How to Decrease Your Chances of Lung Disease

The devastating impact of Covid-19 has shown the world the importance of keeping your lungs healthy. Respiratory diseases are no joke and can put your life at risk if you do not take the proper steps to prevent them. Lung cancer alone kills 1.6 million people every year, which is not to mention all those impacted by other serious diseases like bronchitis or tuberculosis. Although it can be impossible to totally avoid certain diseases like lung cancer, there are certain steps you can take to decrease your risk. Here are a few examples. 

Quit Smoking

The number one activity that puts your lungs at risk that is entirely preventable is smoking. Your risk of cancer increases dramatically the longer you smoke and the number of cigarettes you smoke a day. The sooner you quit, the more you reduce that risk. Chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease (COPD) is another serious respiratory illness caused by smoking and it’s the third most deadly disease in American based on how many deaths it causes each year. According to the CDC 8 out of 10 cases of COPD are caused by smoking – which shows how much the activity can put you at risk. If you are a smoker, now is the time to quit. Smokers are more at risk of experiencing complications if they catch COVID-19. That on top of all the other health risks it poses makes the activity increasingly dangerous in today’s world. 

Exercise Regularly 

Exercise is a natural defense against any disease. It won’t prevent viruses and bacteria from getting into your body, but it will ensure that your immune system and other organs healthy enough to fight off any intruding organisms. Cardio is especially effective for lung functioning and you should consider jogging, walking, or playing a sport that involves running if you feel you may be at risk for catching lung disease. 

Test Your Home for Radon or Asbestos

There are potentially life-threatening substances that can be found in the average American home, such as radon and asbestos. Radon is a radioactive gas that seeps out of the earth and into households through gaps in the foundation. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and kills about 20,000 people per year. Asbestos is a mineral that was used in building many popular building materials up until the 1970s. Asbestos has been proven to cause mesothelioma, a deadly form of lung cancer that is often underdiagnosed. More information on mesothelioma treatment and prevention is available through the Mesothelioma Cancer Network.

If you believe that your home may be exposed to either of these deadly substances, have it screened immediately. You can never be too safe when it comes to the health and safety of your family. These substances can be easily dealt with if you act fast – but if you leave it alone too long, there may be deadly consequences.

4 Things Everyone Should Know About Being Married

Are you considering walking down the aisle with the love of your life? Do you think that you have found the one? If yes, then let me tell you that while everything might seem perfect from the outside, there is something that you must know before you get married. I agree that there is no better feeling than getting to spend the rest of your life with the person of your dreams. However, you need to be objective about it and make sure that you go all in without any regrets.

For many women, marriage is something that they have been looking forward to. All the excitement leads to this one life-changing moment. But, to help you prepare mentally and emotionally, you should keep the following things in mind. 

Don’t Expect Your Partner to Change for You

The very first thing that you should be doing is not to expect your partner to change for you. The idea of love is that you have to agree to be with the other person for who he is. If you don’t like something about your partner, the only sensible thing you should do is to point it out. If you make it your life’s goal to change your partner, it will end up being pretty toxic. If he changes for you, he will feel like he is no longer in control, and if he doesn’t change for you, you will feel like he doesn’t love you. 

Communicate About Everything 

Where I said that you should never expect your partner to change something about him for you, it doesn’t mean that you should completely ignore it. The institution of marriage is built upon trust, and if you can’t trust your partner to tell him something that’s bothering you about hi, you have other issues at hand which need solving. Most couples say that the fire in marriage only lasts for a few years, but I believe that if both partners keep communicating and stay true to their feelings, marriage can last as long as you want it to. 

Learn About Family Law

I never suggest for anyone to jump in the well of marriage without learning how deep it is. Before you get yourself entangled in something that you don’t understand, you should talk to someone who can help you figure out the basics. I have seen a lot of couples fall out during the first few years and go through an ugly divorce. Instead of forcing yourself into another person’s life, if you think that you are not compatible with your partner, the smarter choice is to take a divorce. You can get in touch with a professional like Matrimonial Home so that everything goes smoothly. 

Be Financially Independent 

Last but not least, being financially independent is a very important part of being married. While I agree that marriage should be built in a way that both partners should act as stepping stones for each other’s career, you should never abandon your career for marriage. The dreams of spending the rest of your life with your loved ones sound good on paper, but when it comes down to real life, being independent matters. It doesn’t matter how much you think your partner loves you; you should never rely on him financially. Being financially independent means that you are not getting married because you need to. If you are able to cover your own costs, it will maintain your worth, and life would not be as much devastated after a divorce as you will be able to stand on your own two feet. 

Bike Sizing Guide - How to Get the Best Size Bike for Your Kids

Having a bike as a kid has always been some of our very fondest memories. Learning how to ride, falling off ten times, and trying again, hurting yourself and crying after, has always been a natural part of any kids’ life. That excitement when any parent buys their children a brand-new bicycle with that “wow factor”, is unparalleled to any other memory one can have in their growing up days.

For children to acquire the skills to ride, there are many advantages, and there are tons of reasons why children should learn how to ride a bike. Besides it is just pure fun, it keeps them physically active, it benefits their mental abilities and learning capabilities coupled with multi-tasking while holding the bike steady and trying to steer and pedal it all at the same time. It works the brain. 

Other good things about having one, together with those mentioned here, is that it can be a fun family bonding activity too. The good news is, it is not just advantageous for the children and their families but also the environment. Bicycles don’t pollute the cities, as much as automobiles do. One nice thing is that you can even buy bicycles online. So, with so many amazing and exciting things to look forward to, every kid should have a bike. Let’s see how we can get your one and make sure he fits on it. 

Choosing a Good Bike for Your Child

The easiest thing to do is to ask your kid which bike he likes that way you can provide them with continued enthusiasm for the piece, plus you’re sure he will use it and look after it. Depending on his age, he may just choose the best one. However, this may not always be the situation and they can be indecisive, in which case, you should consider a few factors before you purchase one. Below are a few of these:

1. In terms of the weight, the lighter it is, the better. For instance, if your child weighs 16kg, which most 3-year olds do, the bike should be in and around that heaviness too. If you buy something even 10% heavier, it may not be easy for them to balance it. This is why parents are advised to use a balance-bike first till the child learns how to ride, then as they grow older, perhaps at 4 years of age, they use one without the balance wheels.
2. In terms of the steering bars, those with ball bearings tend to be easier to turn and handle. You can also buy a plain bearing model but it will be slightly difficult to handle if they are still a child. The handgrips, too, must be secure and have a good grip. Ones with a bulb at the end will avoid them slipping off them.
3. A hand-brake is a useful element to have on the bicycle, unlike the balance bikes which use your shoes to stop. Make sure their hands can reach the brakes properly and pull it. 
4. Pneumatic tyres are the better option regarding the wheels, explained in depth here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_tire as they are lighter and more manageable. They are about 12-inches. Any type of wheel must be able to spin easily and freely. 
   
   
   

The Most Important Component – The Size

The size of the bike is a very imperative aspect. Firstly, look for a comfortable saddle, and one that does not have a slippery cover, secondly make sure it is easily adjustable then, put your child on the device and adjust it to make sure he can touch both feet flat on the ground. As they get older and taller you can raise the seat further up. One must always look for an upright riding position similar to the Black Mountain Pinto kids bikes, which are lightweight, easy to handle, and have stabilisers included on them. If your child is still little, he or she only needs one gear. 

A lot of online resources and kid’s bike stores provide a sizing guide for those looking to buy one. They commonly start with the balance types which are usually any kid’s first one, and are about 2’11” to about 3’5”, and go up to any age. If the wheel size is 12” it is usually for ages between 3 to 5 years old, if the wheels are thicker such as the 26” ones, they would suit a 9 to 12-year-old.

Also stay clear of any fancy varieties with supplementary items on them that will distract the child, unless it’s to ride around the house or compound then things such as baskets in the front or back are fine, keep it simple. 

Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Chocolate lovers all around get a natural high when we indulge in chocolate. Whether it is white chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate, we naturally would be in paradise even after enduring a stressful day due to eating or drinking chocolate.

And even if we start to feel guilty for enjoying chocolate a little too much, we shouldn't feel too guilty. We should watch out for excessive sugar consumption. However, there are also some health benefits when it comes to chocolates, especially dark chocolate.

Chocolate experts can tell you the details about the health benefits, and they are the ultimate creators of different, delicious types of chocolate. They also know that dark chocolate reigns supreme when it comes to health benefits.   

The Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

According to the Department of Agriculture, the typical size bar of dark chocolate with 70 to 85 percent cacao has approximately 24 grams of sugar and 600 calories. It is also high in antioxidants. Since dark chocolate has significantly more cocoa solids than other types of chocolate, it is an indicator of how much more dietary flavonoids it has.

Flavonoids are also in certain drinks, vegetables, and fruits. Additionally, more dietary flavonoids consumption links to a lower propensity for coronary heart disease. 

In addition to health-promoting flavonol phytonutrients, dark chocolate has the most antioxidants than milk chocolate. We can benefit the most from cacao beans when choosing cocoa powder due to having no sugar or fat. Consuming cocoa products is linked to a lower risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. We can boost our immune functions and HDL levels. We can significantly boost our arterial functions within hours or consuming only one teaspoon of cocoa. Cocoa consumption improves the veins' ability in the eyes to dilate, assists in opening up coronary arteries, leads to improving peripheral artery disease, improves blood flow to the kidneys, and combats the effects of aging.  When it comes to dark chocolate, we usually can find dark chocolate that contains approximately 50% cocoa to 100%. Most brands have 90%, 85%, or 70% cocoa. 

There are also some neuroprotective benefits that come from flavanols. Thus, consumers of dark chocolate can have some protection against diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and it can provide an anti-inflammatory effect for digestive problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Dark chocolate is also naturally high in magnesium, iron, manganese, and copper. 

Chocolate lovers can buy chocolate online Canada to satisfy their sweet tooths or locate a thoughtful gift for a loved one. 

3 Pieces of Info About the Stargirl Series

When you sit down to watch TV, how do you go about finding a show to watch? Do you scroll mindlessly until you stumble on something you think looks good? Do you scour the internet for reviews and critiques about new series, or do you ask your friends and family what they're currently binging? Whatever method you choose, finding the perfect series is no easy feat. Geoff Johns just finished executively producing Stargirl, a new DC comics web series that's worth a watch. Here are three pieces of info about the show to help you better understand the series.

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1. Stargirl Was Part of the Justice League of America

The JLA has been around for a while and has undergone many updates and relaunches throughout its tenure. When the Justice League was getting back into action, Stargirl becomes a pinnacle focus for the team and its image. She appears on a lot of posters and ads for the JLA and is a critical member. While Stargirl wasn't the most widely recognized face of the Justice League, she was still a part of the powerful team.

2. There are Live-Action Portrayals of the Series

While this new series is animated, there are a few live-action series of the show, too. In these live-action series of Stargirl, she isn't portrayed in the modern world but is instead featured in a more classic, throwback style.

3. Stargirl is Featured Alongside Other Heroes

While Stargirl is getting her own series with this new launch, this isn't her debut. Instead, she's been seen alongside other prominent superheroes including Clark Kent in Smallville_(TV_series). During the Smallville series, Stargirl is in full costume and holding the Cosmic staff which gives her power and strength to fight evil. While the Smallville series portrays a lot of other superheroes in unique ways that aren't super accurate, Stargirl's representation is pretty spot on. It's always a fun idea to go back and watch shows you've always enjoyed but maybe didn't always notice every small detail about. Re-watching Smallville may be a good idea to give you a better understanding of Stargirl, as well.

When you sit down to watch a show for the first time, it's really easy to miss a lot of content and backstory that's part of the series. You'll probably see something you never noticed before if you opt for a re-watch. If you're on the hunt for a new show, Stargirl may be the perfect addition to your list.