Air Conditioning And Asthma
I’m an asthma sufferer and for most of my life I have had to deal with my allergies to cats, dogs, dust mites and pollen triggering my asthma which sets off my wheezy chest and leaves me reaching for the ventoline inhaler once again. Saying that, I do have my asthma under control and it rarely effects my life in a serious way but last year I was staying in an apartment in New York and being from the UK I wasn’t used to the air con system that had been installed. I was intrigued to see what sort of effect air conditioning would have on my asthma as I had used an air purifier whilst I slept when I was young and found that it had a mildly positive effect.
Air Purifiers
Asthma is usually triggered by inhalation of air particles that contain allergens such as pollen, dust mite droppings or pollution. An air purifier can help by removing contaminants and allergens from a contained environment by passing the air through a filter that collects them and stores them away. The majority of these allergens can be removed fairly easily from the air and the filter can also reduce the amount of fine pet hairs in the atmosphere. This helps relieve asthma symptoms which in turn helps an asthmatic get a good nights sleep although it is certainly not a one stop solution. A regularly cleaned environment with good air ventilation as well as reducing the amount of carpeting will also help to reduce symptoms.
Air Conditioning
Air conditioning can help asthmatics by maintaining a consistent indoor environment free from the pollen and pollution from outside. Air conditioning helps as if you live in an area with high levels of pollution, or if there are hot nights during the summer when pollen levels are high it allows you to keep windows and doors shut. Air conditioning lowers the humidity indoors which helps to control the amount of mold spours in the atmosphere as well as the number of dust mites.
In my personal experience I found that the air con really helped when I was in New York especially as I was spending my days in the hussle and bussle of the busy streets. It was nice to be able to come home at the end of the day, turn on the air conditioning and cool off as well as getting a good nights sleep.
Ten Mistakes When Taking A Cruise
It’s a shame to lay out $250 – $2,500 on a dreamy cruise vacation only to encounter unnecessary mishaps and inconveniences. So, in an effort to minimize the likelihood of a bump in the road to your perfect vacation, here are some common potholes that you can avoid.
Mistake #1: Not Making Your Luggage Distinctive. At the end of your cruise, your luggage will be placed in a huge room with THOUSANDS of pieces of luggage, probably in some designated area based on the color of a luggage tag provided by the ship. No matter how familiar you think you are with your own luggage, it’s amazing how well your bags will blend in with the mass of cargo surrounding them. Having a quick, easy way to identify your luggage will be a major relief, especially if it gets misplaced.
BUT, that isn’t the main reason to make your luggage stand out. You will be entering this cavernous room with a couple thousand other people, some of whom stayed up all night partying. They are going to be impatient to get their bag and get out and there is a fairly good chance that their vision isn’t so good. If your bag looks like their bag, it could be a goner. And, if a stranger does take your luggage it could be hours, even days, before you get it back.
Do something durable and noticeable to your luggage so that it not only is recognizable to you, but also let’s bleary-eyed fellow travelers know that your bag is not their bag. Put stickers on it, paint a day-glo streak around it, sew a teddy bear onto the outside… just make sure it stands out.
Mistake #2: Not Researching Shore Excursions Beforehand. It should come as no surprise that cruise line advertising folks have the ability to describe each and every shore excursion as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Of course, no cruise is complete without shore excursions and many of them are absolutely wonderful chances to do things you would never do otherwise. But, be smart here. It’s okay to get hoodwinked into thinking that palm trees do sway all day long and that sand feels like silk under your feet. But, it’s a whole ‘nother thing to be looking forward to that perfect, serene afternoon on a remote beach only to find out you have 500 friends, some with young kids, crowding around you and bumping into your beach chair while vendors hawk everything from coconut shells to t-shirts.
Before you commit, read some reviews, talk to the cruise ship shore excursion folks, ask fellow passengers, do some thinking. Most cruise ships have a “No Refund” policy on shore excursions, but don’t be afraid to ask for one if your experience is truly unacceptable. Better still, find out what you’re getting before you go. Many (if not most) shore excursions are just great and you’ll be happy you went. But cover your stump and you’ll be glad you did.
Mistake #3: Runaway Bar Tabs. Unless you specifically choose a package that includes it, your bar tab is NOT included in the “all inclusive” part of your cruise. Adding to the bite is the ubiquitous 15% gratuity that gets added to every purchase you make on board a ship.
I could suggest that you drink less, but that’s just plain dumb! You’re on a cruise! So, pay attention to how much you drink. Those cute little umbrellas drinks that come in a stunning canary-yellow cup will cost you about twice what a basic cocktail costs. Cruise ship booze is already costly enough; you don’t need to help them out by spending more for a cup that you’ll stash in a closet when you get home.
Cruise ships have a policy against bringing alcohol on board, but the policy is very loosely enforced if you don’t flaunt it. In other words, don’t strap a handle onto a case of Budweiser and check it as baggage or load up your carry-on bag with bottles of Wild Turkey. Discreetly packed airline bottles of booze or cans of beer will probably go unnoticed. Don’t try to sponsor a frat party, but you can definitely help yourself out a bit.
You are allowed to bring your own wine on board if you plan to drink it at dinner, though you are charged a “corking fee”. And, you can also bring a small stash of non-alcoholic beverages (soda, water, etc) with no problem. You should definitely bring some water, especially if you’re cruising in warm climates.
Mistake #4: Ignoring the Fury of the Sun Gods. Sun Burn treatments are the fourth most popular reason that people on cruises visit the ship’s infirmary. (The first three are: 1) bumps and bruises, 2) indigestion, 3) seasickness). Once you’re burned, there isn’t much anyone can do for you except try to alleviate the pain. (My favorite treatment for that is something called “Traumeel”. You can’t find it in the drugstore, but most health food places will have it.)
If you’re cruising in the winter months (Nov – Feb), you don’t have as big a problem. Even when you are in the sub-tropics, and even though your skin probably hasn’t seen sun for several months, the sun is hitting you at an angle and that makes all the difference. You still need to be careful, but you have more leeway.
In the spring and summer months, when the sun is overhead, you can get burned in as little as an hour, especially in the afternoon hours. Some silly people forgo the sunscreen because they want to make sure they get a tan. Not a good idea. Start your sunbathing session with at least 15 SPF (30 if you haven’t been in the sun, with extra protection on your lips). As you get closer to your end time, use less SPF. Even with a good sun blocker, your friends and co-workers will still know that you’ve been out in the sun.
Hats are a serious plus if you are in sunburn territory. Most people don’t put sunscreen on their heads, and so the part of your body that is getting the most direct rays for the longest period of time remains unprotected. Visors don’t protect your skull; you need some type of covering.
Mistake #5: No First Aid Kit. As previously noted, there are several reasons that passengers end up wasting time (and sometimes money) visiting the infirmary. You may not be able to avoid all mishaps, but you can prepare for the lesser blunders. By the way, all of this applies double if you’re traveling with kids!
Bumps and Bruises. The biggest reason people visit the ship’s doctor probably has something to do with mixing booze, slippery surfaces, metal railings and the rolling motion of the ship. For most of your injuries, the right size band-aid and a good analgesic crème will do the trick. A simple travel or camping first-aid kit will have what you need.
Indigestion. One of the drawbacks of having such constant access to all that wonderful rich food that cruise ships are famous for is that people eat it. And eat it. And eat some more. Unless you are a strict disciplinarian, you can expect to consume about two or three times your normal food quantity in an average day. Add to that the steady consumption of alcohol that is a hallmark of cruising and voila! Indigestion. Take along some Alka Seltzer, some Pepto Bismol and sum type of antacid tablet, like Tums or Rolaids. All of these are available in tablet form. Some ships stores will have some of this, but not always and if you need it in the middle of the night you’re out of luck.
Seasickness. The best treatment is prevention. After you get it, well… yuck! Check out the various forms of Dramamine that are now available, including pills and patches. The directions will tell you how much lead time before you hit the waves you need to get the maximum effect. You can also get acupressure wrist bands that work really well with some people.
One of the best treatments I’ve ever seen for treating seasickness once it hits you is Coke and soda crackers – lots of both. Some people say that 7-Up works also, but I think there is something in the caffeine in Coke that helps the whole process. If you are feeling sick, your cabin is the worst place to be unless the weather topside is really bad. Being able to get fresh air and see the horizon helps to trigger the brain sensors that calm seasickness.
Headaches. We all know that booze can make your head scream for mercy, but so can sun and lots of new food. If you’re not used to heavy carbs in your diet and you scarf up lots of pastries, ice creams or gourmet desserts, your body can trigger the same symptoms it does when detoxing from too much alcohol. And, if you experience bumps, cuts or sunburn a pain reliever is a good thing. Have a supply of different types of pain reliever. Depending on the reason for your pain, aspirin may not work as well as Tylenol or Ibuprofen in a given circumstance. (Do I need to remind you to read the label and follow the directions?)
Mistake #6: What? No Camera? A Picture Really Is Worth A Thousand Words. It’s hard to imagine, but some people will actually take the trip of their dreams and not take a camera. Or, they’ll take a camera, but they won’t keep it with them. Don’t do that. If you have a digital camera, use it, use it, use it. If you don’t have a digital camera, spring for about three or four disposable ones. And be sure to take you camera to the Life Boat Drill. You’ll know why when you get there.
A side bar to this camera thing is the Photo-ops that you have all over the ship. There will be dozens of them on your cruise – when you’re boarding, when you’re dining, when you’re getting off the ship, at the pool – at times it will seem like some one is taking your picture every time you turn around. You are, of course, free to decline. But I recommend that you give it a shot. Yes, these photos can be goofy, even cheesy, but they can also be a lot of fun. Plus, you just might end up with the best shot of the cruise. Some of the settings are outright elegant, rivaling what you would find at a studio. It’s a great way to get a nice formal picture for your living room or to send to your family, and there’s no sitting fee!
Mistake #7: Buying From Street Vendors. Where ever you go on your cruise, once you step ashore you will be approached (accosted?) by local folks trying to sell you something. I’m not talking about the shops and makeshift kiosks you may find, I’m talking about the guys selling Cuban cigars out of their trunks, or pirated CDs out of a cardboard box.
Your best bet, unless you’ve been there and really know the score, is to just say NO. Regardless of how appealing the offer, just say NO. Most of the products are very low quality and you have no way to check it out before you buy. I know of people who bought CD cases with no CDs inside, watches that didn’t work, Cuban cigars purchased in the local drugstore, “handmade” jewelry that came out of bubble gum machines, the list is endless. And this applies SIXTEEN FOLD if some local guy tries to sell you some pot.
In most ports of call frequented by American-based vessels, this street traffic is actually illegal. You probably won’t get into trouble, but why risk it? Save your money for the honest locals and their little shops that are going to sell you watches that do work, they just fall apart in a few weeks.
Mistake #8: Thinking You’ll Save Money “In Town”. One of the charming aspects of cruising is the ritual of visiting the local markets and shops. This is truly a fun experience and you can find all manner of unique and special items, but you probably won’t find any real bargains. There are bargains to be found, but you really need to know what you’re looking for and what it’s worth in the US. Don’t be cynical about it. It’s all part of the experience. Somehow, buying a wooden giraffe in Grand Turk is better than buying the same wooden giraffe at Pier 1 Imports, even if you pay a little more. Go figure.
You actually can save money when you buy liquor or tobacco products, but it might not be as good a deal as it first seems. Most ports have what are called “duty free” shops which means that there was no “duty” (i.e. import tariffs) paid on the products and so they are cheaper to sell in that country. The same applies to diamonds and other fine jewelry. The challenge is knowing what an item is actually worth. Just because these guys saved on the import fees doesn’t mean they’re passing the saving on to you. Also keep in mind that you are supposed to declare to US customs any purchases you make in a foreign country. Duty Free in Nassau doesn’t mean it’s duty free when you come back to the US. There are certain exemptions for personal items, but if you shell out some big bucks, you might lose the saving when you pay the US import fees.
So, don’t be a miser. Spend freely. Do some Christmas shopping. Spread your money around the local economy and have fun doing it. Just remember, these guys are in the business of selling stuff to foreign tourists. They know where the money is coming from and they know how to keep as much of it as they can.
Mistake #9: Sticking Around The Port. Yes, ships are safe in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for. Most ports of call, especially when the call is for a day or less, are set up to provide the ships passengers with a particular experience. They accomplish this by making their ports as visitor-friendly as possible. The experience of Mexico that you get right outside the port in Cozumel is decidedly different than the experience of Mexico on the other side of the island. Around the port, all manner of business are set up to appeal to a particular comfort-zone and a particular economy.
But, often, just a few miles from the port, you can have a completely different experience. If you travel to Grand Turk, for example, you can spend a delightful afternoon at the resort-like environment of Margaritaville. The beach is well-maintained, though a bit crowded. There is a huge beautiful pool with lots of palm trees and man-made waterfalls. A beer will cost you about $6 and a burger will be about $8.
But a short taxi ride to the old downtown area will take you to a much more authentic location. At least for the time being. You can stroll crowded, dusty streets; see skinny dogs shuffling through garbage cans and have a local beer and piece of fried chicken for about $3.75 at one of the local pubs. Sure, the pub would never pass an American food inspection and you may have to do without air conditioning. But the experience can be wonderful. You won’t get that experience staying close to the port.
Of course, you want to be safe and you want to be able to get back to your ship before it sales, so keep all that in mind. But, there is a whole universe of color, sound, smells and people that don’t ever get to the port and it’s worth the trouble to find it.
Mistake #10: Not Preparing For the Journey Home. Sooner or later (it will seem much too soon), your cruise will come to an end and you’ll have to return to the land of making your own bed and cooking your own food. The journey home is often an irritating necessity and something to endure as quickly as possible. But, if you rush back into the reality you left behind, it’s kind of like a diver coming to the surface too quick after a deep dive. Your mind and body will resist.
If possible, do something fun on the way home. Stay an extra night in a hotel or visit a landmark or even a theme park. At the very least, stop at a nice restaurant for a leisurely lunch or dinner. A quiet picnic (even with fast food) at a rest area can be a perfectly delightful way to transition home.
Here’s a couple of things to do to make your return less stressful and hurried.
o If you’re driving, fill up with gas before you go to the port. Make sure that, when you leave, you don’t have to stop until you want to.
o When you have breakfast on your last morning, take some pastries with you, or even make yourself an egg sandwich. If you thought to bring a thermos with you, fill up on coffee or juice for the ride home.
o Leave some bottles of water in your car. Many bus companies will allow you to leave some personal items on the bus when you get to the port, so include some water and a pillow.
o Find out what the weather is back home. I once stood shivering in 40 degree weather outside the airport in a pair of shorts and an aloha shirt. Hey, it was 85 degrees when I left Puerto Rico that morning!
o Take the next day off. If you are returning to port on a weekend, good. If not, schedule the time off before you leave. Or call in sick. You’ll be SOOOOOOOO glad you did.
A Final Suggestion.
Keep up with all of the information documents you got on the cruise – daily ships newsletter, shore excursion price list, etc. When you get home, file all this in a folder and then use if for reference material for yourself or someone else the next time a cruise is planned. And before your forget, write down all the things you wish you’d thought of and that you wish you had known. Make a complete list and stash it with the other cruise information you brought back.
Happy Cruising!
Cleaning Your Washing Machine
Is cleaning your washing machine important? It certainly is! The inside of your washing machine is constantly being subjected to dirty water, mineral deposits, detergent deposits, and if you launder cloth diapers it is especially important to keep your machine clean and in tip-top condition. Much like dishwashers, sinks and bathtubs get dirty even though they are meant to clean things, your washing machine can become a mess in no time. Though, most dirt and soil is washed out with the water, dirt, soap residue and other unidentifiable grungy objects can be left behind and you actually have to get rid of this dirt yourself. Every time you wash your clothes, hard water and detergents cause build up to accumulate also, inside the tub, pump and hoses. This build-up reduces the ability of your washing machine to perform and mineral build-up can be abrasive to your cloths and diapers you are washing, causing them to wear faster. Cleaning your machine eliminates these problems.
First, run a cycle of hot water along with two cups of vinegar or lemon juice to loosen up soap and grime. Remove the fabric softener receptacle and soak it in hot water and detergent. Clean the bleach dispenser with a spray cleaner and paper towels and Q-tips. Don’t forget to clean the top rim of the wash bucket as it is up and under where it can’t usually be seen easily and becomes dirty. Run the washer empty on a hot cycle one more time.
While this is going on you check all your hoses for leaks. Over time, the water hoses that came with your unit may leak or burst. It’s a good preventive maintenance practice to check these hoses from time to time for any sign of wear or weakness. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the hoses every 5 years. Make sure your hoses are not a disaster waiting to occur!
Once you’ve soaked the fabric softener receptacle, replace it and polish up the outside of your washing machine with vinegar and a cloth towel. Your washing machine now looks better and will run better as well!
Happy washing!
How to Fix Scratched PS2 Games
Even though the PS3 is quickly becoming popular, many of us have decided to stick to the PS2. There are more games, cheaper products, and more options for purchase. Heck, you can even download PS2 games on the internet. Of course, these games are going to get a lot of use (because they’re awesome!) and eventually you are going to want to know how to fix scratched PS2 games. This article will help.
Is it scratched or just dirty?
Sometimes the problem with our game is not a scratch. Really, the PS2 will read a lot of games with shallow scratches but it really has a problem with caked-on gook. Try cleaning the disc before you attempt to fix the scratch (or you might do work harm than is necessary).
It’s scratched! How do you fix it?
It’s actually really easy to fix scratched PS2 games. This is what you need.
Baking Soda Toothpaste
a Lint-free cloth (an eyeglasses cloth is perfect)
Before you start you should know that it is not a good idea to wipe your disc in circles. Unlike old LPs (where you had to follow the groove), PS2 Games should be rubbed from the center straight to the outside edge. Wiping in circles does more damage and you want to avoid that.
5 Simple steps to fix scratched PS2 games
Put a little warm water on the disc.
apply a little toothpaste to your cloth
rub (as directed) over the scratched area and around it. If you have a lot of scratches then you should do the whole disc. 10-15 swipes from inside to out should do the trick.
rinse the toothpaste off
allow the disc to air dry
See? It’s not hard to fix scratched PS2 Games at all. There is one problem to this method though; You can do it too often. Realize that you are grinding down the plastic surface around the crack to make the PS2 think it’s shallow. If you do it too often then you will have no plastic buffer left and the foil data layer will get destroyed. For serious problems (or repeated damage) your best bet is to resurface the disc.
How to Choose a Memorial Poem Or Verse For a Funeral Or Life Celebration
When choosing a poem or verse for a life celebration, funeral or memorial service you will first want to consider where you plan to use the poems and verses. Today, many people are going beyond just prayer cards and bookmarks and creating memorial service folders and various memorial favors. You also may wish to print the same poem or verse on thank-you notes that you will send out. If you are using the verse on a small size card obviously you will want to choose a shorter poem or verse.
Next, you will want a verse that most closely captures the essence of the person. Sometimes this may even come in the form of musical verse from the person’s favorite band or singer. You may want to peruse their music selection to see if you can find some song lyrics that might be appropriate. Perhaps a family member or even a young family member could write a poem. Experts recommend writing as an effective form of grieving. Children, although very simple in their thoughts can often write very moving words.
Consider that the poem does not have to be about death but instead how they lived their lives. For example;
“To love for the sake of being loved is human,
but to love for the sake of loving is angelic.”
By Alphonse de Lamartine
Not all horses were born equal.
Some were born to win.
By Mark Twain
To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of the intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
to know that one life has breathed easier
because you lived here.
This is to have succeeded.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Love is also a common theme;
To Those Whom I Love and Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do
You must not tie yourself to me with tears
Be happy that I have had so many years
I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness
I think you for the love each have shown
But now it is time I traveled on alone
So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
It is only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories in your heart
I will not be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can not see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you will hear
All of my love around you soft and clear
Then, when you must come this way alone
I will greet you with a smile and a
“Welcome Home”
Mary Alice Ramish
Love Lives On
Those we love remain with us
for love itself lives on,
and cherished memories never fade
because a loved one’s gone.
Those we love can never be
more than a thought apart,
far as long as there is memory,
they’ll live on in the heart.
If the person was religious, the most common or traditional verse for Catholic and religious services has been the 23rd Psalm.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the path of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
King James Version
The following poems and verses are more focused on death;
I Wish You Enough
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough “Hello’s” to get you through the final “Goodbye.
Death is Nothing
Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other
That we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes
We enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me,
Let my name be ever the household word that
It always was.
Let it be spoken without effort,
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant
It is the same as it ever was
There is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am
Out of sight? I am but waiting for you
For an interval
Somewhere very near
Just around the corner.
All is well.
Canon Henry Scott Holland (1847-1918)
I turn my head and look towards death now.
Feeling my way through the tunnel with the space of
emptiness and quiet.
The shimmering silence that awaits me.
This is my direction now; inward to the green pastures…
The cares of the world concern me no longer.
I have completed this life. My work is done, my
children grown.
My husband is well on his hero’s journey.
I have loved much and well…
Those I leave behind, I love.
I hope I will remain in their hearts as they will
in mine…
Thank you for taking such good care of me…
And all of you who have been my friends, thank you
for teaching me about love.
Karen Vervaet from “Karen’s Journal, 3 April 1993
In closing, memorial services and life celebrations are about the person that was lost and the life that they lived. It is up to you to decide what will help you and the people who attend to best remember and celebrate the life of that person.
Sauna Safety – How Long Should You Stay in a Sauna and Why?
Having a sauna is a wonderful luxury that has many benefits, including health benefits. Saunas have long been known to help improve the circulation, detoxify the boy and decrease stress in regular users. However, just as you would with any other appliance or piece of equipment, you must be a responsible user of saunas to ensure you don’t do any damage to yourself through excessive overuse or improper use. Read on for some important sauna tips.
Tip 1 – Make sure the sauna has proper safety equipment installed before using it.
If you are utilizing a sauna at a local health club or a friend’s place, you should inspect it for safety equipment before actually using it. All saunas should be equipped with safety rails around the heating unit. These units get excessively hot, often reaching temperatures of over 500 degrees F and they can cause some serious burns if one were to accidentally fall onto one or have hot steam blown up on them. The rails help prevent this from happening and ensure safe use. One other important safety feature is proper ventilation. The sauna should have a fan system or a small vented opening in the ceiling to allow heat to escape and fresh air in for breathing. Without these features, the interior of the sauna can experience a buildup of carbon dioxide which can produce illness or even worse, death.
Tip 2 – Special health and safety concerns to think about.
Almost anyone can experience the healthy results of spending brief periods of time in a sauna. However there are some people who should limit their use of or not use saunas for obvious reasons. Pregnant women should not spend any time in a sauna at any stage of their pregnancy. Exposure to extreme heat can cause contractions to occur in all women and this can cause premature birth or miscarriage in pregnant women. High temperatures may also be the cause for fetal damage which may increase the chances of birth defects. People who are using prescription medications are best to consult with their physicians before using a sauna. This is especially true for anyone diagnosed with a circulatory or brain problem, such as hypertension, diabetes or epilepsy. The high temperatures in the sauna can increase the effects of the medication and cause extreme dizziness, heart palpitations, seizures or death in some cases.
Tip 3 – Time limits for sauna use.
A sauna can be very relaxing for anyone, especially to relieve sore muscles, joints and the back. Unfortunately, this experience needs to be limited to a safe amount of time. It’s normally recommended that anyone using a sauna should limit his or her time to 15-20 minutes at a time. It’s important that users of saunas remain hydrated as being in a sauna will produce a lot of sweating which drains the body of minerals and water. The rule of thumb when using a sauna is to trust your instincts. If you begin to feel overly tired, dizzy, and nauseous or just begin to feel odd, it’s time to step out of the sauna back into fresh air and take a break from it.
By following the tips above, you will be able to enjoy the many benefits of sauna usage. Being safe means being a smart consumer and these tips will aid you in being a smart sauna user.
Local Singles
Today people hardly get the time to interact because of their hectic schedule. Today various websites have created opportunities to interact with local singles of our choice. You could be living in any part of the world; through these websites one can meet suitable local singles of one’s choice. This is a much better option than spending fruitless time in the pubs in anticipation of bumping into a local single. The ideal place to meet local singles is where they have been invited. These websites pre-screens each member before they come face to face with each other.
Local single means meeting face-to-face with people over the weekend, but not in chat rooms or through the internet. This helps you to connect to people, make friends and date while have a good time at the various events.
Regular events are organized for local singles to meet and participate in various activities. The main aim of these websites is to bridge the gap between various local singles and help them to mingle with each other. They build an environment that is conducive for healthy interaction among local singles who may have innumerable interests in various fields.
These also organize treks, expeditions, flying lessons, cooking classes, yoga classes, food and wine tasting sessions, hot air ballooning, motorcycle riding, fencing and cosmic bowling. To make the meeting more interesting tennis matches, golf matches, rock climbing, boxing matches and casino nights are also arranged.
It is not very easy to meet local singles.
These websites gives you the opportunity to spend valuable time with them and get rid of boredom and loneliness. Whether you are on a look out for love or friends this website helps you to connect to people of your choice.
There are plenty of organizations around that are specially designed for local singles. If you are looking out for friends with similar interest to participate in various activities these groups may be just right for you; although, it would certainly be possible to come across the person of your dreams here. Such organizations provide you with opportunity to not only make friends but also to have fun.
Such organizations are also beneficial for people you are new to a place and do not know many people in that area. It helps you to share your thoughts and views over a common issue and helps you to socialize with people in the vicinity.
House Blessings – Bless Yours NOW!
It’s time to kick the enemy out of our homes and our of our family’s lives. My wife and I recently bought an 85 year old Victorian home in Stephenville, Texas. We call it Vanderbilt Place and we run it as a rooming house. On New Year’s Eve 2005, along with some friends, we prayed a blessing over the house. It made such a huge difference insofar as not only keeping the place occupied but also in the quality of renter we attracted from that day onward.
Later, after sharing this experience with a friend, a local business woman asked if we would pray with her over her business. Once we prayed, not only did productivity soar, but the strong ungodly element decreased dramatically, starting with the manager’s resignation several months later.
In this message, I did not want to get too ritualistic, thereby possibly inviting some other religious devil. Consider this a model; feel free to customize it for your needs. So, I’m keeping it simple and duplicatable so that others might be able to bless THEIR home…people like YOU! Don’t wait for Sunday to do something spiritual…we are the Church, NOT the buildings! Don’t wait for a minister either…you ARE one according to Scripture.
In America today, we tend to scream at societal issues and throw money at our problems. We do a great deal of finger pointing, too. What I’m proposing is that, house by house, American Christians must take back what the enemy has stolen from us. Starting TODAY! As they say, if you want something you’ve never had, you’ve got to do something you’ve never done.
Single parents, grandfathers, college students alone in your dorm, apartment dwellers AND apartment managers or property owners – if you are a Christian, you have the authority to take dominion over your dwelling place. Don’t delay. Gather some friends and a bottle of virgin olive oil from the kitchen and start praying and anointing as the Spirit leads…first your place, then THEIRS! There’s power in agreement so, regardless of their denomination, go for it! If you like, have communion afterward or sing some hymns. Here’s what we’re doing. Do likewise and be blessed!
1) TAKE AUTHORITY OVER SPIRITS THAT HAVE BEEN WELCOMED THROUGHOUT THE HOME’S HISTORY – LEAVE DOORS OPEN FOR THEIR ESCAPE. The Bible declares, “Submit yourself to God, resist the devil and he will flee.” Here’s a prayer you can begin with:
In the Name of Jesus our Messiah,and by the power of His Blood and His Cross, and the Holy Spirit that raised Him from the dead and now dwells within us, we bind all spirits in the air, and the fire and the water, in the ground and the underground and the nether world,and we bind any satanic forces of nature that have been assigned to this dwelling place. You will steal from us no longer! In fact, you will repay us sevenfold, according to Eph 4;28. “When the thief is caught he must repay seven fold”. That includes sevenfold time, energy, money, health and anything else stolen from God’s children.
We break all generational and word curses, hexes, or spells, or any witchcraft or occult activity that have been invited into this house – on purpose or by accident – throughout the generations past.
We bind the interaction and interplay of demonic spirits within these walls. And we claim the protection of the shed Blood of Jesus Christ over this house and grounds, and over every person who ever spend so much as a few moments upon this property. May they receive God’s blessing!
We call out to you, Holy Spirit. Come now and fill this place, never to leave! We pray this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Here are a few Opening Scriptures you may choose to start with:
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 1:7)
“Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will go in…” (Revelation 3:20)
2) PRAYER OF BLESSING WHILE ANOINTING WITH OIL
Most loving God, we thank you that through faith in your Son Jesus Christ, you make us all members of your eternal family. We give thanks for all the love that you send to draw our earthly families together, to heal us, and to heal those who have gone before us. Fill this house with your divine presence, we pray. Pour out your love to deepen the fellowship shared here. Let your wisdom guide us, your trust free us, and your peace bless us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We dedicate this home to love and understanding. May its joys and sorrows be shared and the individuality of each person who lives and visits here appreciated.
We dedicate this home to work, and rest and play. May our home have joy and high fellowship, with kindness in its voices and laughter running within its walls.
We dedicate this home to friendly life. May its doors open in hospitality and its windows look out with kindness toward other homes and those who pass by its doors.
We dedicate this home to cooperation. May its duties be performed in love, its furnishings bear witness that the work of others ministers to our comfort, and its table remind us that God works with us for the supply of daily needs.
We dedicate this home to the appreciation of all things good and true. May the books bring wisdom, the pictures symbolize things beautiful, and the music bring joy and inspiration.
We dedicate the time and talent of those who live here to help build a world in which every family may have a home of comfort and fellowship.
We dedicate this home as a unit in the Church universal, an instrument of the Kingdom of God, a place of worship and Christian training and a threshold to the life eternal.
With our hearts turned toward you, so our thoughts rise in gratitude to God for this home, and in prayer for God’s blessings upon it.
Following are s few Scriptures and Reflections about Homes and God’s Care:
1. The Bible teaches us that a home is far more than a physical building.
Proverbs 24:3-4
By wisdom a house is built,
and by understanding it is established;
by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
2. We need God’s presence, power and direction for our lives and homes to be fruitful.
Psalms 127:1
Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
3. The Bible indicates that it is important to dedicate our homes to God. Before going into battle, the men in the Bible were warned to dedicate their homes!
Deuteronomy 20:5
Then the officers shall speak to the people, saying, ‘What man is there that has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it.’
4. God told his people to write his word on the doorposts of their homes.
Many Jewish people today place a portion of God’s Word on a parchment scroll in a container on the doorposts of their homes. They touch the scroll every time they go in or out to remind them that their homes belong to God, and what happens there is to be directed by God’s Word.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9
And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your hearts and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. And you shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
5. When a person dedicates their house to God, we trust that God responds to their commitment. When Solomon dedicated the temple, God responded, speaking to him.
2 Chronicles 7:15
Now my eyes will be open [says the Lord] and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.
For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there for ever; my eyes and my heart will be there for all time.
6. When people in the Early Christian movement gathered to teach and preach about Jesus, and to pray in the power of the Spirit, they often met in homes. Even today, there is a growing movement throughout the Western world – something our third world brethren have been doing for decades – meeting in homes or anywhere the Spirit leads them to.
Acts 5:42
And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Acts 28:30,31
[Paul] stayed two full years in his own rented quarters, and was welcoming all who came to him, preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ…
7. Jesus can use our homes to minister to us and with us if we will welcome him.
Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
8. In his teachings, Jesus presented home life as a model of what it means to live a life in God’s presence and love.
John 14:1-3
“Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms;
if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
9. The Psalmist saw God’s care in a similar way.
Psalms 91:1-2
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress;my God, in whom I trust.”
10. How will we use the homes God has loaned to us? Dedicating our homes to God is not a one-time act. It is an ongoing ministry!
Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
11. We are accountable to God for the use of our homes and our hospitality. God honors those who consecrate the use of their homes to bless others in need.
Matthew 25:31-46
“When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.
Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats… Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was …a stranger and you welcomed me…’
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see thee…a stranger and welcome thee…? And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.
Final Prayer of Blessing:
Almighty God,we thank you for the desires of our hearts for this home and all who enter its doors,that all we have and do here may be in accord with your divine plans,that this home and its residents may be truly and completely dedicated to you, and to serving your kingdom.
We ask you to strengthen them in this commitment. We pray to you, O God, for this home, its occupants and possessions,that you may bless and sanctify them, enriching them by your kindness in every way possible. Pour out on them, O Lord, heavenly dew in good measure, as well as an abundance of earthly needs.
Mercifully listen to their prayers, and grant that their needs be fulfilled.
As we come before you, Father, bless this home & every aspect of it,
cleansing any misdeeds of the past, and leaving it pure, fresh and holy.
Bless this house, just as you blessed the homes of Abraham and Sarah, of Isaac and
Rebecca, of Jacob and Rachel.
Within these walls, let your angels preside and stand watch over those who live and
spend time here, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Keeping the Air Moist For Your Iguana
In reality, producing 80 percent or so humidity recommended for iguanas is nearly impossible. Most iguana keepers find that keeping the humidity up around 50 percent is difficult, especially when the central heating or air conditioning may be running during the winters or summers. The final kickers is that when the high humidity levels are attained, mildew may end up growing on the walls. When you have to choose between having fungal growths destroying the drywall or protecting your house by reducing the humidity level, protecting your house will usually wins.
To humidify the air in your iguana room, you can run a humidifier all day and night or just during the daytime hours. Another way to increase the humidity is to put a large pan or plastic tub of water in the warm side of the enclosure. The bigger the tub surface area, the higher the rate of evaporation. Some iguana soak in the water, which also helps humidify them. Because so many iguanas decide that the water tubs are a nice place to poop, make sure that you can easily get the tub in and out of the enclosure to clean and disinfect it as needed. Even though the tub or pan is filled with plain water, the container itself can get scummy after awhile, so periodically clean and disinfect it even if your iguana is not using it as his toiler bowl.
If you start seeing mildew growing on your walls, cut back the hours the humidifier is in operation. If you walls are white, you can apply a bleach water mixture to kill the fungus. If your walls are painted or covered, you can test various household mildew products in an inconspicuous place to find one that will not discolor the wall. Use these products when the iguanas is out of the room and give the room time to air out before returning him.
Using a spray bottle filled with water is one of the easiest ways to help keep your iguana humidified. Just set the nozzles to a broad, gentle spray mist, and spray. There is no need to add any vitamins or emollients to the water. The water itself does the job of helping increase the humidity right around the iguana. Spraying is especially nice when the iguana is shedding because it keeps the loosing flaps of skin from drying out, making them shed off more easily. As the water droplets evaporates, they humidify the air the iguana breaths. You should spray several times a day during the daytime period, giving your iguana enough time to dry off before he goes to sleep.
If you have a bigger iguana or several iguanas or your hands get tired squeezing the spray trigger, at your local store you can find a heavy duty pressurized spray bottle. After pressurizing the bottle using the plunger handle at the top, you simply press the lock down bottom and then just hold the bottle while it emits a fine spray for a couple of minutes.
These are two ways you can humidify your iguana.
Questions to Ask Before Buying an Air Conditioning Unit
Sure, there are parts of the United States that are seeing regular snowfalls in winter and then there are others that bake in the summer sun. Air conditioning is a common feature in many American homes and as such the market has grown large and intimidating.
When last have you looked at the sheer variety available in just one brand of air conditioner, let alone across the spectrum of different manufacturer’s brands? Well, if you are on the hunt for a new air conditioner for your home or business, there are a few questions you need to ask in order to get exactly what you need. After all, the last thing you want is to spend all that money on one and not have it fulfill your air conditioning requirements.
Stationary or on the move
One of the biggest decisions you need to make when purchasing an air conditioner is deciding on a stationary one or a portable one that can be moved from one room to the next. The type of air conditioner that you choose will depend on your needs. For instance, are you a stay at home mother who spends her day all over the home doing housework?
A portable device will suit your needs as it can tag along from one room to the next as you go about your daily tasks. Are you a family that spends much time away from home during the day and lots of time in a centralized area when at home? Well, a stationary wall or window mounted device would be perfect for your needs. Perhaps you have several members of the family needing air conditioning in each of their rooms. Wall or window air conditioners work well for this purpose as well.
Pick your device
Picking an air conditioner, whether it be a portable or a stationary one, needs to be done according to certain criteria. The first question you need to ask is, how long will it last? The device you choose needs to be durable so that you are not forking out money on something that will fall apart in two months flat.
You need to pick the best quality manufacturer and model you can afford. The next question is, where is the air conditioner going to be used? The size, power and such needs to cater to the size of the room and the location the device is going to be used in.
You need to take the amount of sunlight the room receives and the square footage. One more thing to take into consideration when purchasing an air conditioner is how user friendly it is. It is no use purchasing an expensive device that stands proudly and impressively in your living room like a small spaceship, but nobody can figure out how it works. Invest in an air conditioner that will be easy for everyone in the family to use so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of your home’s new air conditioning.