Melody Jacob

Monday, December 4

Do hangovers cause brain damage?

Ever wondered if those post-party hangovers do anything to our brains? Well, some scientists were curious too and dug into over 1,100 studies to find out. They shared their findings in a journal called Addiction on August 25, so let's break it down.

First off, they defined a hangover as the mental and physical aftermath you feel the day after a night of heavy drinking, once your blood alcohol level is close to zero. Basically, when the party's over, and you're no longer tipsy. After checking out 11 studies, the scientists concluded that during a hangover, your ability to focus takes a hit. Your short-term and long-term memory get a bit foggy too, especially when it comes to remembering stuff that happened during the hangover. They also found that something called "psychomotor speed" gets slowed down – that's how quickly your brain tells your body to move. So, doing things like driving might not be as sharp during a hangover.

Now, here's the big question: Can having hangovers from regular heavy drinking actually mess with your brain permanently? I tried to find studies on this, but no luck. Still, I'd say it's a good idea to be cautious during the holidays and not overdo it. Let's keep our brains in tip-top shape!

Image by Depositphotos

HEALTH/FITNESS

Toddler formulas are costly, unnecessary, and potentially unhealthy.

Once babies reach the age of one, they no longer need infant formula as their nutritional needs can be met through solid foods. Cow's milk or fortified plant milk like soy milk can be perfectly suitable for them without the need for excessive consumption.

In a recent report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in 2023, it was found that toddler milks do not provide any additional benefits for healthy growth and development. It's understandable that some parents may feel hesitant to transition from formula to cow's milk, believing that formula is more nutritious or easier to digest. However, the marketing strategies used by formula companies frequently influence these beliefs.

Toddler formulas marketed as "follow-up formulas," "transition formulas," or "growing-up milks" are not medically necessary and are mainly designed to retain customers past the age of one. As the AAP emphasizes, some toddler formulas can actually be worse than cow's milk. Parents should be aware of the actual needs of older infants and toddlers and not let marketing claims influence them.

It's worth noting that specialized formulas for children over 12 months with specific medical conditions are not the focus of this discussion.

Toddler formulas are not subject to FDA regulation, unlike infant formulas. Infant formulas have strict nutritional requirements and are subject to regular inspections. On the other hand, toddler formulas are not required to prove their claims about nutritional benefits, leading to wide variation in their composition.

This lack of regulation is concerning because some toddler formulas can be unhealthy, with inadequate or excessive protein content and added sweeteners. These sweeteners can contribute to the development of a child's preference for sugary foods and potentially increase the risk of obesity. Moreover, toddler formulas are often more expensive than cow's milk, creating an unnecessary financial burden for families.

Instead of relying on toddler formulas, it is recommended to focus on the healthy diet groups for toddlers. Encourage a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein sources (such as meat, fish, beans, and nut butters), and dairy or dairy substitutes fortified with calcium and vitamin D. It is also important to limit added sugars and, after the age of two, reduce the consumption of unhealthy fats. By establishing healthy eating habits early on, we can set children on the path to a lifetime of good nutrition.

Depositphotos

HEALTH/FITNESS

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Do infant formulae live up to their nutritional claims?

Mirror Sunglasses: A Must-Have Accessory

Hey Sunseekers, Do you that everyone needs a pair of sunglasses in winter?

As the winter winds and cold gets harder on us all, it might seem wearing sunglasses is one of the best thing you can do for yourself. Winter is the perfect time to rock those mirror sunglasses, and let me tell you why.

1. Winter Sun Can Be Deceptive:

Just because it's not scorching hot doesn't mean the sun has taken a vacation. Winter sun can be sneaky, and the snow on the ground acts like a giant reflector, bouncing those UV rays right into your eyes. Mirror sunglasses not only add a touch of glam to your winter wardrobe but also shield your eyes from the unexpected brightness.

2. Snow Glare Is Real:

Ever experienced that intense glare off the snow that makes you squint uncontrollably? Mirror sunglasses are your stylish solution. The reflective coating on the lenses helps combat snow glare, allowing you to navigate winter wonderlands with ease and flair.

3. Protect Those Peepers:

UV rays are not exclusive to summer. They're present year-round, and their effects on our eyes can accumulate over time. Mirror sunglasses act as a shield, protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays and preventing potential damage. Your eyes deserve some love in every season, right?

4. Style That Speaks Volumes:

Winter fashion is all about making a statement, and mirror sunglasses effortlessly elevate your style game. Whether you're hitting the slopes or strolling through the city, these shades add a touch of mystery and a whole lot of chic to your winter ensemble.

5. Bye-Bye, Winter Blues:

Let's face it – winter can be a bit gloomy. But putting on a pair of vibrant mirror sunglasses instantly lifts your spirits. It's like carrying a slice of summer with you wherever you go. Who says you can't be your own sunshine?

Why Mirror Sunglasses?

Mirror sunglasses are not just an accessory; they're a lifestyle. The mirrored coating not only enhances your style quotient but also provides that extra layer of protection your eyes crave, especially in the winter months.

So, fellow winter enthusiasts, lets welcome the season with open arms and great style. Mirror sunglasses are more than just a fashion accessory; they're a must-have for winter, a friend on your trip through snowy and frosty landscapes.

Stay cool, stay chic, and let those mirror sunglasses be your winter confidante!

Below are winter mirror sunglasses that are versatile. I am wearing the Mirror lens sunglasses by Szaleo.pl which is one of my favorite online stores to shop accessories such ass head warmers, hand gloves, handbags and more.

United Kingdom

sunglasses

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Sunday, December 3

Rosewe Elegant Wine Red Embroidered Bodycon Dress

OMG, babes! My wardrobe is seriously overflowing with dresses, and let me tell you, the Rosewe Dresses are, like, hands down one of my absolute faves to rock! OMG, can you even believe it? Can we just take a moment to appreciate how absolutely stunning I look in this dress? 😍🔥 I mean, seriously, I am serving up some major style vibes right now! This outfit is the epitome of elegance and class, and I am totally here for it! 💁🏻‍♀️💫 #FashionGoals #FeelingConfident

ROSEWE WINE RED V NECK EMBROIDERED BODYCON DRESS

COLLABORATIONS AND SPONSORS

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Rosewe Elegant Wine Red Embroidered Bodycon Dress

Exciting Heart-warming Holiday Movies On Netflix To Watch

Today Netflix uploaded lots of new holiday movies, and I am here for them. Most of them are new and 2023, so if you are looking for a holiday movie to enjoy this season both for laughs and comedy and to get you into the spirit of Christmas, here are 12 new cozy holiday movies.

Catering Christmas

A struggling caterer, agreeing to prepare the Christmas gala for the local foundation, discovers an unexpected bond with the host's charming nephew.

Fall Into Winter

On Netflix UK. A woman finds herself reluctantly collaborating with her high school crush, who unexpectedly invests in her family's candy business. Can her initial displeasure transform into something else?

The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday

Nothing pleases the Bad Guys more than Christmas morning in this new adventure, which takes place prior to the events of the feature film. This is because, while everyone is at home opening presents, it's the ideal time for them to carry out their citywide holiday heist. But when Christmas is abruptly called off, the Bad Guys have to pull off the unimaginable and give instead of taking in order to rekindle the city's holiday spirit.

B&B Merry B&B

Graham extended a warm invitation to Tracey, a travel blogger, for a Christmas escape to his family's cozy bed and breakfast. Unfortunately, their quaint retreat is grappling with a challenging situation – a hotel resort has been luring away guests, putting the survival of the family business at risk.

Gordon, Gino & Fred's Great Christmas Roast

Gordon Ramsay teams up with Gino D'Acampo to help them choose wine and teach six celebrities how to cook three different Christmas dinners each, all in honour of 100 UK Heroes of the Year who will vote on which dish is the best. The host is Fred Sirieix.

Christmas

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Saturday, December 2

5 Fantastic Reasons to shop from Rosewe

It's a new month and the last month of 2023. Welcome to the countdown to Christmas! If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed I've been enjoying taking photos in front of Christmas lights and festive decorations. I love Christmas lights so much that I use them all year.

Lately, I've been flaunting various dresses from Rosewe, and the response has been fantastic. There's nothing like a good free-fit dress that can be styled in different ways. What I love most about this dress is the silver buckle-like detail in the waist area, which gives the dress a touch of light.

The color is perfect, and the dress is available in different sizes. Exciting news! You can use the code 'KOL10' for a delightful 10% off on orders over $49. You can purchase my Belted Peacock Blue Long Sleeve Mermaid Dress by clicking here.

Thinking about why Rosewe should be your go-to? Here are five fantastic reasons!

1. Trendy Fashion: Rosewe offers a wide array of trendy and fashionable clothing items, ensuring you stay on top of the latest styles and trends.

2. Affordable Prices: Enjoy fashion-forward pieces without breaking the bank. Rosewe provides budget-friendly options, making it accessible for everyone to indulge in stylish wardrobe updates.

3. Diverse Selection: Whether you're looking for casual wear, formal attire, or statement pieces, Rosewe has a diverse selection that caters to various preferences and occasions.

4. Quality Assurance: Rosewe is committed to providing quality clothing, ensuring that each piece meets or exceeds expectations. Shop confidently knowing you're investing in well-made and durable fashion.

5. Customer Reviews: Positive feedback from satisfied customers speaks volumes about Rosewe's commitment to customer satisfaction. Browse reviews to gain insights into the experiences of others and make informed shopping decisions.

COLLABORATIONS AND SPONSORS

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First snow in Glasgow, 2023

I just woke up, and here in Glasgow, we just had the first snow of the season. So, here is the first snow in Glasgow. Cheers!

Glasgow

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Friday, December 1

How to get over the difficult moments in life

Navigating life's challenging moments can be incredibly tough, and in the United States, there's a concerning rise in "deaths from despair" – instances of suicide, drug overdose, or alcohol poisoning. When people face these extreme difficulties and are at risk, the usual approaches involve antidepressants and psychotherapy. However, a recent study from Harvard suggests that there's another avenue worth exploring: attending religious services.

Published online on May 6, 2020, by JAMA Psychiatry, the study delved into the self-reported religious service attendance of 110,000 white, middle-aged men and women over about 30 years. Surprisingly, the findings showed that those who attended religious services at least once a week had significantly lower risks of death from despair – a staggering 68% lower for women and 37% lower for men, compared to those who never attended.

Researchers propose that religious participation, irrespective of affiliation, might act as a powerful countermeasure to despair, offering a sustained sense of hope, meaning, peace, and a positive outlook. Beyond that, faith-based communities promote social engagement and connectedness, advocating against self-injury and substance use.

It's important to note that this study is observational and doesn't conclusively prove that regular religious service attendance directly prevents death from despair. Yet, other Harvard research suggests that relying on religion as a coping mechanism correlates with improved outcomes for individuals dealing with severe psychiatric illness.

Considering the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, attending your usual place of worship might be difficult. However, you could explore attending services via teleconference. If you opt for in-person services, remember to wear a mask and maintain a safe distance of six feet from others.

Depositphotos

HEALTH/FITNESS

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How to get over the difficult moments in life

Thursday, November 30

Are e-cigarettes harmful or beneficial?

E-cigarettes have become a popular topic in the smoking landscape, with debates on their safety and efficacy, especially in comparison to traditional cigarettes. While the prevalence of smoking has decreased significantly in recent decades, cigarette-related issues still contribute to a substantial number of deaths in the United States.

These electronic devices, powered by batteries, produce vapor by heating a liquid that users inhale and exhale—a process commonly known as "vaping." Initially marketed towards the younger demographic, recent advertising campaigns highlight middle-aged, long-time smokers who have transitioned to vaping. The critical question remains: Is vaping a safer alternative, particularly from a cardiovascular standpoint, and can it aid in quitting conventional cigarettes?

Currently, experts offer a tentative "maybe" to both questions. While some acknowledge potential benefits, concerns linger, especially regarding the rising trend of teenage vaping. A CDC survey revealed a significant 78% increase in high school students reporting monthly vaping, reaching 20% in the past year. This troubling statistic underscores worries about a predatory industry enticing young individuals with highly addictive products, as pointed out by Dr. Vaughan Rees, director of the Center for Global Tobacco Control at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

HEALTH/FITNESS

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You know, if there's one thing I've kinda practised over the years, it's soaking in the moment. Seriously, taking a breather to enjoy life – can't stress that enough. Appreciate your wins, big or small, and make sure to keep your health right. Focus on what lights you up, you know?

This year's been a rollercoaster for many, myself included. Lost my sister, and it's been this weird mix of floating emotions and tears. But hey, strength somehow kicks in with the sunrise. And no matter how rocky the road, celebrating the fact that you're alive is key. So, whether it's a small or professional gathering, family time, or hanging out with friends, bring your A-game and good vibes.

Oh, about looking good? It's not about breaking the bank. Dress sharp, feel good – that's the mantra. And let me spill the tea on Rosewe – seriously, it's a gem for affordable dresses. Sizes are on point, styles match the pics, and the quality? A game-changer.

Now, Christmas is knocking, and you don't wanna snooze on those festive sales. I've got 5 killer dresses from Rosewe that'll have you looking outstanding this holiday season. Ready for the show?

How To Style

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