Family

When you finally make it to the third trimester you may think that the worst part is over. After all, you’re in the last stretch of pregnancy. However, the truth is that things are just getting started. Most women agreed that the third trimester is the most difficult—and for good reason. Take a look at some of the telltale signs that you’re definitely in your third trimester of pregnancy.

Nesting Urges

As you get closer to your due date, you may find yourself getting sudden spurts of creative energy around the house. Adding decorations to your baby’s room, or buying things spontaneously online for your baby are not unheard of in the final trimester before giving birth.

You instinctively start preparing your home for the arrival of your baby and start to put a lot of energy into making sure your space is just perfect. Sometimes it can baffle our confused partners who aren’t sure when you suddenly became the next Marie Kondo. Don’t worry— it’s all part of pregnancy, and nesting is perfectly normal!

Back Pain

As the baby starts to weigh more and more, it starts to take its toll on your back. All of the extra weight can make you extra top-heavy and can lead to serious pressure on your lower back. If the pain becomes too intense, you may want to talk to your doctor about wearing a special back brace. It also helps to get an ergonomic chair for long periods of sitting, and of course, a pregnancy pillow.

You Can’t See Your Toes

Gone are the days when you could see your toes. All you can see now is a stretched-out belly button and in some cases, maybe a few cute stretch marks. Because of the distance between you and your toes, washing your feet or painting your toenails can become a serious chore. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with things like tying your shoes. Its as if you’ve got a watermelon in the waistband of your pants at all times, so it’s normal if you can’t do things that involve your feet.

You’re Tired All the Time

The initial fatigue of the first trimester finally wears off, only to revisit in the third trimester. If you find yourself wanting to fall asleep several times a day, you’re not alone. Third trimester fatigue is a real thing. Try to give yourself the rest that you need, and don’t feel guilty about taking a nap sometimes. Your baby will be here soon, and you need all the rest you can get before they arrive.

Ravenous Appetite

If you managed to get away with a reasonable appetite up until now, then consider yourself lucky. It’s usually by the third trimester that women start getting extra ravenous. Now that your baby is bigger, you need to give yourself a few more calories than you did in your second trimester. Don’t hold yourself back, as long as you’re making healthy choices!

Legal matters are always inherently stressful, and legal battles within the family are some of the worst out there. Family law covers a wide variety of situations, including property distribution, divorce, child custody, paternity and child support, domestic violence, and even juvenile issues. There are some family lawyers who even specialize in areas that have nothing to do with divorce, such as adoption, emancipation, and more.

A divorce will be extremely stressful for you and your spouse, and matters are always complicated further when children are involved. Forming a custody agreement during a divorce case is hard on all family members, especially the children or adolescents involved. An agreement may result in joint custody, where both parents are responsible for the major decisions in their children’s lives, or there may be sole custody agreements if one parent is deemed unfit. Such family law cases will also have to iron out approved visitation rights and other particulars that can easily raise child anxiety. Here are a few ways you can help your family cope during this difficult time.

Find an attorney you trust, and stick with them.

There’s no denying that you’re going to have to find a divorce lawyer or similar legal representation during litigation. Especially when you’ve lost all spousal support, you need to find a family law attorney who will be on your side during the legal separation. Seek the services of someone like this family lawyer in New Orleans, and take their counsel seriously.

High-conflict custody cases lead to high emotions, which aren’t good for you, your spouse, or your child’s anxiety. You’ll need to follow any legal advice your counselor gives you to the letter, and it’s also a good idea to follow any advice they have about de-escalating situations. Even if your spouse isn’t behaving in a way that supports you and your children’s best interests, it’s often better to just make notes of offending behavior, rather than calling them out on it in an emotional moment or contemplating a contempt filing. Handling situations as amicably as possible now will help you on the path towards healing, even if it may not feel like it at the time.

Consider visiting a therapist.

With the stigma surrounding mental health quickly dissipating, it’s more common than ever for people to seek help from a psychiatrist to deal with issues like anxiety disorders, phobias, panic disorder, and more. Children and adolescents often have a difficult time expressing the things that are bothering them, and a divorce or other family legal matters is a huge change in a child’s life. These issues can easily affect your child’s mental health and may result in issues like separation anxiety or social phobia.

If you’re noticing changes in your child’s behavior during the legal process, it’s a good idea to contact a child anxiety therapist and see what can be done. Your child’s symptoms may manifest in forms like irritability and mood swings, avoidance of school, or even difficulties with sleep. Child psychiatrists are well-trained in finding ways to focus on a child’s issues while keeping them comfortable.

Of course, you could always come in for family therapy as well, or you may even wish to set up some individual sessions of your own. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often a successful approach that clients take to. This is basically a way of teaching you to view your situations differently and react with a more positive mindset. If you have social anxiety or tend to berate yourself for your problems, then CBT can be a great way to change your outlook, and it will likely help you with healing after the legal battle is done.

 

If we’ve learned anything from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that health is of the utmost importance. As we found ourselves isolated to our homes through lockdown, we’ve grown to appreciate our loved ones even more, and we want to do whatever we can for their well-being. Here are some ways to make sure your family is doing the most to benefit their health for the long term.

The Benefits of Telemedicine

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many doctor’s offices to close their doors to routine sick visits and even annual physicals. This led to an overwhelming presence of telemedicine by healthcare providers. Patients immediately saw the benefits of virtual visits, able to accommodate around the schedule of any family member. This has helped general practitioners to offer assessment on an illness, and even therapists to conduct one-on-one sessions from afar. Many insurers worked to get policyholders to access these virtual visits. Some have found this easier than commuting to their doctor’s offices for an appointment.

Self-Care

The importance of self-care cannot be stressed enough, as we learned that overall health is more than just blood tests and the number on the scale. It’s about care for mind, body, and soul. Self-care means taking time to relax and reflect, taking yourself away from work and the stress of the day to absorb the day in an effective way. For some people, this can be taking a warm bath. For others, it can be having a conversation with friends. The only way to properly care for oneself is to do what makes you feel good and healthier after times of stress. Having this time to yourself allows you to not only practice self-compassion but provide compassion to those around you.

Diet and Exercise

Sometimes we find ourselves eating whatever we want and wanting to just hang out on the couch and watch TV. While the occasional ice cream sundae and Netflix binge could actually be how someone would practice self-care, it’s important for you and your family members to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. Opt for a diet that’s high in protein and low in fatty carbohydrates. More complex carbs that are high in fiber are recommended to help boost energy and maintain better digestion. While you don’t have to sign up for a marathon, regular cardio workouts at least 3-5 times a week along with some occasional strength training will help provide some balance.

Psychotherapy

The pandemic taught us the importance of mental health and peace of mind. Seeing a therapist doesn’t have to be limited to just adults. Adolescents and children should also consider addressing any stressors. Don’t hesitate to look up “Baltimore child therapy” if you’re in Maryland, to find a licensed therapist that specializes in child development and breaking down mental health stigma for younger people. Counselors can address behaviors and stress during in-person sessions, or even through telemedicine. There are also group therapy and other treatment options available that can accommodate new patients or even patients seeking a change in their therapy treatments.

Enjoy the Little Things

It can take a lot to make sure your own home is running on all cylinders. However, a good way to truly take care of the overall health of everyone in your family is to enjoy them. Take the time to soak in those little moments. Whether it’s a laugh together while watching a movie or just playing in the backyard, allow for as much time to bring as much joy for you and everyone you love. You’ll get a few hours of sleep enjoying life and laughing then you will taking extra time to focus on medication. Enjoy life to the fullest.

 

One thing we are sure of in life is that it doesn’t last forever. As we age, people we know, and love will pass away. It can be difficult, but one way to help you focus and deal with the emotion is to plan a memorial to honour that special person’s life. Remembering the person in their best light and sharing things they believed, found essential, or enjoyable will bring their personality to light. You might want to consider some of these ideas if you have a funeral or memorial to plan.

• Select a Funeral Service Provider: The first order of business is to make sure all the logistical arrangements for the burial are taken care of. For example, the Funeral Director – Academy Funeral Services can be located through their website. Once you have the information you need about time and venue, you can make your plans regarding the funeral and other things you may choose to do.
• Identify the Best: Before you make too many plans, get together with some people that knew the deceased and reminisce about their character. What did they live through, what did they feel strongly about? If they were passionate about the environment, maybe try a green burial. Consider the defining moments and achievements that made your loved one special. Try to remember their favorite song, favorite movie, or book. Was there a sport or hobby they were passionate about? Try to incorporate all of that in the funeral or memorial somehow. Click here for information about adult acne, which many people suffer from.
• Eulogy: There will likely be a few different people who will speak at the funeral, but the most important part is the eulogy. When choosing the person for this role, consider that a good speaker can make the tribute unique and memorable in the best way. Try to find someone who is gifted at speaking and maybe has done a few funerals before. To complement the eulogy, see if you can have a video or slideshow prepared to show just after the eulogy is given.
• Order of Service: This is the name for the printed piece that everyone at the funeral service gets. It is often considered a memento, something that people can keep as a reminder. Try to make this document as special as you can. Don’t worry about what others have done; make something beautiful that people will want to keep. Include the character of the deceased, what they loved, and some nice photos too.
• Memorial Items and Gestures: These days, some beautiful ideas are being tried, like handing out baby trees or seeds to be planted in the memory of a friend. You can have life books made that document a life with better detail and more photos. Or, you can give donations in the name of the deceased.

If you follow the service with a meal, serve your loved one’s favorite food. Have an open mic so people can share a few words. Sometimes it is at the dinner where people feel more at ease and remember something important to share. With every step consider the personality of the deceased and create an experience that represents them, and they would have chosen to do.

 

Finding time to be healthy as a busy family can be challenging. Still, since the pandemic began, many families have found simple ways to make their lifestyles healthier without becoming a chore. In our guide, we can help your family embrace healthier living choices that you can all enjoy.

Have Regular Health Checks

Regular health checks are a vital way to discuss any niggling concerns you’ve been having with your doctor before they become serious. Rather than wait and see if that stiffness in your leg or that strange rash goes away, make time to speak to a doctor; this is also an excellent chance to discuss any lifestyle concerns you may have in a calm environment.

As a family, finding time to visit your GP can be difficult. However, with the new GP online service from Virtually, you can speak to a doctor from your smartphone, tablet or laptop online the same day. GP online will save you time and reduce stress so that you can enjoy the good things in life.

Plan Meals In Advance

Planning meals in advance will help you make healthier choices with your food as well as saving you worrying about what you can cook when you get home. Get the whole family involved in the meal planning process; this will give everyone a voice and stop older children from feeling forced to eat better.

Implement A Snack Strategy

Prepare healthy snacks for the week in advance to avoid being tempted by the easy options; try chopping or portioning out fruit and vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, grapes, strawberries or nuts. Have them ready to go in small bags or containers so that if anyone in the family is feeling peckish, the healthy snacks are readily available.

Ways To Sleep Better

Sleep can have a massive impact on your health; if anyone in the family is struggling to sleep, there are many things you can add to your routines to help. Healthier food and exercise can help burn off excess energy before bedtime, and a weighted blanket can help to relieve stress if anyone in the family is under a lot of pressure.

Find Fun Activities

There are plenty of fun activities for families to enjoy together that can help them get moving. Try making a game out of it whether you have young children or older ones; this will help take everyone’s minds off of the chore of exercising and just enjoy the time together. Encourage your family to move for at least 60 minutes a day for improved health, but don’t worry, you don’t have to do an hour all at once split it up into manageable segments. Try 15 to 30 minutes at a time; many people find that it’s easier to exercise when they do this and end up doing more.

Some fun ideas for your family:

• Treasure hunts.
• Bike rides.
• A walk in the woods.
• Play follow the leader.
• Dancing during adverts.
• Football, rugby, basketball or other sports.
• Create an obstacle course at home.

 

Getting into a car accident is stressful for any adult. However, this experience can be particularly hard on teens. Even if you are paying the medical bills, your teenager is likely dealing with insurance companies for the first time and could potentially face a lawsuit from the other party.

As a parent, you can guide your teen through this process. Follow these steps after a car accident to make sure your property damage and hospital bills are covered.

Talk to a lawyer.

No matter how small the accident seems, you will want to talk with an attorney. A personal injury lawyer can be a lifeline for you and your teen during this time. They know how to work with insurance companies and can guide you through the next steps in your case.

Talking to a personal injury lawyer is important regardless of who is to blame for the crash. Even if your teen is deemed to be at fault, they still deserve to have their medical care covered by their car insurance policy. Make sure you work with a law firm you can trust. Make an appointment with a New Orleans personal injury lawyer or relevant attorney in your area who will listen to you.

Walk your teen through each step.

This may be your teen’s first crash as a driver, but it might not be their last. The average driver will get into an accident about once every 17.9 years. While some people will get into accidents less frequently, others will go through this process once every decade or so.

Despite the stress, this can be a teachable moment for your teen. You can walk them through what happens during a crash and how to resolve any issues following the accident. Approach your teen with compassion and lead by example. This way, they will be familiar with the process if they are in an accident again.

Seek out therapy for the crash.

Most adolescents only have a few months of driving experience. It’s this lack of experience that contributes to so many teen auto accidents. However, because driving is new, your teen might not feel safe getting behind the wheel again. They might worry about causing another crash or could have lingering trauma from another driver hitting them.

Look into teen counseling to guide them through this difficult time. A licensed psychiatrist can help your teen work through their emotions and voice their concerns about getting back in the car. When the time is right, they can start driving again and feel confident navigating the roadways. Search for teen counseling near me to find a qualified therapist and set up your first session.

Make sure they learn from the experience.

It’s possible to learn from almost any accident, even if your teen isn’t the one at fault. As tour teen starts to heal and the car gets repaired, walk them through the crash and discuss what they can learn for next time.

If the crash was text message-related, you may want to ban phone use in the car. If the weather played a factor, then your teen might need a refresher lesson on how to drive in the rain or on snow. In the short term, you may need to revoke certain privileges, like driving with friends or taking the car at night. You can’t prevent every crash, but you can help your team learn from their mistakes so they are safer in the future.

Getting into a car accident can take a physical and mental toll on your teen. As they heal physically, make sure you look out for their mental health. Focus on getting better while a qualified law firm handles the paperwork related to the crash.

 

While it’s still summer, there’s no reason you should put off getting ready for Christmas. You don’t want to wait until Thanksgiving creeps up on you and realize you haven’t even begun thinking about what to buy your friends and family or how to decorate your home.

For families who celebrate, Christmas can involve a variety of events to attend, presents to buy, and seasonally appropriate meals to cook. When left until the last minute, it can be overwhelming and sometimes impossible to plan out the perfect Christmas. If you want to get a start on the holiday season but don’t know where to get started, continue reading for five easy ways to start preparing for Christmas now.

1. Write out a shopping list.

Making a list is one of the quintessential elements of Christmas, and it’s always best to start your shopping list early. No matter what the date on the calendar says, if you come up with a great idea, write it down. Even if you don’t purchase your gifts far in advance, you’ll have a list full of ideas ready to go for Christmastime.

2. Sort out your lights.

Everyone knows how important LED Christmas lights are when it comes to decorating your house for the holiday season. However, everyone is also familiar with the headache that often comes along with putting up Christmas lights. It’s always better to invest in a quality light set that you’ll be able to reuse rather than buying cheap Christmas lights from a big-box retailer.

Decide what areas you’re going to decorate and measure how many yards worth of string lights you’ll need. If you live somewhere with a homeowner’s association or have a landlord, make sure you check and see if there are any restrictions on the number of Christmas lights or the type of lights you’re allowed to use.

3. Create a menu and a guest list for your party.

If you plan on having a Christmas party, whether it’s a large on for all your friends or a smaller, family celebration, it’s a good idea to get started on your menu and guest list right away. Go grocery shopping early as well, though you have to be mindful of when certain food products will expire.

4. Take care of home maintenance.

Making sure your home is in great shape is essential if you plan to entertain. HVAC maintenance is especially important during the colder months. Regular maintenance for your HVAC system includes changing the filter every three months and having it inspected annually by a technician to make sure that it’s in good condition. If you like having company during the holidays, the last thing you want is to have a breakdown that requires costly repairs right before you’re expecting company.

5. Make a plan for decorating.

Decide early if you’re going to buy a real tree or use an artificial one, as your schedule and decorating plans may change. Don’t forget that buying a real Christmas tree involves keeping up with maintenance throughout the season. It’s a good idea to plan out what you plan to use in each room and find out early on if you need to purchase any additional decorations. You also don’t want to go shopping before you see what you have, you might need less than you believe.

Keeping track of all of the miscellaneous tasks and errands associated with Christmas is always difficult, so staying organized is key. Buying a planner to write down all your plans and ideas is a great way to make things easier. Even if you can’t get everything done in advance, even taking care of a few tasks like organizing your Christmas lights or taking care of your routine home maintenance can make a difference, and getting an early start is the best way to minimize holiday stress. Being proactive will pay off when December arrives and you’re completely prepared for the holiday season.

When buying a family car, a vehicle often needs to meet many requirements. Here are some things to look out for when searching for the perfect car for your family.

Economical – An ideal family car should have a good MPG, be fuel efficient and come with low running costs. Skoda is one of the most popular car brands for family cars, which is largely because of excellent fuel economy. The Skoda Octavia can be one of the best cars for this purpose. Peugeot is another brand that is considered to be a highly efficient family car. Especially the Peugeot 308 can be a great choice. However, there are many other brands to choose from and compare, such as Volkswagen, Ford and Vauxhall.

Budget friendly – family life comes with many costs. An expensive car doesn’t have to be one of these, buying a car second hand will save you money over buying new. You can adjust variables such as mileage and year to reduce the cost. Buying a car is also usually cheaper than leasing one and will enable you to sell later on if you choose to. You will also have the option to negotiate or find much cheaper prices when you buy outright rather than signing a lease agreement.

Practical – getting a car that can comfortably fit your family, has enough room, and provides plenty of seats for the whole family is ideal. Family cars are often a more expensive investment since they provide extra space and comforts for children and parents. Of course, you can also always upgrade a car by buying things that will make journeys with the whole family easier, such as car seat organisers/tables or tablet and drinks holders to keep children entertained. Just make sure that the boot is large enough for the stroller, the back can hold enough car seats and that the car isn’t too high to make it easy for kids to climb onto the seats themselves.

Efficient – getting a petrol car for short trips is more efficient, if you plan to do frequent long-distance trips then diesel is more efficient. In order to increase the efficiency of your car, pay attention to the proper maintenance. Making sure that tires are properly inflated, the oil levels are optimal, the engine is tuned, and oil changes are carried out regularly will make the car safer to drive and help reduce costs for repairs. This will also help make your vehicle more durable and increase its lifespan.

Safety – the safety of your car is crucial for a family car. Different vehicles have different safety ratings, with cars such as Tesla’s ranking as the safest. While Tesla’s Model 3 is considered to be among the safest cars according to several sources, there have been some violations reported by inspectors which have recently removed it from its top spot. Therefore, it’s important to always pay attention to the newest developments before purchasing a family vehicle. The more luxurious Audi A6 and the Alfa Romeo Giulia have received a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating and can also be great options when looking to buy a safe car. Volkswagen cars and certain SUVs such as the SEAT Ateca have also been found to meet important safety standards by Euro NCAP as well.

There are several things to consider when choosing a family car, including the right boot size, enough space for car seats, comfortability on long trips and other things that only parents can understand.

 

Green burials are becoming extremely popular in the present day and age. This sustainable means of burial is resurfacing as more Americans are pre-planning their funeral. This is a much economically sustainable way for holding funerals with eco-friendly means ranging from cremation urn to all other aspects.

Since this is a relatively new trend, there is much misinterpretation and misinformation regarding green burial. In reality, green burial is a set of procedures that include body preparation, burial practices, and the funeral in totality that allows the body to decompose naturally. While it is legal to carry out green burial, some rules and regulations are to be practiced.

Preparing a Green Burial

A green burial can be planted by someone who has been given authority over the dead body of a person. This person generally takes upon the role of a funeral director and makes all the arrangements for a green burial.

The best part about a green funeral is that it can be typically arranged without help from funeral homes. Since these are substantial money-making businesses, you will not find proper guidelines from funeral homes.

Green burials are becoming much more common in today’s world because of how inexpensive and straightforward they are. From preparing the body to performing the last rites, all can be done in a much controlled and easier manner.

Things to be kept in mind

With green burial, you can find an easy way for the body to decompose in natural soil. To make sure that this can happen without any problem, here are a few things to be followed:

• Make sure to cover the body with soil that is at least 10 to 24 inches deep. This helps in successfully creating a physical barrier that will keep unwanted scavengers away from the grave.
• Never bury the body in or near a wetland. Similarly, a body must never be buried anywhere close to a source of potable water.
• The body must always be buried above the high water table for the season.
• Make sure that the body is not embalmed before it is buried.
• Use biodegradable containers for this burial process.

Advantages of a Green Burial

There is no denying that a green burial has its advantages. The idea and execution of a green burial have simplicity in its heart. It is unpretentious and raw. In a way, it truly brings out the essence of death.

The burial homes have done a business out of death, and a green burial is a great way to find release from this hassle. You can return to the elements of nature at a much lower cost. Besides, green burials are called so because they conserve natural resources and give back to nature without creating additional waste.

A green burial is a great way to help your loved ones move on to the next life in a sane and natural way. For many people, it is more about the peace in death rather than the fancy processions. Get the best cremation urn and go ahead with a green funeral for your loved one!

 

The death of a loved one will inevitably take a toll on the family members. However, one of the essential tasks that follow the death of a person is the cremation procedure.

In the cremation procedure, the dead body is placed in a cremation chamber and exposed to high heat. The heat breaks down the organic matter and the bone until reduced to tiny fragments.

These fragments are then allowed to cool before they can be pulverized into a final consistency with the help of a cremulator. The ashes are then carefully collected and placed in a cremation urn and then given to the family members. The steps in detail are as follows:

The Body is First Identified

The identification procedure is essential so that you receive the correct ashes by the end of the procedure. Different facilities use various methods for this process to ensure proper confirmation of Identity. They generally place a metal identification tag by the end of the identification process.

The Paperwork Is Then Completed

Before moving the body to the crematorium, the authorized personnel must complete all the associated paperwork. The family members given over the dead body need to complete this process. Once complete, the procedure can be continued.

The Body Is Then Prepared

Preparation of the body is carried out by the individual facility and varies from one place to another. However, it generally includes appropriately cleaning and dressing the body. For cremation purposes, the body is not generally embalmed unless specifically requested by the family members.

During this procedure, medical devices, jewelry, or other mechanical devices are separated from the body to reduce the chances of unwanted reactions. The body is then finally placed in a combustible vessel.

Entering the Cremation Chamber

Once the body is ready, it is transferred to a cremation chamber which is the special furnace. It is where the body is exposed to high heat to break down the organic matter. By the end of this process, only ashes are left behind. The remains are then cooled entirely before being handled.

Besides direct cremation, the process of liquid cremation is also gaining traction. It uses alkali and other liquids to speed up the decomposition process. It uses much less energy as it is flameless. However, this is not accepted everywhere in the US.

Preparing the Remains

Once the body turns to ashes, it is further inspected to ensure that no metals or other such substances are left behind. It can be left from pins or prosthetics that were previously attached to the body. The metal remains are handpicked one by one to make sure that nothing remains. You may use strong magnets to get hold of any small metal fragments. These are then sent to be recycled.

Once purified, the ashes are further processed and pulverized. It leads to finer grains of ashes that are ready to be placed into a cremation urn.

Once the ashes are pulverized, they are ready to be returned to the family members. However, if some specific requests are there, that might also be considered depending on the particular crematorium.