, he does it as a way to make the situation better without putting it all on his significant other. He isn’t afraid to speak up and hold his own when he needs or wants something to get done, either.

3. He is Always Supportive

No matter their partner’s goals, he is supportive and encouraging. He won’t talk down to his partner or make them feel like they can’t do what they set their mind to. As they go through your journey, he will cheer them on and comfort them along the way.

A good man will support their partner during setbacks, milestones, and new dreams that come up. He will not only cheer for and comfort his significant other but also celebrate with them. His support will be unwavering as he is there for you.

While some men might be jealous of their partner’s achievements, good men don’t get that way. They will be proud of their partner’s successes and do everything they can to help them continue growing.

4. He Commits

A good man doesn’t play with the heart and minds of others, and he doesn’t do things to betray them. When he is in a relationship, he fully commits all of the time. He doesn’t cheat physically or emotionally and is always loyal.

Plus, this type of man understands that relationships take hard work and dedication from both partners. He will work to maintain a strong and healthy relationship as he nourishes the bond continually. Trust won’t be an issue because he shows dedication and commitment.

5. He is Never Abusive

Abuse isn’t always physical, and emotional abuse is common in relationships. With a good man, abuse of any kind won’t be a concern because it will never cross his mind. Abuse is never okay; a real man would never put their partner in this position.

Looking for signs of abuse requires that all of the man’s relationships are examined. How he treats his family members and friends shows what he is capable of, and a good person won’t abuse them, either.

6. He Inspires His Partner

A man who inspires those around him is good to spend time with. He takes control of his life and encourages others to do the same. His drive and ambition will be contagious to those around him and rub off on his partner.

This behavior is mutually beneficial because as his partner pursues their passions, he can continue doing the same. Neither partners feel forgotten, left behind, or held back when working toward their goals.

7. He Knows That He Needs to Act and Not Just Speak

When a man does what he says he will do, it shows that he is a positive person to be around. He will not break promises and stands by his word even when it is hard. His words will never be empty because he doesn’t say things that he doesn’t mean.

He will always prove that his words are the truth, so his partner never feels the need to question their relationship together. Plus, he will stand up for his relationship whenever it is necessary. He will speak up and end that kind of discussion when people say or ask inappropriate things.

He will make the integrity of his relationships known and never holds back in that regard. He isn’t afraid to speak up for the relationship even around his friends. It shows that he can express himself and protect his partner and their relationship.

8. A Good Man Has a Sense of Humor

Good men tend to have a good sense of humor and can laugh at themselves. He will make his partner smile and laugh, creating happiness even amidst issues. His sense of humor makes him a beneficial person to be around when things aren’t going perfectly, and it helps comfort the relationship.

People with a sense of humor make obstacles and setbacks easier to handle. They bring joy to any situation, creating resiliency in their relationships.

Having a sense of humor is one of the best things to look for in a partner for the reasons mentioned above. It is a sign of positivity and emotional strength that indicates a good person to spend your time with.

9. He Brings a Sense of Safety

An ideal partner will make those closest to him feel safe when he is present. He will make his partner feel more peaceful knowing they have someone they trust nearby to help with their safety. His partner’s awareness will allow him to understand what they need at every moment, contributing to the sense of safety.

Bringing a sense of safety doesn’t indicate that he attracts people that need rescuing or constant reassurance. Instead, it is just an added layer of feeling safe that his partner will find comforting.

10. He Makes Time for His Partner

A good man understands that spending time together is essential in any relationship. He also understands that time is precious and that you can never get missed experiences back. Since he knows these things, he makes sure to give time to his partner no matter how busy his life gets.

When life is busy, it is harder to find that time, making it an even bigger priority to make plans together. He will never make his partner feel neglected because all his time and energy goes to other things. The dedication and hard work he puts into keeping the relationship strong is a sure sign of a good person.

When he knows he won’t see his partner that day, he calls them on the phone. He wants to hear his partner’s voice and let them know they are on his mind even amidst a busy schedule. Making dates ahead of time will also be a priority to him and further shows how much the relationship means to him.

Final Thoughts on the Ways A Good Man Handles His Relationships Differently

A good man prioritizes his relationships and never makes those he cares about feel unworthy. He makes sure his partner knows how he feels, and he makes time to spend together.

When a man is there through the good and the bad, it is a sign that he is a good person. He will support his partner throughout the journey, being their safe space and cheerleader. His encouragement and unwavering belief in his partner will strengthen their relationship, too.

No matter what is going on in his life, he focuses on giving his all in his relationships. Look for these signs in a man if you are trying to get a good read on his qualities. If you recognize the above characteristics, he is likely a good person to spend time around.

10 Red Flags You Might Have an Enlarged Spleen

May 14, 2021 by Power of Positivity

You pay special attention to your heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain, but do you know anything about your spleen? On the left side of your rib cage is a small organ that few understand why it’s there or what its purpose is in your system.

The spleen is responsible for filtering your blood.

Think of it as a scanner at the airport trying to detect anything terrible that can disrupt the safety of a flight. Each of your red blood cells runs through this checking system to make sure they’re viable. Anything that is damaged is removed from this organ and sent through the body’s filtering process.

Anything useful that’s found in the blood, like iron, is recirculated into the body. Without this organ, your blood isn’t as clean as it should be. So it helps to keep you functioning at your best. Now, you can live without it, and many people don’t have this structure, as it’s been removed for their safety.

When there is an infection in the body or the blood has a disease, it will swell as it’s fighting many toxins. How do you know if this organ is swollen, and if it’s enlarged, is it dangerous and requires immediate medical attention?

Ten Signs You Have Splenomegaly (Enlarged Spleen)

When your spleen is beyond the normal limits and swollen, it’s called splenomegaly. Generally, you won’t have any symptoms that let you know there are issues within this organ. But a medical practitioner may be able to detect enlargement during a routine examination. Since this organ is so small, a doctor cannot feel it by palpating this area, but if it’s enlarged, then they may feel some tenderness and a slight difference in this region.

To accurately diagnose splenomegaly, imaging tests are required. To treat the problem, you must uncover the underlying cause that is making it swell. While some are so damaged that they need to be surgically removed, this is usually not the case. Here are some signs that your spleen is swollen and not working correctly.

1. No Symptoms

In most instances, you won’t have any signs that this organ is more extensive in size than average. Since it doesn’t cause a missed heartbeat or other significant difficulties, it’s not an easy problem to identify. Even for doctors to substantiate an issue, they must rely on testing to verify any size abnormalities.

2. Pain in The Left Shoulder

It seems odd that you might develop pain in the left shoulder when this organ is not working correctly, but the pain often radiates from the abdomen region. Most people are not going to assume they have an issue with this organ when they have shoulder discomfort, so it’s not often thought of as an issue when there is pain in this area.

3. Fullness in the Abdomen

When diseases or infections are present in the body, this organ is working fast to clear the toxins and purify the blood. If the toxins are abundant, then the organ will swell. It can cause both pain and fullness in the left side of the abdomen or both sides.

Don’t let it confuse you because it can feel like gall bladder trouble as well if you’ve overeaten. Remember, the gall bladder is on the opposite side of your body, right under the liver.

4. Feeling Full Without Eating

Since the pressure in the abdomen area is already increased, even the slightest amount of food intake can make it worse. Additionally, you can have the feeling that you’ve eaten an enormous meal even if you haven’t taken a bite. Stomach problems need to be investigated as there are many causes, but they certainly can be splenomegaly.

5. Fatigue

One hundred one things can cause you to feel fatigued, and you’re not going to assume that the spleen is responsible for any of it. However, when your blood has toxins in it, many of your organs work overtime to clean your system. Your defense system is very intricate, and it helps to keep things running smoothly.

Your body can respond to the infection or disease present, or it can also respond to the overtime your organs are working to make things clean.

6. Anemia

Anemia is a condition in the body that is caused by low iron. There are numerous reasons why you might have low iron in your body. Still, it is the organ responsible for filtering toxins and sending iron back into the body malfunctions. It can be a sign that it’s swollen and not working correctly.

7. Frequent Infections

If you suffer from frequent infections or have an autoimmune condition, it can cause splenomegaly. When the blood is constantly full of toxins and disease, this organ may become enlarged in response to its overworked status.

8. Easy Bleeding

It’s called thrombocytopenia when you bleed too quickly, and the spleen can become engorged as it traps too many blood cells within its walls, which can cause this common problem. Signs of enlargement can be displayed as nose bleeds, heavy mensural cycles, and the tendency to bruise easily. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, thrombocytopenia means the body has a low platelet count, and many things in the body can cause it.

9. Pains When You Take A Breath

If you have sharp, stabbing pains when you take a breath, then it can be a sign that you have splenomegaly. However, many other things can cause breathing issues, even a heart attack. It’s essential to have imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis.

10. Full Bladder and Bowels

All the extra pressure and flushing produced by this organ can cause issues in your bladder and bowels. Flushing toxins from the body are filtered through the liver and down through the kidneys and other waste. It’s not abnormal for these areas to be affected.

The Many Causes of Enlargement

One of the most common conditions that cause this swelling is mononucleosis. Some people say that this organ is so swollen that they can feel it, but this is usually not the case. Some doctors can feel it during a routine examination when palpating the area using the Castell’s sign or Traube’s space maneuvers, according to Medigo.

This organ should be around 11 cm long and about 7 cm wide. Anything above this standard limit is considered enlarged. Now, outside of mononucleosis, other things can cause it to swell. Any metabolic disorder that affects the liver may also affect this organ.

However, Gaucher’s and Niemann-Pick disease are also known to cause this common issue. If you live or visit an area where malaria is prevalent, then you may develop splenomegaly. Additionally, any infection or disease in the body that affects the blood cells can also affect the spleen.

An Emergency Situation

While most causes of splenomegaly are not alarming, it can turn disastrous in an instant. Any tears, rips, or ruptures of this organ can be a severe medical emergency. If you’ve been diagnosed with enlargement, then you can’t play contact sports, should be careful carrying heavy things, and even be mindful when wearing a seatbelt.

This organ is most fragile when it’s engorged, and it can rupture, causing all the toxic chemicals contained to be released into the body. You can die from a rupture, so if you feel anything is not working correctly or are having medical issues, as mentioned above, then it’s imperative to seek medical attention.

Here are 10 things that can cause cloudy-looking urine.

Final Thoughts on Enlarged Spleens

Each of your organs performs a significant job to keep your body healthy. When one of the organs is compromised due to sickness or disease, it sends off a chain reaction that affects the other organs. When you have chest pains, you’re automatically going to assume it’s your heart or acid reflex. But few will think that their spleen is behind it.

Even a medical community member cannot look at you and identify that this organ is troubled. Though they may be able to feel enlargements of the upper limits, it’s not always possible. Thankfully, using imaging tests and blood work to check for the liver function they can determine the health of this organ.

Should your spleen become damaged and need to be removed to save your life. But the good news is that you can live without it. Since the liver is a significant part of your lymphatic system, it will pick up where this organ left off. When there is trauma or your body is diseased, removing it may be the only option you have left.

According to Harvard Medical School, the rest of your lymphatic system will kick into overdrive to make up for the loss of one of its components. Still, if possible, it’s essential to try to save this organ by being extra careful and making sure not to cause any more trauma to an already compromised region.

10 Ways A High Quality Woman Handles Her Relationships Differently

May 14, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

A high quality woman is hard to come by, and she will handle her relationships differently than others. Not every woman knows how to be high quality, so it is easy to identify this unique characteristic.

When you’re with a woman, you likely want to know if she’s high quality. You want to know if you are wasting your time or if you have found someone special. Since people often portray their best behavior during the dating phase, you can look for other signs.

How A High Quality Woman Handles Her Relationships

As you get to know someone, please pay attention to how she carries herself and handles the relationship. There are key things to watch to see if you are spending time with a high quality woman. These signs can help you decide if you are on the right track in your dating life.

NOTE: If you want to read about how outstanding males handle their love lives, we cover their behaviors in a companion article.

1. She Sets Healthy Boundaries

High quality women set boundaries because they prioritize their needs and avoid assuming responsibilities for the needs of others. They know what they are comfortable with and don’t give in to pressure or guilt trips.

Quality women don’t give up parts of themselves to appease others. They stick to their values, morals, and overall beliefs of right and wrong. If their partner isn’t okay with this, then the woman will leave because her boundaries are unbreakable.

2. She Works to Better Herself

A high quality woman will care for herself by striving to be better. She doesn’t pretend to be perfect, and she is self-aware as she works to improve.

Her partner won’t have to tell her that she has a problem because she will already be working toward a solution. She is motivated to become better, and she never avoids her issues.

Even when she doesn’t have a problem to fix, she will continue improving herself. She doesn’t miss a chance for self-improvement and often takes whatever learning opportunities she can. Plus, you will notice that she is too busy working on herself to notice the flaws and imperfections of others.

3. She Trusts Her Partner to Make the Right Decisions in Life

While she will encourage her partner to chase their dreams, she won’t tell them how to do it. She trusts that her partner will make the right decisions to achieve their goals. High quality women don’t micromanage in their relationship, but they will be supportive along the way.

4. She Chooses Wisely

A woman that uses both her head and heart when making a romantic decision is of high quality. They can see if someone is good for them, and they look for signs of emotional health in their partner. This is something they look for before deciding to become overly involved with someone.

A high quality woman is also able to choose wisely because she knows what she deserves. She will look for someone that is just as high quality as she is, and she won’t settle for less. Being alone is better for her than being with someone that doesn’t meet her standards.

5. She is Respectful and Expects the Same in Return

You will notice that a high-value lady treats others with respect no matter the situation. She won’t make comments that imply her partner is stupid, invaluable, or beneath her.

Additionally, this type of woman doesn’t expect to be treated like a princess. She won’t look for special treatment because she is a woman. Instead, she wants to be treated with the same respect she gives those around her.

Since she isn’t looking for special treatment, she will expect her partner to treat her the same way they treat their friends and family. If she doesn’t think that the treatment is up to par, she won’t stick around to experience disrespect. Because of this, the way a potential partner treats others in his life is a big sign for her.

6. A High Quality Woman Knows How to Handle Herself

There won’t be any worry regarding bringing her around friends, family, or colleagues. She knows how to handle herself in all situations and makes good impressions with the people in her partner’s life. Plus, she knows when it is appropriate to let loose and relax and when maturity and formality are important.

When her partner brings her around people that she doesn’t know, she handles herself confidently. She introduces herself and spends time being social without clinging to her partner’s side.

7. She is Confident and Knows What She Deserves

A high value woman is confident and never questions what she deserves in life. She knows how great she is and doesn’t spend time trying to convince people of her worth. If she feels like someone doesn’t see her value, she quickly moves on.

She won’t give more chances when someone has done her wrong because she knows she doesn’t need to. Her mindset never wavers from seeing herself as valuable and more than enough.

Another sign of this type of confidence is that she knows what she wants and settles for nothing less. No one can tell her that she isn’t doing the right thing because she knows that she is. She won’t feel bad for being the person she is, and she is comfortable with herself.

8. She Feels Secure

A high quality woman feels secure with herself and in her relationships. She won’t pressure her partner to put a title on their relationship, and she won’t be in a hurry to get engaged. A woman like this lets the relationship unfold naturally and enjoys each stage along the way.

This type of woman won’t beg or put pressure on her partner for more than what they have at that moment. Instead, if she feels the relationship isn’t reaching the commitment level naturally, she will walk away. She does this because she is so sure of herself that she knows the right relationship will progress independently.

A high value woman knows that she is lovable, and she will never doubt that. She won’t need reminders or validation from her partner in any aspect of her life.

Plus, she won’t blame her partner for making her feel negative because she knows that her feelings are her responsibility. She feels good about herself, and nothing can interfere with that or make her believe less of herself.

9. She Has a Life Separate from Her Partner and Allows Her Partner to do the Same

A high value woman has areas of her life that might not involve her partner. She will spend time with her friends, enjoying her hobbies, and advancing her career. Her independence shines through in this way, and she doesn’t need a partner by her side for it.

She is an individual and expects her partner to respect that. This means she might not always be available, but she won’t expect any different from her partner. She will encourage her significant other to pursue things without her, too.

Additionally, she won’t cancel plans because her partner asks her to at the last minute. She already has things going on, and she won’t change that for anyone because her life and time are valuable.

A high quality woman will encourage her partner to keep doing things they did before the relationship. She will be happy that her partner spends time with family and friends and even happier if they don’t change their life for her. The best type of women understands that they are the only good thing in their partner’s life.

Since she wants to see her partner happy, she will encourage things that bring them joy and happiness. She won’t try to keep her significant other from those things or seclude them from excitement in life.

10. She Won’t Stay in a Bad Relationship

When a woman is of high quality, she will not stay in a bad relationship. She will move on when they begin to feel disrespected or unappreciated.

She won’t take full responsibility when things aren’t working because she knows that’s not how relationships work. When it comes to fixing relationship problems, she won’t put all of the work on herself. If her partner isn’t willing to do the work, too, she knows it is time for her to move on.

She will rarely give second chances because she knows that it likely won’t stop once disrespect begins. This type of woman can see when a situation is toxic and doesn’t waste time removing herself from it.

Final Thoughts on the Many Ways A High Quality Woman Handles Her Relationships Differently

A high-quality woman knows her worth, and it shows how she handles her relationships. She doesn’t tolerate unacceptable behavior and isn’t afraid of being alone. It is for a good reason when she walks away, and she won’t look back.

She owns who she is and embraces everything that makes her unique. Her worth can’t be diminished in a relationship because she values herself too much to let that happen.

20 Signs of Preeclampsia Never to Ignore

May 14, 2021 by Power of Positivity

There’s nothing more exciting than finding out you’re expecting a child. However, your body goes through many changes, and it can be a confusing and even scary time. Conditions like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes can threaten the health and safety of both you and your child.

If this is your first pregnancy, you may not know what to expect, which will only add to the anxiety of the situation. However, certain red flags that your body will give you that indicate something is wrong, such as with conditions like pre-eclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a complication that arises during pregnancy. A study conducted by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found that around 20-40 percent of women develop this situation each year. It’s imperative to treat this condition right away as it can be a serious, even fatal illness for both you and the baby.

What Causes This Pregnancy Complication?

While this medical condition’s exact cause is unknown, there are many theories about why it develops. First, it’s suspected that the placenta doesn’t function properly, which causes complications to both the baby and the mother. It’s also thought to come from poor nutrition, such as a mother eating a diet full of high-fat foods and carbohydrates, which is often found in obese pregnancies.

Additionally, the blood flow to the placenta may be inadequate, as some blood vessels poorly develop. Lastly, immune function disorders are also known to contribute to issues during pregnancy, specifically pre-eclampsia.

Understanding Preeclampsia

This disorder is identified by hypertension and significant protein amounts found in the urine of a pregnant mother. Due to its prevalence, doctors routinely screen for this condition. It’s typically discovered at around 20-32 weeks during the pregnancy, but it can arise at other periods too.

Oddly enough, the sooner the condition is discovered, the greater the severity of the issue. Mothers who are diagnosed at 20 weeks carry higher risks than those diagnosed later. In the more severe cases, the red blood cells will begin to break down, and there will be a low platelet count, which can affect the function of vital organs.

Pre-eclampsia is so dangerous because it increases the risks of the expectant mother having seizures or organ failure. The only way to resolve this issue is to deliver the child, but that’s not possible when found early in the pregnancy.

Could there be a discrepancy of angiogenic factors within the placenta that causes this horrible condition? During pregnancy, new blood vessels are constantly forming as the baby’s need for vital nutrients increases. These vessels will replace the old ones to allow for biological function and development, called angiogenesis.

The Danger to Baby

Having an insufficient blood flow can cause problems for the fetus, including the lack of oxygen. A fetus delivered between 20-26 weeks gestation is considered a “micro-preemie.” Even with advanced medical care, the complications are significant, and the chances of survival are minimal.

The goal is to lower the blood pressure safely to prevent complications. There are many ways that this can be done naturally, such as using magnesium sulfate. Sadly, putting the mother on bed rest and changing her diet to lower her salt intake has shown minimal changes to the condition.

This ailment falls under the category of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Sadly, it’s one of the most common reasons for death for both the mother and baby during childbirth. Those women who suffer from this condition have an elevated risk of developing complications later in life, such as a stroke or heart disease.

Twenty Signs of Pre-eclampsia

The symptoms that you’ve developed pre-eclampsia include the following 20 things:

Quick weight gain triggered by a substantial rise of bodily fluids
Lower back pain
Intestinal discomfort
Terrible headaches
Shifts in reflex response
Racing Pulse
Lightheadedness
Extreme vomiting and nausea
Changes in your vision, blurriness
Puffiness of your hands and feet
Reduced urine output
Shoulder pain
Compromised liver function
Fluid in the lungs
Breathing complications
Hyperreflexia
Anxiety
Proteinuria or protein in the urine
Discoloration of your legs from edema
Mental confusion

Keep in mind that you may not have all these symptoms. You may develop a couple. However, when you’re an expectant mother, any changes that could indicate a condition like eclampsia or gestational diabetes, among others, should be evaluated.

To make a diagnosis, a doctor only needs to verify an increase in blood pressure and an imbalance of protein in the urine. In many cases, a mother can have this issue and have no symptoms, making it more dangerous. Proper medical care while expecting a child is of the utmost importance, especially when you consider things like this to go undetected.

The Role of Genetics

There is a certain lack of knowledge surrounding this condition, yet there are strong indicators that there are genetic factors in developing this ailment. A study was conducted in 2005 in Norway to see how genetics played a role in developing this issue.

According to The BMJ, who reported the medical research, the findings were astounding. They discovered that someone born to a mother who developed preeclampsia was more than two times more likely to develop it in their pregnancies.

Another shocking finding was that when the father had this condition in the womb, their offspring increased the risk of developing it. Using this data, both a history of this ailment from the mother and father in utero put the pregnancy at risk.

Risk Factors for Preeclampsia

Many risk factors indicate the increased probability that a mother will develop this condition. These risk factors include:

Researchers reveal a link between mothers who took acetaminophen during pregnancy and childhood issues.

• Kidney Disease

Since the kidneys filter the toxins from the body, a mother whose system is already compromised is at an increased risk. Her system is under even more stress when pregnant, which puts the kidneys under more strain.

• Hypertension

When a mother already has hypertension before she gets pregnant, it only increases the chances of this condition developing. The blood pressure may rise to uncontrollable levels, which can cause seizures and other serious complications.

• Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease where the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or is resistant to its insulin. When a pregnant mother has diabetes, it puts her at a higher risk of developing complications, such as preeclampsia.

• Advanced Maternal Age

Carrying a child when you’re over the age of 35 comes with increased risks. This advanced maternal age is often one of the factors doctors consider in the development of this situation.

• Multiple Gestation

When a mother carries more than one child, the blood flow may not be adequate for these children. Doctors often observe this condition when multiple babies share a womb, as it tends to be more common.

• Placenta Abnormalities

When there are issues with the placenta, such as placental ischemia, it puts the mother at an elevated risk. The placenta is responsible for delivering nutrients through blood flow to the child.

• Obesity

Being overweight and carrying a child already comes with an increased risk of complications, but the chances of developing preeclampsia are heightened. Obese mothers are also at risk of developing gestational diabetes and having low-weight babies born too early.

• Hypothyroidism

The thyroid controls many functions within the body. When these vital hormones are out of whack, it becomes a contributing factor to this disorder.

• Previous Kidney Donation

Donating a kidney is a generous act from one human being to another. However, during pregnancy, the lack of a robust filtering system can put the mother at advanced risk.

Making A Diagnosis

There’re no fancy lab tests needed to diagnose preeclampsia. The diagnostic criteria state that a mother must have an elevated blood pressure of greater than 140 mmHg systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic. The BP readings must have previously been normal, and physicians need two high readings within six hours.

Doctors will also look for proteinuria or an increase of protein in the urine. They usually do a 24-hour sample, and they look for levels that exceed 300 mg of protein.

Final Thoughts on Knowing the Risk Factors and Signs of Preeclampsia

For the fetus born to a mother with this condition, it can spell trouble. The fetus might face growth restrictions due to the lack of blood flow and the risk of being born premature or dying in birth. It’s essential for a pregnant mother to monitor her blood pressure both in and outside the doctor’s office.

If a mother is at an elevated risk of developing this condition, then she should be cautious about monitoring both her BP as well as her blood sugar levels. Once this medical issue begins, the only way to resolve it is to deliver the baby, but this is not always possible. Depending on the age of the fetus, life may not be sustainable outside the womb.

Thankfully, things like magnesium sulfate have shown to be an effective and safe way to lower blood pressure for mothers who have preeclampsia.

5 Ways To Use Your Subconscious Mind To Overcome Negativity

May 14, 2021 by Lakeisha Ethans

The subconscious mind refers to the parts of the brain that you’re not fully aware of but hold thoughts, feelings, and ideas that influence your conscious mind and subsequent actions. It’s a confusing part of the brain as you may not even realize how much it affects your behavior, and trying to understand it can be a challenging quest.

But when you begin to grasp the subconscious concept, you’ll also be able to use that part of your brain to overcome struggles in your conscious life. After all, if it can affect you negatively, indeed, it can also affect you positively! But how can you use that for good? Here are five ways your subconscious mind can help you overcome negative thoughts.

1. You Can Teach Your Subconscious Mind Positive Self-Talk

Positive self-talk is a crucial feature in someone with good well-being. When you begin making the voice you use with yourself into a powerfully positive and kind one, your subconscious begins to take on that same voice.

When you have many negative thoughts, you likely also have a negative way of thinking about yourself, and your subconscious picks up on that. It takes notes and remembers those toxic things you feel about your abilities, appearance, and self-worth with every word you say.

This is why teaching positive self-talk to your subconscious mind can be a powerful tool for fighting the negativity of your mind. Fighting these destructive thoughts and filling the gaps with cheer and optimism will teach your brain to rewire how it thinks. Here are some techniques to try out.

· Fight Negativity With Positivity

Whenever you think of something negative, counter it with something positive, even if you end up jumping to the other extreme of the spectrum.

For example, if you think, “I’m going to make a fool of myself at this party,” respond with “No! I’m going to make tons of new friends and have a great time!”. Or, if you think, “I’m going to mess up this project and lose my job,” respond with “No! I’m going to do my very best and impress my boss with my achievement!”.

· Use Real-World Examples

A lot of the time, the negative thoughts you experience are not, in any way, a reflection of reality. You might have the worst ideas about an upcoming event, and then after that, realize it wasn’t so bad, and you’re okay with how it turned out. Collect these examples of times where things went well for you and, the next time you start dealing with negativity, remind yourself of those times. Grounding yourself in a firm, evidenced realism can be a helpful way to combat negativity.

· “Delete” Negative Thoughts

This does not mean that you should repress negative emotions or thoughts. Instead, it means learning to detect ideas that do not serve you and genuinely are of no help to you. When these types of negative impulsive beliefs begin to plague your mind, imagine yourself pressing a delete button in your head to get rid of it. If you need stronger visualization, you can write down the negative thought, rip it up, and throw it away.

2. You Can Listen To It And Get In Touch With You

Your subconscious mind’s negativity can be challenging to deal with, but sometimes you can find helpful knowledge within them. Listening to your subconscious doesn’t mean believing everything it says. Instead, it means being a patient observer to the thoughts that float around.

This is a positive way of interacting with your subconscious because it gets you in touch with more profound thoughts, issues, and emotions that may be hiding beneath the surface, out of sight. You’ll learn more about yourself and become stronger for it, and it’s a beautiful way to use your subconscious mind. Here are some ways to do so:

· Interview Your Subconscious Mind

Negative thoughts have to come from somewhere. Some underlying issues and roots prevent them from being resolved until you dig them out. Take the time to seek these roots by paying close attention to your subconscious and asking what it fears, dislikes, and is trying to protect. The information you gain from such interviews can further learn what steps you can take to overcome underlying issues and problems.

· Consider Its Wisdom

Is your subconscious resisting you or specific events? Why is it doing so? Sometimes you need to trust that this resistance is trying to tell you something. When you feel that resistance, stop and listen and perform another interview. What is your subconscious telling you?

· Promise To Do What You Can

Commit to the act of making things work and looking out for your subconscious. Tell your subconscious that you’ve heard its messages and promise to do right by it. You’ve heard its fears and worries, and you are examining their causes and what they say about you. You’ll take it from here, and you will protect your subconscious. This can help your positive thinking by abating the fears of your subconscious, showing it that things are and will be okay.

3. You Can Give It Things To Desire

This doesn’t mean giving in to impulses or attaching value to random things. Instead, it entails giving your subconscious things to burn for. It will naturally act on the things you desire and can be powered to overcome negativity by gunning for those burning passions.

Think, for example, of athletes and successful individuals. Their burning desire makes them go above and beyond and allows them to feel that any sacrifices they have to make are 100% worth it. Their subconscious selves are already acutely tuned into those fiery passions, making them focus on positive progress instead of hurdles and negativity.

This doesn’t mean you should become obsessed with success, however. It means that you should give your subconscious something to zoom in on to help it overcome negativity. When passion becomes your driving force, you’re more likely to focus on progress than struggles. Here are some ways to cultivate burning desire:

· Find Motivation

Motivation doesn’t sustain itself forever, but you can replenish it by finding things that inspire you. For the most part, you’ll have to rely on a commitment to keep moving forward. Still, now and then, you can reignite the fire in your desire by watching motivational videos, reading about inspirational people, and visualizing your future success.

· Track Progress Closely

When you’re not carefully observing your improvement, it’s easy to overlook it. Most progress consists of tiny little separated “wins,” not substantial apparent changes. But it’s easy to get discouraged if you’re not paying attention to the little ways you’re improving. As you work towards your goals, track every step of your progress as you go, and when you see that you are always getting better – even with dips in the path – your desire will build.

· Burn Bridges

Burning bridges can force your subconscious to stay on track with your burning desires. What does burning bridges mean in this content? It means cutting off “safety nets.” These safety nets are often counterproductive, as they make you feel like you should hang back until they’re more secure or like you can go anytime. Cut them off, and your subconscious will kick into overdrive because the only way to keep on the journey is to rush forward.

4. You Can Keep Reminding Your Subconscious Mind

When you’re aiming to make your subconscious mind more assertive and more positive, reminding it of what you’re trying to teach is a great way to help that progress. Repetition can provide your subconscious with repeated input to program it to fight negative thoughts, emotions, and rumination.

In some cases, this kind of repetition is a positive self-affirmation, which is the use of repeating mantras to manifest beliefs in your subconscious and bring them to life in the real world. But the subconscious doesn’t even need direct affirmations – just reminders of the validity of positive notions and your promises against negative thoughts. For example, you may say things like:

I can figure out any situation and problem.
I can overcome anything and everything.
I’m clear-headed and think positive thoughts.
My dreams are within the zone of my growth.
Other people’s expectations of me do not define me.
Breaks and rests are good for me.

When you repeat these reminders to yourself, again and again, you’re training your subconscious to believe in them. Even if you’re not 100% convinced in your own words at first, positive thinking will grow and develop as your subconscious internalizes them and uses them against negative thoughts.

5. You Can Teach It To Visualize

Some people underestimate the positive power of visualization. After all, it’s just imagining things. So how can it be effective? Well, studies have found that the act of practicing something mentally can be almost as effective as any form of actual physical practice. This is why visualization works – it can be as usable as a concept as actually being somewhere and doing something.

This isn’t to say that you should ditch practical efforts and lounge around imagining things all day, of course. Instead, use visualization to create positive thinking, imagine goals, and recall personal capabilities. This will kick your subconscious mind into gear, tricking it into thinking that you’re physically doing these things. Its confidence and faith will build over time, squashing negative thoughts.

When you visualize things, try to create a vivid and detailed image as possible, covering even tiny details that aren’t important or don’t matter much. The more authentic a visualization seems, the better it is for your efforts to overcome negative thoughts with your subconscious mind.

Final Thoughts On Some Ways Your Subconscious Mind Can Help You Overcome Negative Thoughts

Negative thoughts plague many people, and you’re not alone if you struggle with them. It sounds a little far-fetched the think that you can turn the tables on your subconscious and find ways to use it for good, but it’s true, and it’s a powerful way to take your mind into your own hands. By learning to use your subconscious mind and program it to fight negative thoughts, you’ll be able to enjoy an improved outlook on life.

5 Toxic Behaviors That Are Considered Normal, But Aren’t

May 14, 2021 by Lakeisha Ethans

We all know people with toxic traits. It’s easy to avoid the worst of it all and not take it to heart when you know someone’s behavior is harmful. But what happens when you can’t be positive that someone is toxic?

Many unacceptable actions have become normalized and acceptable in our society, even though they’re very harmful. Indeed, you may have some of them, or know people who do. Here are five toxic behaviors that are considered regular but aren’t.

1. Always Seeking The Spotlight

The spotlight takes turns shining on different people. That’s simply how life is. Not everyone gets to be under the glare of the world’s eye all the time, and even people like celebrities go in and out of the limelight.

Constantly wanting the spotlight is a sign of toxic behavior. Some people laugh it off, and it’s even played like a quirky personality trait. But it can be very negative to the people who have to deal with it. Here are some examples of toxic traits in this vein:

· Demanding Attention

Every now and then, it’s okay to want to have attention, especially if you’ve done something significant or it’s a moment of success in your life. But constantly seeking attention with outlandish behavior, desiring any attention even if it’s negative, is toxic. Wanting always to be the center of attention is like demanding that the world revolves around you. And that’s not how it works.

· Pleasing Others Excessively

It’s normal and natural to want to please some people. No one – typically – wants to cause a stir by going against what a majority seems to be on board with. That’s just human nature, and though it can be a little bad for you, it’s not inherently toxic. But constantly being a people-pleaser to ridiculous ends is toxic. Someone who bends over backward to do what everyone wants is harmful to others by making empty promises and following their insecurities’ whims. And, of course, they’re toxic to themselves by doing too much, relying on other people’s approval, and letting themselves get taken advantage of.

· Seeking Constant Validation

A little validation in life is lovely! Demanding it constantly, however, it’s exhausting to others and to the person who desires it. The reality is that if someone’s only source of validation is from external forces, they’re going to lose a lot of positive thinking when they’re not able to get it. True “validation” can be found from within, as intrinsic motivation helps to fulfill the self in genuine ways that other people can’t.

2. Constant Negativity

Everyone has bad moments where negativity consumes them, and some people are naturally more pessimistic without it hedging into toxicity. But constantly being overtly negative is very toxic and exhausting to deal with, dragging down everyone’s mood away from positive thinking. It seeps into everything and sucks the light out of situations, infecting others along the way. Here are some examples of toxic negativity:

· Complaining All The Time

Some things are worth complaining over, but there’s a limit to how much someone can complain before it becomes unproductive and a waste of time. Constant complaining is draining for everyone involved – both the complainer and those who have to listen to it. Worse still, complaining can be a toxic habit that’s very much ingrained and is difficult to break.

· Always Pointing Out The Bad

All things come with pros and cons. In some situations, the cons outweigh the pros, and it’s hard not to the point that out. But if someone only ever points out bad things, even when there are plenty of positive things to see, they’re toxic. Worse still, such a person may have no desire to improve the situation or listen to anything good said about it.

· Unwanted Criticism

A little constructive criticism, when asked for, is a good and fine thing. But too much of it is ridiculous, especially when it simply becomes an effort in finding fault in others. Someone’s perceived helpfulness in criticism often doesn’t come across well to the recipient, who leads an entire life with nuance and private matters that the critic isn’t aware of. No one wants to deal with a negative nancy who can’t stop giving negatively-toned advice to everyone.

3. High-and-Mighty Behavior

No one likes people who act like they’re above everyone else, but sometimes, it’s easy to dismiss this behavior. You may think someone is just a little cocky or a tiny bit too confident, not realizing that these behaviors are more toxic than they initially seem. Here are some examples of this:

· Selfishness

Being too self-focused means that someone is only out to look after themselves and are willing to do anything to achieve their means to the detriment of others. This pushes people away, and it’s not hard to see why it’s a toxic form of behavior.

· Arrogance

Some people think arrogance is acceptable, but it isn’t. Think about it: anyone who genuinely believes that they’re better than others is inherently questionable in morality. Though research indicates some arrogance is more easily accepted by people, that doesn’t make it any less toxic.

· Judgmental Attitude

No person has any right to judge others. All human beings experience life uniquely and see things from a personal point of view, so they automatically aren’t capable of knowing everything they need to know to pass any judgment. A toxic person will ignore this fact and act like they’re better than other people.

· Entitlement

Entitled people are a pain to deal with. These individuals don’t know the meaning of the word gratitude and think that they are entitled to everything in life. Do note that there is a significant difference between being aware that basic human rights should be met and entitled. Entitlement comes into play when someone thinks they are worthy of fortune, fame, luxury, or success.

4. Acts of Insincerity

Sometimes, we have to put on a bit of an act to get by at certain points in life. But being insincere is entirely different from putting on a brave face or choosing not to share something with someone. It means behaving in an untrue manner and promoting these falsehoods to the point where no one knows the truth anymore. It’s a very toxic way to behave.

For some, insincerity can be in the form of pretending to be someone you’re not, but that’s widely recognized as toxic behavior. The more insidious forms of hypocrisy involve things that people may not be able to discern are negative right away. Here are some examples of this:

· Passive Aggression

A lot of people dislike conflict and will do what they can to avoid direct blowups and confrontation. But that opens the door for toxic traits, like passive aggression. This involves the use of low-blows, criticism, and retorts that are disguised and delivered indirectly. Everyone can tell something’s off about them, but it can’t be directly proven since the act was passive. This is very toxic; if you have a problem with someone, you should communicate it directly!

· Gossiping

Gossiping a little isn’t necessarily bad. But an obsession with talking about others behind their back, whispering little half-truths, and then showing an innocent face to those you just insulted… well, it’s easy to see why that’s toxic! And yet, it’s considered a normal part of social interaction, even though it shouldn’t be. There is no point in gossip, and it helps no one.

· Being Absent When Loved Ones Are In Need

Yes, no one should have to play therapist to their loved ones, but there’s a general understanding that you will try to be there for them when they need an ear and a shoulder when you care about someone. A toxic individual may intentionally make themselves scarce when their loved ones are trying times, distancing themselves, so they don’t need to perform any emotional labor. Of course, these same people will then expect their loved ones to be there for them when they want them to be.

5. Refusing Responsibility

As adults, responsibility is something that is a given. Every individual is responsible for their actions and how those actions may negatively impact others (though, of course, the latter applies within reason). Anyone who avoids or refuses the responsibility that they should have is exhibiting toxic behavior. Here are some examples:

· Blaming Others For Personal Problems

Many things in life aren’t going to go the way people want them to, and it’s okay to feel upset by that notion. But problems begin to arise when blame begins to get passed around for them. Sometimes, things don’t work out, but a toxic person will find a way to blame circumstances on other people, refusing even to acknowledge any part they played in the debacle.

· Playing The Victim

A widespread toxic trait is becoming defensive and playing a victim when called out on negative behavior. Someone like this may spin a sob story, pass blame around, or create imagined persecution against them, all, so they don’t have to take responsibility for their actions.

· Refusal To Apologise Properly

Genuine apologies require sincerity, a proper understanding of the wrong done or harm caused. You must commit to either ceasing the adverse action or finding a compromise for it. But lots of toxic people instead refuse to apologize, or they add disclaimers to their apologies. For example, a toxic person may say, “I’m sorry that you feel that way,” putting the responsibility on someone else.

· Holding Grudges

If someone wrongs you, it’s reasonable to feel upset and hurt and to even cut the wrongdoer out of one’s life. But holding a grudge for a prolonged period over these issues often do more harm than good. Studies have shown that the act of forgiveness is far more positive for stress and recovery, even if that forgiveness is found intrinsically and not conveyed to the wrongdoer. On the flipside, grudges bleed into other areas of life, creating a toxic set of traits that should have been left in the past.

Final Thoughts On Some Toxic Behaviors That Are Considered Normal, But Aren’t

Toxic behaviors are ones we should all try to leave behind. Whether they’re your own that you need to unlearn or the acts of others that you need to distance yourself from, being aware of commonly accepted toxic behaviors helps to protect you from them.

Science Explains What Happens To Your Body When You Use Castor Oil Every Day

May 13, 2021 by Power of Positivity

When you hear it mentioned, you may imagine yourself as a kid again making a face as your mother coaxes you into taking a spoonful of castor oil. It’s a classic laxative that people have used since prehistoric times, but did you know that it has several other benefits? Ricinus communis is a plant commonly called the castor bean.

According to an article published by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, it’s a perennial with large tropical-like leaves and exotic red blooms and pods. Although they are native to Africa and parts of Asia, castor bean plants have also naturalized in America, per the article.

You will often see castor bean plants for sale in plant nurseries. Although they are stunning ornamental plants, you should keep your children and pets away from their deadly seeds. How can something so fatal turn into a product suitable for your health?

From Toxic to Beneficial

This large woody shrub produces strange pods filled with seeds, called castor beans. An article published by Toxins shares that these seeds are the source of ricin, one of the deadliest toxins known.

The good news is that when the oil from the seeds goes through a pressing process, the toxic is neutralized, leaving a completely safe product for you to use.

For years, castor oil has been used for pharmaceutical and industrial purposes. In some factories, it’s used as an efficient lubricant for heavy machinery. It may also have environmental benefits since it’s one of the many organic components used in biodiesel fuel. Instead of kerosene, oil from castor beans can be burned in lamps, as the Ancient Egyptians did.

Before you start using castor oil, be sure to use the best kind. Cold-pressed oil comes from the initial crushing of the beans without heat or added chemicals. It’s the purest form and the best to use.

Thankfully, this oil is relatively inexpensive and easy to find at pharmacies, grocery stores, or online. While other brands may have slight color variances, cold-pressed oil has a light yellow color. Since it’s not heated, this purest form retains all the beneficial vitamins and fatty acids.

Possible Health Benefits from Using Castor Oil

Most people are only familiar with using this oil to relieve constipation. However, it may be useful for several things, such as for your skin and hair. Here are a few castor oil health benefits for you to consider.

1. Use as a Laxative

For generations of children who experienced tummy aches, parents often kept castor oil on hand. Unfortunately, it has a distinct “oily” smell and a thick, disagreeable taste. Although children and adults don’t readily take to it, the oil from castor beans can provide quick, effective relief from occasional constipation.

It’s known as a stimulant laxative, which means that components in the oil stimulate the lining of the colon. As it’s naturally stimulated, the sluggish colon moves and contracts to expel waste easier. An article published by DailyMed recommends that adults take between 1-3 teaspoons in a single dose, with relief between 6-12 hours or less.

If you have occasional bowel irregularities, states the article, the oil is usually safe. However, it’s not for chronic constipation. Consult with your primary healthcare provider if oil from castor beans is right for you.

One trick you might use to make the oil a bit more palatable is chilling it and mixing 1-3 teaspoons in a glass of fruit juice. Some products in the pharmacy are a mixture of oil and flavoring. Whether you drink it straight up or mask the taste, the oil should bring you some welcomed relief.

2. A Rich Skin Moisturizer

Do you battle with dry, itchy skin? Did you know that oil from castor beans is an ideal moisturizer? No wonder many cosmetics and facial products list it as an ingredient. This vegetable oil has beneficial fatty acids that work to retain moisture in your skin.

It also penetrates deep into your skin and may help boost elastin and collagen production. These are the compounds that keep your complexion smooth and elastic. Using the oil may help minimize the appearance of small lines and wrinkles.

If you want an elevated natural moisturizing solution, try mixing a teaspoon of the oil with a carrier such as a jojoba or coconut oil. After you’ve finished your evening skin routine, use a cotton ball to dip into the oil and dab it gently on your face, especially around your forehead, eyes, and mouth. You can also use the oil on rough patches of skin on your knees, elbows, and hands.

As a word of caution, everybody is different, and even natural products can cause an allergic reaction. Do a little patch test on the inner part of your arm to see if you react. If you notice any redness or irritation, stop using the oil immediately.

3. Promote Healthier Hair

Are you tired of paying high prices for hair treatments? Many ancient cultures used oil pressed from castor beans to nourish their tresses. While some people have used it to promote hair growth, there’s no published evidence that it’s possible.

The oil is a rich source of vitamins and fatty acids that can protect and strengthen your hair. It’s also good for people who have dry scalp and dandruff. Again, test a little on your scalp just in case your skin is too sensitive for it.

Do you have fine or medium straight hair? Apply a few drops of the oil to your hands and gently massage it into the lower ends of your mane, then shampoo. It may help reduce dryness and split ends. Remember only to use a few drops of oil because the greasy texture can easily weigh down fine and medium hair.

If your locks are wavy or curly, mix a couple of drops of the oil in your regular conditioner. You can also use it as a weekly deep conditioner with a warm towel for 20 minutes—afterward, shampoo as usual.

Maybe your hair is straight and thick. You can use a few drops of oil to work from your scalp out to the ends of your hair. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes and shampoo it out.

No matter what type of hair you have, the oil from castor beans is usually safe and beneficial. For healthier eyebrows, use a small makeup brush to dab a little oil through each brow. You can also use it on your eyelashes; be careful not to get it into your eyes.

4. Promote Healthy, Beautiful Nails

Like your hair, your nails are composed of a protein called keratin. The same oil that nourishes your lovely locks can also promote stronger and healthier nails. Consider using it for your fingers and your toes.

Place 2-3 drops of this oil on a cotton ball or swab and gently massage it into your cuticles before you go to bed. Do the same with the cuticles of your toenails. The vitamin E and essential fatty acids in the oil may make a noticeable difference in your nails.

5. Protect Your Teeth from Fungus

There’s indeed a fungus among us because many species live naturally in and on the body. One of the most common is candida, which is a type of yeast. If you get an overgrowth of candida, especially Candida albicans, it can cause infections of your teeth, mouth, and gums.

The oil from castor beans is a potent antifungal, and it can destroy this overgrowth. If you have dentures, this fungus may be responsible for painful gum and mouth sores. A study published by the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation demonstrates the oil’s ability as an antifungal for denture wearers.

6. May Help Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is your body’s response to infections or injury. Often, diseases such as arthritis or psoriasis can cause redness, swelling, and joint pain. This oil has compounds that can reduce inflammation and the associated pain.

Add 2-3 drops of oil on a cotton ball and gently swab joints and areas where you have painful inflammation. If the site has a rash or the skin is broken, you must use it with caution. When you use the oil topically, it’s usually safe to apply 1-2 times a day.

A Word of Caution About Castor Oil

Since the time of its discovery, oil from castor beans has been used to induce labor naturally. If you are pregnant during any stage, avoid using it internally or externally. According to an article published by LactMed, nursing mothers should also consider using another laxative product.

Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Castor Oil

Once you’ve found the many possible benefits of using this natural oil, it may become part of your beauty routine. It’s also good for hair, nails and to get rid of the unruly fungus. Did you already know about the benefits of castor oil, or did you learn something new? Please share your comments with us.

10 Daily Habits of Healthy Women

May 13, 2021 by Power of Positivity

What does it take to make happy and healthy women?

Some would say the answer is cutting out sugars and carbohydrates, while others would say it requires being more spiritual. There are two kinds of women in this world; those ladies that are healthy and those that aren’t.

If you want longevity of life and to thrive, not just survive while here on earth, then you need to be one of the gals that’s in the healthy group. How do you make lifestyle changes, and which adjustments are essential to classify you as healthy?

Ten Habits of Healthy Women

Being a healthy woman goes far beyond body weight, blood pressure, or glucose levels. While all these things are essential, they only address the physical aspects. Healthy women must look at all areas of their mind, body, and spirit to achieve good health. Here are ten of the most important things that a woman who puts her overall health first does.

1. Uses Meditation

Healthy women know that life isn’t always easy, and there will be many frustrations throughout the day. However, they use meditation as a weapon against chaos. They’ve learned to slip away into their bedroom, a car, or even a closet to close off all the noise.

Meditation is something that you should try. You can either choose a guided version or do it yourself if you know the ropes. Meditation helps you to be present in the moment, which helps you to release the toxic negativity that’s holding you back. This cleansing process is potent, and it should be a part of everybody’s day, even if only for 5-10 minutes.

2. Practices Self-Love

Self-love is a big category that basically means that you need to take care of yourself. Each woman has needs that must be fulfilled. While you may see your purpose in life is to have children and raise a family, you’re so much more than those things.

You must ensure that you have time for yourself each day. Now, the amount of time that you should spend on self-love will vary based on your daily responsibilities, but you should reserve a small space for yourself. You can take a bubble bath with candles, or you can read a good book.

Find something that you can do for yourself every day, even if it’s something small. According to the Brain and Behavior Foundation, self-love is essential as it’s the root of all love.

3. Journaling

It would help if you got all that stuff you’ve ingested into your spirit to the outside, and journaling is an excellent way to vent. Do you remember keeping a diary as a child of your innermost secrets? Strong women know that they must purge all their thoughts and feelings healthily, so they use journaling as an outlet.

4. Uses Positive Affirmations

You can get out of bed and feel great, but it won’t be long till stress and troubles come knocking at your door. Life is stressful, no matter how good it is for you. However, a healthy woman knows that she can’t let these things destroy her, so she uses positive affirmations to rebuild herself each day.

When she gets out of bed, the first thing out of her mouth is telling herself how much she is loved, how she will do everything she sets her mind to, and she is going to be productive. She doesn’t miss a day of these affirmations because she knows how beneficial they’re to her.

5. Eats Healthy Foods

While most women have a sweet tooth, healthy women are very conscious about what they put into their bodies. They wouldn’t dare load up on junk food and caffeinated drinks as they know it will only be counterproductive to their day. Rather, they make sure they fill their system with protein, healthy fruits, and vegetables, as well as drink plenty of water.

If they even skimp one day on their healthy routine, they know that it’s going to make them feel horrible. You, too, should incorporate healthy eating into your day. While you may have dietary restrictions and other things you need to consider, you need proper nutrition.

6. Exercises

You don’t have to hit the gym for 20 minutes a day to be in good health. A healthy woman will do little things all day long to ensure she moves more. For instance, she won’t take the elevator at work because she knows that she can burn more calories by taking the stairs.

Additionally, she knows that she needs to keep moving, so she gets up from her desk every hour to stretch and walk around the office. A sedentary lifestyle wreaks havoc on the body, and if you want optimal health, you need to move more.

To be in ideal physical condition, you’ll utilize several different exercises to ensure that all your body gets the attention it needs.

7. Gets Sufficient Sleep

So many women feel that they can use their sleep as a bargaining chip. According to the Sleep Foundation, you need 7-9 hours of rest each night. How can you be on you’re A-game and be successful if you don’t get the amount of sleep your body needs?

In a week, your body needs to have around 50 hours of rest to repair oxidative damage and restore your system. If you only get 40 hours, then you create a sleep deficiency. Having a sleep deficiency is just as detrimental to your body as having a cash deficit in your bank account.

You can’t function and be your best when you don’t have time for your body to repair and restore all the harm from the day. Healthy women know that their beauty sleep is of the utmost importance. They know that they’re not going to have good health and overall good well-being without sufficient rest.

8. Has an Attitude of Gratitude

The healthy woman is thankful for all the blessings she’s been given by the Universe. She knows that if she has a negative and pessimistic outlook that it’s not going to do any good. She is eager to bless others as her cup runs over.

Before she goes to bed, she thanks her higher spiritual power for letting her be alive another day, having food on her table, and friends and family surrounding her. Her positive attitude is something that you should consider as it will change your life.

9. Gives Back

Whether this woman has thousands of dollars in the bank or doesn’t have two nickels to rub together is of little importance. She’s found ways to give back to the community, as well as her friends and loved ones. She’s the person who will go out of their way to be kind to a stranger, and she is eager to help when there is someone in need.

Giving back releases good energy from her into the atmosphere, and it helps to make the world a better place. While she may not be able to drown out all the darkness around her with her light, those close to her see her as radiant.

10. Laughs Often

One of the things that makes a woman healthy is their ability to laugh and not take themselves seriously. If you’re a bundle of nerves all the time, then you’re going to end up with all kinds of health issues that you don’t want to manage. You need to be lighthearted, let the inner child come out once in a while, and have fun.

Healthy women love a good joke, are always up for a trip to the comedy club, and usually have a smile on their faces. They don’t need world peace for them to be happy because they’ve found a reason to smile amongst the madness of life.

Even if they’re having a bad day and their world is in utter chaos, they will still have a smile on their face. They probably use levity to get through their troubles, as some of the greatest comedians of the day had the most horrifying situations to overcome.

Final Thoughts on Healthy Habits for Women

Women need a lot of things to keep them healthy and happy. You wear many hats in today’s society, and most don’t have the opportunity to stay home and raise children without contributing financially to the household. You probably work the 9-5 pm shift, make dinner, take care of your home, and nurture your spouse.

To be able to do all that you do, you need to be healthy. Your health is comprised of much more than just eating fruits and vegetables. It takes other aspects like getting enough sleep, exercising a bit each day, meditating, and using positive affirmations to keep going.

Healthy women know that they have many demands on their minds and body, so they need to do everything in their power to stay on top of things. If you want to be a healthy lady, you can use the tips above as a good place to start. If you begin today, your overall well-being will improve immediately. You will be glad you did!

France Explains How Electric Bikes Can Solve a Smog Problem

May 13, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

To reduce smog, the French government will give $3000 (€2,500) to citizens who trade in their old cars for electric bikes. The credit toward the e-bikes would help eliminate gas-guzzling, polluting vehicles, and traffic congestion on roadways.

Lawmakers in the National Assembly approved the measure in a preliminary vote in April of 2021. According to Reuters, officials added the amendment to an existing draft climate bill, the French Governments’ Climate and Resilience plan.

This plan includes various measures to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in France. If the proposal passes into law, France will become the first country to offer the incentive for electric bike owners.

Says Olivier Schneider of the French Federation of Bicycle Users (FUB):

“For the first time it is recognized that the solution is not to make cars greener, but simply to reduce their number.”

The original climate bill does address the need to switch from fossil fuels to cleaner energy. However, until recently, the cash-for-clunkers incentive hadn’t even made it to the discussion table. Now, lawmakers see it as a viable way to achieve the ambitious climate goals they’ve set for the country. They hope to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 from 1990 levels.

Cycling Industries Europe, a trade association that advocates for investments in cycling, strongly supported the proposal. They hope more governments will follow suit in the near future. Chief executive Kevin Mayne said:

“Ever since the start of the COVID crisis, we have said there should be no car scrappage schemes in recovery and climate plans that don’t include the option of bicycle purchases.”

“We are seeing a welcome increase in stand-alone incentives for bicycle purchases, but the French Assembly has made it clear – e-bikes and cargo bikes are to be supported as vehicle replacements. Every government needs to recognize that it is the cycling industries of Europe that are leading the world in the change to e-mobility,” he added.

Cycling Industries Europe and other cycling groups have called on governments across Europe to increase cycling investments. The coalition of biking associations has encouraged expansions of the €1 billion spent on COVID-related cycling measures in 2020. The groups suggest a multi-billion Euro package of cycling infrastructure and financial support for bike purchase and sharing.

In addition to electric bikes, France offers other solutions for beating climate change

In the detailed climate plan, the government ensures that the Paris Agreement cannot be reversed, first and foremost. The French government already requested “all government departments across the board to step up the pace of the energy and climate transition.” To do this, they have several strategies in place, namely:

Improving everyday life for all French citizens

Eradicate fuel poverty in ten years: The government will offer assistance to tenants and owners struggling to pay energy bills while transforming older buildings into energy-efficient ones.
Use energy more responsibly: They will also offer support to residential areas that wish to produce and use their own renewable energy sources (biogas, solar energy, etc.).
Make the circular economy a central feature of the energy transition: small businesses that take steps to save energy and resources will be offered assistance to cut waste going to landfills by 50% and achieve 100% plastic recycling by 2025.

Making these easy changes show how you can help stop global warming.

Eradicating fossil fuels in favor of a carbon-neutral society

Generate carbon-free electricity: The government will help guide local areas that have trouble transitioning to clean energy The central focus will be simplifying the development of marine and geothermal energy sources as well as anaerobic digestion.
Leave fossil fuels in the sub-soil: By 2040, the government will ban any hydrocarbon exploration plans. This ends the production of oil, gas, and coal.
Raise the price of carbon to put a fair price on pollution: prices of carbon will go up, and diesel and petrol will be taxed accordingly. Low-income households will receive an “energy voucher” to help with higher costs.
Become carbon neutral by 2050: the Government will achieve carbon neutrality by balancing man-made emissions and carbon capture initiatives. This is an ambitious goal. Indeed only France, Sweden, and Costa Rica have passed it into law.
Take greenhouse gas-emitting vehicles off the market by 2040: stopping sales of gas-powered cars will force carmakers to switch to all-electric vehicles. This change will greatly lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Other countries have also started promoting electric bikes

While France sets the bar high for achieving a carbon-neutral world, other countries are also joining the movement. Late last year, Lithuania unveiled a car trade-in program to promote electric bikes. Lithuania’s Environmental Project Management Agency (APVA) launched the program. It went into effect during the summer of 2020 with a budget of €8 million.

Citizens could apply for the grant and receive up to €1,000 (nearly USD $1,200) in exchange for an old car. They could put the money toward a new electric bicycle, bicycle, e-scooter, e-moped, or e-motorcycle. They even had the option to use the funds as public transportation credits. Since many car owners traded in vehicles with a value less than €1,000, the owners actually got the better end of the bargain.

Electric bike sales have also been climbing in other European nations like Sweden, Norway, and Germany. While Lithuania offered a similar trade-in program, France’s comes out on top because of their more generous grant. The government will offer 2.5x the trade-in value, making it more enticing for people to give up their vehicles.

Final Thoughts: France proposes a cash-for-clunkers program to encourage electric bike use

Electric bike sales are already soaring across Europe. However, France will become the first country in the world to offer $3,000 toward a new e-bike. If citizens agree to trade in their old, inefficient vehicles, they will receive the grant. People may still need cars for longer road trips, but even using e-bikes occasionally can help reduce smog.

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