Don't Be Caught Off Guard: How To Respond To An Earthquake

    On Monday, a catastrophic earthquake claimed the lives of over 3,700 individuals across Turkey and northwest Syria, as reported by Reuters. The winter weather, which is freezing, has added to the misery of the thousands of people who were left injured or homeless, and has hindered the search for survivors.

    The magnitude 7.8 quake caused entire apartment buildings to collapse in Turkish cities, compounding the already existing trauma experienced by millions of Syrian citizens who have been displaced due to years of war. The quake struck before dawn in unfavorable weather conditions and was later followed by another massive earthquake in the early afternoon.

This phenomenon was truly devastating. Even as this post is being written crews are still searching and trying to pull bodies from the rubble. 

In your area or country are you and or your family ready if a magnitude 7 or higher earthquake was to strike? 

Have a look at the seven points below and see how earthquake ready you truly are.

    Earthquakes can strike at any time and anywhere, and they can be incredibly destructive and life-threatening. It is essential to know what to do in the event of an earthquake to increase your chances of survival and minimize damage. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the crucial steps you should take if an earthquake strikes.

Drop, Cover, and Hold On

    The first step to take when an earthquake strikes is to drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. This is a crucial step as it can help protect you from falling debris and other hazards. If you are in a bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow. If you are in a chair or standing, move to a nearby desk or table and take cover.

Stay Away from Windows and Glass

    Windows and glass can shatter during an earthquake, causing serious injuries. Stay away from windows, glass doors, and other glass structures, and if you are near a window, try to duck and cover.

Evacuate If Necessary

    If you are in a building, you may need to evacuate if the structure is unstable. Leave the building as quickly and safely as possible and move to an open area away from any buildings, power lines, and trees.

Do Not Use Elevators

    If you are in a tall building, do not use elevators to evacuate. The elevator shaft can be damaged during the earthquake, leaving you trapped. Use the stairs instead to evacuate the building.

Check for Injuries

    After the earthquake has stopped, check yourself and others for any injuries. If anyone is injured, call for medical assistance immediately.

Turn Off Gas and Electricity

    If you smell gas or see sparks or broken wires, turn off the gas and electricity at the main switch. This will prevent any fires or explosions from occurring.

Stay Alert for Aftershocks

    Aftershocks are common after an earthquake, and they can be just as dangerous as the initial quake. Stay alert for aftershocks and be prepared to drop, cover, and hold on if they occur.

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    Earthquakes can be devastating, but being prepared and knowing what to do can help increase your chances of survival. Remember to drop, cover, and hold on, evacuate if necessary, check for injuries, turn off gas and electricity, and stay alert for aftershocks. Stay safe!

Bullying in Schools: How to Tell if Your Child is a Victim

     

    I was reading an article some time ago about the rise of fighting withing schools here in Trinidad and Tobago. As I continued to read further, one parent started talking about their child defending themselves in a Fracas that occured at one of the schools. This had me thinking though; did this parent recognise behavioral patters in their child? What about changes in their speeches or grades in their school work?

     As parents we have been entrusted with an awesome responsibility, one that we must not ever take lightly. One should always be vigilant with our kids, as as It pertains to bullying, we must be ever so mindful of this ugly stains within our education system and how we can spot it and address it as son as possible. 

    Bullying is a serious issue that affects many children in our school system. As a parent, it’s important to be aware of the signs of bullying and take appropriate action if you suspect your child is being bullied. Here are some ways to tell if your child is being bullied at school:

Physical signs: Keep an eye out for physical signs such as bruises, cuts, or other injuries that can’t be explained. Your child may also complain of headaches or stomach aches, which can be symptoms of stress and anxiety caused by bullying.

Changes in behavior: Look for changes in your child’s behavior, such as a sudden reluctance to go to school, withdrawing from friends and activities, or decreased self-esteem. If your child seems sad, depressed, or anxious, it could be a sign of bullying.

Decreased academic performance: If your child’s grades suddenly drop or they start to avoid school work, it may be a sign that they are being bullied and don’t feel safe at school.

Changes in eating habits: Watch for changes in your child’s eating habits, such as skipping meals or overeating. Children who are bullied often lose their appetite or eat more to cope with stress and anxiety.

Loss of property or belongings: Children who are bullied may lose their possessions, such as their phone or school supplies, or have items damaged or destroyed.

Refuses to talk about school: If your child suddenly stops talking about school or refuses to share details about their day, it may be a sign of bullying. Children who are being bullied often don’t want to talk about their experiences for fear of retaliation.

    It’s important to approach your child with compassion and understanding if you suspect they are being bullied. Encourage them to open up and talk to you about their experiences, and offer support and resources to help them deal with the situation. If the bullying continues, it’s important to involve the school and work together to find a solution.

    Being aware of the signs of bullying and taking appropriate action can help protect your child and ensure that they feel safe and supported in school.

If you suspect that your child is being bullied at school take immediate action. 

• Set up a meeting with the school principal and the class teacher as soon as possible. 
• Take time to listen to the what their input might be in the matter.
• Encourage a forum for dialog with the kids and their parents if possible. 

Always keep a level head and keep check of your emotions also. It might be difficult, but teaching kids that dialogue is important, and setting that example is incumbent upon you.

Here is some more reading information on the subject matter Click Here!

The Love Bug Bites: The Funny Story of How Valentine's Day Became a Holiday of Affection

 

Valentine's Day: Love is in the Air, and So is the Origin Story

Happy Valentine's Day, folks! Love is in the air, and if you're like me, you're feeling the love bug nibbling at your heartstrings. But where did this holiday of love and affection come from, and why do we celebrate it every February 14th? Let's take a closer look.

The Origin of Valentine's Day: A Wild Tale of Love, Lust, and Laughter

    Valentine's Day has a history that dates back over a thousand years, to ancient Rome. It was a time of love, lust, and laughter, where men would shower their women with gifts and kisses. But the real story of Valentine's Day is much wilder and more entertaining than that.

    You see, back in the day, the Romans celebrated the festival of Lupercalia in mid-February. It was a time of wild parties, where men and women would pair off, exchange gifts, and engage in wild acts of love and lust. But as the Roman Empire crumbled and Christianity took over, the church sought to put an end to the wild ways of Lupercalia.

    Enter Saint Valentine, a Christian priest who was imprisoned for marrying couples in secret. Despite being locked up, he continued to spread the message of love and affection, even sending love letters to the jailer's daughter. And so, when he was eventually executed on February 14th, the holiday of love and affection was born. (Lessons learnt> "Don't send love letters to your captor's daughter.)

The Rest is History: From Love Letters to Chocolate Boxes

    And so, over the centuries, Valentine's Day evolved into the holiday we know and love today. People started exchanging love letters and small gifts, and eventually, chocolates, flowers, and teddy bears became the norm.

    But despite its evolution, the spirit of Valentine's Day remains the same. It's a day to celebrate love and affection, to show your loved ones how much you care. And whether you're single or taken, there's no better time to spread a little love and laughter.

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    So this Valentine's Day, take a moment to remember the wild and wacky origins of this holiday. And most importantly, don't forget to laugh, love, and enjoy the company of your loved ones. After all, life is short, and love is precious. Enjoy Valentine's Day!

     Valentine's Day is a holiday that celebrates love and affection, and it has a rich and wild history that dates back over a thousand years. So whether you're single or taken, make sure to spread a little love and laughter this February 14th. And if you're feeling extra wild, why not channel your inner Roman and engage in some wild acts of love and lust?

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Don't Let Cervical Cancer Take You by Surprise: Protecting Older Women

 

    Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, yet older women continue to die from it. This is a worrying trend that needs to be addressed urgently. In this blog post, we will examine the reasons why older women are at a higher risk of dying from cervical cancer and what can be done to prevent it.

• Aging and Lack of Screening: 

    As women age, their bodies undergo many changes, including changes in the cervix. These changes make older women more susceptible to developing cervical cancer. Unfortunately, many older women do not receive regular cervical cancer screenings, which can detect the disease in its early stages and increase the chances of a successful outcome.

• HPV Infection: 

    The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. While HPV infections are common, older women may have contracted the virus earlier in life and may not have been aware of it. This can lead to the development of cervical cancer later in life.

• Co-morbidities:

    Older women are often more likely to have other health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis, which can weaken the immune system and make it more difficult to fight off cancer.

• Misinformation and Stigma: 

    Many older women may not have access to accurate information about cervical cancer and its symptoms. In addition, there is often a stigma associated with talking about the disease and seeking medical attention, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

• Prevention is Key: 

    The best way to prevent cervical cancer in older women is through regular screening and vaccination. The HPV vaccine can protect against the virus that causes cervical cancer and can also prevent other types of cancer, such as throat and anal cancer. Screening tests, such as the Pap test and HPV test, can detect cervical cancer early, when it is most treatable.

    Cervical cancer is a preventable disease that continues to affect older women. By increasing access to screening and vaccines, educating women about the disease, and breaking down the stigma associated with cervical cancer, we can help save the lives of older women and prevent this devastating disease.

If you are age 35 or older please make it your business to set up an appointment with your OBGYN for a pap smear or cervical cancer test ASAP!

The Truth Behind His Mixed Signals: What They Really Mean

    

     With Valentine's day just days away, many young ladies might just be getting a little more than wine, roses and chocolate; some might actually been getting that long awaited and elusive engagement ring. I'm not a psychic guys, its just logical.

    Others on the other hand might be getting something weird that many might call the ghost busters for (see what I did there?).

    Anyways, all jokes aside this is a very serious situation, something the ladies will want to guard their fragile hearts against.

    So as we draw on closer to the big reveal in a few days time i think its time for me to highlight some red flags blowing in the wind to tell you that he is not the one.

    Ladies and gentlemen, hold onto your seats because it's time to talk about the wacky world of men and their dating signals! Did I say all jokes aside? I was joking that time, let's have a laugh.

Have you ever been confused about a man's intentions? Fear not, for I have the answers you seek!

Let's start with the obvious one;

If he's flirting one moment and then ghosting the next, it's a sure sign he's as confused as you are. 

And now, onto the not-so-subtle signals.

• He takes forever to text you back: If he's not responding to your messages, it's safe to say he's not that into you. Just think about it, who do you forget to text back? Exactly.

• Late-night texting: A man who only wants to talk to you after dark? That's a red flag, folks. This guy is probably not looking for a serious relationship, he's just in it for the booty call.

• No real dates: If all you're doing is "hanging out", he's not putting in any effort to show you he's interested. You deserve a real date, not a night on the couch with pizza and Netflix.

• No signals: Instead of looking for signals he's not interested, try to find the signs that he is. If he's flirting, spending time with you, and hanging on your every word, then he's probably into you. But if he's nervous around you, that's actually a good sign!

• He's checking out other women: If he's checking out other women in front of you, that's a clear sign he's not serious about you. Early on, he should be trying to show you that you're the only one on his mind.

• No social media interaction: If he's ignoring your social media presence, that's a sign he's not interested. If he's frequently online but not engaging with you, then it's time to move on.

• He's not asking questions: If he's truly interested, he'll be curious about you and will want to know more. He'll be asking questions about your likes, dislikes, and family to see if you're a good match.

So there you have it, folks! The signals that show if he's really into you or not. Happy hunting!

7 Secrets to Living Healthy & Well with Diabetes

   

     Upon hearing that one is diagnosed with diabetes, may seem to most as a death sentence. Many think of drinking grass water for the rest of their lives while snacking on nothing else but kale and gluten free crackers. Although the latter is not half as bad as it sounds.

    In any case diabetes need not be a death sentence, in fact you can go on to live a life full of energy, vitality, and wholesome good tasty food too.

    Living with diabetes can be challenging, but with the right lifestyle choices, it's possible to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Here are some tips for managing diabetes and maintaining good health:

1. Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet that's low in sugar, salt, and fat and high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables can help regulate blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full for longer. Avoid processed foods, fast food, and sweetened beverages, and opt for complex carbs, lean proteins, and healthy fats instead.
2. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, every day.
3. Monitor blood sugar levels: Regular blood sugar testing is essential for managing diabetes. Use a glucose meter to check your blood sugar levels throughout the day and make adjustments to your diet and medication if necessary.
4. Take your medications as directed: If you're on insulin or other diabetes medications, it's important to take them as directed by your doctor. Work with your healthcare team to find the right treatment plan for you.

Here is some information you will find very valuable to you. Click here

    5. Manage stress: Stress can impact blood sugar levels, so it's important to find healthy ways to manage it, such as meditation, exercise, or talking to a friend

    6. Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

    7. Don't smoke: Smoking is bad for your health and can increase your risk of complications from diabetes. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health.

By following these tips, you can live a healthy and fulfilling life with diabetes. Remember to work closely with your healthcare team, and don't hesitate to ask for support if you need it.

Now look up, look smart, go out there and live life to the fullest.

Sipping on the Truth: The Positive and Negative Effects of Coffee

     Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, and for good reason. It is a great way to start the day, providing a boost of energy and alertness. However, like anything, there are pros and cons to drinking coffee. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of coffee consumption.

Pros of Coffee

1. Increases Energy and Alertness: The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant that increases energy and alertness, making it easier to tackle tasks and stay focused. This makes it a great beverage to have in the morning, especially if you have a long day ahead.
2. Can Boost Physical Performance: Caffeine, the main active ingredient in coffee, has been shown to boost physical performance. Studies have found that caffeine can improve endurance, strength, and reaction time.
3. Can Help with Weight Loss: Some studies have found that caffeine can help with weight loss by increasing metabolism and reducing appetite.
4. May Lower the Risk of Certain Diseases: Some studies have found that coffee consumption may lower the risk of certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and liver disease.
5. Can Be a Social Beverage: Drinking coffee is often a social activity, whether it's meeting up with friends for a cup or chatting with coworkers in the office.

Cons of Coffee

1. Can Cause Insomnia: Consuming coffee late in the day can interfere with sleep, leading to insomnia. If you are sensitive to caffeine, it's best to avoid coffee after 2 pm.
2. Can Cause Anxiety: For some people, the caffeine in coffee can cause anxiety, nervousness, and jitteriness.
3. Can Cause Stomach Upset: Coffee can cause stomach upset, including acid reflux and diarrhea, if consumed in large amounts.
4. Can Be Addictive: Caffeine is a psychoactive drug, and like any drug, it can be addictive. If you find that you can't function without your morning cup of coffee, it may be time to cut back.
5. Can Be Expensive: Depending on where you live and how you drink your coffee, it can be an expensive habit.

    Coffee is a great beverage that provides a lot of benefits, but it also has its drawbacks. It's important to be aware of these drawbacks and to consume coffee in moderation to avoid negative side effects. If you're sensitive to caffeine, have trouble sleeping, or have a history of anxiety, it may be best to avoid coffee or limit your consumption. Ultimately, the key to enjoying coffee is to be mindful of how it affects you and to make sure that you're consuming it in a way that's healthy for you.

A must have for every coffee aficionado Click here