Category Archives: Lifestyle

Going Healthy, Health, Lifestyle

Protiotics: Turns Out They Can Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

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Having a urinary tract infection can be the most uncomfortable situation to be in. It can not only affect your health but can also make it difficult for you to go about your day. Sometimes, a UTI can be a one-time thing, but for some people, it’s a recurring thing. In order to keep these horrible episodes are bay, there are steps you can take to prevent them; one of these methods is the use of probiotics.

What Is A Urinary Tract Infection?

Before you can learn how to get rid of a uti without medication, it helps to know what a UTI is. It is a bacterial infection that can take place in the kidneys, urethra, bladder, or ureters. The symptoms of a UTI include frequent urination, the urgency to urinate, and a burning sensation when urinating. If left untreated, a UTI can spread and start to affect the kidneys. It can spread even further into the bloodstream, with dire consequences.

What To Do If You Have A UTI

If you’ve been diagnosed with a UTI, there are some steps you can take to help it go away faster and to prevent more in the future.

  • Take the antibiotics that you’ve been prescribed, for the length of time stated even if you feel better.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. This will help to flush the bacteria out of your system.
  • Urinating after sexual intercourse; this is also good for removing any bacteria that might be in the area.
  • Avoiding irritating feminine products, such as diaphragms, spermicide-treated or unlubricated condoms.
  • Taking probiotics. Studies have shown that improving your gut biome can have a positive effect on UTIs.

How Diet Lowers Your UTI Risk

There are some foods you can add to your diet that can help prevent UTIs in the future. As mentioned before, probiotics can make a dramatic difference in how often you might experience a UTI. Other foods include:

  • cinnamon: it possesses antibacterial properties, as well as anti-inflammatory effects which can reduce the severity of your UTI pain.
  • blueberries: blueberry is a superfood when it comes to protecting your gut lining from bad bacteria.
  • cranberries: cranberries prevent bad bacteria from sticking to the lining of your urinary tract, thereby reducing your risk of UTIs.

Good Sources of Probiotics To Prevent UTIs

One of the easiest ways to get probiotics into your system is to take supplements. The most effective probiotic is any lactobacillus strain. It would be a good idea to do your research into the various products that are out there so that you can find the one with the best quality.

If you’ve taken many of the steps and suggestions mentioned above and you’re still experiencing UTIs, then it might be a good idea to seek medical attention. Your UTI could be the result of another condition you might not be aware of, so it’s a good idea that you speak to a medical professional to help you figure out what’s going on so that you can start effective treatment as soon as possible.

Going Healthy, Going Strong, Health, Lifestyle, Parenting

Getting Your Mojo Back as an Exhausted Dad

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You wake up to energetic and demanding children every single morning, which you wouldn’t change for the world. You make them breakfast, play with them tirelessly, try to keep the house in order and attempt to put them to bed after a busy and hectic day. There is no wonder that you’re feeling depleted as an exhausted Dad! Getting your mojo back could look different to everyone, so you need to think about where you would like to make improvements to your current lifestyle. Whether you want to get back into healthy cooking, or you need to start prioritizing sleep more often, there are a number of small lifestyle changes that will make a world of difference. Parents can often hit a brick wall when they are deep in the throes of parenting, but this is a sign that you need to take a break and think about yourself for a change.

Of course, your children will always be your number one priority, but they won’t live a joyful life if they have an exhausted father who has lost a piece of himself during the process of raising them. Remembering who you are as a person will always bring you back down to the ground and allow you to see the whole picture again. Getting your mojo back is totally achievable, as long as you are willing to step out of your comfort zone and make a change.

Consider some of the following ideas and you will soon feel positive and ready to bring back the old “you” again, even as a busy Dad!

Enjoy Some More “Me Time”

As a dad, “me time” comes very infrequently and you need to carve out time in your schedule to make it happen. Although it may not seem important at the time, it’s a vital part of resting and recharging and it will ultimately make you a better parent in the long run. Whether you’re reading a book or going out for a run, your self care time needs to be enjoyable to you.

Take a Break from Work

Remember those vacation days you keep meaning to take from work? Now would be the ideal time to use them up! If you’re the type of person who often puts off taking work breaks, you will slowly but surely grind yourself to the ground if you don’t take time to reset your system every now and again. Taking a week off of work will not only give you the freedom to rest and do what you enjoy, but it will also help you to get your mojo back.

Get More Sleep

Getting more sleep as a busy dad is much easier said than done, right? Whether you’ve got toddlers climbing into your bed at midnight or babies co-sleeping in your bedroom, there are no words to describe how much you treasure your sleep. Although it can be tempting to stay up later and enjoy that TV show you are hooked on, it makes more sense to get yourself to bed early and enjoy an hour or two more of sleep. Prioritizing this will help you to think more clearly and make better decisions, which will ultimately help you feel more like “you” again.

Consider Hormone Testing

Lack of energy or motivation can stem from a variety of different things, but it could be a deep-rooted health issue that you aren’t even aware of. If you have recently experienced signs of fatigue, low sex drive, weight gain or a depressed mood, it may be a sign of male hormone imbalance. Seeking out medical advice from a professional can help you diagnose the problem quickly and find a course of treatment that is effective for you. Although this might feel like a huge step to take, it will be worth it in the long run when you feel more energetic, enthusiastic and positive about everything in your life again.

Focus on Your Relationship

If you have a romantic partner, your lackluster attitude towards life may be because you haven’t spent enough quality time with your other half. Now would be the perfect time to go on a date night, spend real time together and refocus on what’s important to you both as a couple. As parents it’s so easy to get swept up into the whirlwind of having children that you forget your true connection and why you chose each other as life partners. Think about some fun activities you can do together and enjoy spending quality time as a pair again.

Try Meditation

When you meditate regularly, it can actually increase your energy levels and give you more clarity on who you are as a person. Allowing yourself to sit with your thoughts and feel the silence around you is a beautifully powerful thing that not enough people know about. Give it a try for yourself and you will be grateful you discovered meditation!

Hopefully, you can use some of the following ideas to change your normal routines and rediscover who you really are as a person. For so long you have worn the dad badge with pride, but you can’t forget who you are as an individual. Whether you’re nurturing your relationship with your partner more, starting a hobby that you have always loved or simply starting a new and enjoyable morning routine, there are so many different options you can try. Don’t be afraid to take a step back, ask for help and allow some time for yourself to grow as a person. Once you are back on track again, you will be so grateful for all of the positive steps you have made. 

All in all, being a dad is one of the most rewarding jobs you will ever do, but if you don’t have your unique mojo you won’t be the best parent you can be. Rediscovering your mojo again will help you to feel positive, energetic and joyful everytime you’re around your child which will benefit them immensely both now and in the distant future!

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Lifestyle, Parenting

Family-Friendly Activities to Experience in Tampa

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Planning a memorable family getaway to the sun-kissed state? Tampa, Florida should top your list! Renowned for its magnificent beaches, lively culture, and endless entertainment, this bustling city caters to every family member.

Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, we have prepared a guide of the top family-friendly activities that will make your Tampa trip a fun-filled experience. Ranging from world-class theme parks to captivating marine life encounters, gear up to make memories that you will cherish forever.

So, gather your family, pack your bags, and let’s delve into these amazing experiences!

A Brief Overview of Tampa’s Family-Friendly Activities

Museums: Consider visiting the Museum of Science and Industry, The Henry B. Plant Museum, or The Florida Aquarium for an enlightening family day out.

Parks: Tampa houses numerous parks perfect for picnics or a day of fun activities. Highly frequented parks include Al Lopez Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, and Gasparilla Island State Park.

Beaches: Boasting over 30 miles of beachfront, Tampa is an ideal place to bask in the sun and play in the sand. Popular beaches include Clearwater Beach, Caladesi Island State Park, and Honeymoon Island State Park.

Sports: Home to several professional sports teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), the Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), and the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), Tampa also offers the experience of watching minor league baseball at George M. Steinbrenner Field or college football at Raymond James Stadium.

Other Attractions: Other must-see spots include Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Lowry Park Zoo, and The Florida Strawberry

#1 Busch Gardens

A family trip to Tampa is incomplete without a visit to Busch Gardens. This globally recognized theme park caters to everyone, with exhilarating rides, fascinating animal encounters, and live shows.

Occupying over 200 acres, Busch Gardens is among Florida’s largest theme parks. It houses more than 50 rides, some of which are the country’s most sought-after roller coasters. However, the allure of Busch Gardens extends beyond rides. The park hosts a variety of animal interactions, from immersive experiences with exotic birds to behind-the-scenes tours of the animal care facilities. Plus, there are live shows ranging from electrifying stunts to Broadway-like performances, ensuring a memorable experience at Busch Gardens.

#2 Adventure Island Water Park

A must-visit for families wishing to escape the Tampa heat, Adventure Island Water Park spans 30 acres, featuring water slides, lazy rivers, and splash pads, guaranteeing fun for everyone. The park also provides cabana rentals for those who wish to unwind in the shade while the kids play.

#3 ZooTampa at Lowry Park

ZooTampa at Lowry Park ranks among Tampa’s most beloved family-friendly attractions. Housing over 1,200 animals and 200+ species from around the globe, the zoo invites visitors to venture on the wild side with giraffes, lions, and tigers, or have a close encounter with sloths, kangaroos, and penguins. The zoo also boasts a splash pad and a carousel, perfect for young visitors.

#4 Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium offers a unique opportunity to learn about the aquatic world, featuring over 20,000 animals and plants. The aquarium presents a range of educational programs and exhibits, as well as a variety of animal encounters.

#5 Glazer Children’s Museum

The Glazer Children’s Museum promotes educational and interactive experiences for children. Spanning over 170,000 square feet, the museum hosts more than 60 hands-on exhibits that engage kids in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The museum also organizes various programs and events for families to enjoy collectively.

#6 Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Beyond being the residence of Winter the Dolphin, Clearwater Marine Aquarium functions as an operational marine animal rescue center. Visitors can witness the rehabilitation process of the animals, with the aquarium’s goal being to return as many creatures back to the wild as feasible. Other marine life inhabitants include sea turtles, stingrays, pelicans, and more.

#7 Big Cat Rescue Center

As implied by its name, the Big Cat Rescue Center serves as a sanctuary for big cats. The center houses over 100 lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars, and other big cats. Visitors can tour the facility and understand the efforts put into rescuing and taking care of these animals. The center also provides educational programs and close-up experiences with some of the resident cats.

#8 The Florida Holocaust Museum

The Florida Holocaust Museum is a significant educational site in Tampa, dedicated to preserving the Holocaust’s memory and enlightening future generations about this grim period. Visitors can explore exhibits on the Nazi regime, concentration camps, and the lives of Holocaust survivors. The museum also conducts educational programs for children and adults.

#9 MOSI: Museum of Science & Industry

The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) is a leading science museum that offers hands-on STEM education experiences for all ages. Spanning over 450,000 square feet, MOSI has something for everyone!

Highlights at MOSI include:

Saunders Planetarium: Marvel at the wonders of the universe in Florida’s largest planetarium dome!

The Kids In Charge! Children’s Science Center: Let your kids explore, discover and play in this hands-on science center tailored just for them.

IMAX Dome Theater: Amplify your movie experience in MOSI’s gigantic IMAX theater.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Stadium Tour: Get an exclusive insight into one of the NFL’s most iconic stadiums on this behind-the-scenes tour.

Don’t miss out on seasonal events like pumpkin painting and holiday laser shows!

So, what would you like to do first?