Debunked: Motor oil myths for novices

Auto

It’s hidden away and for that reason, it sometimes goes forgotten. However, like it or not, your motor oil is the thing that makes your car tick and without it, problems are going to arise.

When we talk about problems, we’re not discussing minor inconveniences either. Extensive engine damage is one issue and it will most probably mean that you can’t rely on your vehicle warranty and instead have to make a claim with a company like Omega Auto Care.

However, while it might be critically important, there are a lot of misconceptions that surround oil and just how you should manage it in your vehicle. It’s for this reason that we’ve put together this guide, as we scrutinize motor oil in-detail and highlight the many myths that have emerged about it.

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“Black oil means that it should be changed”

This is something that’s commonly stated but suffice to say, it’s just not correct. The general consensus is that you should use your dipstick to check the color of the oil and if it’s black, you should change it as a matter of urgency.

However, rather than showing that the oil is bordering on useless, the darker color instead highlights that it’s working correctly. Oil will change color over time and there’s no need to act apart from in extreme cases.

“You should change your oil every three months”

Another piece of advice which is alarmingly common is the notion that you should change your vehicle’s oil every three months, or every 3,000 miles if you happen to complete that even more quickly.

Generally, if you follow this approach you will just be wasting oil. A better approach is to check your owner’s manual, with most new cars recommending that you change it after at least 7,000 miles – a far cry from the 3,000 that has been historically documented. Failing that, just wait for your warning light to illuminate.

“Synthetic oil is just better”

There’s a couple of myths on synthetic oil, and here’s the first. It’s often said that synthetic oil isn’t just better for your vehicle, but also for fuel economy.

Well, truth be told, it’s not completely accurate. A lot of the time the synthetic claims are exaggerated and umpteen tests have still failed to prove the benefit that it has to fuel economy. Sure, it’s a more lubricated substance, but whether or not this is worthy of the inflated price is another matter.

“There’s no going back after turning to synthetic oil”

Our next synthetic oil myth surrounds the choices you have once you’ve taken the plunge. While some might suggest that you can never go back to petroleum-based oil after using a synthetic type – this generally isn’t the case. As long as the oil is of the required standard, you are able to use both alternately. Usually, these types of oil are blended anyway, so it makes no sense to suggest that they have such dangerous effects on each other.

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Water treatment: Staying hydrated whilst out in the sticks

Health & Fitness

It would be fair to say that camping has become more commercial than ever over recent years, with “official” campsites springing up all over the place. Let’s not shy away from the facts here; these official sites have improved the industry no-end and made camping feel somewhat more secure for the novice.

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However, while some people will prefer to hit a site which has everything readymade for them, others are traditionalists. JD Dukes is one such individual, and he recently commented on some of the difficulties he’s stumbled upon in relation to discovering safe water to consume. Sure, if you’re just heading out for a day or two it’s not a problem, but head into the backcountry for a few more days and suddenly you’ve got to survive. Suffice to say, running water is one of the primary requirements.

Bearing this in mind, we have summarized some of the best ways in which to stay hydrated whilst out in the sticks. We’ve condensed it into a FAQ-type guide, in a bid to pinpoint the best ways to obtain safe, running water for camping expeditions.

Where should you gather water?

We’ve already talked a lot about flowing water and without question, this should be your top choice. The obvious examples are streams and rivers and the reason we are so in favor of running water is that it makes it very difficult for algae or microorganisms to flow.

Of course, flowing water is not always going to be readily available. In these instances, your second choice should be something that’s still without a lot of sediment build-up. If you do opt for this approach, try and get the water from as far away from the shore as possible as this is where less microorganisms will have built up.

What are the best ways to gather this water?

The message so far should have been loud and clear; make sure you turn to clear water whenever possible.

You should be looking to gather water from the surface, as it goes without saying that this is going to be further away from the sediment at the bottom of the source. Additionally, use of a prefilter can be invaluable and can stop any large debris from coming into play. If you don’t have a specialized piece of this camping equipment, try and improvise with something like a bandana.

What are the dangers you should look out for?

Unfortunately, at least out in the wild, dangers will always exist when it comes to collecting water. If you think you have found a water source, there are several questions you should ask yourself before proceeding to use it.

If the water has been sourced from near animals, there’s a much higher chance of contamination for obvious reasons. Additionally, the animals don’t have to be there now – make sure you look for evidence that some may have been there in the past.

Similarly, any source which seems to have already been tampered with by humans should be questioned. The more traffic an area has received, the more chance there is of contamination.

Other dangers include any brown scum or foam in the water, or even dirty snow which poses obvious questions.

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ASD: The causes which have been dismissed

Health & Fitness

It’s becoming more and more understood, but one of the big problems about Autistic spectrum disorder is that nobody quite knows the cause.

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Even though extensive research has been conducted on the subject, the direct causes of ASD are still to be determined. Over the years there have been countless ‘possibilities’, yet we’re still at a stage where doctors are unable to firmly put their finger on what might be the definite problem.

Fortunately, general knowledge of ASD is improving. Thanks to the likes of Chris Manente, more and more information and support is being provided and this of course benefits anyone who suffers or knows a person suffering from ASD immensely.

To provide something of an insight on some of the causes which have already been dismissed, we’ve put together the following. We’ll now mull over some of these ‘previous causes’, and highlight how science showed that they aren’t the reasons behind ASD.

The MMR vaccine

For a long time, this was classed as one of the most probable causes of ASD. This started in 1998 after a journal was published which indicated that the vaccine was linked to autism.

While some medical journals can go “unnoticed”, this most certainly didn’t happen with this particular article. It was something that was published in the national press and all sorts of other mediums – meaning that a lot of the general public were immediately informed about the “findings”.

However, over time it became clear that the “findings” were completely false. It was found that the author of the research had several conflicts of interested and a lot of the evidence had been manipulated. As such, the original article was retracted six years later and it was confirmed by medical councils around the world that autism had no link whatsoever to the vaccine.

A person’s upbringing

The reasons behind this supposed cause can be somewhat understood – as some events during childhood might cause some of the effects that occur alongside autism.

However, this is another “cause” that has had several reports dismissing it. Psychogenic theories have now been discredited for a long time and even though some of the traits may be shared, this isn’t a reason to suggest a person’s upbringing is a definite cause of the condition.

Thiomersal

This is somewhat related to the first inaccurate cause we looked at, as thiomersal is something which tends to be used with a lot of vaccines as a preservative.

Initially, there were a lot of people who suggested that this might be a cause, with some under the impression that the mercury content might play a part.

However, a lot of science has been invested into thiomersal and it’s now safe to say that this is most definitely not a direct cause of autism. One of the first studies was conducted in 2004 and proved that there was no link, while the fact that thiomersal was removed from most childhood vaccines in a two-year test period was perhaps even a bigger indication that this isn’t a cause. It was concluded that it wasn’t harmful and as such, is not a cause for ASD.

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Why Having Cafe Styled Awnings at Home is a Good Idea

DIY / Home Improvement

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The great thing about visiting cafés is that each has their own individual style and design which makes it unique. For café owners, this means choosing décor that sets the appropriate ambience and flair. And when it comes to homeowners setting the mood, a clever choice in a café style awning is critical.

Enhancement

Awnings are decorative and functional devices that are utilised as canopies over exterior doors and windows. Obtainable in a wide selection of designs, the awnings are usually pretty easy to install and require nothing more than routine maintenance. Just like the café awnings, they also help to enhance the appearance of your home. Awnings also come in very handy with managing the temperature in the home, as well as providing protection from unpleasant weather.

Humble

Metal awnings are commonly shaped in a design that are more or less triangular. The devices are mounted over doors and windows to create shade or protection from excessive sunlight, rain, snow, and other harsh weather conditions. These humble window covers make it possible to still appreciate natural light, but also help to minimize the entry of sunlight into the home, which makes it easier to cool the interior.

Aluminium

Many households choose to use aluminium awnings over outside doors as well as windows. The café styled awnings will add style to your home and provide visual interest to what was a plain façade. They also serve the practical function of providing partial protection from the elements for anyone standing outside. This can certainly can be appreciated at times such as when attempting to balance packages and insert a door key while a rainstorm is happening!

Coating

It is common for top quality aluminium awnings to be coated with some kind of protective agent, such as baked enamel. The inclusion of this extra layer of protection helps to block corrosion and extend the life of the awning. The protective coating also makes the job of maintaining the awnings so much easier, because they can simply be rinsed off using a garden hose.

Retractable

Also, along with the traditional triangular fixed awnings and café style, there are other designs that allow for retracting the body of the awning. One style uses a roll up design, which makes it possible to use a hand crank to lengthen or shorten the body of the awning to just how the homeowner wants it. Another option is a retractable awning, which can be extended to provide more overhead coverage further away from the window, or retracted to allow additional sunlight into the home mostly during cooler or colder days. Should you happen to be in lovely W. Australia and looking for beautiful and unique awnings at an affordable price, check out Westral. With 43 years in the business, they put the B in the Best!

Individual

Different designs for aluminium awnings can often be found at home improvement stores, hardware stores, and lawn and garden shops, but for a more unique and individual choice, one should visit a specialist (especially for the café design). So, if you want your home to not only look cool, but stay cool inside, you know what to do!

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How to Manage Your Money after Winning a Settlement

Finance

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When you win a big case and receive a large settlement or jury award, it’s best to practice wise fiscal management to reap the most benefit from your funds.

Unless you have a background in finance or have managed complex assets for yourself or others in the past, it’s not unusual to be unprepared to deal with large sums of money. Below are some considerations for those expecting or who have already received their settlement or award from the court.

Learn how the tax implications will affect you

Depending upon the nature of your settlement, you could wind up owing quite a bit to Uncle Sam come April 15. For instance, if you sued a former employer for back pay or sought punitive damages in your case, you’ll be on the hook for the federal income taxes that are due on those amounts.

However, an asbestos settlement for a mesothelioma diagnosis or, more broadly, a settlement dealing with most personal injury claims doesn’t carry a tax burden. Often, settlements and judgments include both tax-free and taxable portions. Because it can be difficult for a layperson to understand the complexities of our federal tax code on these types of financial windfalls, it is best to seek advice from a financial advisor to avoid running afoul of the IRS.

Structured settlements versus lump sums — which is better?

Not all plaintiffs will have the option of choosing to accept a lump sum or structured settlement, but those who do need to give serious thought to the decision. There are pros and cons to both, and your situation will dictate the better option to choose.

If your settlement comes from a career-ending workers’ comp lawsuit, a structured settlement can provide a reliable means of supporting yourself. The same is true for personal injury cases that result in long-term disability and a need for ongoing medical and personal care.

Structured settlements are often tendered in wrongful death cases where the breadwinner was killed and his or her spouse and minor children require financial support. If a plaintiff is worried about blowing through a lump sum settlement irresponsibly, selecting the structured settlement can offer some needed financial boundaries.

Hire a financial advisor you trust

Receiving a windfall can fundamentally alter the relationships you have with the people in your life. Friends, relatives and even total strangers may approach you with sad stories of financial woes designed to separate you from your money. Without a gatekeeper in charge who can filter these requests for support and turn them down, you could wind up broke and needing assistance yourself in only a couple of years.

There is nothing wrong with taking care of your loved ones responsibly with some of the proceeds from your settlement or jury award. A financial advisor can set up trusts for the education of children or grandchildren, or provide for them in other ways, so that you won’t have to repeatedly deal with requests for loans or investment capital.

Eliminate the burden of debt

According to statistics from the Pew Charitable Trust, 80 percent of American adults are indebted to creditors. Shedding financial burdens is quite liberating, but it’s important to have a debt reduction plan in place.

  • Your first goal should be to pay off any debts that carry high interest rates, e.g., credit cards and some loans.
  • Then, check and see whether you have any outstanding medical bills that need to be paid and wipe those out.
  • Calculate how much you will need to live comfortably for a month, multiply that by six, and deposit that amount in an interest-bearing account that carries no penalties for withdrawal. Now you have an emergency fund to tap if necessary.
  • If you owe a mortgage on your home or need to pay off some auto loans, tackle those next.
  • Plan for a comfortable retirement. Your golden years should be the time of your life when you no longer have to worry about money woes. Make sure that you wisely invest enough to cover your future needs.
  • Draw up an estate plan. Depending upon the size of and manner in which your windfall is structured, your heirs may continue to reap the rewards after you’re gone. Your financial advisor can assist you with this as well.

Buy property or remodel your existing home

Those who have never been homeowners may find taking that leap to be daunting, but homeownership has many benefits. If you already own your property but it needs some refurbishments, now is the time to turn your home into your castle. You don’t have to make ostentatious improvements, but if you always wanted that man cave, in-ground swimming pool or spa bathroom, this is your chance to get it exactly as you like it.

Make charitable donations

One way to lighten your tax burden is by donating to qualified charities. If you have a special cause that’s dear to your heart (animal welfare, Alzheimer’s research, funding a scholarship, etc.), funnel some money in that direction. Establishing your own charitable trust is another possibility for you and your financial advisor to explore.

Enjoy your life

You are in the enviable position of no longer having to worry about making ends meet. This is what most people strive for their entire lives, so once you have covered all the basics, have fun with your money. Take the cruise or European vacation, buy the RV and tour North America, invest in collectibles that interest you or buy a few valuable pieces of jewelry or a hot sports car you’ve always dreamed of owning.

Money can indeed change people, but it does not have to be for the worst. By becoming a responsible steward of your finances, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that your responsibilities have all been met.

If you handle your settlement correctly, you should be able to enjoy the proceeds of your settlements for many years to come.

 

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Beacon Resources: Job Seekers Model

Careers

jobs
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Photo by CC user Matthew Roth on Flickr.

As premier finance headhunters in Los Angeles, Beacon Resources employs a professional, agile, and personal model to connect job seekers with jobs that can best make use of their talent. We match interim, interim-to-hire, and direct-hire positions with qualified candidates to provide meaningful working relationships for our business and job-seeking clients.

Beacon Resources is comprised of a team of expert finance and accounting recruiters who have extensive knowledge of the industry. Many of them have years of experience in these fields themselves. We work with a robust network of mid-level and large employers to create enduring relationships between companies, employees, and our business as top accounting recruiters in Los Angeles. Mutual success and long-term relationships are Beacon Resources’ goals.

Why Choose Beacon Resources as Your Finance Headhunters in Los Angeles?

Beacon Resource’s best-in-class methodologies go beyond reading resumes and sending job candidates out on interviews. We take time to get to know every employer client and job seeker, so that we can effectively match the person with the ideal position that will create mutual success. If you’re working with Beacon Resources to find a job, we will get to know your skills, experience, and career goals. We then work to place you in a work environment that is ideal for your unique talents, and we have an extensive base of clients and industries to place you with.

Who We Look for?

Beacon Resources recruiting experts are top finance and accounting recruiters because they know how to identify professionals who have the right mix of technical and personal soft skills. While accounting and finance job seekers usually have the technical know-how to fill any role, the best employer-to-employee match comes when attention is placed on secondary skills. Placing the ideal all-around candidate into a corporate environment creates a strong company culture and is what Beacon Resources excels at.

Beacon Resources is currently accepting resumes for various financial roles within the accounting and finance departments of the corporations we work with. If you have the skills, experience, and motivation needed to join one of our client companies, in the role of Accounting Manager, Finance Manager, Director of Finance, Senior Accounting, or other similar position, we invite you to submit your resume for consideration. In addition to being top finance headhunters in Los Angeles, we are premier finance recruiters in San Francisco.

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Give Your Vehicle the TLC It Needs

Auto

Would you consider yourself someone who goes above and beyond what is necessary to take care of one’s vehicle?

If so, you are like millions of other car and truck owners nationwide.

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That being the case, given many cars and trucks are built these days to last longer, it is a sound investment for you to take care of your vehicle. Not only will it mean lower auto insurance and registration fees down the road, but you will also save money on major repairs by doing regular maintenance.

That said where you live and where you drive both play roles in how long you can typically keep a car or truck (see more below). Between weather conditions and area roads, your vehicle can take a beating over time. If that is the case in your situation this all the more reason to be attentive to your vehicle’s needs.

So, are you giving your vehicle all the TLC it needs?

Note Your Weather and Road Conditions

Even if you don’t use your vehicle all that much, the time it spends outside (assuming you don’t garage it all of the time) and the roads it must tackle can take a toll.

With that being the case, here are some helpful reminders to preserve the life of your vehicle for as long as possible:

  • Weather – One of the things that can wear on a vehicle over time would be the weather conditions. As bad as some roads may be, your vehicle being out in snow, ice, heat etc. can be a real game-changer. For example, if you live in the Phoenix area, you know all too well how hot it can get from May to October. As such, your vehicle can literally bake in the summer sun, leading to possible paint damage and other issues. If you are considering purchasing a new BMW in Phoenix or another make or model, think about your choices. For instance, buying a black car in Arizona or other hot climates may not be the wisest choice, especially when those hot days roll around. Meantime, for those residing in rainy areas of the country like Seattle, buying a vehicle with a sunroof may not be the wisest choice. Although sunroofs provide a look and feel that many drivers like, a leaky sunroof can turn into a real problem, especially if it provides continuous problems. The best option no matter where you reside is to have a garage or even a carport to house your vehicle. In doing so, you will typically increase the life of your vehicle, saving you money when all is said and done;
  • Roads – Unless you are retired and/or you don’t have to drive all that often, your vehicle is going to come across its share of potholes, bumpy roads, roads where you have to brake often etc. As such, expect your vehicle to get a true workout. Although some contact with potholes and other road issues is all but inevitable, do your best to avoid such issues. From your tires to your brakes, how you drive on local roads and highways will go a long way in determining how many years you keep that vehicle. Lastly, make sure you know the road conditions as much as possible before setting out to drive. This is especially the case in the wintertime. Roads that appear to be safe can turn on a dime when snow and/or ice come in contact with them. By taking extra time to get where you need to go, you and your vehicle will likely arrive safely.

Regular Maintenance is a Necessity

  • Maintenance – Finally, are you one of those drivers with an avoidance of your area mechanic at all costs? Just like some people never want to see a dentist, some drivers are missing in action when it comes to taking care of their vehicles. Even if you decide regular maintenance updates (30K, 60K, 90K miles etc.) are not going to happen, at least get your recommended oil changes, have the tires rotated, and get the brakes inspected. Not only are those check-ups important for the life of your vehicle, they also improve your safety odds each and every time you get behind the wheel.

If giving your vehicle some TLC has been an afterthought as of late, drive forward with better habits this year and down the road.

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Top Tips For Business Travelers

Business

If your job or your business calls for you to spend a lot of time on the road then it is important that you stay fully prepared to make your life as easy as possible whilst you are traveling. You are likely to be spending large amounts of time alone, taking many flights or trains and you will need to stay organized and at your best during your travels. We’ve put together a list of tips and tricks that you can employ during your time on the road to ensure that it goes as smoothly as possible and that you will be fully effective during your business dealings.

Bought a travel wallet :(

Keeping Your Itinerary up to Date

Even if you have a secretary organizing things for you, it is still important that you stay on top of your itinerary in order to avoid missing meetings or flights. Another reason for this is that if you are traveling through different time zones, you need to ensure that you are managing your sleeping pattern in accordance with it so that you avoid unnecessary tiredness. There are some great apps on the market that you can download to your smartphone to ensure that you are on top of your plans.

Staying in Touch Back Home

Staying in touch with family or friends can be particularly difficult if you are traveling a lot and you should take advantage of the many ways in which you can stay in touch with loved ones back home. Many services like Skype and Facebook offer video, audio calling options as well as instant messaging services, this will allow you to easily stay in touch providing you have an internet connection. It has never been cheaper to make calls abroad and you can often call direct from your cell to your family for just a little extra money than a normal call back home. Should you run out of credit abroad, your family can easily top you up again with www.recharge.com, a great service that will ensure you never run out of credit.

Filling in the Time

If you have a lot of time to fill in whilst you are in the hotel and want to avoid spending too much money then try to utilize the hotel’s gym and spa facilities if they have them. Prior to your trip you should also try to download any films or games to your computer or tablet to keep you occupied during the quiet times. It can be easy to simply hit a bar or a restaurant but if you want to stay at your best then you should use the downtime that you have to relax and prepare yourself for that upcoming meeting or presentation.

Flying Through Airports

If you are traveling for just a short amount of time then ditch the suitcase and just take a carry-on, you’d be surprised at the size of bag which you are now allowed in the plane and you can fit at least 3 or 4 days worth of clothing in your carry-on. This will cut down your waiting time and check-in time at the airport and allow you to breeze through the airport once you leave the plane.

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Make Your Health a Priority in the New Year

Health & Fitness

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Did you get everything you wanted on your Christmas wish list?

For countless individuals, having better health going into 2017 is a priority. Unfortunately, many of them do not always know how to best go about that.

Whether it is dealing with a chronic pain or illness, perhaps putting up with a recent injury that simply won’t go away, the time spent fighting pain can seem endless.

With that in mind, making your health your top priority in the New Year should be something that you welcome, not fear.

Keys to a Healthier You

In order to make the New Year and many years past that healthier and happier for you, start by re-examining where you’re health is at now.

Among the areas to look at:

  • Do you have trouble with everyday functions such as eating, dressing, going to the bathroom, getting around your home, going out in public? If you answer yes to more than one of those areas, you should be seeking medical help.
  • Do you feel as if you live in constant pain? If the answer is yes, what are you currently doing to lessen such feelings? While some people deal with the mental pain more so than physical, the latter can be all too familiar in the lives of many people.
  • Do you have problems sleeping at night due to pain? If so, that loss of sleep can lead to other health issues now and down the road.

Once you have your finger on how pain is impacting your life, the next key is addressing how to attack the pain.

While many people will pay a visit to their family physician, those visits do not always provide relief. As a result, the mental frustration becomes almost as cumbersome as the physical pain.

If you have not considered medical marijuana up to this point and time, why is that?

Although some people may fear there is a stigma with using the drug, many others will tell you getting their hands on medical marijuana proved a blessing.

In the event you are considering that option, starting with a medical marijuana online appointment is your first move.

With such an appointment, you can discuss with a physician the merits of using the drug to help quell your battles with pain.

Keep in mind that while such appointments do not guarantee you receiving a medical marijuana card, they will at least get the ball rolling.

Are You Doing All You Can?

Even in the event you are approved for medical marijuana, there are other things in combination with the drug that you should be doing.

Among them:

  • Education – First and foremost, do all you can to educate yourself about living healthier. It doesn’t take someone with several Master’s degrees to figure out that healthy living typically leads to prolonged living. For example, if you think there are no major consequences to being seriously overweight, read up with both online and offline materials. See how many people sizably overweight have to deal with myriad of health issues. The more you learn, the more likely you are to take a more serious approach to keeping your weight where it should be. If you are a smoker, you are already putting your health and longevity at risk. By quitting today, you give your lungs and other body parts seriously impacted by cigarettes a chance to heal. There are plenty of educational initiatives on and offline to help you put the cigarettes down for good ;
  • Exercise – One of the best things you can do for your health is striving to get more exercise. For instance, do you have a friend or two you can pal around with to the gym? If so, you will find you have more motivation when it comes to working out. Even if a gym membership is not an option, simply walking, hiking, swimming etc. are all good options, options that do not require a membership to your local fitness center;
  • Check-ups – Finally, do you go regularly for a physical? If not, you are setting yourself up for potential trouble. A yearly doctor visit and labs can oftentimes catch a problem or two before they become serious. Even if you have limited or no health insurance, get whatever affordable exams you can to minimize the chances of having a disease or illness go untreated.

Don’t Take Your Health for Granted

It can be rather easy to take your health for granted, especially if you are feeling no ill effects of any of your actions at this time.

Over time, however, those actions could come back to haunt you.

From a little pain here and there to constant physical and emotional pain, take some time now to make your health a priority as the clock strikes 2017.

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Tips to Beat the Post-Holiday Blues!

Health & Fitness Shopping

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For many of us, the holidays are a time for us to get together with family, eat good food, remember the year gone by, and catch up on all of the classic Christmas TV shows and films. This time of year is often rewarding and enriching, and gives us reminders of what we have to be thankful for, and why we worked so hard all year. Now that the holidays are over, how do you keep the blues at bay as we return to our normal lives? Here are some ideas.

Look Ahead and Not Behind

Last year is done and gone. Whatever happened both great and not so great is for the history books. A new year means a chance to start fresh and work towards your new goals with no encumbrances. Use this new year to institute positive thinking and developing a “can do” attitude. Remember, it’s the small things that add up to make the big things. So, create some small goals for yourself that when you accomplish them, put you on a track for bigger accomplishments. As your successes pile up. it will certainly keep your mood high in the new year.

Keep Shopping

The holiday season is all about gift giving and receiving, and after all of the holiday shopping you’ve done, you might feel shopped out. But before you go back to lie on the couch remember, post-holidays is when you can find the best shopping deals. So now is the time for you to pick up the things that you hoped Santa would bring and didn’t, or to return that sweater you don’t want and get something you do at a great price. But before you hit the streets and wear out you already tired feet, how about visiting a site on the web that brings you all the great deals in one place. Finding the best deals is easy when you use My Voucher Codes. Shop here first and save the most (and your tired feet).

Start an Exercise Program

Exercise helps to work off those many pounds you’ve probably gained during the holidays. This time of year is filled with lowered resistance to foods that we only eat during the holidays, and often promise we will never eat again (until next holiday season that is). So getting in the gym and working out or taking a nice jog in the park is probably a great idea. Also exercise releases endorphins which help to increase your happiness and improve your mood. So, signing up for a gym membership or spin class will not only melt away those excess pounds, but can also help thwart any post-holiday depression.

Spend Fun Time with Your Friends

Many of us went away for the holidays, and have not had a chance, to see close friends or co-workers in a relaxed and fun setting. Use now, to create a get together time with everyone to catch up and reminisce about all of the embarrassing family moments you saw (and sometimes even participated in) over the holidays. This will keep the holiday spirit going a little longer and put everyone in a great mood.

Get into a Work Project You Love

The holidays take up so much time, that you probably have not thought too much about work. How about jumping in first on a project you really want to tackle. Make a list of all your pending work which you could not do during the holidays and if possible prioritize based on what you are most excited to accomplish. This will ease you back into work on a positive note and keep your spirits high as you accomplish something you love.

It is never easy returning to the daily routine after a fun filled holiday break. Holidays always seem to go so quickly and for many, the holidays offer an opportunity to get away from their jobs and spend quality time with family. So it can be depressing for some when it’s time to clock back in at work. Try these tips and ease the post-holiday blues.

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