What to Give Your Children for Christmas

It is not surprising that children get really excited about the prospect of waking up to find a load of presents neatly arranged under the Christmas tree and the big question you need to find the answer to is what gift items will you be wrapping for your children?

Your child’s tastes and preferences will often change from one year to the next and choosing gifts for 12-year-old boys, for example, will most likely prove to a different buying experience compared to buying for a girl of the same age.

There are also some other Christmas gift options to consider that won’t break the bank, so here are some suggestions to help you decide.

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Go for quality over quantity

It is worth remembering that kids can almost get overloaded with presents these days as they seem to get so many gifts compared to some previous generations.

You might find yourself struggling to find what could be classed as the perfect gift for your child and that could lead you to overspend and buy too many presents in your quest to get them exactly what they want.

Some parents like to follow a formula known as the 4 gift rule to help ensure that they buy certain items that fall into a category rather than randomly buying an assortment of things you think they will like.

The 4 gift rule is simple to follow and involves buying something they want, something they need, an item to wear, and something to read.

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It’s not all about money

You don’t have to spend fortunes on your kids to give them some nice Christmas gifts they will love and taking this route with some or all of your gift options will help teach your kids some valuable lessons at the same time.

If it is cold where you are you could maybe hire some ice skates or get a used pair from a thrift shop and give them the gift of spending some time skating with them and just hanging out together.

The gift of time shouldn’t be underestimated and those magical memories created when you do something fun together are priceless.

Be guided by their age

When you do want to put some presents under the tree it can be a real challenge to find a gift that is appropriate for their age and stage of development.

Teenagers are notoriously difficult to buy for and that is why the default option often tends to be a gift card, which is a bit boring and unimaginative.

A practical gift for a teen could be an external power station external battery, for example, as many kids of this age seem to manage to drain the battery in their smartphone at an alarming speed.

Another age example would be a ten-year-old child, who is often somewhere in between being a kid who still loves playing with toys and becoming a tween with more of a focus on more grown-up gifts.

Think about what gift would be appropriate for their age and then consider if that is where they are at with their development so you can adjust your choice of potential Christmas gifts accordingly.

Start planning for Christmas as early as possible and it should give you enough time to work out what the perfect gift would be for your child.

Don't Feel Bad About Getting a Facelift

In many aspects of life, self-improvement is applauded. If we do not achieve the results we want on a test, we study until we know the material. If we are not physically fit, we can exercise to improve our strength. These actions are applauded.

However, some people feel self-conscious or embarrassed about taking actions to improve their physical appearance by getting a facelift. This article will show why getting a facelift should never cause anyone to feel shame. A facelift is no different than any other act of self-improvement. Even better, in many instances, facelifts provide long term positive consequences.

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Self-esteem for a healthy life

From the time we are children, we are taught to value ourselves based on our looks. Babies and children who are perceived as being more attractive are favored by parents and teachers alike. It is little wonder, then, that studies show that self-esteem is significantly correlated with attractiveness, especially in women.

Self-esteem has a wide-ranging influence on other aspects of physical and mental health. Studies indicate that low self-esteem in adolescents is correlated with limited economic output and increased criminal behavior throughout adulthood. While self-esteem is a complicated issue based on much more than just behavior, it makes sense for us to take whatever actions we can to improve our self-esteem.

As stated by Dr. Andrew Jacono, facelifts can help rejuvenate and improve appearance, which is strongly linked to self-esteem. The American Psychological Association reports that a year after plastic surgery, a majority of patients were happier with the body part that had been operated on. This suggests that plastic surgery has more than a fleeting impact on our happiness.

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You deserve to be pampered

In this day and age, self-care is recognized as an important part of life. Our culture encourages us to take time for ourselves by going to the spa, getting manicures, and eating healthy. Yet despite an increased cultural emphasis on self-care, most adults are not holistically caring for themselves. About 18% of American adults experience anxiety regularly. The majority do not receive any medical treatment for their anxiety.

Making self-care a part of your routine can be one way to decrease your chances of experiencing anxiety. Getting a facelift can be part of this holistic culture of self-care and pampering.

Take control of your own destiny

A hundred years ago, most people simply accepted difficult facts of life and tried to deal with them. Many illnesses did not have effective treatments, and death and disability were a regular part of life.

Nowadays, we don't simply accept that unpleasant facts of life must exist. We deal with difficulties head-on and try to solve them rather than live with them. Doctors have cured countless diseases and global life expectancy has shot up. No one looks at this as unnatural.

A facelift is no different. A hundred years ago, men and women had no choice but to accept growing older. Even if they were internally dissatisfied with their appearance, there was nothing to be done about wrinkles and lumps.

Things are different now. Medicine has given us the ability to take control of our own appearance. Facelifts are a well-developed and advanced way of dealing with an unpleasant fact of life. They shouldn't be perceived differently than any other medical treatment that is designed to enhance the quality of life.

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An investment in your future

Like it or not, looks are important when it comes to professional success. According to studies, attractiveness begins to have an impact on career outcomes as early as high school, when more attractive candidates are given advantages in some parts of the college admissions process. Candidates who are perceived as more physically attractive are more likely to get hired, promoted, and have higher levels of income. Once they are hired, research indicates that attractive men and women are more likely to succeed in cooperative settings like the modern office.

This may all seem unfair, but we cannot change the system in which we live. We can, however, change the way that we are perceived in that system. A facelift can help improve a person's level of attractiveness and potentially lead to greater success in the workplace.

Facelifts can be a point of pride

As you can see, facelifts should never be seen as something to feel bad about. People who choose to get facelifts are taking positive action to improve their self-esteem and earning potential. They are taking their destinies into their own hands using a modern and efficient medical procedure.

Seen in this light, facelifts are not something shameful, but a point of pride. A person who gets a facelift is proclaiming that she takes care of her appearance and that she values herself enough to give herself a little luxury once in a while.

7 Warning Signs & Symptoms Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Nutritional deficiencies are always harmful to health because they put your system out of balance. The best way to address them is by being aware of the symptoms so that you can detect them early. Amongst the key nutrients that you should not miss out on is vitamin B12. It is significant for making red blood cells and supports the nervous system as well. You cannot ignore the role of red blood as they carry around oxygen in the body. Hence, vitamin B12 is vital to keep you in good health.

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However, its deficiency is common because the human body does not produce this vitamin on its own, rather depends on food sources. So you must keep a close eye on certain warning signs and symptoms that indicate its deficiency. These may be a little difficult to assess because they are quite similar to those of some other nutritional deficiencies. Awareness, therefore, can make all the difference to timely diagnosis. Here are the ones that you should be watchful about.

Pale Skin
If your skin appears pale in color, you may be deficient in vitamin B12. This usually happens when your body fails to produce enough red blood cells due to the lack of this nutrient. The condition is known as megaloblastic anemia, which may subsequently lead to jaundice. The RBC’s become weak so that the body breaks them down quickly. It results in the release of a brownish substance called bilirubin, which is responsible for pale skin.

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Fatigue
Fatigue is another common sign of vitamin B12 deficiency. Again the inadequacy of RBCs is the reason behind the weakness or fatigue you experience. When your body does not have enough of the cells, the organs do not get the amount of oxygen they need. As a result, you end up feeling weak and tired. If you constantly get this feeling, do not overlook it because the concern may be more serious than you think.

Changes to Mobility
When this deficiency is left untreated, it may damage your nervous system and compromise with your mobility. You may even lose your balance and coordination.  This symptom is usually visible in the elderly though even younger people with a severe, untreated deficiency may also fall prey. The best way to address it is by taking vitamin B12 shots because dietary sources will not be enough. It is better to get diagnosis and treatment in time before such an adverse situation arises.

Tingling Sensation in the Limbs
Another warning sign that you should watch out for is a tingling sensation in your hands and feet. Once again, this symptom is a serious issue because it indicates nerve damage. Vitamin B12 helps in the production of myelin, a substance that shields the nerves and enables them to transmit sensations. Without enough of myelin, your nerves become damaged and are unable to function properly. This often leads to “pins and needles” sensation in the limbs.

Breathlessness and Dizziness
B12 deficiency can cause breathlessness and dizziness, particularly on exertion. This happens because your body gets low on oxygen because there are not enough RBCs to supply it. The signs may also be accompanied by a rapid heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. Besides vitamin B12 deficiency, these signs may indicate some other conditions as well. So you should seek medical advice sooner rather than later.

Mouth Pain and Ulcers
Vitamin B12 affects oral health too. Deficiency can, therefore, cause a series of oral health issues. The most common one is glossitis, a condition results in the tongue becoming red and swollen.  Ulcers and a burning sensation in the mouth are some other indications of the deficiency of this vitamin. Don’t ignore these issues if you have been facing them for some time.

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Mood Swings
Beyond physical signs and symptoms, vitamin B12 deficiency may also appear as mood swings and irritability. You may even have problems thinking and reasoning clearly because the blood supply to the brain is hindered. In worse cases, the deficiency can elevate the risk of brain disorders such as dementia and depression. Low levels of B12 disrupt the signals to and from the brain, leading to such problems.

Now that you know about the common signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, it can be easier to detect. While timely detection matters, remember that prevention is the best approach. The right dietary choices can protect you in the first place. At the same time, you can rely on supplements if you think that you are not getting enough from your diet. Before you start taking supplements, do take advice from a qualified practitioner.

5 Surprising Physical & Mental Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation

Meditation is becoming progressively mainstream as more and more people find its wide-extending benefits. It is one wellness trend that shows no indications of disappearing. Though people have been doing meditation for ages, its efficacy has been verified by scientific research today.

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In the present world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by thoughts and feelings. Emotional over-burden generally brings stress and nervousness – and everyone knows the ruin this can unleash on our health. These days, specialists around the world agree that practicing a couple of minutes of care each day can have a significant effect. The physical and mental advantages of meditation are well-archived and exceptionally compelling. Here are a few of our top choices:

A Healthy Heart
Studies clearly prove that a daily meditation practice can improve blood flow, bring down the pulse and help keep up a healthy heart. Psychosomatic Medicine, a confided health distribution, has published an article that shows that persistent meditators have lower measures of lipid peroxide than non-meditators. Recent examinations have also shown that practicing mindfulness meditation helps in lowering blood pressure.

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A Stronger Immune System
The resistant framework, a vital part of the human body, is made out of a horde of natural process and structures whose activity is to battle disease and shield the body from outside creatures. As per the research completed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2003, frequent mindfulness sessions appeared to improve meditators’ immune system functions. They additionally delivered positive, enduring changes inside the cerebrum.

Helps Control Pain
Your perception of pain is related to your perspective and the effects of physical health on the mind can be raised in stressful conditions. For this circumstance meditator and non-meditators experienced similar reasons of pain, however, meditators showed a more noteworthy ability to cope with pain and even experienced lessen vibe of pain.

Improved Memory Retention
As we age memory loss to some extent is normal. In light of the context with the maturing populace, researchers presently accept that mindfulness practice can help support cerebrum functions and decelerate memory loss. Truth be told, research has demonstrated that ordinary 20-minute meditation sessions can support memory and improve cerebrum work in those with early dementia or other psychological issues.

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Enhanced Quality of Sleep
Better sleep is one of the most engaging physical advantages of mindfulness practice. We all know that what it's like to toss and turn – practically 50% of individuals overall experience the ill effects of sleep issues or something to that effect. 85% of laborers in the U.S. report having lost sleep on account of employment-related pressure. Studies prove that individuals who practice day-by-day meditation rest better and longer than non-meditators.

The recognition of Mindfulness meditation is expanding as the advantages of Mindfulness show great promise from every aspect to everybody. Often times, it's the easiest things that have a significant impact on our health and prosperity. Whether practiced daily or occasionally, mindfulness meditation can be a powerful way toward enhanced well-being throughout your lifespan.

How Your Nose and Sinuses Can Be Fixed In The Same Surgery

Chronic sinus issues can make your life a dreary nightmare. Although some sinus issues are caused by infections and allergies, others are caused by physical problems with the sinuses that block drainage and airflow; these issues can only be corrected by surgical means. The prospect of undergoing surgery is never a pleasant thought even if it can alleviate unpleasant symptoms.

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Many people are also not very satisfied with the shape or size of their nose. As the center point of the face, the exact shape and size of the nose can dramatically alter a person's appearance and attractiveness. A proud jutting nose may perfectly complement the face of someone with the proper cheekbones and jaw structure, but such a nose may look completely out of place on a differently shaped face. Also, nose injuries can cause noses to be crooked and humped. Considering the dramatic impact a nose can have on a person's appearance, it is not surprising that rhinoplasty, more commonly referred to as a "nose job,'' is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries performed today.

Something that most people don't know is that sinus problems can be corrected and rhinoplasty can be performed in a single surgical procedure. You can get the nose of your dreams and cure your sniffling, obstructed breathing, and chronic headaches all at once.

What changes to the nose can be made during a rhinoplasty?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, a nose job can:

• Change overall nose size
• Change the width of the bridge of the nose
• Change the width of the end of the nose
• Correct a crooked nose
• Correct humps or depressions in the bridge of the nose
• Change the shape of the end of the nose
• Change the shape and location of the nostrils
• Correct any nasal asymmetry

During the consultation, the surgeon will carefully examine your nose and the rest of your face and discuss your goals and desired nose look. Most surgeons have computer software programs available that can show how each person will look after alterations of their nose. It is important to keep in mind there is no "perfect nose" since the shape of the rest of the face alters how a nose looks. Plunking your favorite star's nose down in the middle of your face may result in a rather ridiculous look. Mark Glasgold, a rhinoplasty expert from New Jersey, writes that the surgeon's goal is to achieve a nose that complements and enhances the appearance of each individual person.

What sinus problems can be corrected during a rhinoplasty?

Deviated septum
The most common sinus problem is a deviated septum. According to ENT Health, around 80% of the population has a septum that is deviated to some degree. The septum is the structure that separates the two breathing passages behind the nostrils; when it is off-center, producing two breathing passages of unequal sizes, it is referred to as deviated. A slightly deviated septum generally doesn't cause any problems, but a more severely deviated septum can cause problems such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Noisy breathing especially while sleeping
• Mouth breathing
• Nosebleeds
• Sinus infections

A deviated septum that is causing symptoms can only be corrected by surgery.

Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are soft benign growths that develop in some people's sinuses. According to the Mayo Clinic, they seem to be caused by long-term irritation of the sinuses, such as might occur in response to allergies or asthma. Nasal polyps can cause sleep apnea, obstructed breathing and drainage of the sinuses, leading to frequent or chronic sinus infections. Generally, they need to be surgically removed.

Turbinate issues
The turbinates are structures inside the nose that act to filter, warm, and moisturize inhaled air. Unfortunately, in some people, the turbinates become enlarged or even displaced, leading to obstructed breathing. Healthline says that many of the same conditions that can cause nasal polyps, as described above, can also lead to enlarged turbinates. A deviated septum can also squash and distort some of the turbinates, contributing to breathing difficulties. Some enlarged turbinates can be treated with cauterization, where a special device is inserted into the nose to destroy some of the turbinate tissue, but many enlarged turbinates require surgery to remove the excess, displaced, or damaged tissues.

What happens during a rhinoplasty?
Most rhinoplasties are performed under general anesthesia, although sometimes they can be performed under sedation and local anesthesia. The incisions are placed inside the nose where they cannot be seen or sometimes are made across the thin strip of tissue that separates the nostrils. The exact process depends on what work needs to be done. If parts of the nose need to be reduced, tissue and cartilage will be trimmed away. If parts need to be enlarged, tissue and cartilage will be added. Cartilage grafts can be taken from inside the nose or, more rarely, from an ear to enlarge or repair structures. Any sinus issues will be addressed, such as straightening the septum, reducing the size of the turbinates, and removing any polyps. Then the incisions are closed and splints/packing placed to support the tissues for a few days while they heal.

What is the recovery like?
There will be swelling and bruising of the area for the first few days after the procedure, and a splint may need to be worn for about a week. All signs of the procedure will have vanished about two weeks after the surgery, but strenuous activity should be avoided for at least four weeks. As soon as the swelling begins to go down, the new shape of the nose should become apparent and resolution of the sinus issues should be apparent immediately after the surgery.