Which pillow is best for your favorite sleeping position
Which pillow is best for your favorite sleeping position

Sleeping with the correct pillow is crucial to alleviating neck pain. The right pillow not only elevates your head but also supports the neck and keeps the neck muscles form stressing out. Choosing the best pillows for neck pain is dependent on a number of factors including the person’s size and weight, preferred sleeping position and lifestyle preferences.

Sleeping on your back
A low pillow is ideal for a person who prefers to sleep on his back. If needed a small cylindrical pillow or rolled towel can be used to provide additional support. Some pillows for neck pain are designed with an elevated roll shaped section for the neck and a lower area for the person to place his head. You could also place a pillow under your knees to reduce the strain on your lower back.

Sleeping on your side
A high pillow is ideal in such cases as it places your neck and head in line with your shoulders. Again you could use a cylindrical pillow or rolled towel in addition to your regular pillow to support your neck muscles. Body pillows that mimic the effect of resting your head against your arm on the pillow can also help ease neck pain. You could also place a pillow between our knees while you sleep.

Sleeping on your stomach
Ideally you should avoid sleeping on your stomach if you suffer from neck pain. This is because sleeping in this position arches the back and makes you turn your head thereby stressing the neck muscles. However, if you cannot sleep in any other way, use a flat pillow or avoid using a pillow altogether. Alternatively you could rest your forehead against a pillow so as to raise your head and lift your nose off the mattress. In addition, place a pillow under your abdomen and hips to help maintain the natural curve of the spinal column.

Pillows for Neck Pain: Special Features
When looking for a pillow to ease neck pain you should also consider the following features.

Orthopaedic Pillows
These pillows are also known as cervical pillows and are higher at the area meant to support the neck and lower in the area that will support the head. These pillows are often constructed using memory foam. However, these pillows are not comfortable for everyone. Some people may also find it more comfortable to use the pillow upside down.

Feather Pillows
These are soft pillows that can be easily manipulated to change shape. People who frequently change their position while sleeping often prefer this type of pillow.
Ideally, when you choose pillows for neck pain, pick a pillow that adapts to your body instead of having to adapt your body to the pillow.

  • Repot your orchids with care

    Orchids, like many other flower plants need care for them to bloom longer and stay healthier. The care is essential, however not difficult or challenging. It is just like any other plant in your house and needs to be attended to once every day, and some times more than once everyday. The care is require to maintain its good health and bloom.

    There comes a time when you have to repot the plant. It is also essential to know when your orchid plant need to be repotted. You must not re-pot the plant unless it’s required. Knowing when to repot is imperative and will do you great help.

    Your orchid plant would need repotting if it is growing out of it’s container. That is when you see white roots popping from spaces between the container. Repotting would also be required when you see those potting medium is breaking down. Potting medium helps the plants to grow by providing them support to their roots. When these potting medium are breaking down, its time for a change.

    When you come down to repotting the plant, start with choosing the pot that is slightly bigger in size that the previous one. Drainage holes are necessary in the pots you are using for repotting. Your pot material should support the type of orchid plant you have, for that you need to know well what plant you have and what type of pot your plant will grow best in.

    You will then need to figure out the potting medium you will be using. For most orchids, potting material is essential as they don’t grow in regular soil so avoid repotting your plant in regular potting soil. You also need to ready your potting soil by soaking it in water overnight. This is important for the soil to retain moisture.

    After soaking, make sure to get all the water away from the soil. Do this by straining the soil using a strainer or a cheesecloth.Water should be drained out completely. Now you remove the orchids from its old pot, make sure to be very careful and don’t harm any roots. Get the old potting soil off the roots gently. Remove dead roots if you find them. Untangle the ones that are tangled.

    Ready the new pot. Make sure it is clean and sterilized if its been used for orchids before. Place the plant in the new pot. Old roots going in the bottom, and the ones having enough space to grow further.

    Carefully add potting mix into the pot without damaging the roots. Make sure to not leave any air pockets as roots need soils all around them to grow. Keep adding the mix till its leveled to the top of the pot. Your plant must stand upright after you are done adding the mix. You repotting is now done.

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  • Everything you need to know about specialized carpet cleaning services

    Carpets are used in most homes and it is necessary that these rugs are cleaned regularly to keep them free from dust. There are many companies that provide carpet cleaning services. It is best to hire services of professional cleaners as they have a better understanding of the procedures to be followed. They also use proper equipment for conducting a thorough clean-up of your carpet.

    Methods used for cleaning carpets
    The simple methods that are used for cleaning carpets include carpet shampooing, dry-cleaning, foam cleaning and steam cleaning. One of the most preferred carpet cleaning services provided by professionals is the dry cleaning method, for which you do not have to wait for the carpet to dry. Special cleaning powder is made use of to cover the carpet. This powder is very effective as it attracts dirt immediately like a magnet, after which the carpet can be vacuumed.

    Steam-cleaning
    Steam cleaning, also referred to as hot water extraction, is an effective carpet cleaning method. Powerful machine is used to inject the cleaning solution on to the carpet. The cleaning brushes of the machine rotate and loosen the dirt and microbes from the carpet. It is an effective method that extracts all the dirt and makes the carpet look new.

    Household cleaners
    It is not very difficult to clean the carpets at your home by making use of cleaners available at home. Using these products is safe for children as they do not contain any harmful chemicals. In addition, you save a lot of money by not buying expensive cleaners. You must clean the carpets at least once a month. Mix equal quantity of vinegar and warm water and spray the liquid on the carpet. Leave it for at least 10 minutes and then vacuum the carpet. Bad odors from the carpet are removed by the use of vinegar and hot water. In case of stubborn stains, use equal quantities of borax, vinegar and water for impressive results.

    Reasons to choose carpet cleaning services
    The task of cleaning the carpet is a tough one and it is always better to hire carpet cleaning services from specialized carpet cleaning companies. The main reason why professional services must be utilized is that efficient cleaning services are provided. There are chances that you may end up damaging the carpet, if you do the task by yourself.

    It is better to utilize the services of professional carpet cleaning companies as they make use of proper cleaning agents in the right proportion for cleaning the carpet, and the carpets get cleaned using the right techniques. The best part is that these days, carpet cleaning companies are providing door to door services and you just need to call them to get the carpet cleaned within minutes.

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  • 3 popular monthly fashion box subscriptions for men

    Do you need an effortless way to shop for the latest fashion and apparel? Your prayers have been answered with monthly fashion boxes for men and women that are delivered home. A seasoned stylist can curate a box of clothing and apparel to fill your wardrobe based on a simple questionnaire. The subscription service is also an affordable way to pay for fashion that you like to explore. You can create a custom wardrobe in a few simple steps with these three top services.

    Stich fix
    Stitch fix is a unique no-subscription service that curates monthly fashion boxes for men and women. The process begins with an elaborate questionnaire to help the expert understand your clothing and styling needs. Based on the answers given, stylists at the company will curate the best design, fit, and apparel preference for your wardrobe. Customization is one of the critical features of this service so expect a personal style experience with every order. Stylists handpick the best choices for a service fee of just $20, and you can try out all options before making a purchase. Stitch fix features order on-demand as well, so you don’t have to wait around for scheduled box deliveries necessarily.

    Gentleman’s box
    Choosing a style that suits your personality can become tedious at times. This is where expert advice from seasoned stylists can come in real handy. Gentleman’s box offers a wide range of customization with monthly gifts and annual subscriptions in men’s fashion. The signup process is quite straightforward, wherein you can update membership details and choose a plan. With boxes starting at just $35 for the monthly subscription, the first one ships immediately upon registration. Depending on the plan you choose, expect 4-6 boxes of assorted boxes shipped every month. Gentleman’s box subscription is flexible, so you can skip and cancel orders without any questions asked from the dashboard.

    Bespoke Post
    Join the Bespoke Post for free, and answer their questionnaire to see what type of fashion box stylists usually curate. If you are satisfied with the box’s contents, simply signup for the subscription service to receive the latest fashion and apparel at your doorstep. Boxes typically cost $45 and feature an assortment of seasonal clothing, apparel, and grooming must-haves. You pay only for what ships, making Bespoke Post one of the better options for monthly subscriptions in trending apparel.

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  • Luxury cars that were the talk of the town in 2016

    Luxury cars are rich in in-car experiences. There are many car manufacturers such as Land Rover, Jaguar, and Volvo offering high-end luxury cars like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi. There are other very popular luxury car brands such as Porsche, Bentley, and Maserati. There are brands that make relatively affordable cars. They are Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Skoda.

    Acura TLX
    The predecessor of Acura 2016 TLX sedan came in TL and TSL models. The sedan much like old TSX and is available with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system like found in previous model TL. The 2016 Acura TLX comes in two variants: 4-cylinder and V-6 engine. It comes with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Last year, 22,037 TLX were sold in the America.

    BMW 4 Series
    BMW last year sold almost 21,462 BMW 4 Series. It has a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that is standard and an optional upgrade of turbocharged 6-cylinder is also available. There is All-Wheel drive available. BMW’s M performance tuning can only be found in the M4 Convertible and M4 Coupe.

    Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    It is E-Class range of mid-level luxury automobiles. It comes in coupe, sedan, convertible, station wagon and an array of Turbocharged 4-cylinder, V-6, and V-8 engines. It is All-wheel drive type. Both the sedan and wagon are available with AMG performer tuning. It is also available in a diesel engine. In 2016, an estimate of 20, 995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class were sold in the U.S.

    Lexus IS
    The well-styled Lexus IS is manufactured as an entry level luxury sports sedan. It comes with turbocharged 4-cylinder or a V-6 engine that comes linked with rear-wheel drive. It also comes with a V-6 engine and all-wheel drive. The F sport option help IS appearing sporty. In 2016, 20,560 Lexus IS were sold in America.

    Audi A3
    Audi 3 is entry level sedan available in convertible, sedan and hatchback. Engine types is three turbocharged combined with all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. It is mated to dual-clutch automated manual transmission. The hatchback version is linked with Audi’s plug-in hybrid powertrain technology. It supplied up to 16 miles of pure-electric driving and 204 of combines horsepower.

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  • How to deal with menopausal nights sweats

    Most women who are going through menopause often complain about frequent night sweats. Basically, a night sweat is nothing but unusual perspiration during the bedtime. This condition can make a woman uncomfortable and disrupt her sleep as well. Although they can occur due to many reasons such as infections, medication, cardiac diseases, fluctuations in blood pressure, cancer, idiopathic hyperhidrosis, etc. menopause has come across as one of common night sweat causes.

    What causes night sweats during menopause?
    Menopausal night sweats are caused mainly due to erratic hormonal fluctuations in a woman’s body. This means that the body’s estrogen levels fall drastically which directly affect the hypothalamus (an area of the brain that manages the body’s temperatures). The hypothalamus basically senses the rising temperature, and in order to restore the balance, it triggers your sweat glands to cool off the body.

    If you are tackling with a similar situation, don’t get worried as there are several ways to manage menopausal night sweats.

    • Relaxation techniques  Often once you wake up due to night sweats it’s hard to fall asleep because of the restlessness. To evade this situation, try some deep breathing exercises so that you can calm your nerves. These can gradually help bring down the effect of hot flashes and help get back to your slumber.
    • Exercise  If you are looking for a long term solution, then use some form of physical exercise to alleviate your symptoms. Certain studies conclude that women who work out regularly have fewer episodes of night sweat and hot flashes. This could be helpful especially if you happen to be overweight, as body fat can cause distress by confining extra heat aggravating night sweat and hot flashes. So accommodate some simple physical training in your schedule. Also, try to make necessary alterations in your diet. For instance, avoid heat inducing ingredients, depend on foods that have a cooling effect on your body.
    • Room temperature  Are you tackling with night sweats on repeated occasions then ensure to focus on smaller details like room temperature. Use a fan or lower the temperature while sleeping. So even you are awakened due to perspiration you will be able to soothe your body instantly. Also remember to wear comfortable clothing, preferably cotton or linen so that your body could breathe.

    The above-listed home remedies can help you handle menopausal night sweats, however, if these don’t work for you, consult a doctor. They can recommend you with prescription drugs or hormonal therapies. Don’t forget that there are several night sweat causes and menopause is just one of them. So if you experience any additional and unusual symptoms then immediately seek medical intervention to gain clarity about your health.

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  • Here’s What You Need to Know about Ovarian Cancer

    Ovarian cancer is a form of cancer that originates in the ovaries, a part of the female reproductive system. It is the tenth most common type of cancer detected among women. Read on to know more about ovarian cancer symptoms, causes, risk factors, types, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

    Symptoms of ovarian cancer
    In the early stage of ovarian cancer, the symptoms might be non-existent. As the condition progresses, it might project symptoms that may often be misconstrued for benign health conditions. The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer could involve the following

    • Bloating or swelling in the abdomen
    • Back pain
    • Frequent urination
    • Unexplained weight loss
    • Nausea and tiredness
    • Pain while having intercourse
    • Discomfort or pain in the pelvic region
    • Loss of appetite or quickly feeling full even after eating little food
    • Constipation

    Causes of ovarian cancer
    Researchers haven’t been able to narrow down the exact cause of ovarian cancer as yet; however, there are multiple factors that could contribute to the development of this condition. Following are some factors that could amplify the risk of ovarian cancer in women:

    • Age – Although ovarian cancer can affect a woman of any age, it is mostly observed among women aged between 50 and 60 years.
    • Family history – Individuals who have two or more close relatives who have had dealt with ovarian cancer have higher chances of developing this condition.
    • Hormone replacement therapy – A prolonged use of estrogen hormone replacement therapy in high doses can lead to ovarian cancer.
    • Early or late menstruation – The commencement of menstruation at an early or later age can both magnify the risk of ovarian cancer.
    • Inherited gene mutations – A tiny percentage of ovarian cancer is caused due to gene mutations received from parents. Breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2) are known to boost the risk of ovarian cancer as well. Likewise, the gene mutations related to Lynch syndrome can also cause ovarian cancer.

    Types of ovarian cancer
    The types of ovarian cancer are determined according to where the tumor has originated in the ovaries. Here are the three types of ovarian cancer:

    • Epithelial tumors – This type of cancer starts within the thin tissue that covers the external part of the ovaries. Epithelial tumors form approximately 90% of the ovarian cancers.
    • Stromal tumors – These types of tumors arise in ovarian tissues that comprise the cells that produce hormones. As compared to other types of ovarian cancers, these tumors are usually diagnosed during the initial stages. It is estimated that stromal tumors make up around 7% of the total ovarian cancer cases.
    • Germ-cell tumors – These types of tumors begin in the cells that produce eggs. Germ-cell tumors are pretty rare and usually tend to affect younger women.

    Diagnosis of ovarian cancer
    Depending on the symptoms, doctors can suggest one or multiple diagnostic tests. A pelvic exam is commonly recommended where the doctor examines the vagina for any abnormal growths. Imaging tests such as abdominal and pelvic ultrasound or CT scan are used to gauge the size and structure of the ovaries. Likewise, a blood test for measuring the levels of CA (cancer antigen) 125 can be suggested. However, this blood test can’t definitively claim that one is suffering from cancer. In extreme cases, if there is no conclusive diagnosis drawn, the doctor may suggest surgery to remove the tumor or a part of it for biopsy.

    Treatment of ovarian cancer
    Once the condition is diagnosed, the doctor will suggest a combination of procedures for its treatment. These include the following:

    • Surgery – Depending on how far the cancer has spread, the doctor will recommend surgery to remove either one ovary, both the ovaries, or both ovaries and uterus.
    • Chemotherapy – This is a powerful type of drug that is used for killing cancer cells. It can be used before or after the surgery, based on the diagnosis. Drugs used for chemotherapy can be taken orally, injected in the veins, or can be directly injected into the affected part.
    • Targeted therapy – In this kind of therapy, drugs are used to target certain vulnerabilities of the cancer cells. It is ordinarily used in cases, where the cancer is resistant to other types of drugs or relapses after treatment.
    • Palliative care – This is a specialized form of health treatment that focuses on alleviating the painful symptoms of cancer. The palliative care specialists not only work with the patient but also with family members and doctors to make it easier to cope with aggressive procedures such as chemotherapy and surgery.

    Prevention
    As of now, there is no foolproof way of entirely preventing ovarian cancer. There are a few measures one can take to lower its risks such as using birth control pills, considering pregnancy, breastfeeding, and surgical procedures such as tubal litigation or hysterectomy. However, it is essential that one scrutinizes the consequences of adopting any such methods. Therefore, it always makes sense to be prudent by seeking the counsel of a qualified gynecologist.

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  • Answering some questions on equity loans and business loans

    What is the difference between an equity home loan and an equity business loan?

    Any equity loan is secured by assets that are owned by you. An equity home loan uses as equity that value of the property that is wholly owned by you to secure the loan. In the case of an equity business slogan, assets that have been acquired by the business for its functioning may be used as equity.

    Why do equity loans come with lower rates of interest?

    Equity loans are loans or a line of credit that is offered using your property as collateral security. Since such a loan is fully secured, it proves to be less risky for the lender. It is for this reason that banks and other financial companies can offer equity home and business loans for better loan tenure and at the lower rate of interest.

    What kind of questions will a lender ask?

    This depends on the lender, but according to the SBA, there are in fact some standard questions that one should be prepared for:

    • The reasons for applying for a business loan?
    • Which department or area of interest would the loan proceeds be applied on?
    • Nature of capital expenses – buying assets or incurring substantial costs should be disclosed along with the supplier details
    • What other debts relating to business does the business have and who are the creditors?
    • A detailed profile of the Management personnel (team).

    What kind of questions should the business be prepared for, when they meet the potential lender?

    • The requirements of the potential lender must be asked in detail – especially the aspects relating to paper work. It is quite known that paper work takes away most of the time and it would be prudent to equip the business with it.
    • Will the potential lender be prepared to address the business needs? Do they believe in the business
    • How flexible are they regarding offering certain leverage on repayment terms, interest rates, prepayment penalty, etc.,
    • The terms of the business loan by itself should be as clear as water with no ambiguities. Risks associated with the business loan should also be studied in detail.
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  • 3 home remedies to treat sores on the side of the tongue

    A sore tongue may not sound like a very big deal but the condition brings with it great discomfort and a lot of pain. Not just while eating meals, blisters and a thrust on the tongue can be distressing even while speaking. The tongue is very sensitive and certain abnormalities and infections can appear in the form of blisters and small raised areas on the tongue. A person who suffers from a sore tongue may experience a burning or inflamed sensation.

    There are several causes that can cause sores on the tongue and these include certain foods, biting the tongue accidentally, medication and more. Sores on the tongue is not a harmful condition, however, the pain can worsen leading to a tongue canker sore and other mouth diseases, if left untreated. The following natural remedies for thrust and sores are effective and can bring about great relief, easing the pain of sores on the side of the tongue.

    Salt and water – Salt is one of the most widely used home remedy for mouth ulcers and gum bleeding. It is also used to help in drying out sores on the side of the tongue. The ingredient has properties of a natural antiseptic that has the ability to reduce inflammation and thus, reduces the pain. Salt can be directly added to the affected area, however, this is likely to send down a sting around the tongue. You can also add one teaspoon of salt to a cup of lukewarm water. Use this mixture to gargle at least 3-4 times a day until you feel relief.

    Coconut oil – Coconut oil can never fail! This oil packs with it anti inflammatory as well as antimicrobial properties. Applying this oil to the sore on the tongue can bring about great relief. The oil can be applied to the affected area using your fingertips or a cotton swab. Ensure that the coconut oil is organic and pure.

    Aloe Vera – Aloe vera is well renowned for its healing properties and can effectively reduce inflammation. Applying the flesh of the plant is extremely beneficial and will bring immediate relief. Scoop out some aloe vera gel from the leaf and apply the same to the sores on the sides of the tongue. Repeat this process as many times as you wish. The juice of the plant too can also be dabbed on the sore.

    Remember, if the pain and uneasiness continues, it is essential to visit the doctor for thrust treatments. It is highly likely that there can be underlying issues which should not be ignored.

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