How an Inactive Lifestyle Can Affect Your Health
The human body requires a certain level of maintenance in order to function correctly. People who enjoy an active life and who take care of their physical well being have a far longer life expectancy than those who spend their evenings glued to the television with a bowl of potato chips and half a bottle of wine.
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Our bodies need to be free of excess weight if they are to perform the way we all would like them to. Nobody enjoys being out of breath; being unable to take the stairs at a run; being too self conscious to wear revealing clothes in the summer… There are other more sinister effects that are the result of sitting still for long periods of time, either watching the television or being hooked to a computer. Excess weight causes serious diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes; cardio vascular diseases; stroke; high blood pressure.
All of these diseases might be prevented by watching our weight and getting effective exercise. Excess weight puts pressure on the skeletal structure and also on the joints. The knees designed for the human race were never meant to withstand the kind of pressure caused by even as little as thirty pounds of extra weight and the continued workload eventually takes its toll on the fragile human frame. Excess weight causes the respiratory system to struggle; skin tone to degenerate and muscles to slacken.
As more weight is gained, it becomes even more difficult to move around, causing weight to pile on even more quickly. A body that is overweight is difficult to rest and sleeping in awkward positions causes cramps; aches and pains and minor sprains, making it necessary to take medication to encourage a proper night’s sleep. The long term effects of weight gain are serious and long reaching: these issues should be addressed as early as possible to avoid long term illness and possibly serious disease.
The process of losing weight is not as painful as some people imagine. The key is a controlled diet and effective exercise but exercise need not necessarily mean pounding the sidewalks in a running suit or spending three hours per day in the gym. The right kind of exercise can take as little as eight minutes per day and turn your life around by allowing you to look and feel great.
Imagine how wonderful it could be to be able to jump out of bed in the morning instead of dragging yourself to the bathroom looking and feeling terrible – walk to work because it’s a nice day and you feel like it – wear anything you want and know you look good in it – take the stairs instead of the elevator! All of these things are taken for granted by people who are fit and healthy but there is no reason why you should not be one of those people.
Taking the first steps toward being healthy include doing the right kind of exercise for just a few short minutes per day. It won’t interfere with your work or your home life or cost a fortune for gym membership. Taking those first steps could change your life or even save your life.
How an Inactive Lifestyle Can Affect Your Health
Five Kinds Of Exercise That Help Bring On Labor
Exercise is frequently recommended as a natural method to induce labor. Exercise is especially helpful in getting your baby to descend, and in encouraging him or her to engage better. There are at least five types of exercise you could do when your pregnancy is full term, to encourage your baby to get born.
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Walking as a method for natural labor induction
Walking keeps you upright and helps your baby to descend. This exerts downward pressure on the cervix, taking you closer to cervical effacement and dilation. The pressure your baby’s head places on your cervix also increases local release of oxytocin, which in turn brings on labor.
In addition to helping your baby to get into the right position, walking is also good for you. Walking is excellent cardio-vascular training, and can be done by most people; besides it doesn’t require a gym or any special equipment. Walking improves blood circulation, respiration, as well as muscle tone. It keeps you fit to cope with the onset of labor, and be ready to welcome the newborn.
If you can, walk in the mornings when the air is fresher and less polluted. Wear comfortable shoes and also carry a big umbrella. It’s good to have one, in case you want to lean on something to relieve any strain on your back. And of course, it’s useful if it gets too sunny, or starts to rain.
Does climbing stairs really help to start labor?
It’s often said that in hospitals midwives ask you to walk upstairs and down, in order to get the early stage of labor to go faster.
Climbing stairs has the same effect that walking does. It helps your baby to engage better, your cervix to dilate, and also increases the oxytocin level in the cervical area. Additionally, lifting your legs, one after the other, in order to move on to the next step opens up your pelvis. This makes more room for your baby and helps in bringing on labor. The slight swinging motion and small accelerated movements while going up, and the little bumps while stepping down, all help your baby to position himself or herself better for the labor.
Remember, it is important that you don’t exhaust yourself climbing stairs, trying to get faster into labor. You should know your own limits, and must listen to your body signals.
How about swimming in order to bring on labor?
Swimming is another excellent exercise that helps bring on labor. The breaststroke especially is said to have this effect.
Remember to wear goggles and follow proper swimming techniques. If you keep your head above the water all the time while swimming, your spine will curve unnaturally. This is likely to strain your back, which is already coping with the extra weight of your belly.
If you don’t know the right techniques, don’t let that stop you! If you can swim a little bit, it becomes surprisingly easy to learn the proper technique for swimming breaststroke. Contact a swimming teacher for a lesson.
Immersing your body in water, when you are heavily pregnant, is truly a joyous experience. The water supports your body and takes off weight from your feet and joints. If you are suffering from swollen feet at the end of your pregnancy, the slight pressure of water will relieve this common problem comfortably.
It is indeed worth going to the pool or to the beach to enjoy the benefits of water and of swimming, to help bring on your labor and to get relief from swollen feet!
Does squatting help in starting labor faster?
Squatting opens your pelvis and makes labor easier, because it helps your baby to move down the birth canal and also creates more room for him or her to be born. Squatting can help you to get to labor faster, in case it doesn’t start because the baby is too high.
The squatting position helps your baby to descend and engage into your pelvis. After your baby has engaged well, it’s less probable that she or he will be able to turn anymore. This means that you should squat only when your baby is in the right position for birth. This position is called the anterior position in which the baby is head down and facing your back. If your baby is in a posterior position — back against your back — or in the breech position head up, it’s important not to encourage him or her to descend. Your baby has to turn into the optimal, anterior birth position before you do any squatting.
Swinging — could exercise for natural labor induction be more convenient?
Using a swing results in a small G-force that encourages your baby to descend. To try this type of physical exercise in starting your labor, find a safe swing in which you can be stably seated.
All these exercises can be the last bit of natural encouragement your full term baby needs to be born. It’s always good to exercise. It’s never too late, and even a little of physical exercise goes a long way, and is an improvement on doing nothing at all. Exercise helps your labor to start and also keeps you fit. When you are physically in good condition, you will feel great and are able to resist stress and illnesses much better. So, go for a walk around your block, or to the nearest park to use a swing!
Five Kinds Of Exercise That Help Bring On Labor
What Were Daybeds Like in the Victorian Bedroom
Imagine beautiful iron daybeds in a Victorian bedroom and you might imagine frills and extra bedding, but in fact, this is not likely to be the case. During Victorian times, what we would consider a modern daybed mattress and bedding was not the same as it was present at that time. In fact, you are not even likely to see this type of furniture within the bedroom at all. They were often placed in a fainting room, a room usually off the parlor or in the main area of the home, where a woman could go to recover from fainting spells usually caused by overheating or a shortness of breath due to the tight fitting corsets she wore.
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Their Design and Use
One of the main ways that modern daybeds different from what we might see today is in their construction. Metal daybeds were unheard of and therefore most were wood daybeds. Even the best mattresses were made up of cushions and draperies, which were added to the construction of the rope bed. During the 900′s through the 1700′s, it was more common to find long wooden chest and rope beds. All of those cushions would have made them very expensive and therefore it was less common for these pieces of “modern” bedroom furniture to be prominent in a home.
In the 1600′s, a new type of bed was incorporated into many of the well to do homes. It features a fold up design which allowed it to be put away when it was not needed. The folding daybed frame had cushions and thicker fabrics used to dress it up. In the years to come, the French resting bed became popular. It featured between six and eight legs. Another option was the William and Mary long chair as well as the drop arm sofa. However, daybeds were still an important part of many homes.
From the 1700′s through the 1800′s, homes with more modern bedroom furniture may have incorporated a Daybed with Trundle into the space. They were still present in the main portion of the home and used for the same resting purpose. They did have numerous names, though, including the “sofa da reposo” and “chair ‘a duchesse.” One of the differences during this time is that many made them look more elegant than the humble beginnings from which they came. During this time, the “modern” daybed would beginning to take on a place for people to sit and relax for a short period of time, which meant more elaborate designs were included including things like the wrought iron daybeds.
Throughout Victorian times, what we know of contemporary daybeds were nonexistent. Rather, these beds were often wood daybeds, with limited comfort to them. However, the look and charm of these beds, and all of the layers of cushions and fine fabrics is something that has remained present throughout history. You will find modern elements to them today, including eco friendly mattress options and even upholstered headboards. Still, the look of them is very much still Victorian in many cases.
What Were Daybeds Like in the Victorian Bedroom
Vegetable Gardening – How to Make a Raised Bed
Raised Beds
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I personally love raised beds for vegetable growing, they solve many problems, (poor soil, hard-pan layers, high water tables etc), and are very easy to install. All you need to build them are some lengths of pressure treated / tannalised timber and some wooden stakes. Of course you can use other materials, such as old / new railway sleepers, (do not use if treated with creosote) brick or stone, logs, plastic raised beds are also available to buy. In fact anything solid enough and safe, avoid any materials that may contain harmful toxins, or with sharp edges.
Building A Raised Bed
My preferred method is lengths of tannalised timber, between 6inches (15cm) to 1ft (30cm) wide with adequately long stakes (at least 12 – 18 inches). Simply cut the lengths of wood to the size of bed required, remember a 4 to 5ft wide bed allows for easy maintenance without having to step on the soil which can cause compaction.
Mark out and dig a narrow trench approximately 2 inches (5cm) deep for the boards to sit in on their edges, then support the board with stakes driven in to the ground every 3-4ft. For extra stability it helps to have stakes on both the outside and inside edges and possibly nail or screw the boards to each other where they meet in the corners. Ensure the boards are nice and perpendicular as you drive in the stakes. The stakes should be knocked in and sit 1 -2 inches (2.5 – 5 cm) lower than the top edge of the board.
Sometimes it helps to line the inside edge of the boards with a non permeable liner, or plastic. This keeps the moist soil off the wood and lengthens the life expectancy of the boards a little.
Once built the raised bed can be filled with good quality soil that has been improved with organic matter such as well rotted farm manure or compost. Spread the soil evenly making sure there are no air pockets remaining at the edges and corners. Fill the bed to the top of the boards, as it will, in time, settle and the level will sink. It may even require topping up in a few weeks.
Paths
Paths between raised beds should be plenty wide enough to walk along and preferably wide enough for a wheel barrow. Between raised beds I like to put down a weed membrane on the soil surface and lay a 2 inch deep layer of mulch. Bark chippings or gravel make good paths but do not over do the depth otherwise it makes pushing a laden wheel barrow difficult! Tamp down the paths with the back of a rake to make them more solid.
That’s it…simple.
Vegetable Gardening – How to Make a Raised Bed
Should You Get Your Child a Toddler Bed Or a Twin Bed?
When your toddler reaches a certain height, it is always prudent to transition him or her from the crib to a bed. This is because of the high risk of your toddler falling, climbing or jumping out of the crib.
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However, many parents also find difficult to decide if they should let their child graduate straight to a twin bed or should they start with a toddler bed. If you are wondering what you should do, consider the following factors when you make your decision.
Readiness
Not every child finds it easy to move from the crib to a bed. Some go through the transition without a fuss while others would put up a fight to keep their crib. If your toddler shows signs that he or she is reluctant to move to a big bed, then you might like to start with a toddler bed first. This is because a toddler bed is small and feels snug compared to a twin or full-sized bed. Furthermore, there are many cute toddler bed designs that appeal to kids of that age group. This may go a long way in helping your child to make the transition.
Independence
You have to bear in mind that an adult bed is higher from the ground. If your toddler has not reached a height or developed the ability to get on and off a twin bed on his or her own, you would be better off with a toddler bed. Such a bed is low to the ground and a toddler can easily get on and off it without much difficulty. If you insist on getting a twin bed, at least check the height of the mattress base from the ground. Because different beds have different heights, check this aspect before buying one for your young child.
Bed Rails
Most toddlers require a bed that is “boxed” in. This is to prevent them from rolling off the bed since they have yet to develop the ability to stay within the bed boundaries while asleep. Toddler beds come with built in bed rails that keep them safe and secure. If you do decide to get a twin bed instead of a toddler bed for your child, then you would need to buy the bed rails separately. However, you would then need to do additional research on this item as not all bed rails are the same when it comes to quality and safety level.
Practicality
Most parents are reluctant to buy a toddler bed because of the short-term nature of its use. Usually, toddler beds can only be used until your child reaches the age of five or fifty pounds in weight. Bearing that in mind, you would have to evaluate the physical size of your child when you make your purchase decision. If you suspect that your child would quickly outgrow a toddler bed, then you might like to buy an adult bed instead. Otherwise, you would have to buy another bed sooner than you expect. In summary, whether you decide to buy a toddler bed or a twin bed, always be aware of safety issues. Different kids develop at a different pace and as a parent, you would be the best judge of the type of bed most suitable for your little one.
Should You Get Your Child a Toddler Bed Or a Twin Bed?
Platform Bed Frames Are Funky High Fashion
Modern beds, with their huge variety of styles, have recently become a popular choice among consumers. This may be a result of the boom in loft style condos that often present a more contemporary appeal, and furniture styles that provide many different decorating options.
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Modern beds with platform bed frames are very popular in the market. They are not very high. They are just a bit above the ground. Many such beds have more simple lines and a single mattress. There may not be box spring. Some may sit on the box and others may sit on four legs.
Modern beds still come in the traditional sizes such as twin, full, Queen size and King size, but California King is frequently offered now too since it offers a little extra room in length for the really tall among us (or those who simply enjoy plenty of extra room).
King sized beds usually make a “big” impression in a room. These kind of beds help to add a sense of open and expansive space. This is because of the lower profiles of the beds. When the king sized bed is complimented by other modern pieces such as night stands or chest; they will help to reflect the trendy contemporary look that is popular in lofts and warehouse apartments everywhere.
Modern beds are still available in a variety of finishes. Materials and finishes may include wood, metal or steel, and finishes may be stained, painted, even fully upholstered, or with storage drawers built into them. Headboards are optional, as are footboards and side rails and the aforementioned legs.
Modern beds are versatile when it comes to style. All types of bed linens work with them so you can create your own personal design. Bedspreads, comforters, pillow shams and throw pillows all work nicely, in any combination. You can neatly tuck in the corners of your comforter or let it flow freely. Whether you opt for a traditional style or modern fashion, both will look wonderful on your modern bed.
Hence select yours with great caution. You may in all likelihood make use of it and the beds for approximately another ten years. The design galleries and other show rooms in your neighborhood have many varieties to select from, or in case you can spare some time and patience, you will discover a plethora of them on the internet and then shortlist them according to your choice (you will undoubtedly require a long night’s relaxation later).
Platform Bed Frames Are Funky High Fashion
The Amazing Designs of Beds
There are many amazing bed designs available. Whatever look you are hoping to achieve for your bedroom, you are sure to find something that will suit your needs. Custom made designs are a good option for those who have their ideal bed in mind. These type of designs allow you to be in charge of what shape, size, style and colour your bed will be.
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Steel and wood designs are ideal for those who wish to opt for a designer look for their bedroom. Regal beds are the perfect choice for those wishing to add elegance and beauty to their home. These types of beds are also available in a set, which is perfect for those wishing to complete their regal theme.
For those looking for an interesting design that is different from the usual types of beds, there are round beds available. This type of bed will not only add something a little different to your bedroom, but also provide a whole new sleeping experience. Round beds are available in a wide variety of designs and are fantastic for adding something stylish to your home. There are also octagonal beds, which are great for adding elegance and style to your bedroom.
If you have children, then there are many amazing designs available to suit their needs. Some beds come combined with a workspace, with is perfect for providing children with an extra play or study area. Popular designs include space or train themes and there are also designs that come with extra layers to provide more comfort for your child.
Edwardian or Victorian style beds are the perfect choice for those looking to aim for an interesting theme. These designs are perfect for adding beauty to your home and are great for impressing guests.
The Amazing Designs of Beds
How to Choose the Perfect Dog Cage and Bed
There are almost as many different types of dog cages and beds as there are dogs – which means that when you get a new puppy, you’re in for a confusing trip through the real or virtual aisles of your pet supplies store! While humans pretty much comes in a standard shape and fairly limited range of sizes, the fact that there are some dogs which are literally four times as tall and long as others, each prone to various ailments, means that a wide range of different caging and bed options is needed. Today we help you decipher the catalogue of different dog cage and bed options.
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Choosing a Dog Cage
It’s best to purchase two different dog cages; one for home use and one for travel. You’ll want ample visibility for home use – if your dog feels that he’s cut off from the rest of the family he’s not likely to enjoy his cage. However, travelling is a stressful time when you’ll want to minimize stimulation – a more enclosed, plastic-sided crate is best.
If your pet is a fairly standard size for their breed, you can use the following guide to dog cage sizes:
Extra small: Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Pomeranian
Small: Maltese/Boston terriers, Jack Russels, Yorkies
Medium: Australian heelers, Cocker spaniels, Llasa Apso
Large: Shar-pei, Welsh corgis, Basset hounds
Extra large: Collie, Dalmatian
Extra-extra large!: Greyhound, German Shepherd, Labrador
Great Danes are often just moved around on a lead… it just isn’t practical to make or try to carry a dog cage that large!
If you have measurements rather than a size label for your dog cage, make sure you buy a cage that is about 5 inches longer than your dog is, from the tip of his snout to the tip of his extended tail. The dog cage should also be wide enough for him to turn round, so long and very narrow cages are not ideal.
Choosing a Dog Bed
Raised Dog Beds
Raised dog beds have a thick, breathable material suspended over a metal frame. These are perfect for dogs that:
* Have a thick coat and live in a warm climate – the airflow lets them stay cooler at night
* Have coats that are prone to insect infestations – these dog beds offer no place for insects to breed
Memory Foam Dog Beds
Memory foam dog beds are ultra comfy and help nestle your dog into a comfortable position. They are great for:
* Dogs that are older or arthritic, as the memory foam eliminates the pressure points that standard mattresses create
* Small and medium sizes dogs, because most of these dog beds have a high back and low front. Small and medium dogs enjoy the feeling of having something secure at their back while sleeping
Pillow-Type Beds
These come in quite a range of sizes, but are best for:
* Dogs that are small. Little Jack Russels and Chihuahuas like to burrow and nestle
* Puppies – just make sure the cover is thick and washable, for toilet training accidents. You should also keep these soft beds in easy view and take them away from your puppy when he’s not sleeping, because they are very prone to destruction by tooth!
Dog Duvets
These very human-looking, colorful and stylish beds are best for dogs that:
* Aren’t ‘active sleepers’ – the type that tends to chase rabbits in their dreams
* Are a fair bit smaller than the duvet size, otherwise they’ll end up sleeping halfway off it
* Have less thick coats, as these dog beds are especially prone to collecting pet hair and having it travel all through the bed
* Live in fairly dry climates where insect infestation is less of a problem
* Have owners who are dedicated to keeping that dog bed clean!
Dog Mattresses and Cushions
Thinner dog mattresses and cushions are usually very cost effective and easy to clean. They are also ideal for use with heating pads, as the thin material allows the heat to rise. This means you should buy them for:
* Older arthritic dogs to help relieve joint pain
* Dogs that are reliable about not chewing up their bedding
However, you’ll still have to take safety precautions to prevent chewing if you choose to use a heat pad with your dog cage and bed.
How to Choose the Perfect Dog Cage and Bed
5 Types of Canopy Beds
Canopy beds are an old fashioned type of bed that has never gone out of style. These products are a fantastic construction of bed that fits multiple styles of mattresses. Although it is believed to have been for the common folk in years past, these products are now viewed as an upscale bed from the basic bed as they add tremendous style and elegance to a room. Canopy frame can be used for all sorts of purposes, whether just to look at, to hang decorations from, or to hang sheets for additional quite and privacy, these products are very dexterous. In this way they can fit in with nearly any already existing décor in a home. Though, they can be styled in multiple fashions, here are five basic types of these products to help buyers get started on finding the one that will work best for their home.
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Four Post. These products are the basic style of canopy beds with extra long posts that rise up above the bed. These products have just the simple posts rising up from the bed that can have sheets strung between them to create privacy. Otherwise, they are an elegant touch to an otherwise standard bed.
Square-Frame. Just like four post bed above, but these products also have bars connecting across to create actual frame around the bed. From this, sheets and other decorations can be hung or it can be left vacant for a simply cool look.
Captain’s. These products sound like they might have some sort of naval theme going on, but in fact, the distinguishing feature of these products is their drawers at the base of the bed. These models are great for tight rooms and locations because they save owners from having to purchase extra dresser space as well.
Antique. Whether original or imitation, these products attempt to create a look from decades ago. These products mainly feature warm wood stained dark with ornate carvings. They require greater care from the owner, especially if they are actually old. They are great for the antique collector with other pieces already in their home.
Bamboo. A very popular choice in recent years, these products take advantage of the unique look of these woods to provide a rustic appearing bed that is reminiscent of the Pacific Ocean and the beds there. These products have a warm wood hue that is soft to the touch and matches with many existing decors, or can be the center piece of a coastal themed room.
5 Types of Canopy Beds
Flat Sheet Dimensions for a King Sized Bed
The king flat sheet height is 259 cm or 102 inches. The measurement is applicable for the regular king and California king too.
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What are the Other Flat Sheet Sizes?
The queen size is 228 x 259 cm, which is equal to 90 x 102 inches. The full sheet is 205 x 243 cm or 81 x 96 inches. The measurement for the X-long twin is 167 x 259 cm (66 x 102 inches). The twin sheets are 167 x 243 cm or 66 x 96 inches.
How to Distinguish Flat and Fitted Sheets
The flat king sheets are recognizable by their flat appearance and being easy to fold. The same cannot be said of fitted sheets due to the elastic corners. Unless they are pulled over a mattress, they cannot be smoothed out. If the sheet is folded, search for bunches; this will let you know if it is a fitted or flat sheet.
Function of Flat Sheets
No matter what the king flat sheet height is, the function is the same. They can keep you warm during the cold evenings. Many people use them instead of blankets. The sheet is placed on top of the fitted sheet.
Tucked on the bottom and sides, it is directly under the comforter. The sheets are also used to keep the comforter clean. Properly laid down, it can be used to decorate the bed.
Buying Separately vs. Buying in Sets
The flat sheets are frequently sold with fitted sheets and pillowcases. Many people like to buy these sets as it makes bedding easy. But you may purchase these separately as well. A practical reason to buy them separately is because fitted sheets get worn out more easily. And if you prefer to use a blanket, they will not be necessary.
Fabrics
The feel and fit will be influenced heavily by the fabric. Choices range from Jersey cotton, Egyptian cotton, silk, flannel and many more. The number of threads woven for every square inch must be considered too.
Flat Sheet Dimensions for a King Sized Bed