Month: December 2024

People With True Integrity Have These 8 Important Qualities You may hear the word “integrity” describing someone, but does that really mean? Even if we can’t define it, we know it when we see it. We tend to trust and like people with integrity because they bring out the best in others. But don’t assume these people were born with natural magnetism and moral fiber. Integrity is a trait people have to develop, which means anyone can attain it if they try hard enough. Here are some important qualities to work on.   Authenticity and honesty Credit: Shutterstock People with integrity are unapologetically themselves without bending to popular trends or opinions. They are comfortable with themselves, so they don’t feel the need to fake or hide their true feelings or desires. Additionally, they won’t shy away from the truth, even if it puts them into uncomfortable situations. They don’t over-exaggerate or steal ideas to make themselves seem better than others. Overall, honesty fosters trust, so it’s worth telling the truth instead of little white lies. Accountability Credit: Shutterstock Taking responsibility is another famous mark of integrity. It’s a step further than honesty, and it could be much more difficult. Accountability means owning up to one’s actions without making excuses or blaming others. Through this, people with integrity overcome their mistakes and continue to learn and grow. For example, parents may feel overwhelmed and snap at their kids or give them too harsh punishments. But it’s a sign of integrity for parents to apologize for their mistakes, and it teaches their children good behavior by example. Humility Credit: Shutterstock Humility is an important aspect of integrity. If people struggle with authenticity or accountability, they should start by developing humility. People who are arrogant or insecure tend to exhibit many behaviors that are antithetical to integrity. For example, they’ll become defensive and resort to blaming others, making excuses, and lying when faced with opposition. At the same time, they’ll struggle to put aside their pride to apologize or take responsibility for their actions. Improving one’s self-esteem and learning how to put aside the ego creates a foundation for other positive characteristics associated with integrity.   Emotional intelligence Credit: Shutterstock Emotional intelligence involves many key social skills. For instance, it includes empathy, which gives the ability to understand and sympathize with others. It also includes compassion and the openness to connect to people. Those with integrity don’t fake niceness; instead, they genuinely care about people. They don’t need to tell people how nice they are because their actions are enough proof of it. If you want to improve your own emotional intelligence, practice active listening by giving people your full attention when they talk. Don’t interrupt and validate their feelings before trying to give any advice. Self-awareness Credit: Shutterstock Self-awareness is also a fundamental trait of integrity. For one thing, people with true self-awareness are aware of their positive and negative characteristics. Therefore, they are more likely to take accountability when they do something wrong. Additionally, because they know their strengths and values, they won’t compromise them to try to appease others or get ahead. They make the time for introspection so they can continue to learn more about themselves. Gratitude Credit: Shutterstock Gratitude goes beyond saying thank you. For people with integrity, gratitude is part of how they see the world. It helps them appreciate the little things in life and feel appreciative toward people who help them, even if only in small ways. Gratitude fosters optimism, which can help them cherish the things and individuals in their lives, even during tough times. Open-mindedness Credit: Shutterstock Life doesn’t always go as planned. In fact, it usually doesn’t. But people with integrity can ride the waves without losing their drive. Because of their optimistic outlook, they can view curveballs as learning opportunities instead of setbacks. Their values and sense of self don’t change, but they can be flexible and adapt to different situations and challenges. They are rigid in their beliefs but not in their approach.   Respect for others Credit: Shutterstock People with integrity treat others the way they want to be treated. They apologize, listen, thank, and forgive when the situation arises. This makes others respect them, and they respect people in return. One way to show compassion for others is to avoid gossiping behind their backs. People with integrity prefer to be upfront with their feelings, and they understand the power of speech and how it could help or harm. Instead, they give people the benefit of the doubt and hope others do the same for them. Even when they think someone is doing something wrong, they won’t rush to judge them or assume they had bad intentions. How to Become a Person with Integrity Credit: Shutterstock Don’t try to work on all of these traits at once. Rather, focus on a certain quality and make feasible commitments to improve. You might feel impatient, taking only small steps, but this method will help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed and giving up. For instance, if you decide to work on owning up to your mistakes, look for an area in life where you tend to make excuses or shift the blame. First, take accountability by admitting to yourself you were wrong, then slowly practice admitting it to others. If you’re not sure where to begin, start with self-reflection. Take some time to contemplate or journal about your actions and see if they align with your aspirations. If you’d like some ideas on what you should be aiming for, look for someone you look up to and reflect on the qualities that you’d like to replicate.

  September 17, 2024 ·  4 min read Physical Changes You Will Feel In ‘Last Hours and Days of Life,’ According Health Authority According to the NHS, our bodies start to exhibit certain changes as we approach the end of life. While these signs may vary from person to person, it’s important to learn how to recognize them. These bodily signs will typically last for hours or even several days when someone reaches the end of life.   The 9 Signs Someone Is Approaching the End of Life Credit: Pixabay If you have a terminally ill elderly relative living with you, it’s important to be able to recognize when they are reaching the end of their lives. There are 9 physical changes that occur when we reach the end of life. These signs include weakness, increased sleeping, and decreased appetite. Let’s explore these and more in detail below. They Are Constantly Drowsy and Tired Source: Shutterstock People who are reaching the end of their lives typically have far less energy than when they were healthy. Therefore, they will often be drowsy and will spend a lot of time sleeping. It is best to let them sleep if they so desire. Try and make them feel as comfortable as possible and help them change position every couple of hours. Loss of Appetite Source: Shutterstock As people reach the end of life, many of their organs begin to shut down. [1] They also become extremely weak. This makes drinking or eating particularly difficult. You should contact a healthcare professional to organize an alternative way of getting nutrition into their body. If they are not able to drink, you can try to keep them comfortable by applying balm to their lips. Their Breathing Patterns Change Source: Shutterstock According to the NHS, as you reach the end of your life your breathing patterns become irregular. Often, the person’s breathing will alternate between shallow and deep breathing, with a slight pause after the deep breath. Due to the build-up of mucus, the breathing can often also sound noisy and rattle-like. [2] If you notice a change in their breathing patterns, try to change their position to one that makes breathing easier. Hallucinations and Confusion Source: Shutterstock There are certain end-of-life medications can lead to chemical imbalances in the brain, occasionally causing confusion or hallucinations. The experts define hallucinations as perceiving things that aren’t actually there. This unusual behavior can obviously be unsettling and distressing for loved ones. Gently reminding the person of the current situation and who you are may help. Speaking in a calm and reassuring way can also minimize the chance of surprising or frightening the person. Drop in Body Temperature Source: Shutterstock In the final days of a person’s life, blood circulation slows as it is concentrated in the internal organs. This leaves little blood able to flow to the extremities such as the hands, feet, and legs. As a result, the person’s skin can become cold to the touch. They also may appear pale or mottled with blue and purple patches becoming visible on their skin. Although the person may not feel cold, offering a blanket can help bring comfort. Change in Toilet Habits Credit: Pixabay Since a person approaching death does not eat or drink much, their bowel movements are also less frequent. [3] As a result, they pass less solid waste and urinate less often. While these changes are often distressing, they are to be expected. If the dying person loses control of their bowel movements, you may want to bring in a caregiver to assist them. Their Muscles Weaken Source: Shutterstock As death approaches, a terminally ill person’s muscles may weaken considerably. This makes it difficult for them to perform simple tasks, such as drinking from a cup or even just turning in bed. When this happens, you can offer support by helping with these activities. Gently assisting them with lifting objects or repositioning in bed can provide comfort and ease their discomfort during this difficult time. They Become Less Social Source: Shutterstock As we mentioned before, as a person reaches the end of life, their energy levels diminish considerably. This makes it difficult for them to engage with others as they once were able to. [4] Their gradual withdrawal from social interactions is a natural part of the dying process, and you should not take it personally. It’s important to recognize that the person may need more rest and solitude. To ensure meaningful connections, you should try to plan your visits around the times when they feel up to having company. This will allow them to conserve their energy while still feeling supported. Other Changes at End of Life Source: Shutterstock Accepting that treatment can no longer fully manage a person’s pain as they near death can be difficult. As death approaches, vital signs often undergo further significant changes. Blood pressure may drop, and the heartbeat can become rapid, faint, or irregular. The pulse may also become weak or difficult to detect. These changes are normal at the end of life, signaling that the body is beginning to shut down completely.

Published 11:46 13 Sep 2024 GMT+1 People are gambling on a second shot at life Rebekah Jordan You only get one shot at life, so use it wisely. At least that’s the case for most of us. But for a few, there’s a chance at a second go – somewhere in the future. By that, I mean there’s a growing number of people at the world’s biggest cryo-preservation facilities taking a big gamble by getting frozen after they die, hoping that one day, technology will advance enough to bring them back. Some of these ‘patients’ have been frozen there for nearly 50 years. At the Cryonics Institute (CI) in Michigan, white vials line the storage facility, holding bodies, body parts and even pets. They’re all kept at a frosty -196°C of liquid nitrogen waiting for a future where they might be revived. These people came from all different walks of life, from chefs to students, and secretaries and professors. Cryonics Institute Interestingly, it’s mostly the Brits who have taken the courageous jump to body preservation, making them the biggest group outside of the U.S. As cool as it may sound, it’s more of a waiting game than sci-fi fiction. The longest-running patient is Rhea Ettinger who has been in her icy sleep since 1977. Her son, Robert C. W. Ettinger – known as the “father of cryonics” and a WWII vet – joined her, along with both of his wives, all preserved at the facility. CI president Dennis Kowalksi said: “Ironically, while the number of members is growing, I’m only surprised that we’re not more popular. “What we are doing is pretty rational when you think about it. Cryonics is like an ambulance ride to a future hospital that may or may not exist some day. He continued: “While we give no guarantees, if you are buried or cremated your chances of coming back are zero. “We are therefore a Pascal’s wager, or a gamble with little to lose and all to gain.” Cryonics Institute Inside CI’s massive 7,000-square-foot facility, about 250 patients are stored in cryostats, standing in organised rows. Newcomers who have paid for full-body preservation would have paid nothing short of $28,000 (£22,000). So far, 10 to 20 new spots have been filled. “While we are the largest cryonics company in the world with the most patients in suspension, our two centres in Michigan are not as sci-fi as you might imagine,” Kowalski added. “It’s more practical. We are affordable to the average person through life insurance and we are non-profit, with all of our records open to public scrutiny.” The CI president described feeling a ‘sense of responsibility and awe’ when he walks through the cryostats. He concluded: “We don’t know if this will work but we believe life is precious and that there is no greater value than the love of our family and friends who we wish to save.” Featured Image Credit: Cryonics Institute   Published 17:06 11 Sep 2024 GMT+1 Man had his body frozen and flown over 3,750 miles to US in hope of waking up in the future The patients of the unusual institute are hoping for a second stab at life Rikki Loftus People have been trying to cheat death for decades with various supposed hacks to fight the inevitable. One biohacker, Bryan Johnson, has famously gone to extreme lengths to preserve his youth, even undergoing a blood transfusion using blood plasma donations from his son. However, one man has gone to the next level, by having himself frozen in the hopes of being brought back to life. The bodies are frozen in liquid nitrogen (Cryonics Institute) Before his death, the Brit had signed up to a cryonics scheme that promised its members the chance for a ‘second life’. The process involved his body being packed in dry ice at a funeral home in London before he was flown over 3,750 miles to the US where he would be stored by Cryonics Institute (CI) in the hopes of one day waking up again in the future. The only thing known about the unnamed man is that he is the firm’s 254th patient. Once at the facility, the patients are placed in a sub zero environment known as a ‘cryostat’ and are frozen in liquid nitrogen at -320.8 degrees fahrenheit. The CI is currently housing more than 250 people, all of whom died in the hopes that the advancements in technology could one day bring them back to life. People are signing up in the hopes of getting a chance at a second life (Cryonics Institute) The person who has been waiting the longest is Rhea Ettinger who has been in her cryostat since 1977. Dennis Kowalski, who is the president of CI, said: “Ironically, while the number of members is growing, I’m only surprised that we’re not more popular. What we are doing is pretty rational when you think about it. “Cryonics is like an ambulance ride to a future hospital that may or may not exist some day. “While we give no guarantees, if you are buried or cremated your chances of coming back are zero. “We are therefore a Pascal’s wager, or a gamble with little to lose and all to gain.” While doubters have argued that bringing a human back to life is impossible due to the intricacies of the brain, Kowalski has compared it with the progress made over the years to conduct successful heart transplants. Critics have also hit back to share their disapproval with the practice, with Dr Miriam Stoppard, who is a journalist and a doctor, saying that it ‘robs the dying of their dignity’. But that doesn’t seem to have deterred people, with the number of hopefuls dreaming of a second chance at life continuing to rise. Featured Image Credit: Cryonics Institute   Published 12:44 17 Sep 2024 GMT+1 Scientists discover existence of ‘third state’ which lies beyond the traditional boundaries of life and death Certain cells can function after the organism has died Rebekah Jordan Scientists have established that there might be another state beyond what we … Read more

As they spoke, Dolly and Ruby discussed their grandchildren. “Every year, I send my grandchildren a card with a generous check inside,” Dolly groaned. They never get back to me… Nothing, no message, no thank you. “I also send my grandchildren very generous checks, but I hear from them within a week after they receive it,” Ruby said, listening with a knowing smile. Dolly questioned in shock, “Really? How do you handle that? I wish I could hear from mine.   Ruby leaned in closer, laughing, and said, “Well, it’s simple.” I refuse to sign the check. Dolly gave a gasp and erupted into laughter. “Are you serious? Is that something that genuinely functions? Ruby laughed at the response and nodded. Without a doubt. They call me as soon as they receive the check. Occasionally, they even pay me a personal visit to resolve the issue. Every time, it works! Dolly, still giggling, replied, “Well, that’s a clever trick! I might give it a go the next year. In this humorous conversation, Ruby shares her lighthearted yet practical method for maintaining a relationship with her grandchildren. Dolly sends signed checks and never hears back, but Ruby makes sure her grandchildren give her a call or come see her. It serves as a funny reminder that family bonds can occasionally be strengthened by a little mischief. Even if the gesture has a smart twist, Ruby’s love for her family remains at its core, as demonstrated by this humorous answer.

Renae W, a TikTok user, took the internet by storm when she shared her incredible pregnancy journey. Her enormous baby bump sparked both amazement and skepticism, with some people convinced she was carrying multiple babies. Despite the criticism, Renae remained confident, knowing she was carrying just one baby. She continued to share her journey, posting pictures and videos of her growing belly. Her followers were both fascinated and supportive, with many defending her against negative comments. Renae’s pregnancy was not without complications, but she remained positive, focusing on the joy of welcoming her new baby. When she finally gave birth to her son, he weighed 9lb 8oz and was 22 & 1/2 inches tall. The birth of her baby boy silenced those who had doubted her, and Renae was finally able to enjoy the fruits of her labor. She shared pictures and videos of her baby, showcasing his size and health. However, Renae’s journey did not end there. After giving birth, she faced criticism about her post-pregnancy body. But Renae remained confident, embracing her stretch marks and the changes her body had undergone. In a powerful message, Renae shared her thoughts on body positivity and motherhood. “I don’t care about the stretch marks or the changes my body has gone through,” she said. “My body blessed me with five amazing kids and an angel baby. I love my body and the amazing things it has done.” Renae’s story is a testament to the power of motherly love and resilience. Despite facing criticism and skepticism, she remained confident and positive, focusing on the joy of welcoming her new baby. Her message of body positivity and self-love is an inspiration to many, and her story will continue to captivate and inspire people around the world.

A day at the beach can go horribly wrong if you are unaware of the rules of the ocean and how the sea works. Specifically, phenomena known as Rip Currents can be incredibly dangerous for those who are unaware. If you’re planning a day at the beach, it’s important to know how to spot rip currents and what to do if you get caught in one. What causes rip currents? Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of water that flow away from the shore. These currents have a powerful pull that can drag even the strongest swimmers far out into the ocean. They can be difficult to spot, but if you know what to look for, you can avoid them and stay safe in the water. (1) Rip currents are typically formed by a combination of factors, including waves, wind, and the shape of the shoreline. They are most common on beaches with a steep drop-off, where the waves break close to shore. When waves break, they push water towards the shore, creating a buildup of water that must flow back to the sea. This is where rip currents come in. Rip currents are formed when this water rushes back out to sea in a concentrated channel. (2) How to spot rip currents Rip currents can be difficult to spot, but there are a few things you can look for. First, look at the direction of the waves. Waves should be rolling in towards the beach and breaking (when a wave has a foamy, white cap) near the shore. A rip current is often a pocket along the shore where the water looks surprisingly calm. For non-ocean-savvy swimmers, you may think that this looks like the perfect, wave-free spot to enter the water. This may also look like a break in the pattern of the waves, where the water is not breaking as it should be. These are often signs that a rip current is present. Swim ACROSS, not against the rip current. For example, rather than trying to swim to shore while being pushed out, swim parallel to the beach and you will be able to get out. Then you can swim ashore. Please educate friends or family visiting the beaches this summer. Stay safe 🙏 pic.twitter.com/e9Yc0Avfla — richard cann 💙♿☮️ (@richard_cann1) June 5, 2023 Do not enter the sea here if you see currents forming this way. Staying away from these areas is important, as rip currents can be very dangerous. They can pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea, and can be difficult to swim against. It’s also very difficult for someone to come and rescue you out of one, as they, too, will end up caught in the current. What to do if you get caught in a rip current If you get caught in a rip current, staying calm is important. Don’t try to fight against the current, as this will only tire you out. Instead, swim parallel to the shore, following the current until you are out of it. You can swim back to shore once you are out of the current. It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to be a strong swimmer to get out of a rip current. If you can float on your back and paddle with your hands, it will help you get back to shore faster. You might be rather exhausted once you are free from the rip current. If this is the case, float on your back rather than trying to swim to shore and allow the waves to naturally push you towards the beach. Shutterstock Rip Currents vs. Rip Tides and Undertows It’s also important to remember that rip currents are not the same as rip tides or undertows. Rip tides are caused by the moon’s and sun’s gravitational pull and are unrelated to waves or wind. It is a powerful current caused by the tide pulling water through an inlet along a barrier beach. When the tide is falling, there is a strong flow of water through an inlet towards the ocean. These are highly dangerous and difficult to predict unless you understand tides and tidal flow. Undertows are caused by the movement of water back out to sea after a wave breaks, and are not as powerful as rip currents. Big breaking waves on the beach produce a large uprush and backwash of water and sand. This sand and water mixture, flowing back towards the ocean, gets pulled into the next breaking wave. If you are caught in an undertow, it will usually feel like you are being sucked underwater as the wave breaks over your head. Though you might get roughed around by the wave, the undertow doesn’t pull you out to sea and isn’t typically quite so dangerous for adults. However, this can be dangerous for children as they aren’t strong enough to walk back up the beach through the pulling water. The Bottom Line Rip currents can be dangerous, but if you know how to spot them and what to do if you get caught in one, you can stay safe in the water. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings and to never swim alone. If you are not a strong swimmer, avoid beaches with large waves and consider using a life jacket when in the water. Also, pay attention to signage that will tell you if it is a common rip current or rip tide spot and if that beach is known for a strong undertow. If there are red flags up at the beach, you are probably best not to go in the water. With a little bit of knowledge and preparation, you can enjoy a day at the beach without any worries.

Something Scary Happens When You Search For The Iconic ‘Ghost Car’ Video on Google Maps Remember the early 2000s, a time when viral videos were rare, and jump scares were unexpected? For many of us, one of the most terrifying online experiences came from the infamous ‘Ghost Car’ commercial. What seemed like a calm, serene car advertisement turned into one of the first viral jump-scares ever created. But did you know something spooky happens when you search for the iconic ‘Ghost Car’ location on Google Maps? Let’s dive into what happens when you look up the infamous coordinates.1 The Origins of the ‘Ghost Car’ Video Credit: Youtube In 2004, K-fee, a German energy drink company, released what is now considered one of the first viral jump-scare videos. Initially, the ad seemed like a typical car commercial, featuring a vehicle driving peacefully through the countryside. Soft music played in the background, and all seemed calm—until the car suddenly disappears behind some bushes, and a screaming zombie-like figure bursts onto the screen. The tagline of the commercial, “So wach warst du noch nie” or “You’ve never been so awake,” perfectly captured the shocking effect of the jump-scare. K-fee used this terrifying technique to promote their energy drinks as something that would jolt you into alertness. Jump-Scare Culture and Early Viral Content Credit: Unsplash This particular advert holds a special place in internet history. It spread rapidly across email chains and early video-sharing platforms before the rise of social media, becoming one of the first examples of “shock content.” People vividly recall their reactions to seeing it for the first time. One Reddit user described being “traumatized” after their teacher showed it to their class early in the morning.2 The ‘Ghost Car’ ad set the stage for the jump-scare trend, which would go on to become a staple of both horror cinema and prank videos. People loved to scare their friends by sending them the link under the guise of a harmless car commercial. The Google Maps Connection Credit: Google Maps Nearly 20 years later, the terror of the ‘Ghost Car’ video has found a new home—on Google Maps. If you enter the coordinates “36°46’9.27″N, 119°15’21.93″W,” something eerie happens. When you input these exact coordinates into Google Maps, an image of a car strikingly similar to the one from the video appears. The car is parked in a desolate area, and while there’s no zombie in sight, the haunting association with the infamous advert makes the whole experience feel unsettling. It’s as if the ghost of the commercial still lingers in the digital landscape. Why the ‘Ghost Car’ Still Haunts Us Credit: Youtube Why does this jump scare, created nearly two decades ago, continue to haunt us? For many, the unexpectedness of the zombie’s appearance in what seemed like a serene setting was what made the video so terrifying. As one viewer pointed out, “I remember first seeing this back in elementary school. Some friends of mine suggested I’d watch it. Now I no longer see them as friends”. This ad’s enduring impact can also be attributed to its role in shaping internet culture. Jump-scares have since become a common feature in both horror and prank videos, but few can replicate the raw shock value of the original ‘Ghost Car’ ad. Social Media Reacts Credit: X Even years later, people continue to discuss the ‘Ghost Car’ ad on social media, recalling their first terrifying experience with the video. One Twitter user commented, “That was a good jump-scare, I couldn’t feel my hands for a second”. Others pointed out the importance of reading the comments before watching potentially scary content. One user even said, “This video is proof that reading comments before watching certain videos is important”. The widespread fear and shock generated by the ‘Ghost Car’ video has cemented its place in internet folklore, where it continues to be referenced as one of the greatest jump-scares of all time. Check at Your Own Risk Credit: Youtube So, if you’re feeling brave, go ahead and search for the coordinates “36°46’9.27″N, 119°15’21.93″W” on Google Maps. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the eerie connection to the original ‘Ghost Car’ video might send a shiver down your spine. After all these years, this video—and its newfound digital location—continues to remind us that sometimes, even the most peaceful scenes can hide something truly terrifying.

There Will Be No Phones In The Future, Only ‘Neuralink’ Will Exist, Elon Musk Elon Musk believes that in the future, phones will become obsolete and be replaced by Neuralink, a technology that allows people to control devices with their minds. His company, Neuralink, recently completed its first human trial by implanting a brain chip in 29-year-old Noland Arbaugh, who is paralyzed. Since receiving the implant in January, Arbaugh has made remarkable progress and can now control devices just by thinking. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of Neuralink to revolutionize how we interact with technology. Musk shared on social media that he envisions a future where Neuralink users will dominate. The company is now looking for more participants to join upcoming trials to further test and develop this innovative technology

If You Have These Tiny, White Bumps on Your Face, Don’t Try to Remove Them! As the outermost part of our body, our skin is completely exposed to the elements, so it makes sense that people all over the world, of all ages, experience various skin conditions. From psoriasis to eczema, most of the skin issues that we have are rooted in inflammation, but not every bump and discoloration is considered a skin condition worthy of intervention. Take milia for example. If You See White Bumps on Your Skin, You May Have Milia You may have experienced milia as an infant, but are unaware of it. A milium cyst, or milia, is generally caused by entrapped keratin (the protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails). It is most common in infants, with up to half of all infants developing it[1]. This is because at this early stage in development the infant’s skin is still learning how to exfoliate. However, milia can occur in people of all ages when something clogs the ducts leading to the skin’s surface, like an injury or a burn[2]. Milia is often seen as tiny white bumps on the nose, chin, or cheeks, and can also be seen on other areas of the body. Though milia are seen in both infants and adults, the types of milia vary, and treatment is different for each and is very often not necessary. Milia is generally completely harmless and will go away on its own. That being said, it’s important to understand how to identify these little bumps to understand if you should intervene or not. The Different Types of Milia Milia types are classified based on the age at which the cyst forms or what’s causing the cyst to develop[1]. Neonatal Milia Neonatal milia develop within infants and clear up within a few weeks. Cysts are typically seen on the face, scalp, and upper torso[2]. According to the Seattle Children’s Hospital, milia occurs in around 40% of newborn babies[3]. Juvenile Milia Rare genetic disorders, such as Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), Pachyonychia congenita, Gardner’s syndrome, or Bazex-Dupré-Christol syndrome can lead to juvenile milia[2]. Milia en Plaque This type of milia is often associated with genetic or autoimmune skin disorders, such as discoid lupus or lichen planus, and it affects the eyelids, ears, cheek, or jaw. It is commonly seen in middle-aged females, but it can be seen at any age in either gender[1]. Primary Milia This type of milia is seen in older children and adults. Cysts can be found around the eyelids, forehead, or on the genitalia. It may disappear after a few weeks, or last for several months[1]. Traumatic Milia Milia can sometimes occur on the skin where another injury (such as a rash or a sunburn) have occurred. The cysts may become irritated, making them red along the edges and white in the center[1]. Diagnosis Due to the fact that milia are quite visible, a dermatologist will visually determine if you have milia based on the appearance of cysts. Skin lesion biopsies are only needed in rare cases[2]. If you see similar little white bumps on your skin you may want to check with a doctor to deduce if you indeed have milia, and to decide on a treatment plan (if you desire one). Milia Removal and Treatment Due to the fact that infant milia generally disappear on their own within a few weeks, there is no milia removal or treatment process. Milia in older children and adults disappears on its own as well, but some people may choose to treat it if there is some discomfort. Common practices include: Cryotherapy – Liquid nitrogen freezes the milia. It’s the most frequently used removal method. Deroofing – A sterile needle picks out the contents of the cyst. This method is common for treating milia. Topical retinoids – These vitamin A-containing creams help exfoliate your skin. Chemical peels – Chemical peels cause the first layer of skin to peel off, unearthing new skin. Laser ablation – A small laser focuses on the affected areas to remove the cysts. Diathermy – Extreme heat destroys the cysts. Destruction of curettage – The cysts are surgically scraped and cauterized.[2] Milia has even been treated using a paper clip, but it is recommended that the procedure be completed by a doctor and not attempted at home[5] The following video shows a dermatologist removing multiple milia using the deroofing method. How to Prevent a Milium Cyst Even though milia may not be harmful to us, it’s can still be aesthetically unpleasant. Because milia are the result of problems on the skin’s surface, changing your lifestyle, with a focus on healthy and clean skin, can make a huge difference in preventing these pesky little bumps. Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen Milia is often associated with damage to the skin, so protect your skin from the sun when you’re at the beach, at your kid’s baseball, or just enjoying some rays on your back porch. Don’t Use Heavy Products Coating your skin in heavy products can inhibit the removal of dead skin cells. That includes creams, ointment, makeup, and even lip balm. Using cleansers with microbeads can also increase your likelihood of developing milia[4]. Changing up your beauty routine to exclude heavy products, and instead include safe and light products will keep your skin clear and keep that milia away. Exfoliate Regularly It can often be difficult to exfoliate a baby’s skin because their pores have not yet developed fully, but that leaves no excuse for you! Keeping your pore clean will help to ensure that keratin does not become lodged in your skin, creating milia. At the end of the day, milia are harmless. Apart from its unpleasant appearance, it won’t hurt us and will go away in its own time. If you are concerned about your milia and wish to treat it, then speak with your doctor about an appropriate way to do that.  Otherwise, just let these little bumps do their thing, and they’ll soon be on their … Read more

Be Ready for Winter: Make Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup In 20 Minutes Folk medicine has used elderberries for hundreds of years. Indigenous people have used them to treat rheumatism and fevers, and ancient Egyptians use them for burns and to improve their skin. Today, scientific research has examined elderberries for their effects on the immune system, which may help fight colds, the flu, and similar conditions. Elderberries can come in the form of capsules, lozenges, and syrups, but you can also make your own DIY elderberry syrup in an instant pot when the flu season comes in. The Potential Health Benefits of Elderberry Elderberry, also known as elder, is a family of flowering shrub species native to Europe and North America. The berries are dark in color, often black, blue, or purple. They have a tart flavor when they are used in wines, pies, jams, and sauces. In addition to syrups and lozenges, they can be sold as supplements, teas, and gummies. Elderberries contain many nutrients and vitamins, including fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, folate, iron, and antioxidants. Research has found that they may help treat colds and the flu; however, the studies are small and not entirely conclusive. A review from 2010 found that these berries can have antioxidant and antiviral properties although the authors added that more research is needed to verify these effects. Another study found that 60 people who took 15 milliliters (ml) of elderberry syrup four times a day had their flu-like symptoms improve four days faster than those who took a placebo. Similarly, another study followed 32 people with similar symptoms who took lozenges with 175 milligrams (mg) of elderberry extract and reported an improvement in their symptoms. One study examined if elderberry extract could prevent people from having cold-like symptoms after air travel. People who took elderberry lozenges still experienced these symptoms but less severely and for less time than those who didn’t. [1] The Potential Risks Although these studies are promising, they tend to use a small sample size and therefore require further research to verify these health benefits. So while elderberry syrups and the like could help with flu symptoms, they are not a substitute for a flu shot. Also, there has been no published research evaluating its potential effects against COVID-19; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission had taken action against companies who had marketed elderberry products as anti-coronavirus treatments. [2] Because of this limited research, it’s not recommended for children or for those who are pregnant and nursing. There have been no reports about negative effects for these demographics but there hasn’t been enough clinical evidence to deem them safe over the long term. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before making DIY elderberry syrups or taking supplements if you are unsure if they are safe for you. [3] Although elderberries are rich in nutrients, they can also be harmful. Raw elderberries, along with the seeds, leaves, and tree bark, are toxic and could lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when consumed. There are 3 mg of cyanide in 100g of fresh berries, and 3–17 mg in 100g of the leaves. Fortunately, most species of berries are safe to eat after being cooked. Therefore, elderberry syrup, store-bought or DIY, is a safe way to reap these potential benefits, since the berries are removed during the straining process. The branches, leaves, and bark should not be included in cooking or juicing, or consumed in any way. [4] DIY Elderberry Syrup Recipe Ingredients: 4 slices ginger root 1/2 lemon 2 cinnamon sticks 6 cloves 1 cup dried elderberries 4 cups filtered or bottled water 1 cup raw honey Directions: Place the ginger, lemon, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and dried elderberries in the Instant Pot. Add the water. Cook on “manual” for 10 minutes on “high pressure”. Do a quick pressure release, remove the lid, and set to “saute”. Boil the syrup for 10 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by half. Pour the mixture through a strainer into a bowl. Mash the berries with a spatula until all the liquid is released. Discard the lemon remains and the berries. Keep in mind that dried elderberries are not safe to eat. When the syrup has cooled down to room temperature, mix in the raw honey. Keep the syrup in a tightly sealed container and store in the refrigerator for up to two months. Adults could take two teaspoons a day during the cold and flu season. This recipe was made by Diana Johnson from Eating Richly. Check out her recipe for more tips and a video tutorial. Are there other Supplements for the Cold and Flu Season? The best protective measures in the cold and flu season include washing your hands regularly, minimizing exposure to sick people, sleeping enough, drinking enough fluids, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress levels, and avoiding touching your face while out and about. But people can adhere to all of these methods and still get sick. Therefore, many turn to supplements to help support their immunity during these seasons. According to Examine.com. the following supplements may be helpful. Vitamin C is typically the go-to supplement for preventing and treating colds. Taking it regularly could shorten a cold’s duration and lessen its symptoms. (However, taking it only when sick may not have this effect.) Vitamin D can also help support immunity, especially for those who are deficient; a large systematic review found that these supplements could help prevent upper respiratory infections. Zinc is also an important nutrient for immunity. Taking zinc supplements or lozenges at the beginning of a cold may help reduce its duration. However, zinc supplementation should not exceed 100 mg a day for up to two weeks. Remember, zinc is present in many foods and multivitamins as well. Elderberry syrup and supplements have promising preliminary evidence, as does echinacea, probiotics, and Pelargonium sidoides. Of course, nothing can take the place of washing hands, getting enough sleep, etc. but supplements may help power through the upcoming cold and flu season. Since elderberry syrup can be pricey, … Read more