Does Life Have To Change When You're Pregnant?

 Being pregnant is both an exciting and scary time in your life. Maybe you’ve been waiting for this day for a very long time? If so, it’s totally understandable that you’re apprehensive! And through this, you may be having some mixed feelings about the way your life is going to change over the next 9 months and beyond. 

And that’s what we’re here to talk about today; pregnancy is very much a big sign that your life is never going to be the same again, but do you really have to throw out everything you used to know and love? Let’s delve into that idea below. 

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You Can Still Commit to Your Hobbies

As long as your hobbies aren't too high energy, such as rock climbing or bungee jumping, you should be just fine to stick to the activities you love during pregnancy. Even exercise can be kept up with, as it’s actually good for your body as the baby grows and develops! 

So keep writing or painting, doing Yoga and hiking - pregnancy doesn’t have to be boring! And if you're someone who loves to travel, you can still head off on trips. However, if you’re worried about what flying might do to your pregnancy, you can check out some travel tips after IVF to soothe your mind. 

Diet Tweaks Can Be Incredibly Helpful

The way you eat can have a massive impact on how you feel during pregnancy, and it’s usually recommended that you increase your calorie intake by around 300. To do this, add a few more veggies to your plate, as they’re great for maintaining your own wellness as your baby develops. You can also fit a few more proteins and fiber in, as these will keep your organs running like clockwork. 

For example, anything nutrient rich, such as carrots and leafy greens or cooked chicken or turkey, make the perfect accompaniment to your plate at mealtimes. Of course, you should always talk to your doctor before you make any big changes to your diet; it’s not just you who’s eating here! 

Emotions Can Run High and Be Difficult to Deal With

You’re going through a huge turning point in your life right now, and your emotions are going to be all over the place. Never let these bottle up - talk them out, and make sure you’re getting what you need from any medical services and supportive family members around you. 

You don’t need to be aggressive, and if you feel that way it’s best to talk to your doctor or book a therapy session, but don’t trick yourself into thinking you’re becoming a burden either. Pregnancy is hard, and even if you just need a little compliment to boost your mood, ask for it! 

Life is going to change when you’re pregnant, no matter what. However, you can still feel like you by keeping to your usual routine, and always be sure to talk to your doctor about the way you’re feeling. 

Best Ways to Get Around the Streets of Philadelphia

 

Planning a first-time trip to Philadelphia? Getting around town is easy with so many options available. Philadelphia is home to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. There are so many wonderful places to visit in the city.

If you arrive for a day trip or have a few hours to kill during a layover, there are plenty of things to do to occupy your time.

When it comes to navigating around town, there are several modes of transportation available, including the subway, buses, and taxis, among other things. Knowing how to get around the streets of Philadelphia can be the difference between an enjoyable trip and a frustrating one. 

Popular Transportation Options

The city's public transportation system is extensive, with multiple modes of travel that include buses, trolleys, and subways. The city also has a comprehensive network of bike lanes and trails, making it easy for cyclists to get around town. 

For those who prefer to drive themselves, parking in Philly is relatively affordable and easy to find.

Subway and Bus System

The SEPTA system has been around for over 150 years and is a great way to get around the city. The subway trains are all underground, so they are not affected by weather issues. The subway stations are also numbered, so you can easily find your destination. 

A ticket costs $2.50 and can be purchased at the Broad Street subway station as well as in some Rite Aids downtown. In addition to the Broad Street line that runs north to south, there is also the Market-Frankford line, which runs east to west. You can 

Bus service is available throughout the city as well. In addition to buses, there are trolleys that run along certain routes during peak times on weekdays. There are also bus stops throughout the city where you can catch a taxi cab or Uber ride if you don't want to walk or wait for the next bus or train. Bus fare costs $2 or $5 for an all-day pass.

Taxi Service

Taxi service is another option for getting around the streets of Philadelphia. There are taxi stands located throughout the city and taxis can usually be found at major hotels and attractions, like Independence Hall, Penn's Landing, and Franklin Square Park.

 If you need a ride outside of these areas, it's best to call ahead so that your taxi doesn't have too far to travel before picking you up from your desired location.

Rail Service

The city's rail system includes two train lines that run through Philadelphia: Amtrak's Northeast Corridor and SEPTA Regional Rail. Both lines stop at 30th Street Station, which is located on Market Street between 30th and 32nd streets.

Uber or Lyft

If you're not familiar with Uber or Lyft, they are mobile apps that allow you to request a driver through your phone so you don't have to wait outside for a taxi cab. Download the app, enter your location and destination, and request a ride.,

Car Rental

Another option is renting a car through Zipcar or Enterprise Rent-A-Car; both companies have offices near 30th Street Station where you can pick up your vehicle.

Bike Share

Another great option for getting around Philadelphia by bike is through a bike-share program. There are several different companies that offer these programs, including Indego (Philadelphia's own) and Spin (a dockless system).

Each program has its own rules and regulations, but they all work basically the same way: you check out a bike from one location and then return it to another location later on (usually within 30 minutes). 

Most systems require you to use an app or key fob to unlock the bike when you're ready to ride it and lock it back up when you're done.

The Subway, buses, trolleys, and trains all stop at the 30th Street Station. If you have already checked out of your hotel or Airbnb, you can use luggage storage at 30th Street Station. 

You can take a walking tour of the city or hop on a bus, without having to lug your belongings around with you. Vertoe offers 1000+ secure luggage storage locations in 65+ major cities.

Top Tips for Protecting Your Home

 

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Protecting your home should be your top priority if you want to keep your family, and your assets safe. Not only should you increase the level of security that you have, but you should also take steps to free your home of dangers that will put your family and their health and wellbeing at risk. For example, by using smoke detectors, protecting the foundation of your property, and reducing hazards. Here are some of the best ways that you can protect your home and live with peace of mind. 

#1 Increase security 

Unfortunately, there are burglaries every 30 seconds, so it is important that you take steps to protect your home by increasing the level of security that you have. There are lots of innovative technological systems that you can choose from, depending on your needs and your budget. For example, you can invest in the following equipment:

• A video doorbell on your front door

• Motion sensor lights at the front and back of your home, and on your garage 

• Security cameras around the corners of your property (both internal and external)

These are a great way to deter any criminal activity as they are usually visible on the outside of your home, and ensure you can better keep an eye on your family. 

You can also secure your home better by upgrading your doors and windows, changing your locks, adding more locks on your doors, installing a burglar alarm system, locking your windows when you are not home and removing any hiding places outside of your home. 

At times, securing your home does not just mean physically. With most homes dependent on the internet, you must secure your home, family and assets from cyber-attacks. You should start with locking down your WiFi by creating strong passwords on your network hub and devices, and installing anti-virus and anti-malware software. 

#2 Protect your home from a house fire

It has been reported that on average 358,000 house fires happen each year, and the majority of these start from electrical malfunction, heating and cooking. It is therefore important that you regularly review your home for any risks or fire, as it only takes 30 seconds for the smallest flame to turn into a big one. Keep your family safe by:

• Installing smoke detectors in every room of your home and checking they work regularly

• Reducing the use of candles in your home

• Making sure candles and fireplaces are completely out when you have finished using them 

• Keeping items such as space heaters at least 3 feet away from blankets, curtains and any other flammable items

• Regularly inspecting your electrics in your home and all of your appliances

• Keeping your appliances clean, especially appliances in the kitchen that regularly build up fat and grease

• Making sure your family are aware of your fire escape plan and what to do in the event of a fire

• Equipping your home with a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket (and learn how to use them)

#3 Protect your home from mold and damp

Mold and dampness in your home can be detrimental to your family's health, as well as cause costly consequences to the structure of your home. 

Damp and mold can cause a plethora of respiratory issues such as infections, allergies, and asthma, as well as weaken your immune system. If you have young, elderly or vulnerable family members living in your home, they are going to be more sensitive to the effects. It can be extremely toxic, irritate your respiratory system and cause an allergic reaction in some people, who will experience symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and red eyes. 

Dampness can not only impact your health, but it can also damage your property. The moisture that seeps throughout your property will cause rot and mold, making the structure unstable, and unsafe. If you suspect mold and dampness, you should get these seen by a professional immediately. You can identify mold and dampness by looking out for the following signs:

• An unpleasant smell, usually quite musty

• Water droplets on walls and windows 

• Warped walls or floors 

• Discolored paint or peeling wallpaper

• Black or dark patches around windows, floors, walls and ceilings 

• Rooms with high humidity

Damp, mold and structural issues can be caused by dampness in basements or floors, unsecure windows and doors that let in moisture, or leaking pipes. You should speak to a professional, and consider adding preventative measures in your home to reduce dampness becoming a problem, such as a basement sump pump. 

Looking after your home is important to keep your family safe, and healthy. These tips will also help you increase the value of your property.

How to Make Money By Being Yourself

Were you that kid at the grocery store—the one always making friends with the butcher, cashier and customers on the other aisles? Did you participate in every sport, extracurricular activity and school-sponsored event—not because you were good at them, but because other people would be there? Do you live by the expression "never met a stranger" and consider everyone you meet to be a future friend?

Chances are you're an extrovert. And studies show, that's a good thing when it comes to money-making potential. If you're a naturally sociable, energetic and expressive kind of person, here are a few ways you can use your personality to make more money:

Direct Sales

If you are looking for a flexible job that involves interacting with people while setting your own hours, direct sales is a great option. You can do this either as a side gig or full-time job—either way, you typically sell exclusive products that cannot be found in any mall or store to customers.

For example, Amway is a reputable company that relies on extroverts like you to sell its products as Independent Business Owners. What is Amway and what does the company offer? Started in 1959, the American-based direct selling company has expanded its health, home and beauty products to global markets. Headliners include vitamins and supplements, skincare and cosmetics, home cleaning products and energy drinks. It is a low-cost and low-risk job opportunity, and you can leverage that outgoing personality of yours to make money on the side.

Physical Therapists

If you like the idea of helping people who have been injured or have other health issues to recover and get back on their feet—often literally—a physical therapist job may be ideal. The job is ideal for outgoing people because it requires outstanding interpersonal skills that involve working closely with people who are in pain. Your communication skills will be used throughout the day when you are encouraging your patients to do certain stretches and exercises as well as speaking with the patient’s family and other caregivers.

Help Desk Technician

Tech jobs often inspire images of people working alone in their cubicles, hunched over their computers coding and creating software for hours. Actually, if you enjoy tech related work, there are a number of jobs that blend needed tech skills with plenty of human interaction. For instance, a help desk technician job involves working with either co-workers and/or people who call in with problems with their tech devices like computers, mobile devices and online systems. The job involves lots of talking to other people, asking questions and solving complex problems, so being an extrovert who doesn’t shy away from communicating with strangers will definitely be a benefit.

Tips and Tools on Finding Work

If you Google “Best Jobs for Extroverts” you will find plenty of jobs and articles devoted to this topic, including some by employment websites like Jooble . This is a great way to start the job search process and see if any of the suggested positions match your interests and experience. You can also attend networking events in your area; be sure to ask not only about the job duties and benefits, but overall culture of the company.

Enjoy that New Job!

Whether you want a part-time job, something you can do from home, or a 40 hour a week position, there are plenty of solid options for extroverts. By looking for something that naturally encourages your ability to speak to others—including direct sales, health care, certain IT jobs and more—and doing some networking along the way, you will be sure to find a job that fits you and your friendly personality very well.

4 Ways Toxic Relationships can be Damaging to Your Health

 Do you have a toxic relationship in your life? If so, it's time to take a step back and assess the damage that it's doing. A toxic relationship can be extremely damaging to your health, both physically and emotionally. This blog post will discuss four ways that a toxic relationship can hurt your health. Keep reading to learn more!

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1) A toxic relationship can cause physical health problems

If you're in a toxic relationship, you may find that your physical health suffers as a result. For example, you may experience more headaches, stomachaches, and other physical ailments due to the stress of the situation. In extreme cases, a toxic relationship can even lead to an increased risk for heart disease and other serious health problems.

It has been found that women who were in abusive relationships were more likely to suffer from chronic health problems like migraines and gastrointestinal issues than women who were not in abusive relationships. The stress of being in a toxic relationship can also lead to weight gain or loss, insomnia, and fatigue. If you're noticing that your physical health has deteriorated since being in a toxic relationship, it's time to take action.

2) A toxic relationship can lead to anxiety and depression

If you're in a toxic relationship, you may find that your physical health suffers as a result. For example, you may experience more headaches, stomachaches, and other physical ailments due to the stress of the situation. If your partner has had unprotected sex with other people (which is a fairly common occurrence in toxic relationships), you may have unknowingly picked up an STD, so it may be worth going for an std blood test and getting yourself checked out to make sure that this is not the case. In extreme cases, a toxic relationship can even lead to an increased risk for heart disease and other serious health problems.

Toxic relationships can also trigger or worsen existing mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therefore, if you have a history of mental illness, it's important to be extra careful about getting involved in a toxic relationship.

3) A toxic relationship can damage your self-esteem

One of the most damaging effects of a toxic relationship is the toll it takes on your self-esteem. In a healthy relationship, you should feel good about yourself and be supported by your partner. But in a toxic relationship, you may find yourself constantly second-guessing yourself and doubting your worth.

A toxic partner may belittle you, criticize you, or make you feel like you're not good enough. This can lead to serious problems with self-confidence and self-image. If you don't feel good about yourself, it's challenging to achieve success in other areas of your life.

4) A toxic relationship can lead to substance abuse

Another common effect of a toxic relationship is substance abuse. When people are in pain or struggling to deal with difficult emotions, they may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. Unfortunately, this can quickly turn into an addiction, which can ruin your health, your relationships, and your life.

If you're in a toxic relationship, it's important to be on the lookout for signs of substance abuse. These include changes in mood or behavior, withdrawal from friends and activities, and financial problems. If you're concerned that you or your partner may be abusing substances, it's important to seek help from a professional rehab center.

Toxic relationships can have a serious impact on your health. If you're in a toxic relationship, it's important to reach out for help. There are many resources available to you, including hotlines, counseling, and support groups. So don't suffer in silence - get the help you need to escape the situation.