Archives for October 2018

It’s normal to be upset by the prospect of losing somebody you love. everybody feels that way. Still, especially when illness or addiction is involved, the lack of social structures to help with the long, drawn-out period when death is on its way can make things very difficult. If you’re going through something like this it’s important to know how to take care of yourself and make things as easy as possible for all involved.

Anticipatory grief

In situations like this, the grieving process can start before your loved one dies. It’s subtly different for each individual and can involve confusing feelings like anger, fear and guilt (even if you know you’ve done nothing wrong). Some people are unnerved because they don’t seem to feel much of anything. It’s important to remember that there are no obligations and that your emotions will sort themselves out in time. In the meantime you need to be patient and try to manage them so that they don’t interfere with your relationship with the dying person.

Understanding the process

When death occurs in a slow, natural way, it usually involves the dying person becoming more withdrawn. Don’t take this as a rejection and be careful not to crowd or overwhelm the person, who will gradually need more sleep. Don’t push them to eat or drink more – just ask what small things you might do to make them happy. If they want company, they may be content simply to hold your hand and not have the energy to interact more.

Talking and listening

The chances are that you and others who are close to the dying person will have things you feel it’s important to say before death happens. Now is the time to make your confessions and express your feelings so that you’re not left burdened with regret – but remember that the dying person may not have the energy to react much. Don’t make it all about you – take the time to listen to what they feel it’s important to say as well.

Preserving memories

Towards the end, if the dying person feels up to it, it can be good to take photographs, record them speaking or make videos together so that you will have things to help you remember. Be understanding if they don’t want to do all of this and would prefer to be remembered as they were when stronger. Ask them which memories they most treasure and would like you to preserve.

Getting closure

It might sound grim, but making a practical plan together to take care of funeral arrangements can actually set everyone’s minds at ease. Whether there’s going to be a burial, a cremation or something else, the dying person may feel comforted by knowing what the next stage of the physical journey will be, and you will have reassurance that you’re respecting their wishes. If you plan to use a keepsake urn for the ashes, that may be a great comfort as well, so make sure you tell your loved one that they will always be with you.

Death is never easy and nothing you can do will make it so, but sharing moments of emotional intimacy towards the end can help you to adjust. Take time to reflect on all the ways that your loved one’s influence will continue to affect the world, and remember that you’re part of that legacy.

Tarot reading can transform your life in more ways than one. But before you can benefit from this means of divination, you will have to seek out a genuine tarot reader who can help you come into contact with your higher self and gain perception in life.

A deck of tarot cards holds no power by itself. It is the skill of the reader that comes into play during a psychic reading session. As such, it is essential that you find out an honest and sincere tarot reader who is also gifted enough to guide you in your psychic reading endeavors. Outlined below are a few essential tips that will help you to make a selection of a reliable tarot card reader.

Be sure of what you want

Knowing what type of reading you want is the first step of finding a genuine tarot card reader. It is important to note that not all tarot card readers indulge in all types of readings. Some may concentrate on reading about your love life while others may help you gain insights about your career or enable you to deal with a tragic incident in your life.

Depending on your need, you will have to carry out your search. It won’t help your cause if you fix up an appointment with a reader to find a solution for your financial upheavals and then realize that the reader only works to interpret dreams or is an expert in finding the perfect match. So, check before you step ahead.

Pay attention to the name

A tarot reader’s name says a lot about the individual’s abilities. So, consider the name carefully. You may dismiss it as a not-so-important point while looking for a psychic reader. But the fact is that wonderful tarot readers have normal names. The more fancy or outlandish a name, the more is the possibility of the person to turn out to be a fake reader. Even when a good reader uses a pseudonym, it is generally one that is more commonplace than weird or strange.

Read the price wisely

A reader who demands an exorbitant price doesn’t necessarily guarantee the best reading. In fact, too expensive a price can be a sign of a shoddy reader whose interest is more in fleecing the divination seekers than in offering them genuine help and resolving their queries.

Also, too less a price can be an indication of inexperience or even desperation on part of the reader. A genuine reader may command a good price, but it won’t be a sky-high one. Your clue is to look for someone who offers the service at an affordable rate. Too much or too less and you will be better off to steer clear of them.

Be wary of promises for instant results

When you go to try a psychic reading and the reader promises to deliver instant solutions for your problems, know that you are at the wrong place. No genuine tarot reader will make crazy promises. Any tarot reader who claims to possess the ability to resolve your problems immediately is not worth your trust, time, or money. Tarot readers are mediums that can help you to gain insight into your life or enable you to attain a new perspective. But they are not likely to have the ability to remove your worries through any kind of products, potions, or spells, and that too within a short period of time. If they insist that you buy a certain product or spell to overcome your problems or adversities, know that it is time to move out of that place and start looking for another reader.

Believe your instincts

If a tarot reader works great for your best friend or relative, it’s not necessary that you will also get the same vibes or results from that person. You will have to look for someone who is the right match for you and resonates with you at some deep level. Of course, you can consider the references of your near and dear ones regarding the readers that they found to be the best.

But do not go thinking that the same reader will be the perfect one for you as well. Interact with the reader personally before you take a call. Also, if something doesn’t feel right or your gut feeling says that things are not going the way they should, do not hesitate to trust your instinct and leave the place.

The Riviera Maya is one of the famous spots in Mexico. Picture perfect white sandy beaches and turquoise water make the Riviera Maya a popular destination for lakhs of tourists every year. There are a vast range of fun activities and places to watch in this gorgeous white sand beach paradise.

If you love to spend, some quality time in soft sand beaches means the Riviera Maya is the perfect place for you. This beautiful place is a Caribbean coastline on Mexico’s northeastern peninsula. Riviera Maya is also known for its luxurious Mayan Riviera properties in its favorite town places such as Playa Del Carmen, Tulum and through its long white sand beaches.

If you are striving to make your trip, as an unforgettable trip with your family, then don’t worry I’ve got you covered. In this post, I have included ten best things you must do when you stay in the Riviera Maya with your family.

So, let us get into the top 7 best things list,

7 Best things to do in Riviera Maya with your family:

1. Relax and Spend Some Quality time on White Sand Beaches:

The first and best to experience in this Riviera Maya is its white sand beaches. So, sit back and Relax in the beautiful beaches. Although this place has some incredible places to watch and excellent fun activities to do, it is also a fabulous place to sit back and relax on the beach.

Most of the travelers always love to do sunbathing in this place. As this is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, people love to spend some quality time in Riviera Maya beaches. If you feel like you need a drink while you sit back and relax then your favorite beverages and cocktails are always at your services in Riviera Maya.

So, to enjoy your vacation hop on a beachside hammock and spend time while sipping the cocktail. This is the best place for families; they will always love this experience when you make them feel that they truly deserved this vacation just by arranging hammocks and cocktails on the beach. Kids will still enjoy playing in the clearest waters and pristine powdery beaches.

1. Enjoy Parties through the night in Playa Del Carmen:

It’s always best to start your trip with a fabulous night party in Playa Del Carmen. This place is popularly known for its nightlife; the vibrant and fun-filled parties are ubiquitous in this region. You can even enjoy the nightlife in the neighboring town Cancun as well.

Usually, the nightlife in the Playa Del Carmen starts at the beach and on Fifth Avenue. You can find the other smaller parties quickly on the surroundings of the Del Carmen beach. In these parties, you can enjoy some excellent cuisine & Cocktails on the night hotspot. Along with these hotspots, you can also find some dancing night parties and clubs through the town coastline.

The biggest night attractions that I have experienced in the night hotspots is the flamboyant coco bongo. Here the entertainments are at peaks when compared to the other musical event and parties. Watch out for these parties and then try different things to do from your next day of the trip. Usually, the nightlife of the Playa Del Carmen will start quite late so better take a light nap and head over to the party place around 11 and 11:30 Pm.

1. Experience the Chichen Itza:

If you like to visit the monuments in the Riviera Maya, then have a glance at the Chichen Itza. It is often hailed as one of the seven wonders of the new world, and they always believe that it is the second most popular attraction in Mexico.

This extraordinary cultural monument is located between the Valladolid and Merida. It is similar to the pyramids in shape, and it is one of the best stone monument you’ll see in Mexico. Here you can see the astronomy and the beginning of the 365 days calendar. Along with that, the serpent-shaped shadow is always visible at the temple of Kukulkan during the spring season.

Families love to visit this place to know about the Mayans astronomy and another factor. If you are ready to attend Chichen Itza means, make sure you pack comfortable shoes, as there will be plenty of water in the site.

1. Scuba Dive & Snorkeling in Cozumel:

Get ready to meet the spectacular sea life on the world’s second largest reef system in Riviera Maya. The coastal free of great Maya extends over 600 miles from the top of the peninsula and down to the Honduran. This is the best part for snorkeling in the whole of America.

Americans love to visit this place for scuba diving and snorkeling. The crystal clear water and warm ocean will make them feel awesome along with that, they like to see wide varieties of coral, tropical and other sea creatures while they snorkel or go scuba diving.

This best place to scuba dive in Riviera Maya is at the beach of Akumal; here you can find send the time by floating on the warm water and by having a glance at the tropical fishes and sea creatures very closely.

If you already have the open water qualification or certificate of scuba diving, then you can explore more by going deep into the ocean. You can even meet the whales and other larger sea creatures while you do deep scuba diving. If you are lucky, means you can also have a glance at the shark and other rare Caribbean sea creatures.

1. Swim in a Cenote:

Cenotes are generally the large natural sinkholes. Usually, the cenotes are very rare, but luckily, Riviera Maya has Cenotes. These are iconic features of the peninsula’s geography as well. Previously in Mayan times, they often used these cenotes for fresh water supplies and for other religious ceremonies (As shown in Thor & Mona movies). Nowadays, the tourist to snorkel, swim and relax in a unique space uses these cenotes.

In Riviera Maya, most of the cenotes are filled with the fresh water, and it is filtered slowly through the ground, so the water in cenotes is always fresh, pure and clean. As the water visibility is high in these cenotes, it is becoming the ideal place for scuba divers and snorkelers. If you are visiting Riviera, Maya means you shouldn’t miss this excellent experience. Kids and families always love to enjoy these fun activities in the water.

1. Tulum:

Tulum is another picture perfect place in the Riviera Maya. This place is having its own Mayan history and the waters in the Tulum are fresh and clean. This small site can be quickly explored within an hour or two. It is one of the only Mayan ruins, which is located right at the oceanfront. This place offers some spectacular view of the ocean, and it is the best place to swim.

If you are striving to visit Riviera Maya with your family means, “Never miss this spot” because this is one of the lovely and romantic spots.

1. Enjoy the nature at Sian Ka’an Biosphere:

If you like to watch the beautiful destinations in Riviera Maya means you shouldn’t miss the Sian ka’an biosphere. It is the must-see place you and you should add this place to your list.

This place is having an incredible sight of numerous animals. You can mainly watch sea creatures such as sea turtles, mantas, dolphins, manatees, and the countless other sea species.

The best part of this place is you can see the all the sea creatures without diving deep into the ocean. Kids usually love this spot, so if you have kids, then you shouldn’t miss this place at all.

Conclusion:

These are the best things you have to do in Riviera Maya when you are travelling with your kids and family. Families often love to visit these places in Riviera Maya because it gives you an incredible experience.

Did you know that environmental toxins can cause cancer? These toxins are both natural and manmade that are equally capable of disrupting your health and sensitive biological functions.

In this article, we will discuss the potentially dangerous effects of these environmental pollutants, and how to minimize its exposure so that you and your family can remain healthy.

But before we do that, let us discuss what environment and man made toxins really are. The naturally occurring toxins include – lead, mercury, cadmium, radon, and benzene. There are also manmade chemicals such as BPA, pesticides, and phthalates.

When our bodies are exposed to these pollutants, it can lead to grave health risks. Some of its ill-effects include the following:

• Cancer caused due to exposure to radon, benzene, and formaldehyde
• BPA, pesticides, and phthalates act as endocrine disruptors
• Exposure to lead, mercury and cadmium can lead to organ failure

We all know the lead that is found in old paints as well as pipes installed in old structures is toxic. Mercury and cadmium are also well known toxins that cause damaging effects to our bodies.

While these environmental toxins are recognized, there also others out there that are readily available in the environment and remain unregulated. We will discuss these popular toxins that you are exposed to on a daily basis and how you can reduce your exposure to them.

BPA

This endocrine disruptor is a compound that is commonly found in food packaging materials made of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. They are even used in baby bottles, water supply lines, water bottles etc. When exposed to BPA, you are vulnerable to the risk of obesity, infertility, anxiety, hormonal imbalance, breast cancer, low testosterone, and prostate cancer.

BPA exposure happens when the chemical is released from the plastic/resin product into food and drinks when the containers are washed or heated.

Did you know that the highest consumers of BPA are infants and kids? According to a survey, 93% children above 6 years had significant levels of BPA in their urine! While this is certainly worrisome, the good news is that BPA can exit from the body quickly if you make some simple lifestyle changes.

To reduce BPA exposure, you can:

• Limit the use of plastic containers that have #3 and #7 mentioned on the bottom
• Avoid using plastic food containers to heat your food in microwave
• Don’t wash plastic containers in dishwasher
• Replace canned foods with freshly cooked meals
• Choose glass and porcelain containers over plastic cups
• Use BPA free baby bottles

Pesticides

These chemicals are used in agriculture to kill or repel certain types of pests. However, these synthetic toxins seep into the soil and then into our foods. Since most food manufacturers use pesticides, people are exposed to small doses of these chemicals in their lives through their diet. According to research, the farmers that use pesticides in their agricultural practices have experienced increased instances of headaches, insomnia, neurological disorders, dizziness, and fatigue due to high exposure. In fact, there are also studies claiming that regular exposure to pesticides can increase your chances of Parkinson’s disease by 70%! Well, if toxins cause illness, is a question you had on mind, we hope you got the answer.

To reduce the pesticides exposure, you can:

• Wash all your fruits and vegetables vigorously before consumption
• Consume organic produce over conventionally produced vegetables and fruits
• Grow your own veggies

Formaldehyde

This colorless chemical is used in building materials and manufacture of household items. It is also found naturally in the environment produced by organisms as part of their metabolic process. There are many government agencies that recognize formaldehyde as a carcinogen.

At your home, this toxic substance can be found in pressed-wood products such as plywood, and other products like glues, adhesive, cigarette smoke, certain types of fabric etc. Additionally, it is also used as a disinfectant, fungicide, and a preservative in medical laboratories. According to research, staff exposed to formaldehyde is susceptible to cancer and leukemia.

You can reduce or prevent its exposure by:

• Using exterior-grade products in your home
• Maintain ventilation and controlled indoor temperature
• Keep humidity levels in check
• Use natural plants inside home to clean indoor air

While there are many more toxins out there that are exposing you to a health risk every day, these are some common ones that can be easily controlled by making conscious decisions. You can prevent a lot of toxin exposure by simply living a natural lifestyle and preventing the use of synthetic chemicals.

When it comes to holiday packing, gone are the days when you would throw caution to the wind, pack a few clothes and toiletries in the bag and be gone. All of that changes with kids in tow as the concept of creating lists has never sounded so appealing! (Oh how life has changed). Along with that, common sense and creativity become key to both stress free packing and giving yourself the freedom to let your mind drift to all the holiday fun in front of you!

Here are my top tips to help you concentrate on the fun rather than on the fuss!

MAKE A LIST AND STICK TO IT

Simply spend half an hour writing down all the things you need to remember to bring. Put together a clothing, equipment, toiliteries, first aid, toys, documents and ‘additional’ list. Taking this time means a lot less stress. I really recommend an app called ‘Paperless Lite’ which allows you to create your lists and tick them off as they are packed!

CONSIDER THE HOLIDAY

Consider the ‘actual’ holiday you want to achieve for you and your family. We can be bad at packing for every eventuality but be honest with yourself. Do you want to relax by the pool and just have time with your kids? What’s the point in bringing hiking boots and high heels in that case. Anything that you don’t really believe you will use, should not be packed.

HOME COMFORTS

Young children love their toys and home routines, so they can be comforted while travelling (making your life easier) by having some favourite items from home at the ready. Let them help you choose two or three things they want to bring.

‌TOP TOY TIPS

Aside from a stash of the usual crayons, paper, books and super heroes, when packing toys, consider the noise factor and the pain quotient. Don’t bring anything that will give you (or anyone else nearby) a migraine. It can be nice to stash away a few unopened birthday presents to bring out when they least expect it. A great distraction and what child doesn’t like to open a present?

CLOTHING RULES

Holidays are all about keeping things simple. It is where the idea of the capsule comes into it’s own. Items should be chosen based on the fact they can be worn in at least two ways. For kids, it can be useful to create outfits, which you pack together. Use ‘packing cubes’ so you can pack each childs outfits together. Do pack lots of denim, darker colour and long sleeved PJ’s (for those air conditioned evenings). Avoid too many light colours and delicate fabrics.

PACKING TRICKS

I am a big beleiver in rolling clothes in the suitcase. You fit heaps more. Start by packing your shoes at the bottom and surround them with things like kids macs, underwear and other such items that creasing is not an issue for. This is also a great way to use this otherwise lost space. If you are packing anything remotely tailored, turn it inside out, tuck the sleeves in, roll and it will arrive in the best shape possible.

PLAN THE EMERGENCY BAG

Having a small backpack with all the essentials right there for the airport is a godsend. Snacks and games for the kids, all documents, itineraries, passports and tickets, any medication, plasters, painskillers, international adapter, water and an extra pair of clothes for kiddies accidents.

GET THE KIDS INVOLVED

It can be both fun and worthwhile to get your kids involved in the packing process. It builds their excitement for the trip and also helps to teach them the responsibility they share with Mum and Dad to mind their toys and bits and pieces. Ask them what they think they might need and let them pick out the toys, books and activities they want to enjoy while on the road. Perhaps about a week before you leave get them to help you pack either their own carry on bag or help to pack yours.

Explore the Laya Healthcare site for more information on family travel insurance or to get a health insurance quote online today.