Lifestyle

Well-groomed eyebrows do wonders to your face, as they help define facial features. However, achieving “on-fleek” eyebrows requires regular waxing, threading and plucking. For many, these grooming procedures are time-consuming.

Today, people are turning to permanent or semi-permanent make-up to reduce the time spent to maintain their brows. A common procedure is microblading, in which a technician uses a manual handheld tool to implant pigment on the surface of the brow. The result is a set of semi-permanent tattoos that give eyebrows a natural shape.

Despite the benefits brought by microblading, the procedure is expensive. According to ELLE Australia, the first treatment can cost up to $900. Because of this, some people resort to microblading their eyebrows at home.

The Risks of Do-it-Yourself Microblading

Head to YouTube, and you’ll find hundreds of thousands of tutorials showing how you can microblade your eyebrows at home. Some of the vloggers perform the procedure using only a few items, compared to the countless supplies required of microblading technicians.

Although microblading at home is a cheaper alternative, experts caution against it. For one, it’s difficult to microblade symmetrical brows by yourself in front of the mirror. If you’ve made a wrong outline on your eyebrows, you’ll be stuck with it for many months.

Do-it-yourself microblading also poses health risks. A wrong cut on your brow could cause long-term scarring or excessive bleeding. There’s also the risk of contamination, allergic reactions and infection when the procedure is poorly executed.

Choosing the Right Microblading Studio

Microblading by an expert certainly doesn’t come cheap, but you’re more likely to get better results than doing the procedure yourself. When you’ve decided on having your eyebrows microbladed, it’s a matter of choosing which studio to visit.

Here are the important factors to look for when choosing a microblading studio:

• Technician Training and Certification

Microblading artists are not required by law to undergo professional training or certifications. However, it’s reassuring to go to a studio knowing that the technicians have been trained and are licensed to perform the procedure.

When browsing through microblading studios, check their websites for artist credentials. You can also book a consultation with the studio and look for certifications. Make sure to familiarise yourself with the companies offer reputable microblading training courses, whether it’s in Sydney or other cities in the world.

Since a microblading technician performs a blood-related procedure, it’s highly recommended and sometimes required that he or she has completed blood-borne pathogens training. This course teaches them how to avoid blood exposure and what to do if blood is exposed to infectious material.

• Reputation

A microblading studio most likely has a Facebook or Instagram page that shows their technicians’ portfolios. This gives you an idea of the artists’ styles of work. Also, check reviews and the studio’s list of customers. If the studio has a reputable list of clients – say, celebrities – there’s a high chance that it provides good customer service.

• Cleanliness

The cleanliness of the studio is non-negotiable, as unsterile tools and other equipment are among the leading risks for transmitting infection. During your consultation, ask the staff if you can see their tool packages.

Microblading is expensive, and it’s tempting to perform the procedure at home. However, DIY microblading without the proper qualifications will likely cost you later on, both in terms of money and emotional distress. Having your eyebrows microbladed by a qualified technician is a worthwhile investment and helps you achieve the look that’s best for you.

Substances that affect the mind and create altered perceptions of reality are among the most potent known to humanity. Cultures ascribed these substances with great religious and ceremonial power. Marijuana is one of these substances, and it was, and still is, revered and celebrated by many faithful groups to this day.

Because of changing mindsets, you can legally buy cannabis and CBD oil in shops. Marijuana is recreational or medical, but it has deep roots in religious communities all over the world. Faiths in China, India, and North America have seen the plant as a conduit to divine energies and beings.

Magu, the Chinese Goddess of Hemp

Magu is either a goddess or a priestess of an unknown healing deity, according to Taoist sources. Religions in Japan, China, and Korea include her in their pantheons. Magu’s powers, and her divine status, differ in each country. Korean myth gives her the mantle of a Creator Deity, akin in power to Amaterasu of Japan. She is always a young and beautiful maiden, and her powers always revolve around the purity, healing, and the earth.

According to Taoist texts, she shared a spiritual connection with hemp. Ancient scholars claimed that the consumption of hemp seeds conferred second sight and the ability to resist demonic possession. They also burned hemp seeds during purification rituals. They invoked Magu’s power during these ceremonies, further deepening her connection with the plant.

The Five Sacred Plants

In India, the Vedas are among the holiest texts of Hinduism. The Atharvaveda is one of these texts, and its history goes back thousands of years. The author described five plants as possessing celestial power; these include barley, soma, and cannabis.

The Veda says that cannabis is a source of liberation, joy, and happiness. Hindus often associate the great god Shiva with cannabis. One of the sacred rites of Shiva involves the imbibing of a liquid known as bhang. Priests make this drink by combining cannabis, milk, rosewater, and almonds. Believers consumed bhang to cleanse their sins and meet Shiva, sometimes called the Lord of Bhang. It ensures a peaceful transition between death and rebirth.

Today, Indians still drink bhang on the holy days of Shiva, such as Holi and Shivrati. Laborers can buy the drink as a refreshing beverage from government-licensed street stands.

The Weed Nuns

The Sisters of the Valley are a sect of women based in the Merced Valley of California. These women do not affiliate with the Catholic Church, but instead identify with the Beguine sisterhoods. These were communities of women in 13th century Netherlands who had sworn to live ascetic lives.

The Sisters of the Valley, sometimes called “The Weed Nuns,” believe that marijuana, specifically hemp, has healing and rejuvenating properties. These seven women grow their own hemp and marijuana and seek to use this industry to help free other women. Although not a religious organization, the Sisters of the Valley still have faith in the power of cannabis, as a drug and as a source of income.

Humanity has revered many things across many centuries: the sun, the sea, and mountains, among other things. People do not respect and revere objects that have not exhibited great power. Perhaps people could view the experience of consuming cannabis and similar substances like the gift of the heavens that it is.

When you work with a family therapist, sessions could include just you or your entire family seeing the therapist. Family counseling or therapy is typically used for treating a problem of one family member, such as alcoholism, depression, and drug addiction, that’s having a negative impact on the family as a whole. This form of therapy can likewise be used to address family-wide issues like conflicts between children and parents, spouses, and between siblings.

Should You Undergo Family Therapy?

Family therapy is a specific approach to talk therapy or psychotherapy. It is focused more on finding solutions than individual counseling and is typically more specific and shorter, with definite end goals.

Rather than address issues on a one-to-one basis, this kind of therapy recognizes that an issue affects all family members instead of just one family member. This means that to resolve an issue, everyone in the family must come together and give support to the family member who is having issues.

In addition, an issue exclusive to one family member might indicate a bigger and more complicated family issue. If only one family member undergoes treatment, it’s similar to trying to treat a disease’s symptoms without treating the cause of the disease.

What to Expect During Family Counseling

Family counseling has been shown to be effective in treating issues like drug abuse, alcoholism, depression, obesity, and other behavioral issues. It can likewise help resolve the conflict between different family members by teaching them various healthier ways to deal with their issues.

When you go to a family counseling expert in Broomfield, the therapist will meet with your entire family and you individually. After one or two sessions, the therapist will have most likely determined which specific treatment approaches will be best for you and your family.

Family therapists these days use a combination of different methods. This means that if you have an alcohol problem, you might need to undergo family therapy, individual therapy, and work with a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous.

Preparing for Family Therapy

It is imperative to make the family member who is having issues feel that they are not alone. If you’re the parent, you can tell to your child that his problems are your problems and that everyone in the family will support them as they work through their issues.

Do note that you and other family members might also need to take responsibility for your actions, like changing how you treat each other, etc. Family counseling will work best if everyone in the family is willing to go to regular therapy sessions and continue going to every session until the therapist says otherwise or until therapy is completed.

In addition, expect that you’ll be given homework as part of the family therapy, like parents holding their children accountable for their actions, giving them more responsibilities, or communicating with each other in a healthier way.

Family counseling is all about working together as a family to heal and treat any psychological, emotional, or mental issues that are trying to tear your family apart.

Since the rise of the Kardashians, the Kylie Jenner signature pout has become a trend among women across all ages. If you’re one of the people wanting that Instagram-worthy pout, you might get the urge to run to your Salt Lake City plastic surgeon and book an appointment for a lip filler. But before you do that, here’s a rundown of everything to know about getting your lips done.

What exactly are lip fillers?

Lip fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a substance commonly found in skincare products. The body produces the substance naturally and it works as a magnet for moisture. It helps the skin retain water, making it appear hydrated and healthy.

Cosmetic doctors inject hyaluronic acid into the soft tissues of the lips to increase their size and volume. Since this substance attracts water, it makes the lips look plumper, creating a bolder pout. Doctors can also use to smoothen wrinkles and fine lines and lift sagging cheeks. Since it’s a naturally occurring substance, the body readily accepts hyaluronic acid injections.

How long do fillers last?

Lip fillers last for at least six months up to a year. However, fillers can have a relatively permanent effect. Women who have their lips refilled usually haven’t lost all the volume from their previous surgery.

But what if you tire of your pouty lip or if the results weren’t to your liking? Reversing the effects of a lip filler was not possible about 10 years ago, when they contained collagen. But because they now contain hyaluronic acid, your cosmetic surgeon can inject hyaluronidase, which is an enzyme that hastens the degradation of hyaluronic acid, decreasing the volume of the lips.

Does the procedure hurt?

The level of discomfort mainly depends on your pain tolerance and the surgeon’s technique. So if you have a high tolerance for pain and your doctor is performed countless procedures, the process should be painless.

However, it is not advisable to not undergo the procedure at least a week before your period, since of your heightened sensitivity to pain during this time.

After the surgery, it’s normal to expect swelling because of the needle penetrating the skin. Depending on your skin sensitivity, there may also be some minor bruises. But there’s nothing to worry about since these usually disappear after a few days.

The best way to ensure that there are no side effects is to return for a follow-up consultation a week after your treatment.

How do I avoid getting “duck lips”?

Before you go in for your appointment, think about how plump you want your lips to appear. Decide if you want fillers for your upper lip, lower lip, or both. To avoid over-filling, you can start with a small dosage, observe the changes for a week, then come back if you’re not yet satisfied with the result.

Your doctor’s expertise is also a factor here. Go to a board-certified plastic surgeon to be sure that the person performing your surgery is qualified for the job.

You are free to do anything you want with your body. But before you make any permanent changes, think twice and do your research to save yourself from regretting the decision afterward.

Utah is the state for the young and old ones. It has one of the fastest growth rates for men and women 65 years old and above. From 2010 to 2020, this demographic could grow to 51%. Those who are least 75 years old would make up 60% of the population from 2020 to 2030. Many of them will consider aging in place.

Why Many Seniors Hope to Age in Place

Aging in place means growing old in their homes. They can move, but they might remain within their locality or, broadly, the state. What makes this practice attractive to senior adults? Here are some of the reasons:

They Can Maintain Their Independence

It’s instinct for a person to value their freedom to make their decisions and not to rely on other people for help. This doesn’t disappear with age.

One of the primary benefits of aging in place is a sense of control and independence. Senior adults can navigate better any familiar territory. In case they need help once in a while, they know who to trust.

Seniors these days won’t also have a lot of problems making their homes more age-friendly. They can purchase medical equipment in Orem that can improve their navigation and enhance their safety.

It Can Be Less Costly

Costs of care, especially when a person is older, can increase. Long-term nursing facilities can reach almost $7,000 a month for a semi-private unit. A one-bedroom assisted living center may be cheaper at around $3,500 a month, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. For seniors, though, who may have to be dependent on pension now, it can still break the bank. Aging in place allows them to maximize their homes, which, around this time, is already mortgage free.

It Can Be Healthy for Them Mentally

Depression can occur at any age, but for seniors, it can be more dangerous for a couple of reasons.

One, it may be easy to misdiagnose the symptoms as another disease. Second, the condition may happen alongside other diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular disorders.

According to Mental Health America (MHA), about 34 million older adults will experience some form of depression. It is also a significant risk factor for suicide among the group.

Treating geriatric depression isn’t straightforward. It might require reducing or eliminating the root cause, which can be another disease. Being less isolated, however, may help reduce the symptoms.

A 2010 study by the Nordic School of Public Health showed social activities could be useful in preventing the mental disorder among seniors. Being surrounded by the people they grow old with can also help boost their self-esteem, and it may improve their overall mental well-being.

A Concordia University research in 2014 revealed an inverse relationship between rising cortisol levels, which is an indication of stress, and lowered self-esteem. The link was stronger among those who had a history of depression and anxiety.

Aging in place is not for everyone. Those who have severe mental or physical problems may need to be in a facility or with their relatives and family members. It also does have its unique challenges. In most cases, though, the benefits outweigh them.

Your hair can do so much when it comes to projecting yourself to others. You may not realize it, but how your hair looks provides a certain level of confidence and comfort. That’s why when you notice that something is off with its growth patterns, it could totally freak you out. After all, hearing that you’re losing your hair is one of the last things you would ever want to hear from someone.

The thing is, certain instances may trigger hair loss. When this happens, many people are confused about whether they should see a physician or not. To settle the confusion surrounding this matter, a hair transplant clinic offering comprehensive hair restoration consultation online lists down some telltale signs when it’s time to see a hair doctor. Below are some of them.

Extreme Case of Dry & Brittle Hair

Does your hair break easily? If yes, then it’s not a good sign. While some hair care routine changes can sometimes bring back your hair’s natural glory, this might not work if you have a serious breakage problem. If simple hand combing can break your hair, then something more might be behind it. At this point, take this as a cue to see a hair doctor immediately.

Experiencing Too Much Hair Loss

According to a dermatologist, losing 50 to 100 strands of hair is normal. A single strand has 100,000 hair follicles, so a hundred strands wouldn’t be that much. What isn’t is when you shed clumps of hair even when you’re simply combing through your tresses.

Sometimes, this can easily be treated by having enough sleep and letting go of too much stress. However, if you continue to lose clumps of hair, then it’s best to talk to a dermatologist to find out what’s the reason behind your condition.

There Are Visible Bald Patches

Another condition that requires immediate action is when you start noticing bald spots in your head. People who experience this are often diagnosed with alopecia areata. Usually, it is triggered by psychological stress that can mess up the normal function of your hair follicles. Due to this, your hair is forced to be at a resting phase, which slows down or stops the process of hair growth.

You Have Flaky or Scaly Scalp

If you’ve got some serious dandruff problem, there’s no better way to get it treated than to talk to a dermatologist. Sometimes, changing your shampoo can fix the problem but, if after trying that and nothing happens, then you might be suffering from psoriasis. For this, it’s best to hear what your doctor has to say so they could make recommendations on what you could do to treat it.

If you notice any of these signs, the best thing you can do is to talk to a hair doctor immediately. Nowadays, most of these professionals offer online consultations, which is more convenient rather than going into the clinic yourself. The same process is also used by most hair transplant clinic. You’ll only come into them when they need to run diagnosis and tests.

You may not know this, but your hair can do so much in building your self-confidence. This is just one step you can do to ensure you’ll have healthy and naturally beautiful hair.

It is common for a teacher to call the parents if a child has exhibited unwanted behavior at school, such as hurting a classmate or taking something that is not his or hers. These types of parent-teacher conferences allow the teacher to ask the parents to reinforce behavioral adjustments at home. But if the teachers bring up other behaviors that could have a lasting effect, then it could be something else that needs more attention.

What behaviors might that be? It could be everyday things, such as an inability to focus or fix his or her backpack. If your child exhibits difficulty adapting to everyday chores, the teacher might recommend seeking occupational therapy for kids in Utah.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy or OT aims to help people learn or engage in “activities of daily living” (ADLs) that they find difficult to do. OT issues, if seen in childhood, must be addressed early on to help the child deal with it properly. Typically, the learning does not stop even into adulthood.

Activities of Daily Living

The job of an occupational therapist is to assist children that have exhibited difficulties in fine and gross motor tasks, such as combing their hair or brushing their teeth. Children with sensory processing and self-regulation issues are candidates for an appointment with an occupational therapist.

Techniques of Occupational Therapy

The occupational therapist may use activities, exercises, strategies, and accommodations to help kids become more independent by developing certain skills. It is important for the therapist to know if your child has missed certain developmental milestones in order to address those delays deliberately.

Issues Addressed

The problems that an occupational therapist can help address include:

Self-care or Activities of Daily Living. Simple tasks may be difficult for the patients, such as brushing their teeth, getting dressed, proper use of utensils, and the operation of simple appliances at home such as the TV remote.

Hand-Eye Coordination. Writing on the whiteboard or copying what the teacher has written is a major undertaking.

Fine Motor Skills. Using everyday school materials such as pencils or scissors is very difficult for them.

Gross Motor Skills. Physical coordination is lacking, such as doing jumping jacks.

Sensory Processing Disorder. Sufferers are taught appropriate responses to sensory stimuli in an assistive manner.

Children in need of occupational therapy are advised to start at the soonest possible time so that they may cope more effectively both at home and at school. They learn to concentrate and focus, and eventually, learn to accomplish their schoolwork on their own. This results in increased self-confidence, which they’ll carry even into adulthood.

What to Expect on Your First Appointment

On your first appointment with your occupational therapist, he or she will discuss with you the concerns about your child, maybe some medical history. They’ll ask about motor skills issues, as well as your child’s ability to take care of himself or herself. A complete evaluation will be conducted to customize the right therapy.

The therapist will then start working with your child. He or she will present items to see which ones your child will respond to. Your therapist will also assess your child’s gross motor skills, such as balance and coordination, as well as his ability to follow a simple instruction.

Lastly, you and your therapist will sit down to discuss goals for development, and then create a plan based on the information gathered. Whatever therapy you agree on, rest assured that it does not end outside the therapy clinic. Your participation at home will play a crucial role in its success.

Developmental issues can be solved as long as it is caught early on and given the proper therapy right away. Starting them early is key to helping your child enjoy a normal childhood.

What happens after the orthodontist in Liverpool announces that the braces have done their job? Well, the braces are only the first stage of straightening treatment. The second step is wearing a retainer.

Various dental clinics in Liverpool, such as Liverpool Smile Studio, offer cosmetic teeth straightening treatments. Nearly everyone who has teeth straightening treatment from the cosmetic orthodontist in Liverpool can expect to have to go on to wearing a retainer for a period of time after their braces come off.

What are retainers?

Retainers are devices that hold the newly straightened teeth in place after the straightening work has been completed. When teeth are moved within the jawbone, the bone is resorbed in one place and rebuilt in another. For a while after straightening has stopped, that bone is not yet hard, and it is possible for the teeth to try to wander back to their previous place in the jawbone. Old habits die hard, and all that.

People who have not bothered with wearing a retainer have found that they have needed to wear braces again after they have slipped out of their newly aligned positions. Retainers make sure this doesn’t happen.

There are different kinds of retainers: fixed, vacuum-formed and Hawley.

Vacuum-formed retainers

These transparent, discreet retainers are worn only some of the time, and are removed for cleaning and eating.

Fixed retainers

These are bonded behind the teeth, where they cannot be seen, and are not removable. They are recommended for people who may not remember to wear their retainers. It’s important to keep fixed retainers clean to avoid decay from trapped food.

Hawley retainers

These are removable, plastic devices that clip onto the back teeth with a thin metal wire that runs across the front. These powerful retainers may make it hard to speak when they first go in, but people adjust to this as they get used to wearing this retainer.

When people receive their retainer from the cosmetic orthodontist in Liverpool, they can usually expect to be told that they will need to wear it for about 12 months. This is how long it takes for the teeth to settle down in their new positions.

After a long, exhausting week at work, you deserve to take a break. Treating yourself from time to time can help you to get more productive, and stir up your creative juices. The daily stress of work, running a household, and other errands may deplete your energy.

All work and “no play” won’t make you rich or successful overnight. So, take a time out, relax, unwind, and refuel. Here are some ways to pamper yourself after a long week:

1. Get a Massage

There’s nothing more glorious than getting the best therapeutic massage in Salt Lake City. This will not only help with stress relief, but may also boost energy levels, reduce body pain, and even stimulate physical and mental wellness. It promotes muscle relaxation and improves blood circulation by applying the right motion on certain pressure points of your body.

According to research, regular massage therapy sessions can also help strengthen your body’s immune system. This is due to having an increased number of lymphocytes. These are white blood cells, which plays a vital role in preventing diseases. Other benefits of getting a massage are posture improvement and regulate blood pressure.

While there are now several massage parlors available, it is best to choose accredited or certified therapists.

2. Spend Time with your Favorite Hobby

Diversion is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress without being idle. Take some time to revisit your hobby. Find new activities that will help improve your mood and feel more relaxed. You can try working on small projects like setting up a mini garden, knitting, baking, or any activity you feel more involved.

Find a new experience to uplift your body and mind. It’s never too late to learn something new. Join a dance class go to the gym with your family and friends. If you’re too exposed to technology at the office, look for outdoor activities that will help you engage more with nature. You can check out surfing, hiking, diving, and many more.

3. Go Out on a Trip

Several studies reveal taking time off to travel not only gives you a breather from work but also improves your overall health and wellness. Discovering new places and learning other culture may enlighten you. This enriches your experiences and may give you a better understanding of the true essence of life.

According to Cornell Study, gaining new experiences are more rewarding than buying material things. You can start from a short, simple trip, and you will still find it enriching as you expose yourself to diverse cultures and traditions.

Some of the best travel ideas are island hopping, mountain climbing, snorkeling, water rafting, and many more. If physical activities are not your thing, you can just simply relax and unwind at the beach.

4. Make Your Own Food

The problem with most people is they usually end up ordering fast food after a tiring day at the office. An unhealthy routine like this can trigger stress or wear you down the next day. Believe it or not, cooking and baking can help reduce stress and anxiety.

A new study shows a little creativity such as baking or meal preps can help make people feel better in the bustle of daily life. These simple tasks can shift your mood and focus in a manner similar to meditation.

Work-life balance is all about time management. Stop giving yourself the same excuse. Take a time out and treat yourself every once in a while.

Hair loss can have a devastating impact on how a person views oneself. Indeed, hair loss has proven to have the power to lessen one’s self-confidence and self-esteem. The condition can also have an effect on how a person is viewed by others.

Numerous products and procedures advertised in the market claim to have the solution to hair loss, but very few actually deliver results. This is where scalp micropigmentation in Las Vegas can be of help.

Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is the process of tattooing the scalp in order to mimic the appearance of naturally growing hair. It is especially popular among bald men who want to have the appearance of a closely cropped head.

If you are still on the fence about taking the leap and undergoing the procedure, here are a few amazing benefits that should convince you that it is worth it.

1. Safe

The process of scalp micropigmentation is free of chemicals that could bring harmful side effects. Because it is chemical-free and does not require any incisions, the risk of getting an infection is nil. A local anesthetic is administered while tattooing so you should not be worried about the pain of the needle poking at your scalp.

2. Delivers results

The hair re-grow business is lucrative, so there are a lot of people who want to cash in. As a result, there are scores of products that are on the market that claim they are the answer to hair loss, but a majority are really not effective at all.

They bank on consumer’s desperation and desire to cure their baldness. With scalp micropigmentation, there are no falls claims. There is just a straightforward procedure that gets the job done.

3. Low maintenance

Scalp micropigmentation mimic naturally growing stubble, so there is no need to fuss about hair styling and buying of expensive hair products. This is perfect for individuals who are always on the go and want to maximize all their waking hours. All you have to do is wash your hair as usual, and you are all set.

4. Affordable

Imagine spending your hard-earned money on expensive shampoos, tonics, and unreliable procedures. Compare that to a single procedure that is a fraction of the cost of a hair transplant. Since scalp micropigmentation is an effective procedure that just needs maintenance every few years, you would be able to save a lot of money, not to mention the stress of buying products that don’t really work.

5. Can be altered

A person’s taste for hairstyle can change as they age. The good news is that scalp micropigmentation can change with you. Changes in color, shape, and little tweaks can be made based on your preference. Since the pigment is placed as deep as in ink tattoos, laser removal is easier and relatively painless.

Hair loss should not be a life sentence. End the search for the answer to baldness and save yourself from all the stress by undergoing a scalp micropigmentation procedure. Start now and reap these amazing benefits.