Pelvic Floor Exercises

Pelvic floor exercises will help to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. These exercises are common for pregnant women or women who have given birth as these muscles come under a lot of strain. However, all women can benefit from pelvic floor exercises. If your pelvic floor has been negatively impacted due to malpractice during childbirth, then you should speak to a medical malpractice lawyer.

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The pelvic floor is made up of layers of muscles that stretch from the pubic bone to the end of the backbone. When they are weak, you may leak urine, known as stress incontinence. It is very common, especially after childbirth. Luckily you can strengthen these muscles again. You can also perform these exercises before you give birth, as it will aid your healing
process after birth. 

If you have any concerns about your pelvic floor, then you should speak to your doctor.

Top-tips to keep your pelvic floor strong

• Don't go to the toilet if you don't need to, as this will train your bladder to need to urinate more often. 
• Try to empty your bladder whenever you do go to the toilet. 
• Avoid constipation by consuming lots of fiber and drinking water.
• When going to the toilet, lean forward so that your knees are higher than your hips. You may want a step to put your feet on. 
• When urinating, relax your pelvic floor and avoid pushing too hard. 

Exercises
It is good to get in the habit of doing pelvic floor exercises. However, you should take care when doing them as if you do them wrong, you could be doing more harm then good. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. You can also watch this video for more guidance.

• Take a comfortable seat and lean slightly forward but keep your back straight. 
• Squeeze and lift your muscles as if you are holding in during urination.
• Hold the squeeze and count to 8 seconds, then relax for 8 seconds. Don't worry if you can't make it to 8 seconds, just do it for as long as is comfortable. 
• Repeat 8 to 12 times. 
• Keep breathing as you exercise and try not to tighten the muscles in your bum. 

Overactive pelvic floor
Some women suffer from an overactive pelvic floor, which means that you are always contracting the muscles and don't realize it. This can be caused by tension after pain or damage. This can make sex, using tampons and going to the toilet painful. It can also cause stress incontinence. If this sounds like you, then you should speak to a doctor.

If you have an overactive pelvic floor, then exercises will still help you. However, you should adjust them slightly to focus on the relaxation part. After tightening, make sure you have relaxed entirely and stay there for longer then you squeezed, around 10 seconds.

Creating a habit
In order to remember to do your pelvic floor exercises, you need to form a habit. The best way to do this is to do it at the same time you do something else. For example:

• After going to the toilet.
• After you wash your hands.
• After feeding your baby.
• When standing in line at a supermarket.

Do Carpenter Bees Cause Damage?

The carpenter bee derives its name from the fact that they burrow into hard plants, such as deadwood or even bamboo. The purpose of their burrowing is to create a nest for themselves. Interestingly, most carpenter bees are actually solitary dwellers, unlike the majority of other bee species that prefer to build nests together.

However, this doesn’t mean they are not social, while the bees create individual nests they do prefer to create nests near each other and female bees have been noted to share tunnels, especially if they are mother/daughter.

It is worth noting that carpenter bees are often confused with bumblebees as they look similar. That’s why you need to check with your local exterminator and find out more info before you tackle them.

Do They Cause Damage?

The short answer is yes. Carpenter bees create boreholes in wood, your home has plenty of wood that is attractive to them, even wood that has been treated can be attacked.

However, the carpenter bee does not eat wood, it is actually an important pollinator, the damage it does to your wood is minimal as it just creates a few tunnels for it to live in.

The problem arises because carpenter bees tend to build nests near each other and a nest is not generally reused. This means if they go unnoticed for a period of time you can end up with lots of carpenter bee nests, this is likely to weaken your wood and cause issues in your home.

Checking For Carpenter Bees

You’ll notice bees flying around, if they look like bumblebees but have shiny abdomens then they are Carpenter bees. You’ll need to look on the underside of the wood around your home, entrance holes for carpenter bees are always upward or inward and they’ll be approximately half-an-inch in diameter.

It’s worth noting that the male bee doesn’t have a stinger and it’s very rare for the female bee to sting.

Additional Damage

Carpenter bees can only cause extensive damage if you have lots of them and they are left only for an extended period of time. However, woodpeckers like to feed on these bees. Unfortunately, the woodpecker will do a lot of damage to your wood when they hammer it to access the bees.

Dealing With Carpenter Bees

The safest approach is to get the professionals to deal with the bees for you. You can try using pesticides but these are not normally very effective against Carpenter bees. This is because the bees only chew the wood to create nests unless you’re spraying every day the bees probably won’t ingest enough pesticide to kill them.

The simplest approach is to spray insecticide directly into the holes every day, this is time-consuming but ultimately effective. You can also replace wood with a composite material that won’t attract the bees, although this will depend on which part of your home is affected. Replacing structural timbers is much more difficult than replacing a porch railing.

Should You Wear Compression Leggings During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a challenging period for a woman as her body undergoes changes she may or may not expect. Swelling and pain in the legs and varicose veins are some of the common conditions that pregnant women come across. Wearing compression leggings is a good idea to mitigate these symptoms and enjoy this wonderful period to the fullest. However, whether you are a first-time would-be mommy or have already been pregnant before, you would have a few questions about this popular maternity garment. Obviously, you would want to know whether it is safe to wear them and when you can start wearing them. Let us answer explain the benefits of compression socks during pregnancy.

Photo by freestocks.org from Pexels

Compression leggings keep your legs healthy

Your body changes through the three trimesters of pregnancy, growing gradually as the baby becomes bigger. The pressure on the legs and veins increases as you gain weight with the progression of pregnancy. So the second trimester is the ideal time to start wearing compression stockings as noticeable signs of blood stagnation may start appearing as early as the fourth month into pregnancy. Subsequently, you may experience constant fatigue, visible swelling in the lower legs and ankles and even pulling sensations in the calf area. Regular use of compression socks can prevent these signs from aggravating and leading to varicose veins.

Know when and how to wear compression leggings

Experts recommend that pregnant women should wear this garment first thing in the morning, even before stepping out of the bed and take them off only when they retire for the night. Obviously, you will have to take them off while showering and swimming but wearing them through the day can keep problems such as edema at bay. Avoid taking the leggings off and wearing them back time and again because your legs tend to get swollen once you take them off and you will probably not get a good fit. Why compromise with the comfort with a good fit only, when you can buy Best Maternity Compression Leggings that always fit perfectly and offer ample support for all-day wear during pregnancy? For women approaching the end of pregnancy, it is best to seek the help of your partner or family member to wear the leggings as it may get increasingly difficult to wear them on your own.

Wear them if you have to stand or sit for prolonged periods

Though maternity compression leggings are beneficial for all pregnant women, they are all the more essential for the ones who need to stand or sit for prolonged periods. Whether you lead a sedentary lifestyle or spend most of your time on your feet, you must absolutely invest in this garment. If you plan to travel long distances during pregnancy, don’t miss wearing compression leggings because you will have to sit for hours during the journey. Sitting for long hours increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis, which is the last thing you would want to happen during pregnancy.

Now that you probably have answers to all your questions related to wearing maternity compression leggings during pregnancy, it is time to buy a pair or two. Quality leggings will definitely keep you comfortable and your legs healthy as you cruise through this amazing journey.

Planning A Family Trip To South Carolina

If you’re looking for a family fun vacation spot to take your loved ones, South Carolina is the best place to visit! If it’s your first time here, there are several fun areas you’ll be excited to check out that offer relaxation, fun, privacy and just an overall wonderful experience! Our state is home to some incredible breathtaking beach resorts which will allow you to have fun in the sun, get pampered at a local spa and try new activities with your children. Below are fun unforgettable areas to visit.

1. Myrtle Beach - If you have small children, chances are they’ve expressed their excitement about visiting this location before! This is a classic and iconic beach destination which offers more than 12 million people that visit the city each year, the opportunity to enjoy it’s 10 miles of sandy beaches as well as attractions. It’s not like what you would find in other boardwalk locations because it offers such a variety of fun things to do!

Some of these include nightclubs, shops, water parks, miniature golf courses, amusement parks and rides, outlet malls and many restaurants! If your children are younger, Myrtle Beach lends itself to them by providing an interactive museum called Wonderworks! If you’re planning your trip, try to beat the crowds and visit in May or September or watch surfers emerge from June to August when the weather is perfect.

2. Hilton Head - This incredible area is one that you’ll probably wish you could come visit once a year! You can enjoy year round golf or tennis at more than 33 locations, take a beach cruiser down to Hilton Head Island and visit their trails or spend a full day playing and building sand castles at the beach. They also have a variety of activities to do such as a lighthouse museum, art galleries and metal workshops. It also has incredible restaurants and delicious places to sit and take in the views of the water. The vibe and feel of Hilton Head is a little slower than other areas so take note as you’re planning your trip!

3. Charleston - What makes South Carolina such a unique state is it’s modern locations as well as it’s historical ones. Charleston is no stranger to so many tourists year round especially those who are looking to get a new taste of the south. It’s called the “gem of the south” and for good reason. You can stroll through the downtown area and pass by hidden fountains or gorgeous gardens homeowners take such good care of year round.

They also offer historical house tours and monuments to keep you busy. There are several great places to visit for fresh food at their market or look for other more trendy restaurants which can then be an easy walk to some of the hippest bars in town. Charleston is extremely easy to walk or bike ride too with it’s small flat terrain area which is perfect to bring your little ones to explore and get some exercise in before a long nap!

Image: Lowcountry Valet and Shuttle Co

Now that you have a few locations picked out to visit, you'll also need to figure out a way to get to visit each spot with your family. Lowcountry Valet and Shuttle Co. This company is your one stop shop to help you get to any destination in style or just for your convenience for your family. At Lowcountry Valet and Shuttle, they offer a variety of services to help meet the needs for you and your family. The company provides a detailed list of options to keep within your budget and price range as well as suggest ways to affordably accomplish your idea. They even can go a bit further to reach out to other quality companies in the area to make sure they are giving you all the options you are looking for your family or large extended family. Most quotes are provided within 24 hours or less so you can keep going throughout your day.

The company offers airport transportation and unlike other regular shuttle services, you do not have to wait for co-passengers. You can carry more luggage and are driven straight to the airport or from the airport to your destination. No waiting time or stopovers for any booking. Their express and non-stop are popular among busy families waiting and anxious to begin their  vacation. You can also request child seats, extra luggage facility and more spacious or private transportation to meet your needs.

What are some fun and exciting places your family is expected to travel this year?

 Are you making South Carolina one of them? 

3 Incredibly Spellbinding Mykonos Villas – Luxury & Finesse Meet Traditional Cycladic Architecture

When thinking about luxury holidays that match a VIP lifestyle perfectly, then Mykonos island is among the top destinations that pop up.  Rightfully so. Mykonos has so much glam and allure to it that it only makes sense that so many celebs and A-lists favor the Island of the Winds for their summer vacations.

And, while here, they certainly have a lot of high-end mansions to accommodate their needs and exquisite demands. Here is a taste of three incredibly impressive lux villas with design and style that speak volumes about traditional Cycladic architecture and elegance.

1. Villa Groovy

Agios Stefanos area is one of the most privileged regions in Mykonos due to its proximity to the island capital – the bustling heart of Mykonos – while also being quite remote from the wild partying crowds and the after-midnight fuss.  Perched on a hillside, is a gorgeous sample of Cycladic architecture, with simple lines, whitewashed walls, beamed ceilings, cubic-shaped constructions, and all the charm and grace a holiday mansion is expected to exude.

The views? Arresting, giving the entire Aegean Sea on your plate. The spaces? Well-appointed, lavish, impressively designed, and luxuriant. The offered amenities? The most complete list possibly imagined. From a fully equipped kitchen, a private gym, and a home theatre to a wine room, posh ensuite bedrooms, and plenty of privacy-ensuring lounge, dining, and sitting areas both on the inside and the outdoor areas of Villa Groovy.  Feel like organizing a meaty BBQ evening for all of you? Or just chilling by the infinity pool with a glass of champagne at hand and unobstructed vistas of the ocean?  You may even want just to be yourself and your loved one, sharing a romantic afternoon at the stylish apartment of the upper level. Whatever your dream vacations entail, Villa Groovy will give you the chance to turn it into a tangible reality for you.

For more details, visit Villa Groovy.

2. Villa Avant-Garde

The sweeping views of the glistering sea and the glorious Mediterranean skies give Villa Avant-Garde a dashing advantage over other exclusive villas that are somewhat hidden behind hills and combo units. You now have the unique opportunity to wake up to ravishing vistas of the Mykonos coastline and sleep with sights of the most idyllic sunsets from both the inside rooms and from all around this chic mansion.

Located at the high-in-demand Ornos area, very close to all the popular beaches, as well as more isolated coves, Avant-Garde welcomes you with an open floor plan and all the modern comforts required for regal holidays for you and up to 9 more guests. Expect a fully equipped kitchen, several levels to accommodate the sleeping arrangements that best suit you, strategically designed areas to ensure maximum privacy, palatial ensuite bedrooms, private balconies, a staff room, and lots of outdoor spaces to enjoy your drink by the infinity pool, relax and unwind, or share gratifying moments with your friends or family around a BBQ.

For more details, visit Villa Avant-Garde.

3. Villa Blendy

This exquisite vacation property sits on the outskirts of the Kounoupas region, just a few miles from Mykonos Town. Being close to the vibrant night scene Mykonos is so famous for while also relishing the privacy levels you desire is a key combination for memorable holidays in the Island of the Winds.

The magnificent villa per se is an architectural masterpiece on its own. Beautifully blended elements from traditional Greek island-style design and contemporary touches add subtle luxury and refinement.  Marble, stone, wood, and rock find their place in the construction - in perfect harmony with the natural surroundings. The finesse exuded from every inch is remarkable and follows guests throughout the villa, from the five well-appointed en-suite bedrooms and the stylish living spaces to the cozy dining areas and the outdoor zones. Walk-in closets, a private church, and a fully equipped gym are among this property’s provided facilities – all designed to offer maximum comfort and privacy.

For more details, visit Villa Blendy.

About Kinglike Concierge:

Kinglike Concierge is the biggest name in the luxury property rental cosmos in Mykonos. Their portfolio of stylish villas and mansions is the most diverse and plethoric in the entire island, having well over 200 properties to serve their delectable clientele with. The property rental agency deals directly with the villa owner, making it far easier to match the right mansion with the right people, based on their specified needs. Specifically catering to the requirements of individuals with a VIP lifestyle, Kinglike Concierge has quickly become a world-class concierge service provider, ensuring their clients receive nothing but supreme-quality, all-around services, ranging from private helicopter rides and VIP reservations to private chauffeurs and personalized cruise tours.