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4 Effective Options To Straighten Your Teeth Safely

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A straight and beautiful smile is often considered to be the best accessory. However, many people may not have confidence when it comes to the appearance of their teeth. Because of this, many teeth-straightening options have become available, such as metal braces. While they are known as the most effective treatment to straighten your teeth, the metallic look of conventional braces is not something everyone likes. As a result, other more comfortable solutions have emerged, which means you can have your teeth straightened without getting braces. Today we will discuss some of the most effective and safe options to straighten your teeth and achieve your dream smile.

Teeth Aligners

Teeth aligners are a popular choice among many people, as they can easily fit into any lifestyle. This revolutionary orthodontic treatment involves getting clear aligners, which are easy to maintain and remove when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. You can get a brand new smile with teeth aligners, provided by Straight My Teeth. This is a more affordable option, as patients can easily be assessed online and offered the best treatment. As opposed to metal braces, these aligners are designed to be smooth and discreet. The company will send customized teeth aligners directly to your door, ensuring any concerns and questions you have are addressed.

Tooth Contouring

Tooth contouring or tooth reshaping can help you fix minor imperfections and misshapen teeth. A dentist will use drills and lasers to remove some of your enamel during this procedure. This will ensure your teeth have the desired shape, size, and length. Once tooth contouring has been performed, your teeth will be polished, which will have a natural-looking effect. Although this treatment is non-invasive, it can still produce some effective results. In addition, it is also one of the fastest ways to straighten your teeth, as it only requires one appointment done in an hour or less. Remember to familiarize yourself with the process of tooth contouring, the risks and costs.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers or porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made tooth-coloured shells, which aim to improve your appearance. They are used for a variety of different purposes and cosmetic concerns. This treatment may be ideal for someone with fractured teeth, crowded teeth or gaps between teeth. One of the most important benefits of this procedure is that it can be done in one sitting and thus results are immediate. Some people may consider getting more than one veneer so that they can achieve a more even and symmetrical smile. Depending on the type of veneer that you choose, they can last for more than a decade.

Palatal Expansion

Palatal expansion is another procedure that involves using palatal expanding devices to widen the upper jaw. This is done to fit the bottom and upper teeth better. The technique is best completed by an orthodontist before the jaw fully develops. Usually, this means the most suitable age range is between 8 and 18, but adults can also benefit from this procedure in the same way. Palate expanders are used to correct a range of dental problems including crossbites, underbites, crowded teeth, and impacted teeth. According to your unique situation, it is advisable to discuss different options with your dentist.

How to Keep From Getting Drowsy or Falling Asleep While Driving

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Don't Fall Asleep Behind the Wheel

It’s only in the 40s today here in Kentucky, but the buds on the trees and the daffodils along the highway promise me spring is just around the corner! That means many of us will soon be taking trips – whether they’re “daycations” or full-fledged “vacations,” that’ll mean more time in the car. This brings up a problem that many people face – falling asleep behind the wheel or getting drowsy while driving.

I don’t  have to tell you how dangerous this is! Accidents happen when people are wide awake and alert, so it only makes sense that they are FAR more likely to happen when a driver is drowsy.

Sometimes the tendency to get drowsy while driving is a simple matter of not getting enough sleep but other times it can signal a health problem. People with sleep apnea, for example, often don’t get “quality” sleep and are prone to get drowsy during the day. Sometimes it’s as much from sitting still as it is from anything else… and most of us are most definitely sitting still when we drive!

Until Motown comes on the radio, that is… then, personally, I’m anything but still. If car seat dancing were an Olympic sport, trust me, I’d medal.

I’d like to point you to a great article all about preventing falling asleep behind the wheel of a car: How to Prevent Drowsy Driving. I hope you’ll read the article and, by all means, share it with anyone you know with a knack for dozing off when they’re driving.

This spring and summer, I hope you buckle up, stay safe, and have an outrageous amount of fun!

~ Joi

7 Different Music Genres Worth Listening To

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Music is a creative art form that can transcend all ages and resonate with all different types of audiences around the world. Music can bring a person joy, fill them with energy, calm a person down, spark emotions and even transport a person to a particular memory and moment in time. While many may have a favorite genre or two, it is worth noting that there are so many out there that offer talented artists and fabulous tunes.

If you are ready to branch out in your musical repertoire and check out some different styles, here are seven music genres well worth listening to. Even if they don’t become your favorites, it’s interesting to see how each one differs from the next and learn a bit about its roots.

Rock

If you were to pick one genre that is the most popular and most well-known, rock would probably be at the top of the list. It was in the 1950s that rock music really took off, getting its start in the United States and then spreading into Europe in the early 1960s. What’s interesting is to take a look at how rock music has evolved over the years both in its sound and the movements it has been part of. While it may not seem as edgy today as it once was, it still is a genre well worth looking into.

Pop

 

On the opposite side of the musical spectrum is pop music, which tends to be light, bubbly, fun and energy-inspiring. While it may not carry the messaging and edginess of rock, it has still got a strong and loyal following. Today, pop music encompasses a wide array of artists and sounds, which means it’s a rather large umbrella to be under.

Even though it’s been around a long time, it was in the 1980s that this genre started to create a niche for itself and sound different from others. This is when it started using digital sounds, which are common in pop songs even today. If you look at the most notable pop music artists, you’ll see they could fit in a couple of genres at once, which is typical of pop. Examples include The Beatles, Elton John, Elvis Presley, Barry Manilow, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Queen and Madonna.

K-Pop

Then we have K-pop, which has such a huge following it’s now been designated its genre. K-pop is pop music that stems from Korea and has made its way into Europe and North America in a big way. It has the same upbeat sounds as pop, but the lyrics are sung in Korean. While there are several K-pop groups it’s BTS that has the biggest fan base. This seven-member boy band is the first musicians to ever have eight songs that charted at number one in 100 countries on iTunes. They also hold the record for the most views for a debut on YouTube. To say they’re massive feels like an understatement.

R&B

R&B stands for rhythm and blues is and is one of the most well-known and popular genres out there. It has gone through quite a transformation since its creation, becoming more mainstream along the way. If you were to point out some of the most notable artists in this category, it would include such people as Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, Lionel Richie, Ike and Tina Turner. The term was created back in 1947 to describe the particular genre and was a mixture of genres.

Alternative R&B

While you may be familiar with R&B what you may not be as familiar with is the alternative R&B genre which has just started to make a name for itself in the past decade. Pirate, which offers professional studio recording rental space, does a great job of explaining what alternative R&B is and where it got its roots from. Pirate is well known for its high-tech studio space locations in Germany, the UK and the US and its blogs are some of the most informative out there.

Described as sounds that don’t fit into the typical commercial R&B category and tends to be edgier, with some sort of messaging behind it. The lyrics tend to dig a little deeper and some even push the boundaries. Pioneers of the genre include Miguel, Solange and Ojerime.

Hip-Hop and Rap

Hip hop and rap are usually used to describe one genre but the two are very different from one another. You may love one and not the other, or perhaps you appreciate both. Both got their start back in the 1980s and used spoken words in songs combined with electronic beats and sounds. It was fresh, new, different and edgy and many artists used the genre as a way to describe the harshness of life and their own experiences. It started in New York City, the Bronx to be more exact, as a cultural statement and movement in the 1970s but then became mainstream in the 80s. If you were to create a list of the most notable or popular rappers over the years, it would likely include such names as Salt ‘n’ Pepa, LL Cool J, Ice Cube, Beastie Boys, the Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z and Pharrell Williams. Country Finally, there is the country music genre, which is among the most popular genre in the United States. Today’s country feels a bit fresher and more upbeat but is still staying true to its roots. Country music is known for its lyrics, banjos, guitars and often a twang in the voices of the artists. Today’s country music stars have also managed to cross over into the world of rock, soft rock and pop and produced some really interesting collaborations with artists outside their genre.

If you’re ready to experience some different types of music, perhaps discover new favorite artists and bands, why not give each of these music genres a listen? Each one has its own interesting story and is filled with notable songs and artists.

How to Approach the Decision on Whether or Not to Have Children

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The decision to have kids is a big milestone for any couple. It’s a serious discussion, which can alter the course of a relationship.

Nowadays, many people choose to wait until later in life or not have children at all. When you look at recent birth rate data, the number of birth certificates generated declined from 2019 into 2020. Additionally, the birth rate for women under 25 decreased, while the rate increased for women aged 30-35.

There are several possible reasons behind the birth rate data, and a big one would have to be feelings of intimidation. Becoming a parent is tough, and there are tons of unknowns.

In this post, we’ll go over how you can approach the decision on whether or not to have children. We’ll dive into some of the reasons why would-be parents find parenting intimidating and some of the benefits becoming a parent has to offer.

Why becoming a parent can be intimidating

Parenting can be scary. There are tons of unknowns, concerns, and plenty of risks.

A big primary concern of those who feel intimidated by becoming a parent is they feel they are not ready to raise a child. They feel overwhelmed by the responsibility and fear having a child will turn their lives upside down.

The financial factor of raising a child is another legitimate concern. In the U.S., it’s estimated raising a child until the age of 18 was around $270,000. That’s not including college tuition or any other expenses. This estimate can dramatically increase if you have more than one child.

Another concern is whether someone will have enough time in their schedule for a child. Raising a child is much different compared to something like raising a pet. Children require your full attention, and you are responsible for your child at all times. Your child will take up most of your time, and you probably won’t have much downtime.

Finally, those who feel intimidated by the decision to have children often fear they will not be good parents. It’s a huge responsibility to oversee raising another human life, and many feel they won’t be able to do the job well.

Benefits of having children

It’s easy for people to be overwhelmed by the idea of becoming a parent, but it’s important not to let fear lead you. You need to take the time to focus on the positives.

There are many benefits of parenthood. For example, the idea that you created another human being is pretty powerful. You will be giving a child the gift of life and leading them through their life.

Another benefit is many people find parenthood to be an incredibly rewarding experience. It can change your entire perspective on the world, and you will go through various experiences that bring you closer together with your child. You’ll feel a sense of satisfaction when your child succeeds in life, such as when they take their first steps, learn how to ride a bike, or go to their first day of school.

Additionally, having children is an opportunity to pass on your knowledge as well as learn a new thing or two. You will probably learn as many new things from your child as they will from you.

Finally, you will get to experience a new stage of life. You get to enjoy watching something you created grow into its own human being. You’ll be able to see your child experience situations you may have encountered when you were younger and be able to help them out from your past experiences.

Final thoughts

When it comes to making the decision on whether or not to have kids, you should strongly consider some of the risks and positives mentioned in this article. They can help you make the final decision.

It’s important to note the decision on whether or not to have children shouldn’t be driven by fear. You also shouldn’t feel inclined to become a parent because society makes it seem like you need to do so.

Becoming a parent is something that needs to come from your heart. If you genuinely don’t feel you want kids from the bottom of your heart, you probably shouldn’t have them. However, if the thought of having a child sounds exciting, you should pursue it.

How to Develop a Body Neutral Mindset

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Body Neutrality

Have you ever considered that the way you see your body can affect the way you view the world? When we see ourselves in a negative light, that often translates to how we view our opportunities, social life, and more. If you find yourself having negative thoughts about yourself, you’re not alone. In fact, roughly one-third of people feel anxious or depressed about their bodies.

Learning to develop a body-neutral mindset can improve the way you see yourself and the world around you. However, it’s important to keep in mind that viewing yourself in a negative way probably took years to master, so it won’t be easy letting go of the habit. To keep yourself motivated, consider setting goals with a friend or adopting a pet to help boost your mood when you get discouraged. 

Body Neutrality: What is it?

Body neutrality is the act of viewing your body based on the ways it serves you, rather than the way it looks. With a body neutral mindset, instead of looking at your arms and saying “I love my arms, despite the fact that they aren’t as toned as they used to be,” you can look at yourself and think, “I love my arms because they help me cook, and cooking is my favorite thing to do.”

How to Develop Body Neutral Views

Overcoming negative feelings toward your body can take time and a lot of effort. Because of this, be careful not to criticize yourself for not doing so perfectly. There will be times you fall back into old habits, but it’s the choices you make after messing up that make the biggest difference.

1. Listen to Your Body’s Needs

Whether you’re one of the 57% of Medicare beneficiaries who suffers from high blood pressure or you’re out running marathons every weekend, listening to your body can help you develop greater compassion for what it can do. It can be tempting to feel the urge to work out in order to work off the calories you just ate, but if your body doesn’t feel well, you shouldn’t push yourself to do so.

Instead, practice listening to your body’s needs. When you feel the urge to get up and move, do so. When your body is craving a certain food, satisfy that desire without thinking about how the food will impact your weight.

2. Avoid Body Talk

Talking about your body (or anyone else’s) will only drive you to think about its physical appearance or inability to function in a way someone else’s can. To really establish a body neutral mindset, avoid participating in conversations focused only on the element of physical appearance.

3. Repeat Body-Neutral Affirmations

Repeating affirmations can help develop muscle memory in the brain that can be exercised when faced with a tough decision (like running another mile even if your body says it’s done for the day).

Print out the affirmation cards linked to below and hang them on your bathroom mirror so you see them often!

Printable Affirmation Cards

Printable Affirmation Cards

Developing a strong body-neutral mindset takes time and patience, but it’s not impossible. Taking the time and putting forth the effort to change the way you view yourself can help you stop being so hard on yourself and start living your life for yourself, rather than for what other people expect of you or your physical appearance.