Lifestyle Blogger


Should I get the shingles vaccine?


Q: I’m 55, and a friend my age just got the shingles vaccine and urged me to do the same. But I’ve heard the shots can cause severe arm pain for days. Is it really worth it?


A: Yes, it usually is. The shingles vaccine, given in two doses over several months, helps prevent a much bigger problem than a sore arm or other side effects like fatigue, fever, and achiness.


The vaccine called Shingrix is very effective against shingles, which is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus that stays dormant in your nerves. Shingles can cause a very painful skin rash and may lead to a complication called postherpetic neuralgia, which is severe nerve pain that can last for months or even years after the rash disappears.


It’s smarter to prevent these issues rather than avoid the shingles vaccine because of temporary side effects. Shingrix is FDA-approved for adults 50 and older. Discuss your concerns with your doctor and get her advice.


Depositphoto


One thing I’ve decided is to always look good when visiting any tourist attraction, and yes, it pays to look good because when you look good, you feel good.

Last Saturday, I went to visit the Govan Stones with my partner, and it was a lovely tour. Today, I’ll be sharing what I wore and keeping this post simple. Later next week, I’ll share my entire tour of the Govan Stones and other places we visited. I’m super excited to share this with you as it is historic and, in my opinion, interesting.

I changed in the car because I knew the weather could get cold and unpredictable—one minute it’s cold, and the next, it’s raining and windy. I wore this pink short outfit to the second location, but since the first location we visited was a church, I wore black cargo pants from Route one instead.

Here’s what I wore:
Pink Shorts: H&M
White/Green Tee: River Island
Sleeveless Jacket: Topshop
Shoes: Zara





Diets high in sodium are linked to higher risks for a number of illnesses, including high blood pressure, renal disease, heart attacks, strokes, and more. Furthermore, a study that was published online in JAMA Dermatology on June 5, 2024, indicates that consuming a diet high in salt may also raise the chance of exacerbating eczema, a common form of atopic dermatitis that is characterized by rashes and dry, itchy skin. Researchers examined the medical records of almost 215,000 participants (aged 37 to 73) who had each provided a urine sample. The average amount of sodium taken in the previous 24 hours was determined to be 3 grams when scientists examined the sodium levels in the urine samples.There was an 11% increase in the likelihood of developing eczema, a 16% increase in the likelihood of a flare-up, and an 11% increase in the likelihood of a severe case for every extra gram of excreted salt over the average. The study did not show that consuming sodium causes eczema, even though it did find a link. Nonetheless, a number of compelling studies have demonstrated the connection between elevated salt consumption and various health issues. Therefore, if you are consuming more sodium than the recommended daily allowance of 2,300 mg, or roughly 2.3 grams, it would not harm to reduce your intake.



My God has done it again! He told us to trust in Him, and He would take care of us, and today, I have a powerful testimony to share with you all. My heart is overflowing with praise and thankfulness to God. Every time we step out and return safely, it is truly a miracle.

Yesterday, my brother went out, and on his way back, a high-tension electric pole fell on the car he was in. But by the grace of God, nothing happened to him. Sadly, another man died on the spot, and I pray that God consoles his family and heals their hearts.

Every single day we go out, whether the journey is long or short, there is always a reason to be thankful to God. Some people go out for a simple stroll and never make it back home. I am so grateful to God for His protection, and I will never forget the power of prayer. Prayer is a covering, and I bless God for keeping my brother safe.

Come and join me in singing Hallelujah! Jehovah Jireh has done me well!

Thank you Jesus.




Have you received the RSV vaccine yet? RSV is a potentially serious virus that can cause common cold symptoms, upper respiratory infections, or lower respiratory infections like pneumonia. Last year, the CDC recommended the RSV vaccine for infants, young children, and all adults aged 60 and older. This year, the guidance has changed. Now, the RSV vaccine is recommended for infants, young children, everyone aged 75 and older, and people aged 60 to 74 who are at higher risk for severe RSV, such as those with lung or heart disease or those living in nursing homes. If you’re an adult under 75 and not at increased risk, you can skip the shot for now. This update follows concerns about the vaccine’s rare association with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a condition that can cause paralysis.


Photo credit: Fluxfactory

Many senior citizens still follow outdated aspirin advice.

Though revised guidelines from 2019 warn against that treatment in many circumstances, a national poll indicates that one in four older persons take aspirin routinely in hopes of preventing a heart attack or stroke.

Though aspirin can also cause major bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract and the brain, it helps prevent blood clots that might lead to a heart attack or stroke. For individuals who have already had a heart attack or are at great risk of having one, daily low-dose aspirin is advised with a better awareness of the risk. However, 57% of adults who take aspirin on a regular basis reported having no history of cardiovascular disease. Over one-third seem to be unaware of the risk of bleeding connected with aspirin.

People without heart problems should consult their doctor before starting, maintaining, or discontinuing regular aspirin use. The March 2024 University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging examined a national sample of 2,657 persons aged 50 to 80.

We are following the research. Harvard health

Photo by Michelle Leman

I haven't enjoyed an action thriller movie in a while, but this one is a must-watch. The movie follows Anna, a beautiful Russian girl who is scouted to go to Paris for modeling. However, Anna is secretly a KGB operative on a mission. Before getting involved with the KGB, her father served in the force, and she loved playing chess. After her parents died, she faced a tough life until she received a proposal to resume her training, having previously dropped out.

Anna excelled in the modeling industry, but she was also working as an undercover agent. Although promised freedom, she never received it. Eventually, she was captured by an opposing group and forced to work for them to save her life. At one point, she became a double agent, leading to a pivotal moment where she was tasked with assassinating one of the KGB leaders—a mission that exposed everything.

This movie is a powerful reminder that people are often more than their outward appearances. Even your next-door neighbor or best friend might be someone you don't truly know. As I always say, you can never fully know anyone.

You can see this movie on Netflix.
 
Rate: 10
Hey lovelies! Happy Saturday! I hope you’re all having the best weekend ever with your family and friends. I’m so excited to share my latest outfit with you all—these pink shorts. They are cute and versatile. I feel like I could wear them anywhere while running errands, grabbing coffee, or just chilling in the park. 


First off, can we talk about this shade of pink? It’s the perfect pop of color for spring, and it instantly lifts my mood whenever I put them on. If you’re like me and usually gravitate towards denim or dresses, these solid pink shorts are such a fun change. I spotted them I knew right away they had to be mine!



For today’s look, I paired the shorts with a simple three-toned green, black and white tee from River Island. It’s super easy to tuck in, which totally puts all the focus on the shorts. And guess what? The tee is less than $10! Such a steal, right? I mean, you probably already have a white tee in your closet, so you can totally recreate this look.


Why you should avoid drinking alcohol in a flight

Cocktails at cruising altitude come with potential serious health risks.

When we have had a long day before the flight, we tend to want to relax during the flight. Some relax by drinking alcohol. While it might sound like a fun way to celebrate the start of a trip, there’s something important to consider: drinking alcohol on a plane could actually be risky. If you’re planning to catch some sleep on a long-haul flight, you might want to think twice about ordering that champagne.

What happens to your body when you are in the air?

Once you’re cruising at high altitude, the lower atmospheric pressure means your body gets less oxygen. Normally, your blood oxygen levels hover around 96% to 100%, but up in the sky, they can drop to about 90% or even lower.

To adjust, your body kicks into high gear: you start breathing faster to get more oxygen, and your heart pumps quicker to circulate blood throughout your system. This works for most people, but heart conditions can make it difficult.

Things get even more complicated when you throw alcohol into the mix. According to Dr. Matthew Mosquera, a medical expert from McLean Hospital, alcohol can mess with how your red blood cells pick up oxygen. It disrupts hemoglobin, the molecule responsible for carrying oxygen, making it harder for your body to stay oxygenated.

So, if you've got your boarding pass and a drink order in mind, here are some things you might want to think about. There are a few factors that can make your blood oxygen levels drop even more on a plane:

Aging: As we get older, our bodies become less efficient at adjusting to changes in oxygen levels.

Sleeping: Our breathing naturally slows down while we sleep, and this can be even more pronounced on a plane.

Underlying conditions: If you have lung disease, sleep apnea (where you briefly stop breathing while you sleep), or heart issues, less oxygen will reach your lungs.
Glasgow

Hey everyone! Last Sunday, after church, my partner and I decided to visit Springburn Park for a chill day out and to snap some fab pics of my lime green outfit.

Springburn Park is located in the north of Glasgow, Scotland. It’s about 2.8 miles from the city center and spans a whopping 31 hectares (or 77 acres!). This park is not just huge but also super pretty with its extensive spring and summer bedding, vibrant bulbs, wallflowers, and polyanthus. If you’re into plants and flowers, it’s definitely a must-visit!

The park has loads of facilities catering to everyone. Whether you're into sports or just looking to relax, you’ve got options like a synthetic football pitch with floodlights, a juvenile football pitch, a multi-purpose games court, three bowling greens, a cricket pitch, and even an orienteering course!



One cool feature is the Glasgow City Health Walks, which happen here. They’re perfect for anyone looking to get into walking as a gentle exercise. The routes are short, ranging from half a mile to two miles, and they’re mainly on flat ground, making them ideal for beginners. For more info on these walks, visit Glasgow city council.


Public toilets are available at the Bowling Pavilion (May to September), Stobhill Hospital, and Springburn Leisure Centre.



Fun fact: The park was first acquired by Glasgow Corporation in 1892. Back then, it was just agricultural land with an old ironstone pit and quarry. It was developed with contributions from Sir James Reid and his family, and even had a Winter Gardens built, thanks to a generous donation. Although the Winter Gardens are currently closed due to structural issues, there are plans to restore them.

The winter gardens at Springburn park




Quote of the day

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