Heartburn is far more common than one thinks. Yet, it is one of the most uncomfortable experiences that results in hiccups, a burning sensation in your throat and chest and sometimes even acid reflux. It is usually caused or sometimes triggered by eating spicy or acidic foods which can be avoided when possible; however, when heartburn does strike there are certain things you can do to ease the discomfort. Here are some quick and easy remedies for heartburn.

Image Credit: Pixabay

An Over-The-Counter Medicine

The quickest heartburn treatment is to take an antacid that gives immediate but short-term relief or a PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor) medicine that gives long-term relief. PPIs work by decreasing the amount of acid made by the stomach, which in turn helps relieve symptoms and discomfort. 

These medicines need no prescription and can be taken on a daily basis; however if you are unsure consult your doctor first.

Identify (And Avoid) Triggers

Certain foods and food groups are also known to trigger heartburn. Spicy and acidic foods are the most common culprits but sometimes certain foods and drinks affect some people prone to heartburn while not bothering others. These include chocolate, peppermint, milk, coffee, alcohol and fizzy drinks. Identify which foods and drinks spark off feelings of discomfort for you and where possible, avoid them completely. 

Change Your Routine 

Sometimes, small things such as exercising too soon before or after eating, or a particular sleeping position, can trigger heartburn. Doing something as simple as changing your routine (exercising at least an hour before a meal) or sleeping on your left side instead of on your back or front, for instance, can help you manage your heartburn more effectively. 

Pregnancy-Related Heartburn 

Heartburn is also a common side-effect during pregnancy, primarily because of the additional weight which puts pressure on the stomach and weakens the muscles of the oesophagus. Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of larger meals, and leaving a gap of at least 1-2 hours between dinner and bedtime to aid in digestion often helps. Wearing loose-fitting PJs also helps you feel more comfortable when sleeping or lying down. 

Quit Smoking

There is no ‘good’ reason for smoking and heartburn is another reason to quit. Cigarettes and even second-hand cigarette smoke is a trigger for heartburn, so if you’re a smoker, there’s another reason to give it up.

Other Useful Tips

• Sleeping with your upper body slightly elevated also helps in easing the discomfort of heartburn. Either raise the head of your bed or use 3-4 pillows and sleep slightly upright from the waist. 

• Sipping on ginger tea (just boiling water seeped in ginger - avoid the milk) through the day is also a known home remedy for heartburn.

• Another lesser-known home remedy is to dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it slowly. Baking soda helps neutralize the acid in the stomach.

• Avoid tight, restrictive clothing as far as possible - the more comfortable and loose your clothes are (especially around the waist), the less sick you will feel.

• Chewing gum is also effective as it helps to dilute the acid in your stomach

*This is a collaborative post*

Adobe LiveCycle Designer and Adobe Acrobat actually posses diverse scripting object models. This can be quite confusing for many, but this article aims to clear it up. By revealing the differences between the two as well as providing advice on conversion, you should be a lot clearer regarding how to convert the JavaScript found in Adobe Acrobat for use in Adobe Livecycle Designer. Read on to find out more…

https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-in-front-of-laptop-on-brown-wooden-table-2115217/

Let’s begin by revealing a little bit more about the LiveCycle Designer software which was released last year. This has been designed in order to let you build intelligent forms. There are various methods for doing so, such as adding form logic through LiveCycle Designer UI or adding JavaScript scripting. This is highly beneficial because through working offline and alike it can enhance workflow efficiency and usability dramatically. Another reason why this program is popular is because it gives the possibility of saving in PDF containing the XML form data, XDP, HTML and more. Get some Free SVGs to help you make amazing designs.

When dealing with Adobe Acrobat and Adobe LiveCycle Designer it is not the case that the two completely do not work together. A lot of the Acrobat JavaScript will work in LiveCycle Designer formats. Yet, there are some that won’t and this is due to the difference between the two scripting models as there is barely any overlap. Companies like Supportiv can assist if you need more programs in place to run all of your work.

When converting the JavaScript found in Adobe Acrobat to Adobe LiveCycle Designer the first thing you need to do is decide how much of Acrobat can actually be used in LiveCycle Designer form, and consequently how much needs to be converted.

Make a table and spilt it into three categories. The first category is for those that do work in LiveCycle Designer forms. However, they do not have any LiveCycle Designer JavaScript equivalent either. The second is for those that again work however there is the possibility for a conversion to LiveCycle Designer JavaScript. And finally, the latter category is for those that simply have to be converted because they do not work in LiveCycle Designer forms. Most technology experts recommend converting all that is possible. Yet, begin with your necessities; those that will not work without conversion.

There are various different ways to make the transition to Adobe LiveCycle Designer; this encompasses everything from LiveCycle Designer UI form logic to FormCalc scripting. The latter is a popular and effective option. FormCalc is essentially an easy and straightforward calculation language. It is popular because it doesn’t need the knowledge of traditional scripting techniques it can actually facilitate quick and effective form design without it. This is especially beneficial for individuals who are going to be using the software and performing a substantial amount of calculations.

Nevertheless, the method of conversion you select largely depends on your design goals as well as your skill set. FormCalc Scripting is quite straight forward but some programming knowledge would be useful. There is also LiveCycle Designer UI form logic; this is extremely easy to create and maintain and thus no programming skills are required. And then there is LiveCycle Designer JavaScript which is recommended you have programming ability for. Make sure you don’t choose anything that is out of your depth.

But finally, if you are struggling then simply look to the internet for guidance. You will find lots of step-by-step guides which talk you through the exact process; from importing a file to testing and debugging. You will never be too far away from help.  

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post

If you experience stress on a day to day basis then you will know how debilitating it can be. Even if you think that you are handling it well, this may not always be the case. If you want to make sure that you are not putting yourself at risk for various health problems or if you want to combat your stress once and for all then this guide will certainly help you out.

Stress Can Stop you from Sleeping

Stress can also stop you from being able to sleep. Studies have shown time and time again that stress triggers the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and this plays a huge part in your sleep schedule. You may find that you experience sleep loss and that you find yourself going over the same situations in your head again and again. This is essentially your brain working overtime so that a solution can be found.

Source: Pexels (CC0 License)

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is a symptom of stress and it can cause huge damage to your teeth if you don’t get it sorted. The main reason why this happens is because your subconscious mind has a heightened level of activity and this needs to be released somehow. Grinding your teeth can cause dental problems and it can also give you a painful jaw too. 70% of bruxism cases can be directly associated with stress, so you need to try and prioritise your anxiety and put yourself first so that you can stop your teeth from grinding at night. If you are having a really hard time dealing with anxiety, then it’s a good idea for you to look into treating that. Remember that CBD can help anxiety, if you want a natural solution that you can easily access online.

Headaches

Stress can easily cause headaches. Tension headaches can wreak havoc on your life, and they can last from an hour to a few hours. Headaches like this can put pressure on both sides of your head and you may find that you also experience neck tension too. If you experience headaches like this on a weekly basis then this is a sign that something needs to change.

Irritability

Stress can impact your mood in ways that you probably find very hard to control. When you are stressed out, your nervous system will be overly responsive, and you may find that your sensory receptors are much more sensitive to various stimuli. This makes everything feel more intense than it actually is, and you may find that it spills over into your life more than you realise. This can also make you more reactive, which can have a knock-on impact on your job performance. If you want to stop this from being an issue, then you need to try and make sure that you do everything you can to lower the stress in your life. If you are under too much pressure at work, then this may mean talking to your boss about lowering your responsibilities. If you are struggling at home, consider exploring the idea of childcare.

 

*This is a collaborative post*

Everyone has a song, a special moment in time or lyrics that remind you of someone, music is special, it helps with mental health and brings so much joy. Say it with songs cards make amazing cute cards with lyrics to a special song but then they add a QR code on the back so you can scan it and listen to that song and let your memories flood back in!

Valentines cards include Mr. Loverman with the song by Shabba Ranks, Crazy In Love with the song by Beyoncé and Jay-Z, I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing with the song by Aerosmith and so many more amazing tracks and lyrics. 

Say It With Songs don't just have valentines cards they have cards for all occasions like birthdays with the song by Stevie Wonder or Mothers day and loads of other things! Each card comes with a blank inside and the QR code printed on the back, they're such a cute card to give and I'm totally obsessed with them right now! 

The QR codes that are printed on the cards take your recipient to a page where they can choose how to play the song such as Amazon Music, Spotify or YouTube, these codes are scannable with your smartphones camera (non iPhone users may need to download an app from the app store to access the song) 

Say It With Songs proudly support the Music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins and the donate 10% from the sale of each card to help them support people in need. 

So horay! You know about these amazing cards and you'd be lying if you said they didn't sound amazing, so if you order now you can save 10% off with my code: 10XOFF03 ;) 

Plus, Say It With Songs and me are giving you the opportunity to WIN* 5 cards of your choice from the website! How cool is that?! So enter below and good luck!

  Say it with songs

*T's & C's apply - Open to UK residents only. This is a collaborative post with affiliate links, all opinions are my own. 

When you are in a relationship, it’s important that your partner knows you love them. You need to make sure that they know, otherwise they may end up questioning it, which could lead to the demise of the relationship altogether. People need reassurance. People need to be told the things that you are thinking in order to know them. Nobody on this planet can mind read, and you should never expect someone to know something that is not being proven. In this article, we are going to be taking a look at some of the things that you can do to show your partner that you love them. If you would like to find out more about this topic, keep reading down below.

Pic Link - CC0 Licence

Little Gifts

The first thing that you can do is leave them little gifts every now and then. These don’t have to be expensive, but just something to let them know that you were thinking about them. For example, you could pick them up a bunch of flowers on your way home from work one day. It’s not going to bankrupt you, but it’s enough to put a smile on their face. Or, you could get them something that you know they like, just to see them be happy for a while. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but it shows that there is effort being put into the relationship. Effort goes where effort is received, and that’s something you need to keep in mind.

Leave Them Notes

Something else that you can think about doing is leaving them little notes around their/your home. Let them know the things that you are thinking. Let them know what runs through your mind when you see them first thing in the morning. Let them know what you see when you think about your future together. It’s little things like this that give people the reassurance they need to know they are loved and cared for. It takes a couple of minutes out of your day, but it makes their entire day.

The notes don’t have to be essays. You could simply write one sentence and change their mood for an entire day. Again, it’s the thought that counts here more than anything else.

Be There

Lastly, you need to be there. Be there when they need you. Be there when things are falling apart. Be there when they are happy. Be there when they want to talk. Be there when it feels like the world is turning upside down. Keep showing up, even when it gets hard. Don’t threaten to leave when things get tough. Don’t be looking up divorce solicitors every time you have a fight. Just be there.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you can do in order to show your partner you love them. It’s important that you do this if you want your relationship to survive, so if you’re not currently doing anything to let the one you love know this, then you need to start sooner rather than later. We wish you the best of luck with this, and hope some of these suggestions help.

*This is a collaborative post*

Image by Daria Shevtsova on Pexels

 

There are almost too many reasons to worry about the safety of your family. Natural disasters, burglaries, house fires and financial despair are never too far out of the realm of possibility.

 

However, you can give yourself some much-needed peace of mind. Take the time to make yourself, and your family, more aware, safe and conscientious. A few minutes of preparedness could save you some tears. Below are several safety tips to keep your family safe and happy!

 

---

 

Buy a Home Security System

 

A study conducted by Ackerman Security suggests that a home security sign on your lawn could deter a burglar. When performing a break-in, a burglar wants to be in and out as quickly as possible. A home security system is a great way to deter burglars and keep your family completely safe immediately.

 

New smart home devices, like alarms, video recording doorbells, or a video system attached to your smartphone, have gone a long way in making burglar detection more thorough.

 

Research Your Medical Providers in Advance

 

It is easier than ever in this day and age to jump on the internet and find your next health practitioner. However, you want to be extremely careful about who you choose to care for you and your family. You might find yourself among the medical malpractice statistics calling up Greg Hoag, medical malpractice attorney, to sue your doctor or surgeon. Medical malpractice is the cause of approximately 250,000 deaths annually behind cancer and heart disease.

 

It is essential to research your health practitioner extensively before choosing to bring your family to see them. You want to find a health service full of staff who cares about you and your family as much as you care. There are incredible doctors you can find on the internet – you just need to be careful!

 

Create A Designated Family Code Word

 

One of the most challenging things for any parent is to entrust your child’s safety and care to someone else. You want to ensure that your kids, especially as they get older, can inform you of any dangerous situations. One way to do this is a code word—a particular word used to entrust safety or be used in unsafe or dangerous circumstances.

 

It should be a word unique to your family, something that only you, your most trusted family members and your kids know. Teach your children that they are never to leave, speak to or trust anyone who can’t say the secret code. As your kids get older, this should be a word that your kids can use conversationally, over the phone or through text to come to pick them up or help them immediately.

 

Practice Disaster Preparedness

 

When was the last time your smoke detectors were tested? Do you have an emergency fire escape plan? How about an emergency preparedness kit? We get drilled at home or school to practice emergency fires, but how often do we practice disaster preparedness with our families?

 

The best way to ensure your family’s safety from a fire is to teach them fire prevention skills and a fire safety plan. Teach your kids how to use a fire extinguisher, and how to call the fire department in times of emergency.

 

This preparedness should extend to potential weather emergencies that can harm your home, like a storm, earthquakes, flooding, or wildfires. Consider family emergency periodically, so everyone knows where to go and what to do in the event of an emergency. Put together a safety checklist to show your kids, and the rest of your family, exactly what to do to stay safe.

 

Life is full of the unexpected, but that does not mean you can’t help your family stay protected from the unexpected!

*This is a collaborative post*

 

So last year was a bit of a shambles for anyone who had travel plans or even events like weddings or festivals to go to and it put a real downer on us, we'll we say NOT THIS YEAR! This year we're going to travel, party, explore and try and feel somewhat normal, I have a whole wishlist of places to visit post lockdown and number 1 on my list has to be Wollaton Hall in Nottingham which is the Wayne Mannor from the 2012 Batman film The Dark Knight Rises.

Photo by Leah Kelley from Pexels

Next up is Legoland Windsor, I've always wanted to visit and my little man is obsessed with lego so it would be such an amazing little break for us, all the rides and cool things to build just gets my inner child all excited! Legoland offers rides and attractions to all ages and the whole family can come and enjoy.

Number 3 on my list has to be Edinburgh in August for the Fringe festival, I've always wanted to go and enjoy the arts and comedy, there's always so much to see and some great up and coming stars with lots of cultures and great food and drinks its definitely a great break away! 

Number 4 on my list is quite close to my hometown its a little place called Hopton-On-Sea, its a very small village but there's a Holiday village there too and its right next to the beach! there's so much to do there with the play, swimming and entertainment its a lovely little cute breakaway for all the family.

Photo by Dominika Gregušová from Pexels

And Lastly has to be London for my birthday in October so I can do a bit of shopping and maybe see a WestEnd show like Wicked or maybe the new show Singing In The Rain, there are so many great things to do in London especially for families and some great places to stay too so make sure you check out hotels.com for a great deal and top-notch service!

So here's to this lockdown not lasting all year so we get out and explore!

REMINDER: Please make sure to check and follow your government guidelines on travel before you go and to only make essential journeys until your restrictions change but most importantly stay safe.

*In collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are my own*

 Investing in a new vehicle is a huge step that you must take considerable time to mull over, as there are thousands upon thousands of different options that might just be the perfect car for your needs. Spending some time searching for the most suitable family car is essential, as you don’t want to find out minutes before a holiday road trip that you’re unable to install a booster seat or can’t fit any luggage in the boot. Luckily, identifying the very best car for your family needn’t be as difficult as you might initially expect, as there are in fact a few key tips and tricks that you can make the most of to find your dream vehicle in no time at all. So, if you would like to find out more, then read on to uncover some of the best steps to utilise now. 

Image Source - Pexels 

Set Your Budget 

One of the most important aspects of your purchase that you must decide upon before you even begin searching for a vehicle is the budget you have to spend. Failing to put a limit on your total spend could mean that you end up paying thousands and thousands more than expected for a suitable vehicle, potentially putting you in a position of financial distress. Setting your budget has to be the very first step that you take, so consider how much you can spend without experiencing difficulty and do not stray from this number. 

Choosing A Make & Model 

There are so many different makes and models that you can explore when searching for a new family car, from larger SUV vehicles that are perfect for rural living to compact smart cars that are ideal for the hustle and bustle of a popular city. It’s a good idea to take some time to research each of these options, as many experienced drivers and car fanatics have test driven and reviewed a large number of vehicles available on the market today. Consider which journeys you plan on taking when your new family car, such as cross country trips or nothing more than the school run, as this can influence the make and model that you require. Though you have already set an initial investment budget, you should also consider how much each vehicle costs you to run (including insurance payment, fuel and more). 

Plan Ahead 

Though you may only have a young family of 2 or 3 at this moment in time, you must use your initiative and acknowledge the fact that this may change. Purchasing a car that accommodates your families growth will make it so much easier for you to handle in the future, as you don’t want to find that you need to search for another different vehicle in a couple of years time. Something like the new Vauxhall combo could be the perfect choice, as it has 7 seats and a whole load of room to ensure the whole family can travel as a group together. 

Nobody likes the cold winter days, they're wet, gloomy and most of all blooming freezing! But being a parent means you have to brave the cold for school runs, shopping trips and even just to go to the park for some exercise or a runabout.

Keeping warm is essential for trips like this and a warm raincoat is defiantly a must-have as well as some good boots or even wellies!
Make sure the little ones have gloves and a scarf as their hands get cold extremely easy, unlike us adults, finding a cute little set is great but you can pick them up really cheap from stores like B&M or even Poundland.

Photo by Victoria Borodinova from Pexels

Once you have your warm clothing and bits grab a thermos of coffee or tea and get on your way for an adventure (even if that is only to the supermarket) We love doing this and just going for a walk through the woods or muddy puddle jumping its so much fun to just get out even if it cold outside, the air will clear your head and being in nature is brilliant for your mental health.

So make sure you wrap up super warm and keep you and your family safe and well, And come back soon for more content!

It’s no secret that old people fall victim to more health problems than the rest of us. You can find multiple reasons for this, but the main one is that they’re old. When you reach a certain age, your body starts shutting down, but you also feel the effects of everything that happened earlier in your life. 

Treat your body poorly, and you’ll see more health problems when you’re old and grey. 

However, if you look after your body, then you can prevent some of the most common issues from occurring. That’s the topic for today’s discussion; common elderly health issues and how you can prevent them right now!

Credit - CC0 License

Arthritis

Arthritis can occur when you’re any age, but it’s most prevalent in the older generation. Again, it comes from decades of increased wear and tear on your joints. This leads to constant inflammation and pain. Sometimes, it’s so bad that you can’t even walk. 

You can avoid all of this suffering by looking after your body when you’re young. Don’t put too much pressure on your joints, and make sure you stretch and work on your mobility. Try and keep your weight at a healthy level to stop adding pressure onto your lower body joints. Take supplements that aid joint and muscle/bone health too. This can prevent common joint issues that turn into arthritis when you’re older. 

Credit - CC0 License

Cataracts

A significant portion of elderly people suffers from an eye problem called cataracts. By definition, this is when the lens in your eye clouds over and causes bad vision. It’s one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. The only solution to this problem is to have an intraocular lens inserted into your eye via surgery. Yes, that is far from ideal, but at least you can reverse the issue. 

Ideally, the best course of action is to prevent cataracts from forming. Most people don’t know this, but you can actually stop them while you’re young. At least, you can reduce the chances of cataracts forming. It revolves around a good diet packed full of vitamins that are good for your vision. Furthermore, you need to follow good habits like avoiding ultraviolet lights and limiting the time you spend staring at screens. 

Dementia

Dementia is one of the most common health problems for elderly people. It leads to memory loss, which then leads to a loss of cognitive function. Dementia is a terrible disease that can never be 100% prevented or cured. 

However, you can reduce the risks of developing dementia by looking after yourself. Live a healthy lifestyle, and you will lower the chances of getting this condition. Also, take time to take care of your brain. Do cognitive exercises and play memory games to train your brain. This keeps it healthy and can also reduce the chances of dementia forming. 

Hearing loss

Going deaf is a very common thing in old age but not if you look after your ears while your young, having ear wax is healthy and actually protects your ears but a build up of too much is bad and can lead to hearing loss, ear infections and sometimes even tinnitus Auris Ear Care can help you get on top of this with a range of treatments and help available for better happier ears. 

Prevention is always better than finding a cure. Do you want to spend your senior years in and out of various doctor’s offices? I certainly don’t! Look at the advice given above to see how you can prevent some of the most common health issues that plague elderly people. 

 From the breath-taking Great Barrier Reef to the sensational sandy beaches in Port Douglas, there is no doubt that Cairns is a touristic centre when visiting Australia and a great starting point if you wish to explore Australia’s wildlife. A memorable and interactive way of meeting Australia’s animals up close, is undoubtedly one of Australia’s nature parks and there are several to choose from near Cairns! Here are the top 4 nature parks to look out for near close to the city: 

Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas

Home to Australia's iconic species such as koalas, possums, wallabies and crocodiles, Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas boasts the largest number of macropods (big-footed mammals) in the whole of Queensland! The ideal place to visit Australian mammals  mammals, including kangaroos, wallabies and bettongs, Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas also offers the opportunity to meet crocodiles, water dragons and a colourful array of birds. An eco certified wildlife sanctuary, Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas is committed to protecting and preserving Australia’s wildlife and offers educational experiences. Located just down the road from Cairns in Port Douglas, Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas is easy to reach by both car and public transport.

Rainforestation Nature Park

Venture deep into the magical Kuranda rainforest and come face to face with koalas, wallabies, lizards and more at the Rainforestation Nature Park! A multi-purpose park featuring aboriginal experiences and the legendary Army Duck Tour, the Koala and Wildlife Park is undoubtedly a focal point of the park, offering the unforgettable experience of hand-feeding wallabies and kangaroos! You can reach Rainforestation Nature park by car or shuttle bus from the Kuranda Village close to Cairns. 

Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome 

If you don’t fancy moving far from Cairns to experience Australia’s wildlife, then you can discover wildlife in the city itself! Situated in the centre of Cairns, Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome is home to an impressive selection of Australian wildlife, offering the once-in-a-lifetime experience of taking a photo with a friendly koala which the kids will remember forever! Yet the fun does not stop there - this incredible park also features challenge courses of varying difficulties, making it a unique, non-stop day out all in one dome! 

Kuranda Koala Gardens 

As  the name suggests, Kuranda Koala Gardens provides the ultimate experience of meeting these curious creatures up close! A boutique nature park, Kuranda Koala Gardens offers educational tours including fascinating day-time and nocturnal tours, which involve spotting the animals which hide in the depths of the Kuranda Rainforest. Easy to get to from Cairns by both public transport and by car, Kuranda Koala Gardens is a must-visit for any koala lovers!