Eyesight

Eyesight is a significant part of your well-being as it allows you to navigate life more easily. Unless you encounter issues with your sight and ability to see the world in its full color, you may never feel the need to periodically have your vision checked out by a professional. Unfortunately, statistics indicate that about 40 million people in the US have different forms of vision impairment. The report also indicated that about one million of them ignored the subtle signs in the months leading up to vision loss. Therefore, upon final diagnosis, it seemed a bit too late to save or reverse their eye condition. This can happen to anybody at all. Therefore, it is vital to keep tabs on your vision and report any changes to an eye specialist before it is too late.

While at it, you may also want to be mindful of the sunglasses you wear. Some are designed with protective screens to shield you from the sun’s harmful rays. You will find it helpful to be more selective on your choice of sunglasses or medicated ones. Today, people consider it fashionable to wear glasses, but while you’re enjoying the fad, it will help to be mindful of your eye health. It can be harmful to your vision to wear plastic or glass lenses when they're not necessary for your eyesight.

It's recommended for most folks to visit the ophthalmologist every two years, but your individual needs may vary (for example, I see one annually because my diabetes could impact my vision and eye health). 



Your ears and hearing

Do you regularly listen to loud music or a favorite podcast through ear pods or headphones? Thanks to technology, people enjoy their favorite movies, games, songs, etc., with immersive sensory technology like earpieces and headphones. However, many people fail to realize the health implication of loud sounds very close to the inner ear. In other words, while you enjoy the proximity of sounds, your eardrum and everything else in there may take a hit. This can be classified as noise-induced hearing loss because your ears have been continually exposed to loud sounds beyond the required healthy decibels. It is better to take precautions to save your ears by seeing a specialist from time to time. And fortunately, technology makes it possible to enjoy several benefits of hearing aids, so you can still live a very typo-normative life even with hearing issues.

Heart

Two out of five adults aged 18 to 45 experience heart palpitations at least twice a year. This fluttery feeling experienced in the heart is ignored by many because it causes no pain to compel them to rush to the emergency room. However, the truth is, having more than one heart palpitation in any given period is enough reason to get yourself checked out. Although scientific explanation says it happens when the heart’s ventricles squeeze sooner than they should, there could be more.

While this is not meant to scare you out of your wits, it is vital to be careful about your heart health. Some medical explanations also say stress can contribute to frequent heart palpitations. Other lifestyle choices can also increase the regularity of rapid beating of the heart or a fluttery sensation. People who have experienced this say it is a self-awareness of the heart beating that can be quite uncomfortable (although not painful). I say never take the risks when it comes to your cardiovascular system. Heart health is one of the most important aspects of anyone's overall well-being.



Skin

Different skin types exist - from dry, oily, or normal skin to combination skin. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. In several instances, skin can be a sole determinant of your state of health. This is why when you see moles or skin tags suddenly appearing on your body, it is better not to take them for granted. While they may look normal on someone else’s skin, your case may be different. You can always seek clearance from a dermatologist to allay your fears if in doubt. I've definitely met with a dermatologist in the past to have moles checked and biopsied.

Obviously I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on tv. But I do advocate for meeting with doctors regularly if you're able.

Genre: Historical fiction

Synopsis: Opal is a fiercely independent young woman pushing against the grain in her style and attitude, Afro-punk before that term existed. Coming of age in Detroit, she can’t imagine settling for a 9-to-5 job—despite her unusual looks, Opal believes she can be a star. So when the aspiring British singer/songwriter Neville Charles discovers her at a bar’s amateur night, she takes him up on his offer to make rock music together for the fledgling Rivington Records.

In early seventies New York City, just as she’s finding her niche as part of a flamboyant and funky creative scene, a rival band signed to her label brandishes a Confederate flag at a promotional concert. Opal’s bold protest and the violence that ensues set off a chain of events that will not only change the lives of those she loves, but also be a deadly reminder that repercussions are always harsher for women, especially black women, who dare to speak their truth.

Decades later, as Opal considers a 2016 reunion with Nev, music journalist S. Sunny Shelton seizes the chance to curate an oral history about her idols. Sunny thought she knew most of the stories leading up to the cult duo’s most politicized chapter. But as her interviews dig deeper, a nasty new allegation from an unexpected source threatens to blow up everything.

Content/Trigger Warnings: Racism, death/murder/lynching, Black trauma, heavy drug/alcohol usage/addiction, graphic injuries, misogyny

Genre: Queer YA, historical science fiction

Synopsis: Weeks ago, Andre Cobb received a much-needed liver transplant. He's ready for his life to finally begin, until one night, when he passes out and wakes up somewhere totally unexpected...in 1969, where he connects with a magnetic boy named Michael.

And then, just as suddenly as he arrived, he slips back to present-day Boston, where the family of his donor is waiting to explain that his new liver came with a side effect—the ability to time travel. And they've tasked their youngest son, Blake, with teaching Andre how to use his unexpected new gift.

Andre splits his time bouncing between the past and future. Between Michael and Blake. Michael is everything Andre wishes he could be, and Blake, still reeling from the death of his brother, Andre's donor, keeps him at arm's length despite their obvious attraction to each other. Torn between two boys, one in the past and one in the present, Andre has to figure out where he belongs—and more importantly who he wants to be—before the consequences of jumping in time catch up to him and change his future for good.

Content/Trigger Warnings: Chronic illness, death of child

Living healthily in a way that works for you

Some ways to incorporate healthier habits entail a variety of the the following:

Visiting the doctor as needed, and if able. 

Good sleep habits

Vitamins, medications, or the foods you eat

Physical activity

Water, water, water (I’m so bad at this one!)

Physical activity is a great way to boost mood and productivity. This could be taking the steps instead of elevators, a stationary bike, parking further away in a parking lot, or other things that make sense to get your body moving. If you’re already pretty active, maybe you could take it a step further. You could become a certified personal trainer online and help other people achieve their fitness goals.

In addition, cutting out old habits that no longer feel good for you and replacing them with new habits that make you feel better is a great way to physically, mentally, and emotionally enhance your health.

The final tip I'd include is that you should avoid comparing yourself to others as this can put unneeded stress on you, which may further affect your productivity at work or school. Obviously, this can be easier said than done, but awareness can be the first step. Try to focus on what makes you unique so that people see how special you are.



Connect with yourself

Connecting with yourself is an essential aspect of self-care. It can be something as simple as taking a few minutes each day to sit in silence and focus on your breath. Or you could take a walk in nature, journal, or practice meditation or mindfulness. The key is to find what works for you and regularly make time for it.

When you're connected with yourself, you're better able to listen to your needs and take care of yourself mentally and physically. You also have a stronger sense of inner peace and contentment, which can help boost your mood and productivity.

So take some time out for yourself – it's crucial for a healthy mind, body, and spirit.



Practice good hygiene

Good hygiene is the most basic of practices you can do for yourself, and it's not just about showering every day. It involves keeping your body and clothes clean.

Make sure you change your pajamas and into real clothes as soon as you wake up, even if you're not leaving the house right away. If you wear the same outfit daily, it's easy to fall into a rut where you don't feel like doing anything else because you know that once you've showered, slipped on some comfy sweats, and brushed your teeth, there isn't much left for you to do except go back to bed or watch TV all afternoon – neither of which are going help keep depression at bay. If you’re finding it difficult to keep up with basic hygiene, I highly recommend connecting with a mental health provider. 

Spend time with your loved ones

Hopefully we all have an individual in our lives that we love. It’s essential to invest time with them, even if we’re busy or want some alone time.

When you spend quality time with the people you love the most, you’ll be able to rejuvenate your batteries after a long day at work. This way you'll feel less tired when going back home and you'll quickly complete any tasks for tomorrow thanks to this boost in the mood.

I’m an introvert, so peopling can be exhausting but quality time with loved ones can be very energizing. 

Invest time in your hobbies

Taking time to do something you love is essential for overall well-being. Gardening, for instance, can be both calming and rewarding. It could be as simple as picking up your trowel or leaf blower to unwind or reconnect with nature. Hobbies can be anything from reading to cooking, to playing the piano—the only requirement is that you find it fun.

The research backs this up; studies have shown that hobbies are linked with better mental well-being and life satisfaction. So take some time every day and indulge in one of your favorite activities.

Self-care is vital for boosting mood and productivity. More than ever, we’ve got to learn how to support ourselves and feed our well-being with the things that bring us joy. Hopefully these tips help, but if not, I hope you find something else that does!

 

Here Are Some Tips For Planning Your Perfect Holiday Trip:



Budget

First, decide on a budget and stick to it. It's definitely easy to get carried away when planning a vacation, but it's important to stay within your means. Set a budget and try to find the best deals on airfare, hotels, and other expenses. 

Plan ahead

The more details you can plan, like where you're staying or what activities are nearby, the better chance you have at an enjoyable trip, and it definitely makes it easier to stick to a budget. This doesn't mean you have to be rigid with your plans, but being prepared will at least give you a starting point.


Travel dates

Next, choose your travel dates. If you're looking for a bargain, try to avoid the peak holiday season. Airfare and hotel prices can be much higher during popular travel times like Christmas or Easter. However, if you don't mind paying a bit more, then the busy season can be a great time to visit popular destinations.

Once you've decided on destination and dates, it's time to start booking! Should you decide to drive to your destination, it's imperative to have a car crash lawyer number listed as one of your emergency contact numbers. Otherwise, use online search engines to find the best deals on flights and hotels. Several websites offer package deals, including airfare, hotels, and car rentals.


Accommodation

When choosing accommodations, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, decide what type of accommodation you want. Do you want to stay in a hotel? Bed and breakfast? Maybe an apartment rental or resort? Many options are available, so it's important to decide what type of place will suit your needs best.

Also, consider the location of your accommodations. Think about how much time you'll be spending at your hotel. If you don't plan on leaving it very often, then pick something in the center of the action. This may cost more than other locations, but it can also give you easy access to restaurants and activities. Also, consider things like pool availability and proximity to public transportation when choosing your accommodation.


Activities

Once you've got all these details hammered out, start thinking about fun activities! You can plan anything from beach picnics to balloon rides, depending on where you are. You might also consider visiting some local spots or seeing famous landmarks near your hotel. Don't worry if you're not sure what you want to do! There will likely be options available that fit into the plans you've already made.





When planning for your holiday trip, it's important to take time and research all of your options first! By doing so, your trip is more likely to go smoothly and accomplish exactly what you want it to. Remember these tips when planning out every last detail of your perfect break.