Here’s why dogs are considered the best pets
Here’s why dogs are considered the best pets

From rabbits to horses and hamsters to guinea pigs, there is a wide range of animals that people adopt. However, dogs seem to be the most popular of them all. A survey shows that 7 out of 10 people in the country prefer to adopt dogs vis-à-vis any other animal. So, read on to know what makes dogs one of the best pets.

Humans feel secure in the presence of dogs. They’re loyal, irrespective of how fierce some of them could possibly look. The very thought that our furry friend is waiting for us back at home gives immense joy and hope in life. Dogs offer impeccable security to their owners; they sense danger quicker than humans and they are also quick to react to any unsafe situation. We have seen innumerable stories of dogs’ bravery, making them our little knights in furry armor!

A plethora of research has been done on dogs to understand what is really going in their minds when they see their masters, or when the master is in danger. While this sense of belonging could take ages to figure out, it is true that dogs are the best friend one could possibly have, especially if one is going through depression or any other low phase in their life. The patience the dogs show towards elderly, people with mental illness or people who are sick is truly remarkable. They certainly have a very keen sense of perception which helps them to identify the owner’s emotions. Whether one is happy or sad, the dog clearly knows and their ability to hear you out ensures that you never battle your demons alone.

Dogs also ensure that their masters end up leading a good health. Dogs are required to have regular exercises, which means their masters have to take them for regular walks. When it comes to dogs, one is literally left with no option but to head out for a walk in the park!

In all our years of evolution, dogs have closely walked with us, loved and cared for us for who we are, hunted with us and have also died with us. It is certainly not surprising that dogs have always remained popular amidst humanity.

  • How to enjoy quality time at theme parks

    Whether you are going to a theme park with your group of friends or with family and kids, you can enjoy it in innumerable ways. Theme parks offer several attractions and activities to enjoy quality time with family and friends. While you may have had fun at carnivals and traveling fairs, theme parks have their own charm and appeal for elderly, adults, and children. There is something designed for people of all generations. Explore some cool ways to enjoy a theme park to the best:

    Great attractions and rides: From water rides to thrill rides, adventure lovers can have it all at theme parks. There are popular theme parks on interesting themes like movies and characters. Thus, you can get the fun of checking out attractions and rides based on such themes. While there are multi-person or family rides, there are also kid-friendly rides. You can enjoy 3D or 4D attractions as well as live action shows, motion simulation-based activities, and magical attractions.

    Unique shows: If you have grabbed your Universal tickets or passes to any other popular theme park, then you should be ready to enjoy some unique shows according to your interests and age. Theme parks have action, comedy, parade and music shows for grown-ups as well as their little ones. While there are character sightings, you can also have completely immersive experiences and thrill from such shows. Usually, theme parks have different areas hosting varied types of shows. This helps visitors in exploring specific areas of interest, without wasting time.

    A wide range of entertainment options: If you are scared of taking rides, then there are hundreds of other entertainment options available in theme parks. You can check out a Cineplex, carnival, live musical, gaming zone, bowling or arcade arena, kids’ golfing site, internal zoo, and the like. The fun never ends at theme parks.

    Seasonal activities: If you have seasonal Universal tickets or seasonal passes to any theme park, then you can go for a variety of activities during your favorite season, whether it is spring, summer, fall or winter. From marvelous dining experiences to festive celebrations in grand styles, you can witness everything.

    Special events: Theme parks keep organizing special events that may range from a horror night and theme-based celebration to a character breakfast or dinner. Attending these can bring ultimate joy to you and your family.

    Dining and shopping: You can dine and shop to your heart’s content at a theme park. It is not only about amusement, but also about the comfort and satisfaction of visitors. You may go for varied types of dining, such as character dining, fine dining, snacks and beverage service. You can enjoy heavenly dining settings and authentic food spots per your taste. You may also shop for anything, ranging from apparel to jewelry to souvenirs and collectibles.

    From theme rides, shows, and seasonal activities to the marvelous beauty of dining and shopping, you can enjoy everything under the roof of a wonderfully designed theme park.

    Read more
  • What are the Normal PSA Levels as Per Age

    Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a chemical protein produced by the normal as well as malignant cells of the prostate gland. Higher PSA levels may raise the chances of prostate cancer, a noncancerous ailment such as prostatitis or an enlarged prostate.

    In most cases, men with PSA levels below 4 ng/mL (nanograms of PSA per milliliter of blood) bear a minimum risk of prostate cancer. Also, men diagnosed with prostate cancer usually have PSA levels higher than four. However, this is not an established fact and cancer can occur at any PSA level.

    Understanding the PSA Levels Chart
    Usually, a lot of experts consider PSA levels under 4 ng/mL to be normal. However, owing to some modern conclusions, a lot of experts now recommend dropping the cutoff levels to less than 2.5 or 3 ng/mL as a limit for normal values, particularly in the case of young patients. It is because younger patients have smaller prostates and consequently lower PSA values. Therefore, PSA levels greater than 2.5 ng/mL can be a reason for apprehension. To determine if you conform to the normal PSA levels age chart, a PSA test is conducted.

    What is a PSA Test?
    The PSA test is a blood test that measures the PSA levels in a person’s blood. It is conducted for detecting prostate cancer and for monitoring its treatment. PSA is only produced by the male prostate gland. In rare cases, it is found in some breast tissues in women. Hence, prostate cancer is mostly found in men. PSA is released into the semen, where it serves to liquefy the semen after ejaculation. Most of this PSA is ejected from the body via semen, but a very small amount of it enters the bloodstream. So normally, PSA is found in small quantity in the blood.

    Normal PSA Levels Age Chart
    As per the PSA levels chart, the normal range tends to increase with age. Higher PSA levels generally serve as the first indication of prostate cancer. After the blood test analysis, the resulting levels show much of the chemical is being produced by the body and the probability of being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

    As per the PSA levels chart, the age-specific reference ranges for PSA are as follows:

    • 40 to 49 years
      0 to 2.0 ng/mL in Asian Americans and 0 to 2.0 ng/mL in African Americans.
    • 50 to 59 years
      0 to 3.0 ng/mL in Asian Americans and 0 to 4.0 ng/mL in African Americans.
    • 60 to 69 years
      0 to 4.0 ng/mL in Asian Americans and 0 to 4.5 ng/mL in African Americans.
    • 70 to 79 years
      0 to 5.0 ng/mL in Asian Americans and 0 to 5.5 ng/mL in African Americans.

    This PSA Levels Chart helps in understanding and determining the diagnosis of your PSA test. However, it is important to note that higher results do not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. It just indicates a greater risk of developing it.

    Read more
  • What to expect with dental implants

    Healthy teeth can do wonders for self-confidence and your overall well-being. However, illness, injury, lifestyle, and other factors can cause teeth to look less than stellar. If you are unhappy with your teeth or looking to improve them, you might want to consider dental implants. They can improve self-esteem and speech as well as aid in better digestion and enhance oral health. For those looking to get dental implants, New York has plenty of options to select from. Shop around until you find a clinic that meets your needs. Before you take the plunge, you may want to learn more about the treatment and/or what you can expect from your dentist.

    The procedure
    You will need to undergo a dental exam prior to the procedure where an x-ray and a mold of your mouth may be made. This will determine the course of your treatment plan and tell the doctor how many teeth need to be replaced and whether bone augmentation may be required. This is necessary if there’s not enough bone to support the implant.
    Implanting is a surgical procedure and you will be kept under local anesthesia. However, your doctor may advise intravenous sedation if there is considerable dental damage. You may need to undergo several sessions spread over a few months.
    During the procedure, damaged teeth are removed and the jawbone prepped for the implants. Holes are drilled deep into the bone where needed and the implant inserted. The bone is left to grow and fuse with the implant. The healing process can take months, which is why the procedure is undertaken over several months.
    Once the bone heals, the doctor will place an abutment to support the crown or bridge. Artificial teeth will be placed on the abutment when the tissue heals.

    Removable and fixed teeth
    You have the choice of getting either removable or fixed teeth. The removable option is similar to traditional dentures that can be removed for cleaning or before sleeping. The fixed option, on the other hand, is permanently attached to the abutment and can’t be removed. It is extremely stable, does not click or shift, and does not limit the type of food you can consume. The long-term benefits far outweigh the initial costs.

    Post-operative care
    Like any other procedure, care should be taken after operation in case of dental implants. New York has many reputed clinics that can advise you on the same. You need to treat implants as you would your natural teeth. This means brushing and flossing at least twice a day and following up with a prescribed mouthwash. Dental appointments every six months are necessary. The doctor will check the implant and make adjustments if needed.

    Use a soft-bristled brush to clean hard-to-reach areas. Your doctor will tell if you need to use special toothpaste. Like natural teeth, implants can decay with neglect. Bleeding is one of the earliest signs and if not addressed, it can lead to bone deterioration. Treatment can be expensive and lengthy at this stage.

    Read more
  • 4 reasons why you should invest in the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus

    Cell phone manufacturers have to keep introducing new cell phone models that are better and more powerful than the predecessors if they wish to keep thriving among their competitors. This is what Samsung did when it unveiled the ace up its sleeve – the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus. The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus is believed to be an upgraded version of its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus.

    It is common knowledge that Samsung manufactures cell phones for people from all walks of life; their affordable cell phones are as good as their high-end cell phones. The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus bears Samsung’s trademark strength and agility, which make it a sensible buy. If you are still contemplating whether you should pre-order this amazing cell phone, here are some reasons that can prompt you to order this cell phone right away.

    • Taller, slimmer, and brighter screens – If you can recall, the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus had infinity display, which went from edge to edge and gave it a loftier appearance. However, with the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, Samsung just went a notch up by trimming these edges further and giving the screen a bigger appearance. The 6.2-inch Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus stands out easily from the cluster of other smartphones with an edge-to-edge display with slim to no bezels at all. Moreover, the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus is water-resistant, so you will have no qualms taking it to the beach the next time.
    • Easy-to-reach fingerprint reader – Unlike its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus has a better-placed fingerprint reader. In Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, the fingerprint reader was placed on the right side of the camera, which made it inconvenient for the users. However, this factor had been taken into consideration while designing the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus. And, therefore, the fingerprint reader has been under the camera for easy accessibility.
    • Amazing low-light photos – Irrespective of how amazing one’s cell phone is, it would soon turn into a matter of annoyance when you couldn’t get splendid pictures in low-light. However, the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus puts an end to these woes; the S9 Plus’ camera is equipped with a software that can sense the level of light and automatically switch aperture according to it. Moreover, it is easier to swipe through the different modes, and you can enjoy a better slow-motion video quality.
    • Stereo speakers – People often had issues with the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus’ weak speakers. However, with the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, treat yourself to stereo speakers that are around 1.4 times louder and support Dolby Atmos, which is known to deliver an experience similar to that of a 3D audio in content that supports the format.

    You can pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S9 at around $720 and it’s variant, the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus for $840 approximately. However, the prices of these cell phones are subjective to change according to the cell phone carrier you choose. So, before you place your order, ensure that you choose the right cell phone carrier for your new Samsung Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus since the perfect cell phone needs the right carrier for enhancing your user experience.

    Read more
  • Top 7 Unbelievable Home Remedies For Ear Infections

    Ear infections can be painful, and can affect your daily life. It often starts with a dull throb, and moves on to become a sharp stabbing pain. Sometimes, the pain can move down to your jaw and neck, and make it difficult for you to concentrate on anything.

    According to a survey, more than two-thirds of children around the world, suffer from middle ear infection at least once by the time they turn three. It is more prominent in babies between seven to nine months of age. This can be frightening for most first time parents as they cannot fathom the reason for their child’s crankiness and sleeplessness.

    Today, most doctors wait up to 72 hours before prescribing any antibiotics to children.

    Also, most parents and adults are hesitant to use antibiotics due to its possible side-effects. Using antibiotics should be the last resort, whether it’s you or your child. You can try some of these safe and gentle home remedies that are very effective. Read on to know more.

    Olive Oil
    Take some warm olive oil and put a few drops into the infected ear. Leave it for a few minutes and then use a cotton swab to clean the ear. Make sure not to insert the swab too deep into the ear.

    Salt
    Heat a cup of salt over low flame for a few minutes. Take a clean cloth and place the salt on it. Secure it by tying a rubber band. Lie down and place the cloth on the infected ear for a few minutes. The salt will reduce the pain and swelling by draining out the fluid and bring relief.

    Garlic
    Garlic is antibacterial and has pain relieving properties, making it very effective for all kinds of infections. Add two garlic cloves in two tablespoons of mustard oil and heat till it becomes black.

    Strain the liquid and pour a few drops of it in the affected ear after it has cooled down a bit.

    Breastmilk
    In case your baby is affected by ear infection then breastmilk will bring great relief. Pour a few drops of breastmilk in the baby’s ear every four hours, to cure the infection.

    Tea Tree Oil
    This is an excellent herbal remedy. Mix some tea tree oil and olive oil and warm the mixture slightly. Add this into the infected ear and lay down for a few minutes. Clean the ear with a cotton swab.

    Onion Juice
    Cook an onion in the oven for minutes at 450F. Upon cooling (slightly warm) squeeze out juice from it. Strain it and pour it into the affected ear.

    Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
    Despite its strong odor, it is still considered to be a great remedy for ear infections. Mix one part of ACV with one part of water. Soak a cotton ball into it and allow it to sit on the infected ear for five minutes. Remove the cotton ball and drain out the residual liquid from the ear.

    Try any of these home remedies to get relief and cure ear infections, without the use of antibiotics.

    Read more
  • Ways to cope with depression

    Depression is a clinical term and condition that comes with symptoms like hopelessness, sadness and a variety of other negative thoughts. These thoughts and emotions may or may not have any specific triggers when it comes to situations and other people around the patient. Depression or other mental health problems may be caused due to many reasons including hormonal imbalance, trauma, loss and other such causes. Here are a few ways in which one can cope with depression.

    Seek professional medical help: One of the most important things to do while experiencing prolonged and unexplained negative emotions is to seek help. It would be a good idea to visit a therapist or a psychiatrist who will conduct examinations and a proper diagnosis of the depression before starting methods like medication and behavioral therapy, as per the need of the patient. Many people underestimate the need and importance of seeking good professional help. Yet, this is one of the foremost steps that should be taken in order to cope with depression.

    Reach out: Apart from medical assistance, it is also important to seek and reach out to those who can make a positive difference in your life when you are suffering from depression. You should maintain connections with family and your true friends, as this can help you get a wider picture of the world around you rather than wallowing in self-pity and hopelessness. It also helps to have positive influences in your life in such a state and help improve your mental health.

    Create a routine: Many patients suffering from depression complain that they do not feel like coming out of bed and facing a new day. As a consequence, they tend to ignore their routine and much of their chores and work will pile up in an overwhelming manner. To avoid such pitfalls, one must invest time and effort to create and stick to a set routine. This will also create a sense of fulfillment at the end of each day.

    In order to cope with depression and mental health problems, one must remember that there is no shame in admitting and asking for help. This is an act of staying true to yourself which will help you cope with your situation in a strong and resilient manner.

    Read more
  • Common Symptoms of Gastric Cancer

    Stomach cancer is a type of cancer caused by the unperturbed growth of cancerous cells within the inner lining of the stomach. This disease is also known as gastric cancer. It is very difficult to diagnose the disease as patients do not experience any symptoms in its early stages. There were 28,000 new cases of stomach cancer in 2017 itself. This disease accounts for 1.7% of all new cancer cases in the country. While it is quite rare as compared to other forms of cancer, its most significant difficulty is getting a diagnosis at the right time. Here are a few common symptoms of gastric cancer.

    Common symptoms of gastric cancer
    There are no early symptoms or signs of gastric cancer. Symptoms of gastric cancer only appear in more advanced stages of the disease. Unfortunately, this results in people having little to no knowledge about this condition. There are several symptoms of advanced gastric cancer which can be identified immediately. If one suffers from the symptoms of gastric cancer mentioned below, they should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Remember, the sooner one seeks treatment, the better are their chances of survival. Here are a few common symptoms of advanced gastric cancer:

    • Stomach pain: Patients with gastric cancer suffer from immense stomach pain which only worsens after they eat something.
    • Nausea and vomiting: They suffer from frequent episodes of nausea and vomiting.
    • Frequent heartburn: Patients often feel a burning sensation in their chest.
    • Loss of appetite: Patients do not feel like eating as much as they once did, and they may also suffer from weight loss because of this.
    • Constant bloating: The patient’s body may appear bloated for no apparent reason.
    • Bloody stools: Patients may notice blood in their stools.
    • Satiety: Patients may feel full despite eating a small quantity of food.
    • Jaundice: Gastric cancer patients may develop jaundice.
    • Extreme fatigue: Patients report feeling extremely tired and fatigued despite not doing much.

    The disease often goes undiagnosed until it reaches its more advanced stages. Because of this, it is much more difficult to treat gastric cancer. Symptoms of gastric cancer must be identified as soon as possible to ensure that the patient receives treatment on time. Gastric cancer can be treated using chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or immunotherapy. The doctor will recommend treatment according to the stage of cancer and its origin. Whatever be the case, one must seek treatment at the earliest.

    Read more
  • 5 factors to consider when choosing a TV stand

    A TV stand is the focal point and gathering spot of your living space. If you are one of those people who love to spend your free time watching movies, TV shows, or simply a late-night game, then TV stands are a welcome addition to your living room. If you have bought a new television or have revamped your living space, but are not sure of how to pick the right TV stand, read on to be able to make the right choice of TV stand for your entertainment system:

    Viewing height
    A TV stand should always be positioned in a way that the screen is at the eye level. Stretching your neck at awkward angles for hours can cause harm in the long run. The recommended TV height is 42 inches, but the best position depends on the height of your seating furniture. As a failsafe, consider buying a TV stand with an adjustable mount so that the screen height can be adjusted based on your seating position.

    Matching size and width
    If you own a 40- to 50-inch TV and an entertainment system, look for TV stands that have a wider space for the display. This holds true especially for TV stands placed in the middle of a living room. Look for a TV stand that has a rigid base for even weight distribution and is moderately heavy to avoid toppling of the display.

    Pick the right material-
    TV stands are made of five common materials: particle board, wood, glass, metal, and medium-density fiberboard. Consider buying metal or veneered plywood as they are last for a long time. TV stands made of these materials are moderately heavy and remain stable. You can also look for glass TV stands featuring metal supports but make sure they are installed in low-traffic areas of your living room.

    Storage options
    Look for a TV stand that offers storage shelves for other entertainment equipment such as speakers, soundbars, subwoofers, and consoles. These types of TV stands also have arrangements to hide tv cables and cords, making the whole setup look free of clutter.

    Styles and design
    TV stands come with a variety of decorative elements. From cantilevers to staggered shelving there are plenty of styles available. However, avoid hybrid styles or asymmetrical shapes as it might not complement your otherwise organized home décor. Stick to those styles and designs that complement the aesthetics of your living space. Choose those colors that make your living room look spacious and bright.

    Read more