How to Do Kegel Exercises
How to Do Kegel Exercises

The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for controlling the flow of urine and for holding the pelvic organs in place. It is important that these muscles stay strong. Kegel exercises help do that. Kegels are prescribed for stress incontinence, where a person leaks urine when coughing, sneezing or when lifting heavy stuff, for urge incontinence where there is a sudden strong urge to urinate before the urine comes out uncontrollably and for weak pelvic floor muscles following childbirth.

Kegel exercises involve the following steps:

  • First, find the muscles that control the process of urinating.
  • Squeeze and then relax these muscles for 3 seconds each. Ensure that your stomach and thigh muscles don’t tighten when doing this.
  • Add a second each week to the three till you can squeeze and hold for ten seconds at a time.
  • Repeat this at least three times a day, and on each session, repeat the process for at least ten to fifteen times.
  • Do not do this while urinating because Kegel exercises can hurt your bladder if you do them while urinating.
  • Ensure you do them regularly and on schedule, or they will not be effective. If you do not see any improvement after four months of regular Kegel exercises, consult your doctor.

When doing Kegel exercises, see if you can get some form of biofeedback to ensure that you are doing your exercises as required. There are a few Kegel exercises that give you biofeedback where to can either hear, feel or see how well you are doing.

One of the more interesting, and maybe entertaining, ones is Skea which is short for Smart Kegel Exercise Aid. To motivate women to go for Kegel exercises, this app combines the exercise with gaming. A game called Alice in Continent is installed in the device, and the idea is to get Alice through the game by flexing your pelvic muscles to get her to move.

When the exercise is done correctly the device gives biofeedback regarding a soothing pulse and, of course, Alice moves. This Kegel exerciser is in the final stages of development and should be out soon.

  • Best location to find affordable homes for rent

    It is the dream of every person to find a comfortable place to live in. However, it is crucial to find your comfort at an affordable rate. Factors to consider when looking at homes for rent include the cost of living, access to job opportunities, one’s desires, affordability, earnings as well as access to amenities such as schools, healthcare, and transport. The most affordable homes for rent are found located in areas where the rent is lower than the national median.

    Affordable housing should also enable you to experience your desired quality of life. So make sure you analyze factors that will help you get the accurate depiction of areas in the country where you can get houses for rent by the owner. Research indicates that houses currently on the market within the country have a median value of around $261,500. Analysis of the median monthly rental value of homes for rent is placed at just about $1,600. This means that the cities regarded as the best places to live should possess homes for rent whose rental value per month is below $1,600. Most tenants prefer renting houses where they can directly interact with the owner. This helps in developing a clear understanding between the owner and the tenant on the terms of renting the home.

    Renting a home in the country at affordable prices
    The top five cities having the best cost-effective rent rates include the following:

    • Austin in Texas has over 50 new residents daily seeking to experience the city’s culture and external spaces. It has a value index of 7.1.
    • Colorado Springs has a location advantage. Being within the proximity of ski resorts and having quality schools and residencies in the locality, it ranks second with a value index of 7.2.
    • Des Moines has hip bars and historical neighborhoods, which are an attraction to the millennial seeking quite vicinities. Its value index is 8.5 and it has a median monthly rent of about $895.
    • Minneapolis has big city amenities with varied entertainment through all seasons. Its value index is 7.9 and its median monthly rent stands around $963.
    • Nashville, Tennessee, boasts of plenty job opportunities and a variety of entertainment. It has a value index of 7.3.

    So the next time you are on the lookout for a budget-friendly rental home in the country, do visit the aforementioned areas to win a deal.

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  • This Is How You Can Travel Smarter

    This is how you can travel smarter

    With so many travel accessories produced and advertised today, you might feel confused or overwhelmed about which travel bag would perfectly suit you. The best thing to do in such cases is to consider some important factors such as how long will your trip be, how many items will you be shoving inside the suitcase, what built-in feature would help you the most and your budget. Once you have a rough idea of these factors, you can then browse through your options and pick the best travel accessories for yourself.

    Read this article to know more about which travel accessories will change your travel experience altogether and classify you as a smart traveler.

    • Bluesmart Black Edition

    Bluesmart is a known brand when it comes to travel accessories. The new Bluesmart Black edition is a premium suitcase, which has advanced features like a built-in charger, global tracker, and lock system that can be directly accessed through your smartphone app.

    One of the most talked-about features of this stylish black suitcase is its weight sensor that lets you know whether you have probably stuffed your bag with more clothes than it was made for.

    • Trunkster

    Did you know that you can have a suitcase without any zipper? Yes, it is possible. Trunkster is a premium suitcase that comes with sliding roll-up door. This sliding door can be accessed even when you keep your bag standing. The bag is water resistant and has a digital scale that gives you an idea of how much your luggage weighs. Trunkster, like many other premium travel accessories, comes with two USB ports with a charging cable.

    You also have the luxury to pay more and get an upgrade of globally tracking your bag if you lose it.

    • Fugu Travel

    The best thing about Fugu bags is that you can transform it from carry-on luggage to on-the-wheel big luggage at the mere click of the button. This bag is great if you pack light for a trip but know that while coming back you would have loads of souvenirs for your loved ones. With Fugu travel, you will always be prepared for a travel experience.

    It is again equipped with a GPS tracker that helps you to keep track of your bag.

    • Space Case 1

    This is another suitcase you must have if you are a technology fan. It is the ultimate smart suitcase to own. The most desired feature of the bag is its biometric lock system. The bag will open only with the fingerprints of the owner or through the planet traveler app. Another impressive feature is the long-lasting battery, which is said to last for about 225 hours.

    If you are still not convinced, you can try their 100-day trial and decide for yourself.

    • Floatti

    The Floatti is rolling luggage that undoubtedly classifies as a smart suitcase. The bag is called so owing to its wheels that are so easy to move that they seem to float when you are carrying them. This smart suitcase can be synched with any smartphone, and you can get access to your mobile notifications, contacts, send a voice-to-text message, and listen to music. Floatti also has a built-in charging feature, making it even more useful.

    One of the reasons why this bag is perfect for your next trip is because of its cool feature called handbag docking. Floatti comes with a docking strap and in-built hooks that help you hook your hand purse or coat to your main suitcase so that your other hand is free for you to hold your passport or other travel accessories.

    Since premium travel bags cost a bomb and it is a real investment, make sure that you do a thorough research before you buy one.

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  • Best retirement plan options

    There are a lot of retirement plans for you, but if you decide to stick with only one plan, it can’t be of much help. A good retirement plan does not consist of any one asset but comes with a stack of income sources made and planned to meet your goals. Here are some best options for you:

    Pensions: Pensions are the easiest among the lot as it does not require much of your effort in managing them. The funds are managed professionally when the employer finishes contributing all the money. You only need to stay on the job as long as possible, then retire and collect. But everyone does not get this option.

    Unlike government and municipal workers, pension plans are less popular among corporates. Many pension schemes are not as generous as before. Most of them do not offer the cost of living adjustment, so the first amount remains same as you will get at 80-90 years. To avoid problems, you must save additional funds.

    Defined Contribution Plans: If the defined contribution plan is of 403b or 401k, then you are saved for future. You need to choose if you should participate, which plan option is suitable for you when to change those options, and how much to contribute. These are considered as the best retirement plans for pensions by many financial advisors. Contributions will be deducted from your paycheck. Thus you won’t have to worry about the same. So, you will not need any ongoing effort to invest. But there is a limit for contribution.

    Roth IRAs: This is an independent retirement account which is funded with taxed dollars. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals. It is recommended for you to do a 401k employer plan and added to that a Roth IRA if your income level admits. In this way, you will get a sensible plan which will allow you to make pre-tax contributions to the employer plan and after-tax contributions to the Roth plan.

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  • Myths About Urinary Incontinence

    About 25 million Americans suffer from urinary incontinence. Not many talk about it though, mainly because they think it is a cause for embarrassment. But, with awareness, more people are addressing the issue and seeking treatment. Where women used to wait ten years before consulting a doctor, now they wait for about six, studies say. There are several false perceptions surrounding urinary continence that are being dispelled.

    One such myth is that only older people get urinary incontinence. While the risk increases as one grow older, studies suggest that one in four women experience stress incontinence, were laughing, sneezing, coughing and the like cause urine to leak involuntarily.

    An average patient is generally between 40 to 18 years. Another myth is the feeling that you are the only one to experience it. Another is that it is normal to leak a few drops of urine. Other myths associated with urinary incontinence is that bladder control gets more difficult with age and childbirth, that sounds or thoughts do not cause urine to leak out (they do.

    This condition is called urge incontinence), that one should not drink too much water, that men do not experience urinary incontinence, that men cannot do Kegels, that natural therapies do not work and that surgery is the last resort. Instead of living with fears and misconceptions, consult a doctor.

    Kegel exercises are a form of pelvic floor muscles exercises that help strengthen these muscles and help in better bladder control. You also have Kegel exercises in the market that help you do your Kegel exercises effectively. One such Kegel exerciser is KegelSmart.

    This is known for its easy to understand and use design. It offers biofeedback in the form of a flashing light on the side. This light helps you know the level of progress once you insert the exerciser. It is also known for its subtlety.

    With KegelSmart, you can use it anytime, anywhere without anyone ever realizing it. It is a comfortable device to use and is also easy to insert and pull out. Thanks to the tracker and the user-friendly designing, KegelSmart is considered one of the best in the market.

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  • 5 common health conditions that can cause muscle pain

    Muscle pain, also known as myalgia, can affect the entire body or specific regions. Almost everyone experiences such pain at some point in their life. While it can be treated, knowing the cause is essential to develop a treatment plan. The pain could be triggered by various factors, including injury, trauma, and even severe diseases or infections. Read on to learn about the five most common health conditions that may cause muscle pain.

    Lupus
    Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain throughout the body. Muscle aches and pains are widespread in people with the condition. It is usually the first symptom that causes people to seek diagnosis and treatment. When lupus and muscle ache exist together, it is called lupus myositis. Patients may experience severe pain and inflammation in their shoulders, upper arms, hips, and thighs. This can make it difficult for them to get up from a chair, climb stairs, or brush their hair. Although muscles do not weaken in lupus, the pain can be intense.

    Multiple sclerosis
    This is an autoimmune disease that damages the nerves in the body. Sometimes, it affects the nerves that control muscle movement, causing acute pain. The muscles usually become stiff or weak and trigger painful muscle contractions. This pain usually occurs in the arms and legs, affecting the ability to sit, stand, walk, or move about easily.

    Myofascial pain syndrome
    This is a chronic disorder that affects the musculoskeletal system. It can impact either a single muscle or a muscle group. Some people with myofascial pain syndrome experience muscle pain occasionally, while the problem persists for others. The pain appears in specific trigger points in the body that usually develop in the upper back, neck, or shoulder muscles. It gets worse when the affected muscle is stretched or strained. The trigger points may feel like small bumps or knots in the muscle.

    Thyroid disease
    Muscle pain, weakness, and cramping are common in people with hypothyroidism, a prevalent disorder where the thyroid gland does not release sufficient thyroid hormone into the bloodstream. It mainly affects larger muscles, like those in the thighs and shoulders. Alternatively, the overproduction of thyroid hormones, or hyperthyroid myopathy, affects muscles throughout the body. This can lead to problems climbing stairs, holding objects, or reaching arms above the head. Some experience weakness in the throat, face, and respiratory muscles. There are treatments for hyperthyroidism, but it can take weeks or months for muscle cramps and stiffness to improve.

    Rheumatoid arthritis
    Rheumatoid arthritis is a prevalent autoimmune disease where the immune system affects the joints, causing inflammation and swelling. If the inflammation prevents a person from moving the joints, the muscles around them get stiff and sore. The pain that arises differs from the typical joint pain that primarily affects specific joints on both sides of the body. The intensity of pain also varies among individuals. When such muscle pain arises along with rheumatoid arthritis, the condition is called rheumatoid myositis. The common symptoms are weakness, swelling, and pain in the muscles. This health condition accelerates the loss of muscle mass that usually occurs as people age.

    Muscle pain with loss of motion is a red flag to watch out for. But in most cases, it can be effectively managed with the right treatment. If muscle pain or cramping affects the back, one can get relief by applying a pain-relieving patch. Back patches help manage pain, improve movement, and speed up recovery. They are also available in XL sizes that target maximum surface area. Individuals should consult a healthcare provider if the problem worsens or persists without an apparent cause.

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  • Cold, flu, cough, and virus – Stages, diagnosis, and prevention

    Cold, flu, cough, and virus are often used together. It is for a simple reason that cold, cough, and seasonal flu are commonly caused by viruses. Cough, cold, runny nose, sore throat, etc., are common symptoms of infections caused by viruses. Seasonal flu also causes similar symptoms but it can lead to soreness in the muscles, fever, and headache.

    Different stages
    Cold is caused when a virus attacks the upper respiratory tract in the body, which affects the throat, sinuses, nose, and the voice box. There are more than 200 different types of viruses that can cause cold. The condition and its symptoms progress gradually. This pattern is usually followed in most cases. However, the stages and the timing can differ a little case-to-case.

    The different stages are:

    • The incubation stage
      Once you have been exposed to the virus, the symptoms will take about one to three days to start showing up. In some cases, the symptoms can start showing as early as 12 hours.
    • Symptoms start to show and peak
      The symptoms start peaking anywhere between day one and three. Common symptoms experienced include cough, sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, etc.
    • Symptoms start to fade off
      The symptoms of cold last for about three to ten days. Once the symptoms have started showing up, it will take about two to three days for the mucus discharge from your nose to change its color to white, green, or yellow.
    • After 10 days
      Some lingering symptoms can last for about two weeks in some people. However, the intensity of these symptoms will not be as bad as the initial days.

    Diagnosis for cold, flu, cough, and virus
    Most people with a cold caused due to viruses get diagnosed with the infection through their symptoms. In case the doctor thinks that the patient has a bacterial or any other kind of infection, a chest X-ray might also be ordered. Some additional tests might also be ordered by the doctor to rule out other conditions before diagnosing the patient with flu infection.

    Although cold caused due to viral infection can be easily diagnosed, there are no medications to treat the condition. Some over-the-counter medications can be used to relieve the symptoms but the virus takes its time to go away.

    Prevention
    A few tips can help you protect yourself and others from catching a cold. These include the following:

    • Stay away from people who are sick
      This is one of the most effective ways in which you can prevent yourself from getting exposed to the virus. If someone around you has been sick, try to maintain a physical distance from them.
    • Cover your face and mouth while sneezing or coughing
      Whenever you are coughing and sneezing, make sure that you cover your face and mouth with a tissue. This will help other people around you to stay safe and not catch the virus.
    • Wash your hands often
      Make sure that you clean your hands with water and soap regularly to safeguard yourself from germs. If these are not available, you can also use a hand sanitizer.
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  • Things you should know about honeycomb blinds

    A majority of homeowners are willing to improve the conditions in living rooms with different types of products. The blinds play an important role in enhancing more comforts to a home with wood, aluminum, and other materials for upgrading the living standards. They are an exact fit for windows or doors which help to overcome unwanted issues. Most blind products come with high-quality fabrics enabling homeowners to focus more on their environmental conditions. In fact, they make feasible ways for promoting the property values with distinct styles. Honeycomb blinds are a suitable one for all types of window and door treatments in a home that exactly suits the modern lifestyles. However, choosing them involves various challenges and need proper guidelines. Another advantage is that they show ways of planning interior decoration works in a building with innovative designs and patterns to gain a high reputation.

    It is advisable to choose a blind type that perfectly matches a window or door in a home. There are various blinds available in the markets enabling homeowners to enhance the look with attractive styles. However, it is an important one to pick a right product for a project for getting more benefits. The features of a honeycomb blind covering include light filtering, single grill, double grill, energy efficient, noise reduction, more privacy, and UV protection. Additionally, it serves as an insulation layer for a home to reduce expenses on power bills. One should always consider certain things such as thickness, measurements, color, design, aesthetic functions, and budgets before investing money in a blind product. Moreover, it is possible to enhance the appeal of a home with innovative ideas for witnessing complete satisfaction. The blinds are an ideal solution for preventing high humidity and cold conditions with built-in features.

    On the other hand, people should buy the products only from a reputed supplier for meeting essential requirements. Nowadays, it becomes a simple one to know the prices of all blinds online allowing homeowners for making a better decision while investing money. Customers can order standard, vertical, top down bottom up, and other honeycomb blinds at the best prices for reducing expenditure. Users can operate them with the remote control or manual applications for ensuring more safety levels. Those who want to install them in their home should consult with interior designers for handling complex problems. Besides that, a person can select the products with options and choices for upgrading conditions in a home. Many online stores provide methods for modifying the style of windows and doors with special designs to get an elegant look. Some even pave ways for searching custom blinds at discount prices to minimize expenditure. Free samples are also available for those who want to know more about honeycomb blinds in detail.

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  • Top 5 boots to buy on clearance from 6pm

    Boots were perhaps used only in the west or probably for hiking decades ago. Today it plays a big part in the fashion industry. Boots are designed in hundreds of styles with intricate designs and prints.
    A pair of boots, when worn with the proper outfit, can highlight your attire. There are many types of clothes that can be thrown on with a simple pair of boots. If you haven’t found THE perfect pair yet, chances are the that you might just find them on this list here.
    6pm is a brand that sells boots on clearance for adults, kids, and even toddlers. From their wide collection, you are sure to find yourself a nice pair of boots.

    Michael Antonio Headley – Suede
    These are extremely stylish boots that will be the highlight when paired with a short dress or skirt. They are perfect for an occasion where you plan to dress up and look your best. These boots are extremely comfortable and are sure to grab attention.
    These knee length boots can be pulled on. The toe part of the shoe is almond shaped. They have suede uppers and a textile lining. They are also comfortable to wear as they have a light padding. It has a sole made of textile and synthetic mixture.The heel is about 4 ½ inches. They are available in four colors. Charcoal, burgundy, cognac, and of course black.

    Dirty Laundry Karate Chop
    These boots are perfect for any occasion. Both formal and casual. They are flat shoes with a very small heel. They are extremely comfortable even when worn for a long duration of time. They have a zipper in the back. These shoes have man made soles. They have suede leather uppers and a zipper for closure. These flat heeled shoes have a textile lining and a rounded toe design. At the back part of the shoe, there is a slight heel of ¾ inches. They are available in black, navy, olive, rust, and taupe suede colors.

    Chooka Classic Mid Fine Length
    This classic shoe is most known for the ivory high glass color it is available in. These boots have a classic look and will look perfect only with a few choice outfits. The unique design and the classic cut makes it a must have in your wardrobe. This pair of boots has a side strap with an adjustable buckle. They have a natural rubber in contrasting color. These can be easily pulled on or off as they have a moisture absorbing cotton lining. They also have a memory foam insoles that easily accommodate your foot. These boots are also waterproof. The non skid rubber soles prevent slipping on wet surfaces.

    Rocket Dog Rainy
    These shoes are classic rain boots that are perfect to wear with jeans. They have a thick rubber sole that is skid free. Their design is both stylish and sensible.
    They have synthetic uppers that make them look like sneakers. They have laces to hold the shoes in place and rounded toes with a light padded footbed. These are available in Olive green and pale blue Nevada emboss colors.

    Kamik Heidi
    These are designed to look extremely stylish and are also durable. These waterproof boots are available in amber, blue, coral, olive, and turquoise. They can also be worn in the rain. It has a 1-inch heel. The specialty of these boots is that they have a removable footbed. They are made of synthetic rubber.

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