This year, health and safety has been at the top of most people’s priority lists. But while many people are rightfully afraid of getting sick from various illnesses or diseases, there are other things that we each do almost daily that can put us at mortal risk if we’re not careful. One of these things is being in the car.

Knowing this, it’s important that you’re as prepared as you can be for any kind of accident or setback that might happen when you’re traveling on the road. To help you with this, here are three things you should always take with you each time you get in the car.

Emergency Gear

A car accident isn’t always a collision between you and another vehicle. More often than this type of accident is one where only your car is involved but you’re still hurt or otherwise in danger. So to be ready for the chance that this might happen, you’ll always want to have some emergency gear with you in the car.

According to Melanie Pinola, a contributor to LifeHacker.com, it’s a good idea to always have a seat belt cutter and a window breaker in your car with you. These items can be very small and inexpensive, so there’s really no reason not to keep them in your vehicle with you. And if you ever are in a situation where you have to cut yourself out of your seat belt or break a window to exit your vehicle, you’ll be glad you have this gear in arm’s reach.

Necessary Tools

Even if you keep you with regular maintenance on your vehicle, there’s still a chance that something could go wrong with the functionality of your car. While this can be something insignificant that won’t affect your ability to drive, it could also be bigger issues that make your vehicle unsafe to have on the road.

For either of these kinds of situations, you’ll want to have some basic tools in the car with you to handle the most common issues you might face. According to Aaron Miller, a contributor to Thrillist.com, this should include things like jumper cables, a jack and lug wrench, and a multitool to start with. With these tools, you can fix many minor issues that might creep up on you when operating your vehicle.

Health And Sanitation Items

At this time in our global history, most people aren’t even leaving their houses, let alone heading off in their car, without some health and sanitation items.

In addition to currently keeping a mask and hand sanitizer in your car to ward off dangerous germs, Christian Wardlaw, a contributor to J.D. Power, recommends that you also keep some reusable grocery bags in your car for a wide variety of health and sanitation uses that you might come to need.

To help you stay safe when you leave the house, consider loading your vehicle with all the gear and items mentioned above.

 

Animals have their own personalities.

Once you have learned your cat’s personality, it might be worrisome when it starts exhibiting what could be termed as weird or strange behaviors.

While it’s difficult to highlight all of them, here are the more common ones and how to manage them.

1. Chewing on Plastic and Other Items

If your cat is constantly chewing on dirt, plastic, carpeting, shoes, woolen blankets, jug rings and other weird non-food items, it might have a condition known as pica.

Just like humans, cats can develop pica for medical reasons such as gastrointestinal disorders and psychological ones like anxiety. While humans may twirl their hair or bite their nails, cats can chew on odd items to manage their anxiety.

The first step when you notice this should be booking an appointment with a veterinarian. You can also proactively prevent feline anxiety by having a safe room for new kittens. This should be complete with a cat litter pail.

2. Chattering at Birds

You might spot your bird emitting clicking sounds at birds. This is often characterized by a rapid jaw movement. It’s often thought that it’s a Pavlovian instinct that allows cats to practice and prepare themselves for killing prey.

This chattering can also be out of frustration at being unable to pounce at the birds-seen as prey-outdoors.

You can help your cat practice its killer instincts by throwing a ball at it or playing a game where you set something for it to catch then withdraw it.

2. Head-Butting

It can be strange whenever your cat begins head-butting a part of your body. This is generally nothing to worry about.

Cats do this to share some of their pheromones with you. It’s also a greeting or an invitation to bond.

You will often notice that by giving your feline some attention, rubbing its head, cuddling it, or playing with it, the need to head butt reduces.

3. Bringing you Unpleasant Presents

When kittens are with their mother, the mother brings home the days catch for their young ones to feed on. In your kitten’s mind, catching something is good; bringing it to you is even better.

Do not be surprised if your cat brings all types of insects and lands them proudly at your feet. To the cat, this is a sign of affection. It’s essentially being thoughtful and bringing you back something to feed on.

The more amused you are when this happens, the more you will be reinforcing this behavior. You shouldn’t punish your cat for doing what it’s instinctively created to do.

However, you can avoid being overly excitable about it. If the habit particularly bothers you, you can also limit its outdoor time or have a bell on it to prevent it from catching prey or

It’s important to know that some strange behaviors are normal and those that are not are often always resolvable.

For some solving a crossword puzzle can be a mentally engaging yet restful activity, while for others, it can be so intimidating that they do not know where to start. The good thing is that you can apply strategies to hone your skills and increase your chances of solving the puzzle.

Use a Pencil

Working with a pencil allows you to inscribe your guess, and in case you’re mistaken, you can erase without making your puzzle untidy. Pencils permit you to make mistakes, which in the end makes you a better puzzler.

Start By Filling the Blanks

Experienced crossword solvers will tell you that the blank clues are the easiest to solve. Every puzzle usually has a handful of these fill-in-the-blanks, so if you seek to boost your confidence, target them first.

Focus on Small Word Entries First

Generally, crosswords have answers with a letter between three and twenty-one. The shorter answers are easier to find, as fewer logical combinations can fill those spaces.

Be on the lookout for words composed of common letters such as ode or area. Believe it or not, these words have appeared in the New York crossword puzzles hundreds of times for the past quarter decade.

Guess

Do not be afraid to lightly pencil in any guesses. If you are playing online, you can enter the guessed answers without fear, as they can easily be erased with the click of a button. In case the guessed word contains an unusual letter such as J or K, first confirm with the checking.

Avoid Jumping Into Conclusions

As with most puzzles, crosswords require that you have an open mind. Always remember that most English terminologies share similar meanings but have entirely different spellings. For example, reduce, minimize, and lessen.

Cross-check Your Answers

One wrong answer will make it impossible to solve the puzzle, leading to frustrations. Before you ink your solution, ensure it is correct by confirming the entries that cross through it. If one of the crossing lines seems to rhyme with the answer at the back of your head, you might need to reconsider your answer.

Have References

A crossword puzzle is not a test that requires you to play by the rules. If you feel stuck, then, by all means, consult a dictionary, encyclopedia, atlas, or the internet.

The best part is that in crossword puzzles, you leave with more vocabulary than you came with. Therefore, do not be afraid to look it up. You can even turn it into a team activity by seeking clues from your friends and family.

Do Not Stress

Crossword puzzles should help you relax and unwind after a long day or week. They are meant to be pastime activities and not tasks. Therefore do not take them seriously, and in case a crossword starts filling like work, take a walk and try again later. You may be surprised that the answers will come more easily after you take a break.

Conclusion

These strategies will only go far in helping you solve a crossword puzzle. Learn the capitals across the globe, plus the names of significant water bodies, physical landmarks, and currencies. Memorizing and recalling are advantageous to your memory. So it’s time you start solving some crossword puzzles.

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Whether you’re standing outside of Christianity or you’re new to the faith, it’s a common question: “Why do people go to church?”

In an age when many of us feel pressed for time, it can be bewildering to find people attending church each week as a habit. After all, what is the purpose of going to church, anyway, and how can a habit of worship help guide your faith? Here are a few reasons believers flock to Sunday worship on a regular basis.

To Worship God

In today’s busy world, many believers enjoy the opportunity to carve a space out in their week for more focused worship. The songs, prayers, and rituals of a regular Church service can help people remember their faith and worship God as a congregation. People may also worship through a donation, as many people entrust a small sum of money each week to the church for community aid.

To Follow the Sacraments

Sacraments differ from one Christian denomination to the next, with Catholicism having the most.

However, there are several ordained sacraments that most orthodox churches follow.

This includes communion, in which believers remember the Lord’s supper by partaking in a communion wafer and a sip of wine. It also includes baptism, the sacrament in which new believers are welcomed into the church through a dousing of or immersion in water.

To Enjoy Fellowship and Community

The church allows Christians to gather in fellowship with other believers in the community. It creates an opportunity for believers to worship as one.

Many churches offer specific opportunities for worship following service. This can range from a simple informal gathering with doughnuts and coffee to a dedicated fellowship meeting for interested members. Depending on the church, you may even find specific fellowship opportunities for parents, for children, for teachers, or for students.

To Apply Church Teachings to Everyday Life

Church services call participants to consider a specific reading from the bible to their daily lives. Depending on the week, the preaching of the word may call participants to repent their sins, encourage them to forgive others, or inspire them to service. The preaching puts the words of the Bible in context for modern life, allowing participants to live more mindfully in the coming week.

What Is the Purpose of Going to Church?

Ultimately, your reasons for going to church are your own. However, now that the tips above have helped you stop wondering “What is the purpose of going to church?” you may want to find a service near you.

Look for opportunities for fellowship, seek local mass times, and participate in your area’s services. Don’t forget that many areas offer televised or online resources if you can’t physically attend mass!

Want additional insights to help you get more out of your daily life? Check out our other posts!

 

It’s no secret that our society spends a lot of time thinking and talking about sex. This fact is exacerbated by the different expectations men and women have about sex with their partners.

This constant exposure to sex might make you wonder, “How much sex does the average person have?” This is especially true if you feel like your sexual experience is different from national averages.

Read to learn all about it.

How Much Sex Does the Average Person Have? It Depends

There’s not really an articulable answer to this question. In fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any doctor or counselor who is willing to state how much sex you should be having. This is primarily due to the fact that the answer varies based on a number of factors in an individual’s or couple’s life.

For example, if you are single, you might have more or less sex than when you are in a relationship. It’s all due to personal preference.

There Will Be Natural Variations

You can expect to have a number of outside factors influence the amount of sex you’re having at any given time in your life.

In life, one thing is for certain, nothing is constant. For example, if you’re married, you might have more sex in times of happiness and less sex in times of high stress. Or the reverse can be true and you can use sex to deal with stress.

Spending time worrying about how often to have sex isn’t helpful unless you’re working through the issue with a trained professional or actively working to improve your relationship.

Take Some Time to Reconnect

If you’re worried about the amount of sex you’re having in your relationship, then it might be worth taking some time to reconnect with your partner. After all, your sexual health is an important component of your overall health.

Sit down with your partner and have a discussion about your sex life and how you can make more time for romance in your busy life. If you’re not comfortable working on it on your own, then it might be beneficial to seek out a therapist who can help you navigate the issue.

Do What’s Right for You

How much sex does the average person have?

There might be a national average that answers this question in strict terms, but the truth is that it depends on the person. Some people have a lot of sex for a period of time and then go through a period of time where they have less. The big takeaway is that you should not let societal notions of sex make you feel bad for the amount of sex that you are having.

Do you want more information about topics like relationships and your career in the modern age? You’re in the right place! Check out the rest of our blog for everything you need to know.

 

 

No matter how safe a driver you are, there’s a good chance you’ll end up in a car accident yourself. Proud of your good driving record, you might be tempted to blame the other driver and file a lawsuit against them.

But have you considered what happens if you lose a car accident lawsuit? A car accident lawsuit can be a taxing process, so you want to make sure you know what you’re getting into.

To put yourself in the best position possible, read on to learn more about car accident lawsuits and when you might be better off avoiding legal action.

Why You Might File a Lawsuit

Most people will try to avoid a car accident lawsuit, but it might come to that if you can’t resolve a few disagreements.

The most obvious issue is who’s at fault. While both drivers may blame each other, the state may also struggle to single out one driver. Some states have policies that implicate both drivers, so you should double-check before filing a lawsuit.

You may also come across issues with your or the other driver’s insurance company. Insurance companies want to save as much money as possible, so you might find yourself in a financial bind. And it doesn’t help if the other driver is underinsured.

These pre-lawsuit woes could be a sign of things to come. Before diving into the legal process, take note of these ways you could lose your lawsuit.

Lack of Evidence 

Finding fault with a driver can be tricky since no one wants to pay for the losses. And if you live in a state that spreads the blame among both drivers, you might find yourself paying for some of the damages as well.

Proving you were injured is even harder. You need clear evidence from the get-go, so contacting police and visiting a hospital are crucial post-accident steps. Make sure you know what to do after a car accident, so you can build a solid case.

You Tried to Lone-Wolf It  

Another mistake people make is to avoid hiring a personal attorney. You might save some money, but you’ll lose a whole lot more when you lose the lawsuit.

Attorneys know the law much better than you, and they can help guide you through the process. So if you’re thinking about filing a car accident lawsuit, check out this page to get a solid personal injury lawyer. You can’t win this fight on your own.

What Happens if You Lose a Car Accident Lawsuit 

If you move forward with a car accident lawsuit and lose, it’s not the end of the world. But it could be the beginning of a world of pain for you.

Depending on the circumstances, you could lose your home, car, and life savings. Of course, only extreme examples involve losing all your money. These are things you should still consider, especially if you don’t have a great financial foundation.

The Best Course of Action Is the Surest One

No matter how innocent you think you are in a car accident, there’s a good chance the odds won’t be in your favor. There are many factors that come into play, and it’s hard to get them to align in just the right way.

What happens if you lose a car accident lawsuit? It could further upend your life, so be careful. Talk to an attorney if you’re not sure about your case, but don’t force anything.

And for more advice to help you navigate life’s twists and turns, visit our blog for more information.

 

Do you like to entertain on your boat? Are you wondering how other boaters are making their docks look festive?

Believe it or not, there’s an art to designing perfect lighting where your boat is docked. They can give you a sparkling ambiance and an amazing send-off. The right dock lighting provides the added safety, ambiance, and class that every top-notch boat deck deserves.

Here are some of our favorite dock lighting ideas.

1. Go Solar

Believe it or not, solar dock lights provide a gorgeous, subtle look for your dock. They’re also easy to install.

Since solar lights use the sun for energy, you’ll end up saving tons on your electrical bills both now and in the future. And as long as you keep them clean, they could last you for years without needing to replace them or their batteries. Solar lighting could be well worth the investment.

Today’s solar lights can be automated, so you won’t need to worry if you don’t go down to the dock every night. And you may even be able to get tax incentives for using an environmentally friendly option!

2. Safety and Visibility

You’ll want to make sure your boat has enough illumination to bring you and your guests safely into shore at night. Dock lights and underwater lights can both help with this.

Dock lights can also keep you and your guests from tripping as you get out of the boat and walk around the dock. Beyond making your deck look attractive, dock lights can end up saving you the time and trouble that could result from an injury on your dock!

3. Wharf Lighting

Wharf lights have a gooseneck shape and give your dock an immediate nautical look. They look great during the day and evening.

If you’re wharf lights, you’ll need to look for a high-quality metal that is strong enough to stand up to marine conditions. Certified marine-grade lights are available, and they’re usually powder-coated.

4. Motion-Activated Lights

Motion-activated lights are a great way to save money because they’ll only be used when you and your guests are boating, and you won’t have to worry about turning them on and off.

You’ll be able to increase the lifespan of your lights if they’re motion-activated. They also provide an extra layer of safety because no one in the vicinity of your dock will be walking around in the dark looking for switches.

5. Go Green

While many folks opt for traditional white lighting on their docks, green is becoming increasingly popular.

Green lights travel through the water better than other colors, so it’s a great way to attract fish if you’re an angling family. It also provides a lovely ambiance that complements your dock. It can be appreciated by boaters from miles away.

Dock Decorating Ideas

Getting creative with lighting is only one way to get your dock sparklin’.

A pier rope, for example, can be used to provide a little nautical elegance to your spot. It can get wrapped around posts or hung from other fixtures.

Dock hammocks are another great way to make your dock look elegant and welcoming. You can purchase or build one, and it’s a fantastic way to make the most out of the space you’re already paying to rent. Dock hammocks invite you to read away for hours on a warm day before taking a little sail.

Dock swings are also a great way to get extra dock use for your money. Your swing could be anything from a traditional two-seater for lovebirds to an adventurous jumping-off point for kids.

Nautical decorations, from fishing nets to boat bells to signs, can all get used for contributing to the nautical ambiance of your deck. Look for photos online and search for deals at local thrifts stores or splurge on some brand new, sturdy dock decor.

Where to Dock Your Boat

If you’re new to boating, get ready for a healthy adventure. Boating promotes exercise, socializing, and stress relief. It can also provide you with a wonderful way to spend quality time with your family and inspire creativity.

If you live in a rural area with a local lake, the decision about where to dock your boat is a no-brainer. Other folks, however, may need to do a little research before deciding where their baby’s new home is going to be.

You won’t be able to park your boat just anywhere the way you can with a car. You can usually rent or buy a slip at a local marina, but you’ll want to make sure these are available and affordable.

If you have friends who boat, ask them for recommendations on where you can rent a boat dock. Or research local marinas online and call them up. Find out how much it costs to dock a boat there year-round, and if there are any other services you’ll be required to pay for.

You won’t want to rent a boat before you’re sure there’s available space in a local marina that you can afford! Make sure you choose a spot to dock your boat before you buy your craft.

The Best Dock Lighting Ideas

Your boat deck is more than just a place to keep your vessel when you’re not using it. A well-appointed deck can welcome your guest and make them feel that they’re resting in your home away from home. With some unique dock lighting ideas, you can entertain at all hours of the day and night.

Don’t stop getting savvy now. For more great ideas on improving your home and lifestyle, read our blog today.

Are you thinking about heading to a public pool to do some swimming?

Even though you may be dying to swim, you may want to think twice about doing it in a public swimming pool. This is because public pools come with major health risks.

What are the health risks you need to worry about?

Read on to find out.

1. Drowning

When most people think about dangers associated with public swimming pools, they think about infections or diseases. However, the most dangerous aspect of a public swimming pool is the risk of drowning.

In your own private pool, there are many barriers you can set up to ensure that people don’t drown. For example, if you have little kids, you can install a childproof fence around your pool to ensure that they don’t get into the pool area when you’re not looking.

Even though there are lifeguards on duty at public pools, sometimes, these pools get very crowded, making it difficult for the lifeguards to keep their eyes on everyone.

If you choose to bring your kids to a public pool, make sure you’re always supervising them when you’re swimming. Don’t just trust the lifeguards to do it for you. Also, make sure your kids are strong swimmers before you let them get in the water.

While you can teach them to swim yourself, it’s best to sign them up for swimming lessons so they can learn the proper techniques. If your kids aren’t strong swimmers, then make sure they stay in the children’s pool.

Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death worldwide, and drowning accounts for 7% of all injury-related deaths. Each year, about 320,000 people die from drowning worldwide.

Even if everyone is a great swimmer, it’s still important to take the necessary precautions when going to a public pool.

2. Chemical Exposure

While chemicals are meant to keep public pools clean, they can be dangerously toxic in high amounts.

For example, too much chlorine in the pool can cause itchy, irritated skin, and aggravate asthma symptoms. If you accidentally swallow the water in the pool, some of the chemicals can kill the naturally beneficial bacteria in your body.

If you have your own pool, you can ensure that the chemical levels are where they need to be. Unfortunately, you have no clue what the chemical balance is in a public swimming pool.

This is why we recommend hiring a swimming pool builder to build your own backyard pool.

3. Swimmer’s Ear

Many people think you can only get swimmer’s ear from swimming in open water, but you can also get it from swimming in a public pool.

Swimmer’s ear refers to the inflammation of the outer ear canal, and it causes pain on the outside of your ear. It typically occurs when there is excess water in your ear and that water is somehow contaminated.

Luckily, you can easily treat swimmer’s ear with ear drops prescribed by your doctor. To prevent swimmer’s ear, make sure your family dries out their ears with towels after swimming.

To drain water out of your ear, you can gently pull on your ear lobes as you tilt your head to one side.

4. Shigellosis

Shigellosis is an infectious disease that’s caused by a group of bacteria known as Shigella. Those infected with Shigellosis experience stomach cramps, fever, and diarrhea after two days of being exposed to the bacteria.

Typically, the infection resolves within 5 to 7 days. Shigella can easily contaminate water, which is why you’re at risk of getting it if you swim in a public pool. While the infection is short-lived, the symptoms can be quite brutal. This is another reason why swimming in a private pool is so much better.

5. E. Coli

Most of us think of e.coli as a food-related illness. However, you can also get e.coli from swimming in a public pool. Typically, infection happens when someone is exposed to fecal matter in the pool.

That’s right, pooping in the pool isn’t just disgusting, it can also lead to disease. Most e.coli strains are not dangerous, and there are some that even live in your large intestines.

Unfortunately, e.coli that you get from swimming in a fecal-infested pool can cause diarrhea and vomiting. It can even lead to kidney failure, and in rare cases, death.

6. Lice

Most of think of lice as a disease that children get. However, adults are also susceptible to lice. While you’d think that lice wouldn’t be able to survive in pool water, think again.

These little parasites are actually immune to the effects of chlorine. The goal of this parasite is to attach itself to the human scalp. While your chances of getting lice in a public pool are rare, it can still happen, especially if you share towels or brushes.

It’s always a good idea to bring your own towel to the public pool to ensure you’re using one that’s been properly cleaned.

7. Cryptosporidiosis

Commonly referred to as “crypto”, this is another parasite you can contract from swimming in a public pool. This illness leads to cramping, watery diarrhea, and major discomfort.

Crypto lives in the gut of infected animals or humans. An infected person sheds Crypto parasites when they poop. In fact, a single bowel movement can shed between 10 and 100 million parasites.

If you swallow public pool water that’s contaminated with Crypto, you’re at risk of developing the illness.

Public Swimming Pool Risks: Time to Act

Now that you know about the risks of swimming in a public pool, you may never want to go to a public swimming pool again. Luckily, you have the option to build your own pool in your backyard.

Even if you’re on a tight budget, there are many affordable above-ground pool options.

Be sure to check back in with our blog for more safety news and tips.

Substance abuse takes a tremendous toll on a person as well as their family and friends. These individuals require a specialized treatment plan to help them overcome addiction and focus on living a healthy life.

But what happens when someone suffers from substance abuse and mental health issues? The treatment becomes more complex while simultaneously addressing these two issues.

This is what makes inpatient dual diagnosis treatment centers crucial for a person’s recovery. They’re able to receive state of the art treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues. These centers help people recover faster and in a way that meets their individual needs.

For anyone wondering, “What is dual diagnosis?” then keep reading for five fast facts about these beneficial treatment centers.

Inpatient Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers

Dual diagnosis rehab centers aim to treat anyone with mental health and substance abuse issues. They help those with complex demands in a safe, secure environment.

1. Access To Highly-Trained Professionals

Inpatient dual diagnosis treatment centers provide fantastic resources. They offer a professional diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse.

These centers have evidence-driven treatment delivered in both individual and group therapy sessions.

Programs are tailored to an individual’s needs, creating a unique treatment plan. These plans follow patients throughout their treatment and recovery process, growing with them.

2. Medication

Medication is an option for anyone suffering from mental health issues. Doctors and psychologists will evaluate a person’s needs and decide on a treatment plan.

A qualified dual diagnosis treatment center monitors patients who take medication, ensuring their safety at all times.

3. Therapeutic Options

There are various types of therapies to choose from. They help people overcome addiction while gaining control over mental illness.

Gardening therapy, for example, can ease restless thoughts. It can also help a person find peace in an enjoyable activity.

This type of therapy works alongside addiction services. The goal is to lower stress levels and improve mood. Other types of therapy include music therapy to help people through their recovery.

4. Individualized Treatment

Substance abuse can happen to anyone. However, men and women can partake in different types of treatment.

For example, men do well with learning how to control impulses and their emotions. Women show progress with memory processing techniques.

Regardless of the treatment plan, men and women both flourish in inpatient dual diagnosis treatment centers.

5. Traditional and Holistic Treatment

Addiction varies from person to person. As a result, treatment plans must accommodate an individual’s needs. There are traditional treatment programs as well as holistic and alternative practices.

For anyone who wants to avoid medication, there are holistic treatment plans available. Some types of holistic treatment are acupuncture, massage, yoga, herbal supplements, and nutritional therapy.

The Road To Recovery

No matter what type of addiction or mental health challenges a person faces, there is hope. Inpatient dual diagnosis treatment centers provide around the clock compassionate care while helping a person enjoy a healthy, happy life.

Most importantly, they help patients and their families every step of the way.

Be sure to check out our comprehensive list of health, wellness, and lifestyle articles. We’ve got the latest information about everything you and your family need.