Tag Archives: health

Weekend Of Lounge

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Weekend Of Lounge

Hello!! Johnny and I literally don’t do anything during the work week so we are legit always working for the weekend lol. Our work schedules really don’t allow for many extracurriculars and we try to squeeze in as much fun as we can once the weekend rolls around. This past weekend, however, there were no plans. Well, there was one – to do nothing. On Friday, I got my Covid and flu shot and it was strategically scheduled. I have not had the best reactions to the Covid shots and knew that I would need a weekend of recuperation to be okay for work on Monday. Needless to say, I will most definitely be looking forward to some actual enjoyment after this week is out!

I got my shots mid afternoon on Friday and I was still feeling fine until late evening rolled around. Then, my arm started to ache with the force of one thousand suns and I got so very, very tired. That night, I must have slept for at least twelve hours and I know for a fact I was running a fever the entire time because I woke up covered in sweat and damp clothes. Not cute. Apparently, I also had some crazy dreams that night because Johnny claimed I did a lot of talking in my sleep lol – unknown side effect of the shot, perhaps? Or perhaps NOT because I supposedly talk in my sleep really frequently.

Once I got over the grossness of my sweatiness, I was jolted awake by how achey I felt. Everything was stiff and every once in a while it felt like a jolt of electricity going through my arm or to make a consistently pounding headache interesting. I think I got up from the couch on Saturday like six times and I would return back to my nest feeling like I had just run a marathon. Other than watching So. Much. Degrassi. the major high point of that miserable day was talking to my blogging bestie, Kate, of Live In The Nautical on FaceTime. The two or so hour chat paled in comparison to our previous personal best of seven hours but your girl was dying over here!

On Saturday night I think I slept twelve hours again, had a fever the whole time, and spent a majority of the day sore and fatigued. Then, around late evening I started perking up and was good as new – or as good as I can be on a Monday morning. It was annoying to spend the weekend laid up but this was actually the mildest reaction I’ve had yet so great success and glad to have an extra layer of protection this winter! 😀

How was your weekend? What makes you feel better when you’re not feeling well? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

What To Do If You’re Worried About Your Dog’s Health

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What To Do If You’re Worried About Your Dog’s Health

Are you worried about the health of your dog? If you are, then you should address it ASAP. You need to see if you can work out what the problem is first, unless you think that they need medical attention, at which point, get it right now. If you don’t think it’s serious but you are concerned about their health overall, then you need to do something, and that something includes making changes that are simple for you to do. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the changes that you can make to your dog’s health to see if it improves:

First, have you considered changing up their diet? What kind of foods are they eating right now? What dog food do you give them? What human food do you give them? Make a list of all of these things, and then see if anything immediately jumps out as wrong, and double check online that all of these foods are safe for your furry friend. If there is something that isn’t safe for them, removing it from their diet will help.

You may also want to change the brand of dog food that you are using, as this may help you to see a difference. Sometimes, some dog food brands don’t react well with some pups, but that’s okay because it happens to humans too. Give it a switch and see if that works.

Perhaps you are worried about them because they are not that active. If they used to be active and now they are not, then this is a definite cause for concern and you should also be looking out for other signs and symptoms that your dog isn’t feeling good. Or, if the reason they don’t exercise much is because you don’t have that much time, you need to make time. Dogs need to be able to run around and exercise for at least half an hour a day, more if you can give it to them. In the same vein though, you don’t want to go too far and go overboard, so keep that in mind.

If you think that there is something that’s not right, and it’s something that you are not going to be able to fix yourself, or you simply cannot identify the issue, then take them to the vet. The vet will be able to check them out, let you know if anything is wrong and then work on what happens next. Keep in mind that there are alternatives to surgery in some cases, and it’s worth looking into them if this is where you are right now. For example, you can contact a company such as Go Hero Go if your dog is limping, potentially looking into braces for certain conditions rather than surgery.

The final thing that we’re going to say is that you should ensure that they have all of the love and affection in the world. Sometimes, your dog picks up on your moods, or they are sad because they are left alone a lot and don’t feel loved. Nobody wants to feel unloved or as though the one they love doesn’t have time for them, and your dog is no different. It should not be a difficult thing to sit and cuddle your dog, or to give them some pets and let them know that you love them. That dog is part of your family, and deserves to be treated as such if you want their health to improve.

Your dogs’ health is your responsibility, and it’s one that you have got to take seriously. If you are worried about their health and you think that something is wrong, then you have got to do something about it sooner rather than later so it doesn’t turn into a bigger issue.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Worst Weekend Ever

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Worst Weekend Ever

Hello my darlings!! After achieving the highest of highs last weekend, your girl plummeted to the lowest of lows. I spent every moment of my weekend from Friday night on cooped up in bed with a summer cold from hell and it sucked. It all started with a scratchy throat late Friday afternoon that spiraled into body aches, fever and chills, nonstop nose blowing, and a pounding headache. And, naturally, all of this occurred when I was supposed to work an event with my boss, Tim. It was really disappointing, to say the least.

Rather than spending the weekend posted up at a huge motorcycle event shooting content, I was wallowing in my own pity lol. Johnny refused to breathe the same air as me (For good reason!) so I was lonely and left to my own devices. I was able to work from my phone for a bit, which was nice. A majority of my days, however, was spent watching TV to the point that I was SO sick of watching TV (We’ll discuss the documentaries and movies I watched tomorrow!). The only solace I found was that it was hot AF all weekend and as you all know, Lil Red and the heat does not mix. Granted, I was sweaty all weekend anyways so I definitely would have preferred to be working!

Despite being wicked bored for forty-eight hours and change, I do have to give big ups to my main squeeze. Johnny supplied me with ALL of the blue Gatorade and toast and scrambled eggs when I felt like eating. When he wasn’t keeping the blue on lock, Johnny made me the most disgusting tea with lots of honey. It tasted foul but I actually did feel a little better after drinking it! When he wasn’t providing sustenance for his poor sick wifey, Johnny would visit me from the doorway from time to time. Best of all, he even texted me from downstairs frequently and I genuinely can’t remember the last time he texted me period. Sometimes nice things happen even when you’re feeling like ass. 🙂

I missed a lot of my favorite things this weekend – shooting OOTDs and simply coming alive during events with Tim. This was an unwanted break, to say the least, and I am ready to take this week on and make up for lost time!

What is your cure all for a cold? Have you had to miss out on anything fun from being sick recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Summer Safety Pro Tips

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Summer Safety Pro Tips

Hello!! I am one of those people who don’t do well in the heat at all. Part of it is definitely a low tolerance and some of it has to do with the fact that literally each medication I’m on makes me more susceptible to heat related illnesses. As someone who is constantly on the go, I oftentimes forget to not push myself so hard on extra hot days. Then, by the time I realize I should take a breather the damage is already done and a strong case of the woozies comes on. This is not a good thing because it’s something that can be completely prevented and I know I, for one, need to do a better job of listening to my body. If you struggle with the heat too, please make sure you are doing the following to keep yourself safe:

Eat Up:

My appetite decreases during the hot weather and it’s easy to feel like you’re full if you are hydrating consistently throughout the day. However, your body needs food for fuel so bypassing meals even if you don’t feel hungry is a huge no no. If you are feeling full, you should still try and have a snack if you haven’t ate in several hours. It doesn’t have to be a full on meal, but you could have veggies and hummus, yogurt, a bowl of cereal – whatever you’d like. Of course, it is against everything we learn as a kid to stop eating if you are full. But if it has been a minute and it’s really hot out, you’ll be thanking yourself for having a snack when you avoid getting lightheaded or fainting. (This happened to me a few days ago and it was SO scary!) 

Water, Water, Water:

I consider myself to be the Caffeine Queen and am always sipping on coffee or pop throughout the morning. This is fine, but you will be doing yourself no favors if you aren’t replenishing yourself with plenty of water after each cup of go go juice. If you love your morning caffeine bursts too, take your time with each coffee or soda drink rather than throwing it back. Nurse it, balance it out with sips of water, and monitor yourself during your daily caffeine intake. Too much too suddenly can give you the jitters, make you nauseous, or feel faint. Not the best way to start the day.

R&R:

It’s always important to allow yourself time for a break each day, but even more so during the summer. It’s hot AF, you’re sweating, and it can make you feel depleted quickly. If you are outside, go in every hour or so to hydrate and cool off. If you are going nonstop for work, be sure to take a few minutes to slow down and relax. More often than not, that exhaustion is going to hit you out of nowhere and that’s not a good place to be during your commute, job, or out and about. Pencil in designated break times per day and if you need a moment, take it immediately instead of holding off.

Enjoy Responsibly:

Like caffeine, alcohol and cannabis hits way differently when it’s hot out and can increase your chances of dehydration or even heat stroke. If you are going to partake in a more recreational pastime, do so responsibly. Take the time to get yourself out of the heat, hydrate, and sip or smoke at a slow pace. Your “I’m good” amount is subject to change when it’s hot as the dickens so stay in tune to how you are feeling to prevent any problems!

Summer is not over yet even though I am totally over it lol. Keep yourself safe and healthy with these tips!

What are your summer safety pro tips? How do you like to cool off? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sick AF

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Sick AF

Helloooo!!! There have been countless nasty bugs spreading around in my neck of the woods and, unfortunately, I caught a mega one. It all started this past Friday after Johnny and I returned home from our date night. Once we were back and settled in, I noticed that my throat was starting to feel a bit sore. We both chalked it up to the fluctuating temperatures because it’s been going from thirty to sixty degrees in a matter of a day. After playing some Diablo IV, I retired upstairs and went to bed assuming I would feel better the following day… Well, you know that old saying about assuming! *face palm*

When I woke up on Saturday, I felt like I got ran over by a truck. I was sore, feverish, and it fatigued me to move from Point A to Point B in the apartment. Even going to the bathroom which I could get to in under ten steps exhausted me. Normally, mine and Johnny’s designated “day of lay” is on Sunday and we literally do nothing. Over the weekend, we had a double day of lay and Johnny was so accommodating to his poor, sick wifey. He got me tons of blue Gatorade and even DoorDashed us Chipotle with claims that comfort food would help lol. ❤

By the time Monday rolled around, there was just no way going to work was possible and I felt no better than I did over the weekend. And, like my own personal Groundhog’s Day, the same thing happened on Tuesday too. It is Wednesday as I type this and I am finally feeling slightly better because I think I am transitioning into the congestion phase of the bug. I made the executive decision to call the week a wash so I can rest for the weekend because I have plans that I would be devastated if I missed. Here’s to hoping this bought of nasty will be done by then!

This week long sick spell has been a firm reminder that I need to start slowing down my work schedule. I really have been pushing myself too hard and am convinced that I got even sicker because of it. I am hoping to make changes for a lower key pace and am keeping my fingers crossed for that opportunity to present itself soon!

Have you been sick recently? What did you binge watch while recovering? I have been rewatching Euphoria and the Entertainment District arc of Demon Slayer. 🙂 I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Step To It

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Step To It

Hello!!! I am thrilled to be able to have a shift in my schedule because it is so nice to be able to change things up. I have been working a lot more from home starting in January and I also have been doing several transportation shifts as an Independent Provider too. It has been my wish to work as much as I can from home and I’m happy that it’s becoming true! However, you know that whole thing about the Freshman Fifteen? I’m convinced there is one for WFH too lol.

When you work from home, you don’t realize just how sedentary your day becomes. Paired with the frigid temps of winter, I have felt sluggish this past week and I turned to Johnny for inspiration. Johnny works in a factory and has taken great pleasure in monitoring his steps throughout the day. He has been doing an awesome job and it motivated me to start getting active once my work is done for the day.

Although it’s tempting to crash after a long shift, I have been trying to Step To It while Johnny and I watch TV. It might not be the most exciting form of exercise to march in place or walk back and forth across the room. But, it’s the best I can do until it’s warm enough for hikes after work and I feel good about making this change. I have been trying to get to or close to ten thousand steps a day and I can tell it’s working just after a little bit. I noticed an increase in my energy and stamina from merely pacing the apartment and that’s a wonderful improvement for something so simple. 🙂

My next plan of action to assist with the slower paced WFH life is to order a work out ball to sit on while I’m at the computer. It’s another easy solution to boost my activity throughout my shift and I can’t wait to try it!

How do you stay active at home? Where is your favorite place to walk at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Urgently Awesome

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Urgently Awesome

Hello!! A few weekends ago, I took a tumble that resulted in some pretty gnarly cuts on two of my fingers. The boo boos were in the most inconvenient spot – right on the crease beneath the pad of the finger. My right hand ring finger was healing pretty well, but the one on my middle finger was a different story. I felt like the wound was barely closing and what’s worse, it felt infected too. By the time I was nearing the end of a course of antibiotics, I was worried that it wasn’t enough so Johnny and I decided to go to the Well Now urgent care clinic down the street from us. This place actually used to be a Family Video lol.

We went to Well Now this past Monday and we were both most impressed with it. We were in and out in less than an hour, which was great. The care was phenomenal and there were also TONS of goodies there too! Check it out:

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Before going to the Well Now clinic, I looked up some reviews online to see other people’s opinions. For the most part, it came highly recommended. This was nice, but what stuck out the most to me was that this place had a Slushie machine in the waiting room! Obviously, I just had to see this for myself and by god there was. Lol, I have never seen anything like it before and it was so fantastic to sip on a blue raspberry Slush Puppie as we waited to get called back. It reminded me of when my dad would take me to skating practice because he would always get us a Slushie to share afterwards. Such a lovely burst of nostalgia. 🙂

We were called back to a room less than five minutes after sitting down and the PA who took care of us was the best. He was so nice and funny, which really helped put both me and Johnny at ease. He dressed my finger to help get it to close and wrapped it up in some crazy contraption that made it look like a banana. Trust and believe I couldn’t wait to flip people off with it! The process was quick and pain free and before we knew it, we were ready to walk out the door. Of course, we had to grab some snacks to go on our way out. Another very nice touch, indeed!

Going to the Well Now clinic was a great experience and I would definitely recommend it. Not just for the Slushie machine, but for the excellent level of care too!

What was the best waiting room you have ever been in? Have you ever been to an urgent care before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

What To Expect During A Lip Enhancement Consultation

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What To Expect During A Lip Enhancement Consultation

Lip enhancement procedures have become increasingly popular, offering individuals a chance to boost their confidence and achieve the perfect pout. However, before you take the plunge into lip enhancement, it’s crucial to start with a consultation to ensure a tailored and successful journey to the beautiful lips you desire:

Understanding the Basics: What is Lip Enhancement?

Lip enhancement, also known as lip augmentation, involves various procedures aimed at improving the appearance of the lips. This can include adding volume, defining the lip border, and reducing the appearance of fine lines. The most common methods include dermal fillers and lip implants, each with its own set of benefits and considerations. No matter which route you choose, the importance of selecting an expert like The Dermatology and Laser Group simply cannot be underestimated.

Why Consider Lip Enhancement?

  • Boosting self-confidence: Many individuals seek lip enhancement to feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.
  • Achieving balance: Enhancing your lips can help create a harmonious balance with the rest of your facial features.
  • Addressing signs of aging: Lip enhancement is often chosen to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth.

The Importance of a Consultation:

Before diving into any cosmetic procedure, including lip enhancement, a thorough consultation with a qualified professional like those at quinnplasticsurgery.com (or a similar practitioner in your local area) is essential. This is not just a formality; it’s a crucial step in ensuring the procedure is tailored to your unique needs and desires.

What to Expect During a Lip Enhancement Consultation:

  1. Medical History Discussion: Your practitioner will start by discussing your medical history. It’s crucial to disclose any existing medical conditions, allergies, or medications you are currently taking.
  2. Understanding Your Goals: The practitioner will take the time to understand your goals and expectations. Whether you’re looking for a subtle enhancement or a more dramatic change, clear communication is key.
  3. Assessment of Your Lips: A detailed examination of your lips will be conducted. This includes assessing the shape, volume, and symmetry to determine the most suitable approach for enhancement.
  4. Explaining the Procedure: The practitioner will explain the different options available for lip enhancement, detailing the procedures, potential risks, and expected outcomes. This is the time to ask any questions you may have.
  5. Addressing Concerns: If you have concerns or reservations, the consultation is the perfect opportunity to discuss them. A reputable practitioner will provide honest and realistic feedback.

Choosing the Right Practitioner:

Selecting the right practitioner for your lip enhancement is a critical decision that can significantly impact the outcome. Here are some key considerations:

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Ensure your practitioner is a licensed and certified professional with experience in cosmetic procedures.
  • Ask for before-and-after photos of previous clients to assess their skill and expertise.

Facility Accreditation:

  • Verify that the facility where the procedure will be performed is accredited and meets safety standards.

Client Reviews:

  • Read reviews from previous clients to get insights into their experiences. Honest feedback can be invaluable in making an informed decision.

The Cost Factor: Balancing Quality and Budget:

While cost is undoubtedly a consideration, it’s important not to compromise on quality for the sake of a lower price. Lip enhancement is an investment in yourself, and choosing a qualified practitioner is crucial for a safe and satisfying experience.

Factors Influencing Cost:

  • Type of filler or implant used
  • Practitioner’s experience and reputation
  • Geographic location of the clinic

Post-Consultation Steps: Planning for the Procedure

Once you’ve had a thorough consultation and chosen a practitioner, the next steps involve planning for the actual procedure.

Timeline:

  • Discuss the timeline for the procedure, including any pre-treatment preparations and the expected downtime afterward.

Aftercare Instructions:

  • Understand and commit to the aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner. This may include avoiding certain activities and medications.

Follow-Up Appointments:

  • Schedule any necessary follow-up appointments to ensure the success of the procedure and address any concerns.

Embarking on a lip enhancement journey is an exciting step towards achieving the look you’ve always wanted. A well-planned consultation sets the foundation for a personalized and successful experience. Remember, it’s not just about the destination; it’s about enjoying the journey to your most confident and beautiful self!

Give Me A Boost

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Give Me A Boost

Hello!!!! Johnny and I had the misfortune of getting Covid late this September and it was about a bitch lol. The last time we had Covid was in 2020 and we were both completely asymptomatic. If I didn’t know I was exposed, we never would have known we even had it. This past time around, we had ALL of the symptoms and it sucked. The general rule of thumb is to wait three or so months to get a vaccine or booster shot post Covid and I finally was able to get my updated booster this past Friday and… it SUCKED!!!!!

I have gotten every Covid vaccine and booster available and I have never reacted well to them. I’m not sure why I expected this time to be any different and, bully for me, because this was probably my worst experience yet. Pretty much immediately after my shot, my arm was extremely sore but I was still feeling okay physically. Fast forward to that night after a delightful hang out with my bestie and I spent my slumber sweating to the oldies. My pillowcase is now a shocking combo of red and blue hair dye because of it SMH.

On Saturday, I woke up with a pounding headache, nausea, and a fever that flip flopped back and forth with chills. I spent all day watching Criminal Minds and My 600 Lb Life and despite them being two of my favorite comfort shows, I was not comforted one bit! I had no appetite, felt so run down, and couldn’t wait to go to bed with the hopes that I would feel better on Sunday. I slept and sweat for a solid twelve or so hours and somehow managed to wake up feeling worse.

Sunday was a doozy of a day and my nausea was at an all time high. I ralphed four times and only started feeling slightly better when I was able to keep some food down for dinner later that evening. Thankfully, after another super sweaty night, I am feeling much better as I write this Monday morning. I can only compare this booster experience to my day three or four of having actual Covid and it was a pretty miserable way to spend the weekend.

Having said all of that, I am SO happy to be boosted up just in time for the holidays. I consider these booster shots to be a necessary evil because of how poorly I react to them. However, I know that if Johnny and I were to get Covid again, it would be so much worse without the added protection. Even though it was a major bummer to spend the weekend feeling like ass, I knew that I would feel better soon and that was good enough for me. I’m just glad to be over and done with it and now I have the pleasure of taking care of Johnny when he gets boosted this upcoming weekend! 😀

Unfortunately, Covid is something we’re always going to have to deal with. The vaccines and boosters make me feel much more comfortable with that fact and I am proud to do my part to keep myself and those around me safe. ❤

How did you react to your Covid vaccines and boosters? So so or oh NO? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

5 Ways To Better Animal Health During Winter

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5 Ways To Better Animal Health During Winter

Animal health during the winter is just as vital as our own. As an animal or pet owner, you have a responsibility to care for any animals at your home or farm. Staying active with animals always helps, but you can also keep an eye out for local wildlife that might need help as well. Take a look at some tips to keep your pets healthy all winter long:

Keep Up with Medical Treatment:

Like humans, animals require medical treatment to stay healthy. If you have any pets, then you will be well aware of the medical problems they can get and the effects these can also have. From simple eye infections to kennel cough and worms, dogs are susceptible to all kinds of issues. Yet even strong horses are also prone to worms, so products like Questplus dewormer are highly recommended during winter as worms occur mostly during December and January.

Stay Active with Your Pets:

Pets need lots of exercise, and this can be easy or challenging, depending on what pet you have. For instance, a rodent will go all day if you provide a wheel for exercise. Yet a dog has no such amenity. You must walk your dog and ensure they get the exercise they need, even in winter. This is harder, of course. But you can bear it with some reliable winter clothing. You can also get some clothing for your dog. This looks amazingly cute but will also help keep them warm.

Shelter Provides Animal Health During Winter:

Almost every animal needs shelter, from mighty elephants to rodents. Livestock such as cows, pigs, and chickens (which are common in backyards) need somewhere safe from the elements. A warm and durable shelter is so important year round, but is critical in the winter. You can click here to learn more about safe shelters for chickens and other small animals if you raise them to promote health and happiness during cold spells. The number of deaths from poor shelter during extreme weather runs into the hundreds of thousands every year. This can be avoided with adequate shelter for the animals you keep. Ventilation, dry bedding, and enough feed are also essential for maintaining animal health.

Help Local Wildlife Stay Safe:

You may or may not have pets. But what you will have is local wildlife. From frogs in the pond to birds, badgers, and foxes visiting your garden, there is abundant wildlife almost everywhere. And every now and then, they need a little help from us. For instance, there are toxic gasses that can build in frozen-over ponds, so check that there is always a hole for these to escape. You can also help birds find food with bird feeders. And be careful of hibernating animals when clearing debris.

Be Aware of the Human Dangers:

Winter is a savage time for humans in some places, and we need ways to get through it. Just maintaining your car can be a nightmare. But it can also be deadly to animals, especially cats. Ethylene glycol, the main component of antifreeze, is sweet, and cats are drawn to it. So, store it correctly and clean up spills. Antifreeze can also leak from your car, so be sure to check underneath the vehicle and clean up any residue that could possibly be an antifreeze solution.

Avoid winter health conditions for your beloved pets with the tips above and stay warm!

Featured Image By: Pexels