Lifestyle Blogger


Even people who are not in the direct line of fire are at risk of health problems due to smoke from nearby wildfires.

More people and our communities are in danger of injury if wildfires grow more common as a result of climate change and drier circumstances. Here are some tips to help you get ready and safeguard your loved ones.

How is air quality impacted by smoke from wildfires?

The smoke from wildfires significantly degrades the air we breathe. Similar to the pollution caused by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, wildfires release toxic gases and respirable particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, and PM0.1) in the form of microscopic particles. There are other poisons found in wildfire smoke that originate from burning houses.

Smoke carried by jet streams and weather patterns can reach far-off places.

What health effects can smoke from wildfires have?
The most hazardous to human health are the tiny particles found in wildfire smoke. These particles have the ability to enter the bloodstream occasionally and go deep into the lungs when inhaled.

Smoke from wildfires can cause breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing, and eye irritation. Additionally, the smoke may make respiratory diseases like COVID-19 more likely. Strokes, heart attacks, and heart failure are other potentially dangerous health consequences.

Who should exercise extra caution?
The most vulnerable groups to the dangers of wildfire smoke include youngsters, the elderly, outdoor laborers, expectant mothers, and people with heart or lung issues.

You should discuss the potential effects of smoking on any chronic health conditions you may have with your doctor. Find out which symptoms require a visit to the doctor or a change in your medication. This is especially important if you have heart or lung issues.

What steps can you take to be ready for a wildfire?
If you reside in a region where wildfires are a threat or where the heat and dry weather increase the likelihood that they may occur:
World Bee Day: Why Bees Matter

Every May 20th, World Bee Day commemorates the indispensable contribution of bees and other pollinators to our ecosystems and food security. This date holds significance as it honors Anton Janša, a Slovenian innovator in modern beekeeping, who was born on May 20, 1734, and pioneered the first beekeeping school globally. Bees not only produce honey and wax, but also play a crucial role in pollination, facilitating the transfer of pollen between plants, which is essential for fertilization and reproduction. Their pollination efforts impact 75% of the world's crops and 90% of wild flowering plants, fostering biodiversity, climate resilience, and human sustenance. However, bees and other pollinators confront numerous threats, including habitat loss, pesticides, diseases, invasive species, and climate change, jeopardizing their survival and diversity.

World Bee Day aims to raise awareness of these challenges and advocate for actions to protect and preserve bees and their habitats, such as planting bee-friendly flowers, avoiding pesticides, and supporting local beekeepers. This annual observance serves to highlight the critical role of bees and other pollinators in maintaining a healthy planet while shedding light on the obstacles they face, such as habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and climate change. Here are some ways you can participate in this important cause:




Here are some ways to support bees and pollinators:

- Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers: Choose flowers that attract bees like lavender, sunflowers, and wildflowers to provide them with food and shelter.
- Avoid Pesticides: Reduce or eliminate the use of harmful pesticides in your garden and opt for natural alternatives to protect bees and other beneficial insects.
- Support Local Beekeepers: Purchase honey and other bee products from local beekeepers to help sustain their livelihoods and maintain bee populations.
- Educate Youth: Involve young people in beekeeping activities and conservation efforts as they are the future stewards of our environment.
- Remember, you don’t have to be a beekeeper to make a difference. Even small actions collectively contribute to the well-being of bees and pollinators! 🐝🌼
It is time to stop over-apologizing and refocus on personal goals

Let me just drop this here. As many of you know, I love sharing the things I’ve learned while living this beautiful life God gave me. There are times in life when you need to stop apologizing and focus on your yourself and goals.

I once offended someone, and it wasn’t a minor offense. This was a situation that, if we sat down to discuss openly, would be understood differently by different people. Some people I spoke to said that wrong is wrong, but in this situation, I was not the only one at fault. Some people also said I take the majority of the blame due to the way I reacted, but that does not mean the situation did not have a root cause.

I kept apologizing over and over for more than a year, but at a certain point, I realized that this person had become accustomed to my apologies. It was no longer about the situation; the apologies reassured them that I was still in pain. I decided to test something, and now I want to share it with you.

Before I get into that, here are some things I’ve learned: never apologize more than twice. If you are genuinely sorry, don’t keep repeating it. Instead, apologize sincerely, and then take steps to correct the issue. Allow the other person to heal and decide whether they want to continue communicating with you. You cannot force people to forgive you, and that’s a part of life I appreciate. I offer a sincere apology, but if it's not accepted, I leave it between them and God. I refuse to be part of a grieving cycle or to stay stuck in that situation. If someone enjoys being sad, I won’t join them in their sadness. I choose happiness, and it’s okay if someone doesn’t want to forgive me, but I won’t put my life on hold waiting for them to move on from that situation. That can never be me again. If I have a goal, my focus will be on that goal.

Travel guide to Dublin

Are you itching for a quick getaway to Dublin? Look no further! Join me on a whirlwind weekend trip to the vibrant streets of Dublin, packed with affordable flights, hotel drama, delicious dining experiences, and a sprinkle of unexpected airport experience. 

Booking Your Trip:
I opted for an affordable two-way flight with EasyJet, keeping my travel expenses in check. Tip: Morning flights tend to be cheaper, but if you're not an early bird, consider the trade-off between cost and comfort.

Weekend travel guide to Dublin


Accommodation:
My friend used Booking.com to snag a hotel, but my stay at Louis Fitzgerald Hotel left much to be desired in terms of customer service. I recommend exploring other options for a more enjoyable stay.

Exploring Dublin:
After checking in, at night we headed to Café en Seine for a fun-filled evening. However, the highlight of my gastronomic journey was the fantastic lunch experience at Joel's Restaurant. Just remember, Dublin's notorious rain calls for umbrellas and warm jackets, so come prepared!





Unexpected Encounters:
Lack of sleep from the night before and a jam-packed schedule led to some serious snoozing during my travels. But the real excitement unfolded at the airport on my way back. As I waited for my flight, a fellow traveler left his phone behind. Acting quickly, I alerted the café staff nearby, hoping to reunite the forgetful passenger with his device. While I never learned the outcome, it was a memorable moment amidst my Dublin adventures.

Unexpected Connections:
Before I wrap up, let me share some heartwarming encounters I had in Dublin. I had the pleasure of meeting some lovely people, capturing memories in photographs, and even stumbling upon some surprising connections.

During my time in Ukraine, I had a roommate who often spoke fondly of her sister, although I never had the chance to meet her. Imagine my surprise when, attending church with a friend in Dublin, I spotted none other than my roommate's sister – someone I had only heard about  and seen her picture at the beginning of medical school! Our reunion was filled with laughter and warmth, and I couldn't help but notice her radiant skin.



Another memorable encounter unfolded in a rather amusing way. After church, my friend and I decided to take photos together. Struggling to find someone to capture our moment, I approached a nearby lady for help. To my astonishment, she and my friend recognized each other from their secondary school days and immediately embraced. As they reminisced and exchanged contact information, I stood by, amused by the unexpected reunion. Eventually, the kind stranger became our photographer, capturing the joy of our impromptu reunion.



These chance meetings added an extra layer of magic to my Dublin experience, reminding me of the beauty of unexpected connections and the joy of shared moments. As I reflect on my weekend adventure, I'm grateful for the memories made and the wonderful people I encountered along the way. Cheers to Dublin – a city brimming with surprises and heartwarming encounters!
How to Style a Monochrome Maxi Dress

Hey there! So, let me tell you about this dress—it's a total showstopper! Seriously, without even saying a word, it commands attention. Did you catch the video of it on Instagram? If you did, then welcome to the blog post dedicated to this stunning piece. I'm absolutely smitten with it. It's one of those rare finds that just clicks with you, you know? Monochrome never really felt like my thing, but this dress? It's like it was tailor-made for me. Hats off to Rosewe for knocking it out of the park with this one. And let me tell you, it looks even better in person than it does on the website.

I've always been a sucker for maxi dresses, no matter the season. Back when I was in Ukraine, they were practically my uniform. Now that May's here and the weather's playing nice, it's the perfect time to break them out again. Maxi dresses just have this effortless vibe about them, you know? And they make getting dressed a breeze. For this look, I kept it simple with a pair of sandals.


Now, let's talk about styling a monochrome dress. The key? Keep it simple. Black is your best friend when it comes to accessorizing a monochrome outfit like this one. Trust me, you can't go wrong. So, if you're on the hunt for a versatile, statement-making piece to add to your summer wardrobe, look no further than this Black and White Maxi Sleeveless Round Neck Dress from Rosewe. It might just surprise you, like it did for me.






Yesterday, I visited the Riverside Museum in Glasgow, which I planned as part of my weekend mini-tour. The day before, I cleaned my house, got new bed sheets, and bought scented candles from Tesco, which I'll share with you all later on the blog.

While I wanted to enjoy every bit of this experience, I also wanted to savor the view. So, while I was on the bus (I got a day ticket to move around), I set my phone aside, letting the music play as I looked around at the city. It was a sunny day, and I cherished every minute of the journey.

When I reached my bus stop, I got off in front of a charity shop, checked it out, and then walked down to the Riverside Museum. I had to use my map to navigate to the location and received help from a lovely woman too.

Guess what was the first beauty I saw on my way? It was the River Kelvin, a tributary of the River Clyde in northern and northeastern Glasgow, Scotland. It rises on the moor southeast of the village of Banton, east of Kilsyth.

Anyway, when I arrived at the museum, there was a lot to see, I must say. I enjoyed every bit of history and experience, from the old street view to the various modes of transportation like cars, bikes, trains, and ships. It was an immersive experience that transported you back in time.

This made me wonder why much of this has changed because most of those cars seemed sturdier than the ones we have today, and the trains had robust bodywork. I even saw some unique bicycles.

I honestly love old cars, or if you prefer, vintage cars. I hope to own a Lada someday.

Just before I entered the ship exhibit, my phone died, and I couldn't take photos of it. I had my Chromebook in my bag, so I plugged it in, but it wasn't charging for long, for reasons I don't know yet, but I'll check later.

Well, when my phone managed to power up, I quickly took photos. Also, it was about time since I purchased a large frame from the charity store I needed to pick up before 5, so I had to leave without fully enjoying the ship exhibit. I plan to visit again, this time looking so good or wearing a dress because I will take photos of the ship and also have that summer beauty glowing. 

This place is free entry and you get free water tap at the entrance. At the entrance I was given a site plan to add my experience. 

Address to the Riverside museum: 100 Point House Rd, Govan, Glasgow G3 8RS. It is free entry.

My Visit to the Riverside Museum in Glasgow

Lana's daughter Emma comes back from London with news of her upcoming wedding next month. The situation takes a twist when Lana discovers that the man who captured Emma's heart is the son of the individual who shattered hers many years ago.

This movie is about a bride and her mother who dated the father of her future husband in high school. They only discovered upon arrival at the hotel in Thailand that her daughter was marrying the son of her former boyfriend, who left her unexpectedly.

It was an awkward situation that brought back a lot of memories for the mom, who even expressed her fear to her daughter that her ex's son might do the same thing to her. However, the daughter reassured her that they are two different people.

The movie revolves around love, comedy, and fun. Its high-quality production keeps you glued to the screen, giving a sense of déjà vu, but this time, the mother of the bride is the one with an ex present at the wedding venue.

She's not allowed to write her own vows, wear the dress she likes, or do what she wants because her daughter, an influencer, is sponsored by designer brands and wants to promote them on her big day. The mother feels her daughter is losing sight of what's important and isn't happy about it, leading to a fight between them. This results in the mother confronting her ex why he left her without a word during their younger years.

Additionally, the mother attracts an admirer who seeks a date with her and witnesses her encounter with her ex after an evening boat ride. It's awkward, but watching the movie is both fun and cool.

Director: Mark Waters
Writer: Robin Bernheim
Stars: Brooke Shields, Miranda Cosgrove, Benjamin Bratt


Top Summer Park Outfit Ideas: What to Wear for Your Next Stroll

Are you someone who loves to take walks in the park in the summer, just like me? I never miss the opportunity of going to the park in the summer, especially living in Scotland, where there is actually no summer weather, realistically speaking, because you still have to dress warm either way in the evening and some days are cold, so it's just more like in one month of the year we get to experience some days of good sunshine, some accompanied by rain and cold nights.

However, on those days that give us that extreme summer feel, we have to dress to suit the weather. I always make sure I soak myself in the sunshine to feel the sun. I love the sun a lot, and since I like taking a walk in the park, I am sharing what to wear for a walk in the park.

Let's talk about breathable clothes. They're essential for everyone. Even in blazing summers, you can stay cool and chic. Sip cold drinks and wear breathable fabrics to keep your style game strong without overheating.


These fabrics are like magic under the sun, stopping you from feeling too hot and sticky. Ideal for places where it's always warm, they let air flow through, so you stay fresh and comfy all day.

When should I wear breathable clothes? Well, summertime calls for it! Especially in places like the subcontinent, where the summers get hot and sticky. It's not just the heat, but also the dust and sweat that make things challenging.

So, opt for those lovely dresses made from breathable fabrics, like the Tribal Print Breathable Black A Line Sleeveless Dress. Light and natural materials are key when the temperature rises.

Wear comfortable flats that let you walk freely without dragging your feet and raising dust.

When taking a walk to the park, I like to go without a bag. I like to keep it as simple as I can, which means I just walk around and sit and view the environment and watch people. I like to disconnect from my phone and be in real life, and if need be, I sit on the grass and enjoy the sun

Going to the park is one of the best things I love to do, but just before I conclude, I got my white slippers from Zara.

Tribal Print Breathable Black A Line Sleeveless Dress

 

More data suggests multivitamins can delay cognitive decline.

Taking a daily multivitamin tablet could help prevent reductions in certain elements of cognition, at least for a few years, based on the sufficient research that has already been published on the topic. However, I was also aware that more extensive and superior research was almost finished and would probably offer a more reliable response. They have now. The latest study you're referring to was most likely organized at Harvard and involved medical centers across the country. A randomized controlled trial was the ideal sort of study for assessing the efficacy of a treatment: some patients were randomly assigned to take the multivitamin pill, while others were assigned to take an identical-looking placebo. And, until the study's conclusion, neither the subjects nor the research team knew who had taken the multivitamins.

The latest study, published in the January 2024 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, included participants aged 60 and up. In many ways, it outperforms previous investigations. It included more people (almost 5,000), monitored participants for longer periods of time (more than two years), and tested cognitive capacities more precisely—both before and after they began taking multivitamins. Two components of cognition known to predict the later development of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia were assessed: global cognition and episodic memory. Because both of these indicators naturally drop with age, the study sought to determine whether people who took multivitamins experienced a slower decline than those who took a placebo.

Indeed, those taking multivitamins had lower declines in both of these cognitive tests over two years than those taking a placebo. This was observed consistently in all groups of people, regardless of age, gender, race or ethnicity, weight, diet, or pre-study cognitive ability. There were no side effects reported from using multivitamins.

Based on the findings of this study, taking a daily multivitamin pill delays age-related cognitive loss for at least two years in people aged 60 and up. However, many essential questions remain unanswered. Will this benefit continue if people take multivitamins for more than two years? Do regular multivitamins lessen the chance of developing dementia? How do multivitamins achieve their beneficial effects? The tablet used in this study comprised more than 20 vitamins and minerals; are only a few of them responsible for the beneficial effect? These questions can only be solved through research. We need the answers.

Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA

A strain of bird flu that started spreading in 2020 is still changing both locally and globally in the US. If you're unsure about what this implies, knowing the fundamentals of bird flu can be helpful. These include what it is, how it spreads, whether or not foods are safe, and protection advice. As scientists discover more, additional details will become available, so stay tuned.

1. How does bird flu spread, and what is its definition?
Avian flu, sometimes known as bird flu,is a disease that develops spontaneously. Type A influenza viruses frequently propagate among wild birds, much like some flu viruses do among humans. The H5N1 virus strain is now in circulation and is named after two proteins found on its surface.

The bird flu is extremely contagious. Shore birds like plovers and sandpipers, as well as wild water birds like ducks, geese, and gulls, are frequently the first to contract the infection. The viruses are expelled in their feces, mucus, and saliva and are carried in their intestines and respiratory tract. Domestic fowl, including ducks, turkeys, and chickens, are easily infected by wild birds.

Ducks are among the bird species that can transmit the illness without showing symptoms. Bird flues are more likely to sicken and even kill domestic flocks. But not every bird flu virus is equally dangerous.
  • In domestic poultry, low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) may result in no symptoms at all or in moderate symptoms like fewer eggs or ruffled feathers.
  • Poultry infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has higher rates of mortality and more severe disease. As of right now, the H5N1 virus is classified as an HPAI.

2. Can people contract the avian flu?

Yes, however, it doesn't generally work like this.

Flu viruses have the potential to spread from their initial hosts, birds, to humans and other animals through mutation. As of this writing, there have been two documented cases of bird flu in humans in the United States since 2022.

The mouth, nose, or eyes can all be entry points for the infection. One could breathe in viral part 4. What are the experts' concerns regarding the avian flu outbreak?

It may seem strange that bird flu has been the subject of so much news coverage and alarm recently. Bird flu has been around for a while, after all. It has long been recognized to occasionally infect animals other than birds, such as humans.

However, there are a few reasons why the present outbreak is distinct and concerning:
For instance, that are in the form of dust, tiny aerosolized particles, or droplets in the air. Or they could come into contact with a virus-contaminated surface and then touch their nose or eyes. Human bird flu usually manifests as fever, runny nose, and body aches, just like seasonal flu.

3. Which animals are impacted by the avian flu?
The animals afflicted by the current H5NI bird flu epidemic are surprisingly numerous and include:

Wildlife, including dairy cows in nine states as of this writing, chickens, ducks, geese, and other domestic and commercial fowl in 48 states and more than 500 countries. Wild creatures like foxes, skunks, and raccoons; some domestic animals like farm cats; and marine species like seals, sea lions, and even dolphins.

4. What are the experts' concerns regarding the bird flu outbreak?
It may seem strange that bird flu has been the subject of so much news coverage and alarm recently. Bird flu has been around for a while, after all. It has long been recognized to occasionally infect animals other than birds, such as humans.

However, there are a few reasons why the present outbreak is distinct and concerning:

Quick and expansive spread. Numerous sub-Saharan African nations, the US, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and even Antarctica have all reported cases of the virus.

There are numerous afflicted species. Previously unaffected species—including those found in our food chain—have been impacted.

Economic implications. There could be a significant financial impact on farmers, agriculture-related businesses, and the economy of the affected countries if a significant number of dairy and beef cows, as well as poultry, become unwell or need to be slaughtered in order to manage outbreaks. The grocery store may charge more as a result of this.

Possibility of death. Since 2003, severe bird flu viruses have caused H5N1 illnesses in around 900 individuals across 23 countries. Of these documented incidents, over half were deadly. Remember that the arithmetic is not simple. Lethality of bird flu is probably overstated because many more human cases are probably out there, but those who had little or no symptoms or were not tested were not counted.

New mutations. It's unlikely, but not impossible: The H5N1 avian flu could become the next human pandemic if mutations allow for effective person-to-person transmission.

There are opportunities for exposure. The more humans are exposed to bird flu, the greater the likelihood that the virus will mutate to make it easier to transfer to humans, even though there have only been two recorded cases of human infections in the US in recent years, both of which involved individuals who worked with animals.

Quote of the day

Please remember to bring it to the Lord in prayer. Melody Jacob
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