health

How Our Definition of Autism Has Evolved

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To Start

Autism’s journey resembles a kaleidoscope—once an indistinct blur, now a vibrant and lucid spectrum, continuously evolving as new patterns of understanding emerge. Autism was once mistaken for schizophrenia, but it is now a celebrated spectrum.

This article covers autism history from 1952 to now, serving as a go-to for those seeking information in the U.S.

It started as schizophrenia but tests and consultations distinguished it as Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Understanding autism’s journey requires looking back at its historical roots.

 

 Historical Perspectives

In 1952, many conflated autism with childhood schizophrenia or cold parenting.

(Read my last article for an explanation of Schizophrenia.)

In 1980, autism was reclassified as pervasive developmental disorder, distinct from schizophrenia and different from today’s understanding.

As perceptions shifted, so did the frameworks for understanding autism.

As the understanding of autism evolved, researchers faced significant challenges in distinguishing it from other conditions like schizophrenia.

Evolution of Understanding

In the early years of autism research, distinguishing autism from other conditions like schizophrenia posed significant challenges.

Many children exhibiting autistic traits were often misdiagnosed with schizophrenia due to shared symptoms such as social withdrawal and communication difficulties.

These misconceptions were further fueled by societal beliefs that attributed such behaviors to cold parenting or emotional disturbances.

The DSM’s Role: Defining Autism Over the Decades

Recognizing the need for clearer diagnostic criteria, authorities implemented the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to elucidate autism diagnosis but left much open to interpretation.

Although the initial editions left much open to interpretation, they marked a crucial step toward understanding autism as a distinct condition.

The DSM’s evolving definitions played a pivotal role in shaping diagnosis, gradually moving away from the conflated views of autism and schizophrenia.

It was published in 1952 with limited focus on autism.

Researchers recognized autism as a mental disorder affecting development, not just a product of their early environment.

Recognizing these challenges, the introduction of the DSM marked a critical step forward.

DSM-II

Published in 1968, the DSM-II marked a pivotal moment as the second edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.”

It played a crucial role in establishing standardized criteria for psychiatric diagnoses, offering clinicians a unified framework for evaluation.

This edition notably began to distinguish autism from schizophrenia, setting the stage for a more nuanced understanding of developmental disorders. “I am different, not less.”

DSM-III

Then, the DSM-III came out and listed some criteria.

DSM-III Diagnostic Criteria for Autism:

  • Lack of Interest in People: Individuals may show little to no interest in interacting with others.
  • Severe Impairments in Communication: Challenges in verbal and non-verbal communication are prevalent.
  • Bizarre Reactions to the Environment: Unusual responses to environmental stimuli or changes.
  • Early Onset of Symptoms: Symptoms typically develop within the first 30 months of life

With evolving definitions, the DSM-III played a crucial role in shaping diagnosis.

Later, DSM-III revised the diagnosis, acknowledging that not all cases were extreme, so they added a new condition to their list which they were calling pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified. This lengthy term described milder cases.

Building on these advancements, the DSM-IV further refined the classification of autism, inching towards a broader spectrum.

DSM-IV

Although it didn’t say spectrum, it began inching towards that definition. So instead of schizophrenia, it started being understood as a spectrum of disorders that all were labeled the same thing.

As expert Jordan Hilkowitz said, “Autism is not a tragedy. Running out of bacon is a tragedy.”

An image of the first DSM module.

Between 1994 and 2000, experts labeled autism as a spectrum disorder through the DSM-IV, identifying it as five separate disorders:

 

DSM-IV Classification (1994-2000):

  • Autism
  • Pervasive Developmental Disorder-not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
  • Asperger’s Syndrome
  • Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD): More commonly found in girls than boys.
  • Rett’s Syndrome

In 2003 they found over 100 genes that could play into autism, but none that were directly linked to it, so they decided to say that is more of a spectrum than a straight diagnosis.

“Our goal is to create a world where everyone belongs.”

DSM-V

The DSM-V was soon released also known as the DSM-5, and only then was the idea adopted of a continuous spectrum.

Before its release, many feared a spectrum diagnosis might disrupt their identity and belonging.

They feared it would reduce their pay and services. However, researchers found it helped more people get diagnosed.

As expert Gilles Trehin illustrates, “Autism is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced with joy.”

These pivotal changes in diagnostic criteria were driven by pioneering figures who reshaped our understanding of autism.

 Notable Figures in Autism History

Grunya Sukhareva

  • In 1925, Grunya Sukhareva pioneered the first clinical descriptions of autistic traits.
  • In the early 1920s, at a children’s psychiatric hospital in Moscow, Grunya Sukhareva observed boys whose behaviors markedly diverged from their peers.

    To show who she was
    Grunya Sukhareva portrait.
  • These children were characterized by profound social withdrawal and an adherence to repetitive routines, yet they possessed remarkably intense interests in specific subjects.
  • Sukhareva meticulously chronicled these traits, capturing the subtleties and nuances with precision.
  • Her pioneering insights offered one of the earliest clinical depictions of what would later be recognized as autism traits.
  • This revolutionary work not only redefined contemporary understanding but also laid a crucial foundation for future explorations in the field.
  • Her revolutionary work provided early insights into behaviors that defined the autism spectrum, predating Kanner and Asperger.
  • While Grunya Sukhareva laid the groundwork for early autism research, Hans Asperger’s insights further expanded the understanding of the condition.

Hans Asperger

  • Hans Asperger once observed that “Not everything that steps out of line, and thus ‘abnormal,’ must necessarily be ‘inferior.’”
  • This perspective was pioneering, as he saw beyond challenges to the talents within, leading to the recognition of Asperger’s Syndrome.
  • While working at the University of Vienna, Hans Asperger observed a young boy who struggled socially but excelled in languages and math.
  • Noticing the boy’s potential, Asperger believed these “autistic psychopathy” traits were not deficits but unique strengths.
  • An Austrian pediatrician in the 1940s, Asperger’s work laid the foundation for understanding a unique presentation of autism.
  • His pioneering insights challenged conventional views and continue to shape how educators and clinicians perceive autism today.

Leo Kanner

  • Leo Kanner, often called the ‘father of child psychiatry,’ made a groundbreaking discovery in 1943.
  • In 1943 at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Leo Kanner studied 11 children exhibiting traits such as social withdrawal and a desire for sameness.
  • As a psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Kanner was the first to formally describe autism as a distinct condition.
  • Kanner’s detailed case studies were revolutionary, identifying autism as a distinct condition separate from schizophrenia. His work laid the foundation for modern autism research and diagnostics, shaping the field for decades to come.

Dr. Catherine Lord

  • She is the leading specialist in autism research today.
  • Her research focus is developing methods to identify strengths and difficulties in individuals with ASD.
  • Quote from the Semel Institute: “Her research and clinical work are aimed at improving methods of identifying strengths and difficulties…and working with families and individuals to maximize independence and well-being.”
  • Her current priority is developing better ways to measure changes in social behavior and communication over short periods, to monitor progress without bias.

Temple Grandin

  • Temple Grandin, a renowned animal behavior expert and advocate for autism awareness, has transformed livestock handling practices through her innovative designs.
  • Her unique perspective as an individual with autism not only revolutionized the industry but also serves as a powerful reminder of the value of neurodiversity.
  • Grandin revolutionized livestock handling by leveraging her unique perspective, illustrating how autism can lead to groundbreaking innovations.

Greta Thunberg

  • Greta Thunberg, a trailblazing climate activist, has become a leading voice in the fight against climate change.
  • She openly shares her experiences with autism, viewing it as a gift that enables her to focus intensely on her mission.
  • Her straightforward communication style has inspired millions worldwide, demonstrating the powerful impact of embracing neurodiversity.
  • Thunberg’s story highlights how individuals with autism can drive significant change, reflecting the evolving understanding of autism as a spectrum of diverse talents and perspectives.

Dan Aykroyd

  • Dan Aykroyd, a comedy icon and actor, has left a lasting mark on film and entertainment.
  • Candid about his autism, Aykroyd credits his inventive genius to his singular perspective.
  • His fascination with the paranormal, a special interest shaped by his autism, led to the creation of the beloved ‘Ghostbusters’ franchise.
  • This iconic film exemplifies how Aykroyd’s neurodiversity fueled his inventive storytelling and humor.
  • Aykroyd’s journey highlights the powerful role of autism in fostering creativity and innovation, underscoring the importance of embracing diverse perspectives within the arts.

Reflecting on these contributions highlights the profound impact of autism’s evolving story.

The journey of autism, from shadow to spectrum, reflects decades of change, impacting countless lives with newfound understanding and acceptance. As we look at these shifts, it’s clear they offer more than just awareness—they offer hope and belonging.

Kathleen Seidel once said, “Autism is as much a part of humanity as is the capacity to dream.” This quote beautifully captures the essence of autism’s journey, reminding us that embracing neurodiversity enriches our shared human experience.

These stories remind us that autism is not just a diagnosis but a spectrum of diverse talents and perspectives. As Temple Grandin, Greta Thunberg, and Dan Aykroyd show, embracing neurodiversity enriches our world in unexpected ways.

As you reflect on this article, consider your role in fostering a world where everyone belongs. Your actions today can shape the spectrum’s future tomorrow, ensuring that dreams and understanding continue to flourish.

Comment 😀 if you have learned anything. Have a great day, and thanks for reading!

Schizophrenia

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Schizophrenia

Why is schizophrenia not a well known mental health disease? It is because only about 1% of the population has schizophrenia. It is very common to be misinformed because of that, according to the 2023 schizophrenia study, it has age related symptoms. In the U.S. about 2.8 million adults have it, yet we still don’t know the exact cause.

Understanding Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental health disease/disorder that affects your way of thinking, your beliefs, and your way of life. It affects your sight and hearing and gives you hallucinations, along with delusions.

Schizophrenia affects your way of thinking by having you become indecisive and basically gaslights you about everything you know and thought you knew.

It affects your beliefs by making you believe things that are obviously wrong, but convinces you that whatever anyone says, that you are right.

It affects your way of life by making you paranoid and it also makes you start seeing and hearing people and objects that are not there.

Many people with schizophrenia experience intense hallucinations and delusions, hearing voices and seeing horrifying sights.

Another problem is that they could also not see or hear things that everyone else can see or hear.

Root Causes

There are many things that can cause you to develop schizophrenia, but not all of them are guaranteed to give you schizophrenia. Many reasons we don’t know about the causes are because a small amount of the population actually has schizophrenia.

Due to recent research, schizophrenia is caused by many things including genetics, though no single gene has been found to cause it.

It has been proven that there are many small differences in a person who has schizophrenia’s brain and someone who doesn’t have schizophrenia’s brain, but there are some instances where it doesn’t appear in a schizophrenic’s brain.

There are also instances where people with other mental health illnesses end up with those same subtle changes and differences.

Some people may be more prone to schizophrenia than others, but very traumatic and very emotional life events could cause you to develop schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia may have a different amount of neural transmitters in their brains than other people their age.

Treatment Options

There is no official way to cure schizophrenia, though many people try to find a cure. Although there is no cure, there are many treatments to improve the life of a schizophrenic.

One of the many treatments is getting a support dog that is specially trained to help a schizophrenic person by barking if the sounds or sights are not really there.decorative

These dogs are specially trained to acknowledge certain ques, like saying what you see or hear than the dog barking, so that it knows what you are talking about.

There are some medical treatments that have been known to help regulate the problems such as, antipsychotic and anti-Tremor medications along with non medical treatments such as therapy.

Antipsychotic medicines include, Aripiprazole, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone, Chlorpromazine, Fluphenazine, Perphenazine, Trifluoperazine, Clozapine, Paliperidone, Prochlorperazine, Asenapine, Loxapine, Thiothixene, and Ziprasidon.

All listed items above are only available with a prescription, but that prescription could make the difference.

A major therapy option in Utah takes place at the University of Utah Health, where they use behavioral therapy and inpatient group therapy to help with the negative symptoms which include lack of motivation or interest in activities.

To  conclude

In the end, schizophrenia is not well known or understood due to having cases being relatively rare. Although it is not understood very much, there are many treatment options for those who do have it, and even though there is not a known cure, hope is not lost.

If you know someone who has this mental health disease, and have a story to share about them getting help, tell me down below in the comments. Thank you!

Aerial Arts saved someone from their eating disorder

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Aerial Arts saved someone from their eating disorder

In April 2022, a woman named Clare began taking aerial arts classes. She has an eating disorder called AFRID, which involves the avoidance of food and the restriction of one’s diet to just a few specific foods, causing nutritional deficiencies, weight changes, and anxiety. 

Aerial became a safe space for her. She realized what real self-love is, and Aerial just continued to heal the wounds in her mental health. 

She says that throughout her life she didn’t have a good relationship between food and exercise. She suffered from exercise-induced asthma and iron deficiency anemia, and sometimes fainting from mild exertion, while she was growing up.

With aerial arts being a great form of exercise, it also can heal mental wounds. Aerial is said to reduce stress along with better quality of sleep. Aerial became something that Clare could rely on, something that she could do to reduce stress and anxiety.

She started on something as simple as the apparatus pole, and now she can do so much more than just pole. It was something so small and yet it changed her entire life.

After she did aerial she could do things that she couldn’t have done beforehand. Such as hanging out with friends and not feeling exhausted or putting her suitcase in the overhead bin by herself. She says, “ My body actually feels like something I own, not a burden that I must carry.”

Aerial allowed her to be okay with how she is. She knows that her eating disorder isn’t just going to go away, and she knows that if she just wants to eat only one thing, then that’s fine! Aerial made her realize that even with her eating disorder, she still deserves to feel like her body is something that she should be proud of, not ashamed of.

After she took aerial classes she said, “ These days, hunger is accompanied by a feeling of accomplishment. Feeling hungry is a reminder that my body is healing, and it’s something I’ve been able to feel grateful for. “ She realizes that eating isn’t a bad thing and that it’s okay to feel satisfied after you eat a meal.

Aerial helped her discover a new kind of self-love. “Loving not just what my body looks like, but what my body can do.“ Aerial is difficult and pushing through it can be a lot. Yet the result is most definitely worth it.

People say that they would love to try Aerial, but they’re not strong enough. You don’t have to go into aerial being strong, or flexible. You can start from the ground and go up, and up. Nobody says they’re not strong enough to start going to the gym. It takes time to build up strength and flexibility, it doesn’t just appear.

She said that after over two decades of feeling weak that sometimes she struggled opening doors. She says that, “Having total strangers tell me that I’m strong has been one of the most surreal things to hear, and the best feelings I’ve ever experienced.“

Aerial allowed her to get stronger, to break free from her eating disorder. It may not be gone but it can be managed. With Aerial she can manage her eating disorder so much better than she could’ve before. 

She says that she never thought she would be able to eat three meals a day and exercise a few times a week. To others, it doesn’t really mean anything but to her, she can take care of herself and her mental and physical health. And it is her greatest accomplishment. 

Thanks to aerial, she isn’t held back by her body. She doesn’t worry about fainting from mild exertion anymore. She loves what her body looks like, along with what it can do. Not having to worry about it being painful to lie on her stomach, or to feel the pain of being malnourished.

Aerial was the thing that she needed. She found aerial and her burdens just got lighter and lighter, until they weren’t there. 

Of course, nothing heals every single wound, but she says she has never been healthier and she says that she “Truly owes it all to dance.“ Aerial didn’t heal every wound, but it sure did help heal a lot.

She said that, “I believed that exercise was something that could only ever hurt and feel joyless, because for years, that had been my only experience. It was only when I exercised on my own terms that I began to heal from that idea. It turns out that I’m actually a really athletic person, I just hated gym class.“ Aerial made her realize that she was athletic, and exercise isn’t just pain and joyless. Aerial allowed her to find herself, to find her real body, and to love it in any and every single way she could.

Clare struggled through really hard times and yet she managed to do it. With her eating disorder and exercise-induced asthma, it’s hard. It isn’t easy yet she still got through it all. Inspiring isn’t it?

You don’t have to go through hard times just sitting down and doing nothing at all. You can find a calming activity like how she did. It wasn’t something huge or super special, it was just a simple class. 

Because of that simple class that she took, it changed her entire life completely. Despite it being difficult to overcome her hard trials, she did, because of one Aerial class. You can always continue even when the path looks pretty gloomy.

You never can’t do something. It can seem like it, but you can always continue trying. The only one stopping you is yourself. If anything the biggest bully or obstacle is your thoughts. As previously mentioned, you never have to go through these difficult times alone. You can always have someone or a calming activity to help you, to get you through those hard days.

It’s never too late to sign up for dance, or for something you enjoy doing. You don’t need to be strong to start at anything. You go to the gym when you want to be stronger. Everyone can go to the gym, you don’t need to be strong, you can be as weak as a twig and still go. You go to the gym to get stronger, to feel better, to make yourself happy. You do it to meet your goals and expectations, not to fit into society’s expectations.

Now, what’s something that saved you? Could be an activity, a book you read, or maybe something as simple as a friend you made. What saved you? Put your answer down below!

Workouts that will help you sleep better

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Workouts that will help you sleep better

If you are struggling with getting enough sleep then you should use these workout methods and techniques to help you sleep better. When you are not getting enough sleep it may be because of the lack of physical activity each day. These are some workouts and exercises that can help you get higher-quality sleep. 

Aerobic exercise

Aerobic exercise or Cardio exercise causes more rapid breathing and heart rate. This exercise has the benefit of improving your blood pressure and lowering the risk of heart disease. Aerobic exercise is more intense and is measured by the level of intensity. Activities like these will raise your heart rate. Some examples of moderate-intense aerobic exercises include “brisk walking, water aerobics, and semi-hilly bike rides.” “Higher intensity exercises might include running or jogging, lap-swimming, intense bike rides, and physically demanding sports like basketball or singles tennis.” Studies have shown that daily aerobic exercise for lengthy periods will improve your sleep. 

Resistance exercise

Resistance training is also known as strength training helps you build up muscles throughout your body. A mix of aerobic and resistance exercise is recommended to improve your physiological health. Some examples of resistance exercises are push-ups and sit-ups, lifting weights, working out with resistance bands, and other resistance exercises.

 If you want to make your resistance exercise effective the way you can do that is with repetition. Doing sets of resistance exercises that add up to 12 repetitions apiece is what you should perform. Regular resistance workouts can improve your sleep quality. Another benefit of strength training is that it can lower your chances of getting anxiety and depression.

Yoga

“Yoga is a specific type of resistance training that focuses on posture improvement, breathing exercises, and meditation.” Yoga can reduce stress, reduce pain, and help people lose weight. Doing Yoga can also improve your sleep. “While the link between yoga and better sleep has not been extensively evaluated in terms of the overall population, some studies have noted sleep improvements for certain individuals.” Some individuals get better quality sleep, not so much as quantity. While for some it may not help with sleeping, it can help with mental health. Yoga can improve your sleep by relaxing you and mindfulness. 

Tips for better sleep

The most effective technique varies from person to person, but these tips may help you determine which routine is best for you. 

  1. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time
  2. Exercise daily
  3. Eat healthier
  4. Slow down 
  5. Tweak your sleeping conditions

Going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day “helps set your body’s internal clock.” Along with this, you should avoid sleeping in because it will disrupt your sleep pattern and rhythm. And you should always start the day with a nutritional, well-balanced breakfast. 

Exercising daily can improve your sleep at night and make you less drowsy during the day. It doesn’t have to be super intense, although if it is more intense the sleeping benefits will be more effective. Even taking a walk every day can improve your sleep. You should pick an exercise that you can complete every day and make a habit out of it.

Eating healthier is important because eating specific foods can impact your whole sleeping quality. Eating certain foods can affect how long you sleep and how good your sleep is. You should avoid sugary foods and eating meals at night.

Before going to bed it is important to calm down and clear your head. Something good to try at night would be a breathing exercise that will “lower your heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels to help you drift off to sleep.”

And lastly, change and improve your sleeping conditions. Try to keep your sleeping environment cool, quiet, and dark. Making sure your bedroom is not too cold or hot, loud, or uncomfortable is key. Having the perfect sleeping conditions will improve your sleep quality and help you learn what things you prefer. If you’re struggling with good sleep, use these techniques to improve it. 

 

Sources: Sleepfoundation.org and Helpguide.org

Here is how to live a longer and healthier life

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Here is how to live a longer and healthier life

Do you want to live a longer life? Be a healthier and happier person? Well here are 5 keys to do so. 

 Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health held a massive study on the impact of health habits on life expectancy.

 These are some of the answers they got from the study. Using data they found from Well-known nurses and health professionals’ follow-up studies. Harvard Health states that “this shows that they had data over a lot of people for a long period.” It is also stated that they had found data on over 78,000 women from 1986 to 2014. “This is over 120,000 participants, 34 years worth of data for Women and 28 years for men.” It is stated that researchers look at “diets, physical activity, body weight, smoking, and alcohol consumption.”  

 

What is counted as a “Healthy Lifestyle exactly?”  

 People say that these 5 areas were chosen because they have had a big impact on the risk of premature death. These are the things you can do to have a healthy lifestyle. 

 

 1. Start a healthy diet, When I think of diets I think of salads, let’s see what they say about diets. Harvard Health reported that” The intake of healthy foods such as Fruits, Nuts, Vegetables, Whole Grains, and omega-3 fatty acids, and unhealthy foods like red onions, processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, trans fat, and sodium.”  

2. You may be asking yourself how long do I need to be working out for it to start doing something? Harvard Health states that “at least 30 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous activity.” 

  1.  What is the weight that is considered “healthy?” “normal body weight is 18.5kg to 24.9kg.” 
  2.  Does smoking change how healthy or unhealthy you are? Harvard Health says that “There is no healthy amount of smoking.” Which is also saying don’t smoke to be healthy. 

 

  1.  If you do decide to have alcohol here is the intake to maintain being healthy. 5 and 15 grams per day for women and 5 to 30 grams per day for men. Harvard Health says that “generally alcohol has 14 grams of pure alcohol. Which is the same as 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of regular wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits. 

 

Harvard Health also says that when they research they also look at medication intake, age, ethnicity. 

Does having a healthy lifestyle change anything? 

It has been researched that having a healthy lifestyle makes a big difference. It is also recorded that people who fulfilled all 5 habits enjoyed significantly longer lives than those who did none of the habits. 14 years for women and 12 for men. If they started the habits at 50 years old. People who did none of these habits were far more likely to die prematurely of cancer or cardiovascular disease. I hope you enjoyed reading about “5 keys to living a longer life” and maybe learned something you didn’t know before reading this. I also got this article and information

Tips and Tricks on how to make your bedroom feel bigger

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Tips and Tricks on how to make your bedroom feel bigger

If you have a small bedroom or need a way to make your space feel more open and comfortable, then these tips and tricks will help you. Here are a few tips from Shutterfly.com

 

Paint Your Walls With Lighter Colors

According to Shutterfly.com, using lighter colors will make your bedroom feel bigger. The lighter colors reflect the light and it makes it feel brighter and larger. If you paint your room with darker colors, it absorbs the light and makes it feel smaller and cramped. If you’re designing a room, choosing lighter colors would be better than choosing darker colors.

 

Monochromatic Paint

When designing your bedroom, coordination is very important. When you use monochromatic paints it creates flow and space. If you paint your room with different colors it will make it seem like there are different sections or portions of the room, which will make it feel smaller. So it is important to choose the right paint that is monochromatic and coordinates with the rest of your bedroom.

 

Paint The Trim A Slightly Lighter Color

When the trim is a lighter color it creates a simple optical illusion that makes your “eyes perceive depth.” If you use this trick in your bedroom it will make the walls feel like they are farther away. It gives your bedroom a roomy feeling and it makes it feel larger than it is.

 

Paint The Ceilings Darker Or With A Bold Pattern

This technique is both interesting and unique, and when you use it your eyes are tricked into looking upward. If you use patterns or colors on your ceiling that pop, it will make eyes look upward which will give an illusion of height. When doing this you can use a lot of cool designs like a night sky.

 

Use Space Saving Furniture

The less furniture you have in your bedroom the bigger it will feel. There are plenty of simple space-saving solutions to use that will minimize the amount of space your furniture takes up. You can get storage underneath your bed, or use folding chairs or desks.

 

Avoid Excessive Furniture

When you have a small room, you don’t always need a whole lot of furniture. It is always nice to have extra furniture that will help you, like desks, bookshelves, or two-bed stands; however, if you have less furniture your bedroom will feel larger. So keep it simple.

 

The Illusion of Mirrors

If you are trying to make your bedroom feel bigger with decorations, mirrors are the way to go. Using mirrors will help in making your bedroom look and feel bigger and more open. “Mirrors not only reflect light, but a cleverly angled mirror will also create depth or height.” The most common place to put your mirror is on your closet door because it is floor to ceiling. But there are other places to try it too, like by a window so the room gets a wider feeling. 

Those are just some ways, but there are many more like color-coding, shelves, organization, wall art, and so much more. Keeping your space open and large-feeling is important. So is keeping your bedroom neat and clean. It can save time, improve your health, and keep your thoughts tidied up too. When your bedroom is cramped and messy it can have a big impact on your health. So making it feel bigger, and cleaning it up will help your life in so many ways.

Now that you read this, go and check ways to make your space feel bigger and more comfortable. And if you want to read some more tips and tricks for making your bedroom feel bigger, you should go to shutterfly.com to check them out.

 

Sources:

shutterfly.com

lifehack.org

 

Why is it Important to Shower?

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Why is it Important to Shower?

Why is Showering important?

It is always important to have good hygiene. Taking a shower is a huge part of hygiene and taking care of yourself. You should choose to shower because your skin cells start to function when doing so. You should also shower so you don’t receive bacteria that can cause you to grow a scent that isn’t very pleasant. If you don’t do these things people might not want to be around you. You should shower because it helps your blood circulation enhance as well. When you shower it helps you feel better as well as fresh.

What happens when you don’t shower?

When you don’t shower many things can occur from it. For example, you will contain skin problems. If you don’t shower you can also receive infections such as a common cold. You could also receive hepatitis A, which is also an infection. Another thing you can get from not showering is funguses. Funguses can be found on your skin and even in your mouth. When you don’t shower you can take possession of excess dead skin. When you shower you wash away the excess dead skin, but when you don’t shower that dead skin continues to grow without a different layer of fresh skin. Some things can happen if you choose not to take a shower. When is it a Good Time to Shower?

When is it a Good Time to Shower?

Taking a shower is always a good thing, but some people might not know how many showers in a week are necessary. Many doctors suggest that you should take a shower at least 2-3 times a week. This is because you need to stay clean after you go out and do your various things. It is especially important to shower if you do things like sports, yoga, and working out in general. You can use different products such as Medline Ready Bath Skin wipes and Baby wipes as well. If you are not comfortable with a shower or are in different situations, another option is to bathe. A bath can help you relax if needed. A bath is similar to a shower. That is when you should shower and what you can do instead to still stay clean.

Where can you Find the Supplies to take a Good Shower?

You should always use shampoo and conditioner for your hair. You should also have a body wash and scrub to wash your body. You can find these things at your local convenience stores such as Walmart or Smiths and many more. There are also many things you can use to clean yourself as well. For example, you can use sugar scrubs and soap bars to wash your body. You can also find these at our local convenience store. These things will help you have better hygiene and have a nice scent. Those are where you can find the supplies to take a good shower.

How will taking Showers affect you and the way you Feel?

You always want your body to be clean, healthy, and fresh. When you shower your body receives those same things, being clean, healthy, and fresh. When I take showers it helps me feel more motivated to be active throughout the day and not so lazy. When you aren’t feeling so joyful, taking a shower can help you gather yourself and encourage you to focus on important things. Taking a shower can also help you feel better if you are sick or have a cold. The cool thing about showering is that you can shower at different temperatures. Showers will positively help you. This is how showers can affect you and the way you feel.

Conclusion

Showers are important and always necessary. Always consider taking 2-3 showers a week. If you do so it will have a great effect on you. If you are struggling with remembering to take a shower, set reminders on electric devices or ask someone to remind you. It is okay to forget, but it is not okay to not want to take a shower. You need to consider showering as a normal thing just like it is. That is why you should shower and why it is important.

Links:
https://www.thehealthsite.com/
https://brightside.me/
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/default.htm

 

 

 

 

Covid-19 Safety And Tips

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Covid-19 Safety And Tips

Stay Safe Out There

 

This is just another article telling you how to stay safe from the coronavirus. The only reason I need to write this is that people are not listening to the guidelines. I mean this is just getting ridiculous, look how many cases Utah is getting, or even the entire USA! Well, let’s take a look.

Utah’s cases

Let’s look at the average Covid cases for Utah this month. According to Google, we got around 50k cases! That’s crazy, we are only just above halfway through the month! If we do the math, it means….cary the one, add two…..that’s 2,500 per day. Jeez laweez…. Alright, let’s get into this.

 

Info of:

https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/covid-19/information/transmission-protective-measures

How to Stay Safe From Covid

 

Alright, first of all, MASKS! The Gov. has been asking for people to wear masks for so long now, and most of the population are listening, but there are THOSE people that don’t like them. (looking at you, Karens)

 

Second of all, CONSTANTLY wash your hands. What I mean by that is whenever you have touched something someone else has, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands to get those nasties off. Also sneeze or cough into your elbow, not your hand. And I’ve seen this before, don’t sneeze into OTHER people’s arms. Don’t be idiotic and stupid with your decisions.

 

Next, we need to go over gatherings, specifically FAMILY gatherings. Some people think that It’s my family, I won’t get it. Nope nope nope. Please do not think this, and for this thanksgiving, try to wear masks if you are not eating. And if you can, please try to socially distance yourself from others.

 

From experience, It does matter if you have a mask on or not, when li’l ol’ me was sitting on the couch at my house, down at my cousins, they were all exposed to covid. Luckily, only one person got it and everything was all good after that. They were lucky, but I’ve got to say that this does not mean you can’t get it from your family members.

 

Lastly, you might want to avoid touching your mouth and eyes. Why? Well, you mostly will get the virus on your hands and that’s not all bad. But then you touch your eyes and mouth, then the virus sinks in and boom, your entire family has it.

 

Ways Utah is Helping With the Coronavirus

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Ways Utah is Helping With the Coronavirus

In the past six months, the Coronavirus has been spreading all across the United States. Hundreds of thousands of people have died, while 7.26 million Americans, are infected with the virus. These are ways that can help stop the virus from spreading so quickly, and not only that, keeping you and the people who you love safe. It can also help life going back to normal, and who doesn’t want that? Here are tips and ways to help the virus from spreading so easily.

The first way is that the governor is encouraging people to keep their hygiene up, social distance, wearing masks is another really important thing. We need to do our part too and help fight the Coronavirus if we want it to come to an end. A campaign has started to decrease the number of cases that are going all across the country. This way, people are safer and it helps bring the virus to an end. 

BYU studies show that wearing a mask is helpful. Not only does it protect adults, but it also protects the elderly and small children, keeping them safe. It helps bring down the virus, so when you go out, to make sure you wear masks. By wearing a mask, it helps keep you and others safe from the virus. Like said before, it helps stop the spread of the virus, and slows it down. Make sure to also put on hand sanitizer before and after you enter a store.

The Utah HERO project is where it tests 10,000 people across 4 counties. A recent study shows that you have a 12% chance of catching the virus from someone in your own home, but it’s a much bigger chance that you catch it out in public. It’s preferred if you stay indoors rather than doing social activities. It keeps you much safer, and you can do a lot of productive activities to keep you from being bored. Just be safe out in public.

You can help slow the virus by just simply washing your hands very frequently,social distancing, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, clean a lot of frequently touched items, and wear your masks. By doing these things, you would be helping to stop the virus from spreading so quickly, keeping you and others safe, and a bigger chance for life going back to normal.

Pet Dogs And What They Do For Us

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dogs

Pet dogs

Dogs are not only great pets but according to facts, kids that grow up with dogs will be healthier and happier. According to, 5 Advantages for Kids Who Grow Up With Dogs. “Recent studies in pediatric health have concluded that children who lived with pets (but especially dogs) during their first year of life actually had a better immune system than those who did not.”

What do they do?

Pets have become very attached to humans and our behaviors and emotions, especially dogs and cats. Dogs and cats can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, relieve loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even can even improve your cardiovascular health.

What do dogs help us with?

Dogs can help teach kids how to be responsible. Between the feeding, picking up after it, walking, and bathing it.

 Another thing that dogs help with is immune systems. Studies from studies in pediatric health show that children who lived with pets (especially dogs) during their first year of life actually had a better immune system than those who did not grow up with a dog. It believes that exposure to dogs may have boosted the child’s maturation of their immune system in their infancy. For example, if they get sick they’d need a shorter amount of antibiotics. 

Thirdly, is autism. From the website 5 Advantages for Kids Who Grow Up With Dogs, it says Did you know that 1 in 45 children in the United States has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? That is nearly 2% of the entire population of children ages 2-17 years of age. Non-profits, such as autism companions have found that therapy dogs have an amazing impact on the quality of life and development of children with ASD.” some benefits are, that dogs provide security, they also actually decrease the chances of kids having meltdowns, dogs can also decrease aggression in a child, and lastly, dogs can increase the ability to face a fearful situation. 

And now the most important. Emotional health. First mindfulness, when dogs are laying down in the sunshine that is shining through the window it shows that they are focusing on the present moment. And when you are on a walk with your dog, your not just walking your walking in silence doing almost nothing, but having nothing to do but walk makes it possible to recover the pure impact of being present, to think about the simple joy of existing.

Next, from the website How Dogs Drive Emotional Well-being “When my father was dying of cancer, it was my dog, Ginger, who brought me the most comfort. Every morning before visiting my father at the hospital, she and I walked to our secret place — a hidden, rocky perch in a nearby park from where we could look out over the water — and just sat. I stared in thought, sometimes crying, other times frustrated, and Ginger got close enough to my body so I knew she was there to support me. She waited for my cues, watching my every move.” the comfort that dogs bring to people’s lives is incredible. Lastly is dogs help with loneliness and depression. Even though social media is popular right now and we can be really connected to it, things can happen on it that will make us feel lonely and depressive but research shows that the benefits of owning a dog has a sense of companionship and dogs can have social support that can lead to less loneliness. According to Gary Christenson, a medical officer at Boynton Health Service at the University of Minnesota, it comes down to a pet’s loyalty and devotion: “There is a bond and companionship that makes a big difference in mental health.”  

 

So in conclusion, dogs can really help you and it would be a good idea to get one.