The picnic has come a long way and is ingrained in the American psyche. The mere mention of one and for many there are memories of family and friends that spring to mind, oh and obviously the food. There are many benefits of the humble picnic and some of the top ones are discussed below.
Being outdoors provides for very clear and specific health benefits. The most clear one being the vitamin D gained from sunshine. So, if the sun is out, so should you be (with the right skin protection of course). However, there are also great picnics that can be had all year round. As long as it’s not raining or wet, then there’s opportunity to get out and enjoy each other’s company, some snacks and a weather appropriate drink.

Better appetite all round
For kids find trays and holders that are biodegradable and then they can each have their own, disposable baguette trays and burger boxes. These are easy to arrange for large numbers (like for birthday parties and family gatherings) and there’s no washing up after. You can do all or most of the catering in advance or simply buy it in. Simply supply, rolls, spreads, cold meats and salad, everyone can make their own baguette, sandwich or hotdog on the day, as and when they want them. It’s also generally healthier eating, with fruit and salads forming a large part of the traditional picnic fare.

Great for family bonding
If the food is prearranged and simply a matter of serving it up, there’s going to be a fair amount of time for the family to do things together. A bit of family competition and outdoor activities are a great way to bond with your family. If you’re planning a picnic, then think of some of the games and activities you can do while on the picnic and see it as a way to spend real quality time together rather than just an outdoor meal.

Is a good way to embrace nature
Ensure that the picnic involves a walk and even if the picnic is in the back garden, do some exploring and make this interaction with nature a conscious effort. The benefits of engaging with nature and your surroundings and teaching your children to do the same is a good way to encourage a bond with nature from a young age, which goes a long way towards improving learning in all other spheres.

The Indoor Picnic
There has been a rise in the idea of a picnic, almost anywhere. First initiated as a romantic gesture, the indoor picnic has gained traction and is quite a common pastime. So even if you can’t get out because of the weather, then simply make some space inside, move some furniture and put the picnic blanket on the floor. A cozy picnic indoors in winter, with good snacks, games and shared with good people can be as good or better than the traditional picnic in the sunshine.
Be creative and use the picnic as a way to engage and interact with friends and family, and keep in mind the associated benefits as mentioned above, it’s a fun pastime that will do wonders for your mood and allow you to experiment with healthy snack and food options, but also indulge and have a bit of a treat. The picnic is an all-weather, any space, family entertainment option that is definitely good for you.

Approaching a big life age like the half-century can be both exciting and daunting.
It is easy to think about the big things that everyone wants to achieve, like having a family and
making it big at work, but as life goes on it becomes more and more difficult to make goals and
stick to them.

What's In A Dream?
If you think about it, you do not need to have the perfect dream life in mind: you just need to
make sure that you are doing the things that will help you get there.
Now is a good time to start getting goals and dreams out of your head and into your life.
So, let's put together a list of ALL the things that everyone should try and accomplish before
their half-century milestone!

Do A Degree
Let's face it, doing a degree is something you have always wanted to do.
Doing a degree gives you the chance to study a subject of your choice, which will greatly enrich
how you work and think. It also means that you will be able to have a steady income for years to
come. Do not forget that many universities offer excellent scholarships and grants worth thousands of pounds, and you can even take an online degree if it is easier to complete within your work and
life commitments, so make sure that you check your options out!

Learn a Foreign Language
It is inevitable that you will be travelling in your life.
If you do not already know a foreign language, now is the time to learn a second language if you
want to go abroad! Even just a few phrases will help you make connections with people when
travelling. If you already have a foreign language, consider learning another one to help you with your
business or career.

Create Something Artistic.
If you are not already involved in some form of art, now is a great time to try it!
You can start off by taking an evening class or workshop to become familiar with the basics.
This will also help you develop better communication and social skills, which is never a bad
thing! If that is not enough, you can even start working on your own creative project.

Take A Cruise
Have you ever thought of travelling to a new country? Why not take a cruise?
Cruises are an incredibly relaxing way of seeing the world and exploring new cultures! There is
no set schedule to worry about, and it is the perfect way to make lasting friends too.
It is also a great way to relax on your own time, which is something that many people struggle
with. Plus, cruises usually take place in tropical locations, so you will get a break from freezing
cold winters.

Discover a New City And Explore It!
It is always exciting when you discover a new city or country for the first time. When it comes to
embarking on this journey of discovery, nothing beats starting when you have the free time and
energy for it. When you travel around the world, you will meet lots of new people who have different
perspectives on life, and you will learn to appreciate your own culture is much more than just
something to take for granted.

Learn A New Skill
One of the most interesting things about getting older is seeing how much you really think about
yourself as an adult. As an adult, you know that it is a good idea to develop your skills in a field or subject. So, find something that you are interested in and get to work!
Maybe it is something that you have always wanted to learn. Maybe it is something that you can
use on your job or in your personal life. Whatever your interests, do not let yourself stagnate or grow bored with all the things around you: pursue them with zeal! Having a hobby and learning new skills will do wonders for how motivated you are, as well as making sure that other areas of your life continue to run smoothly.

Go Scuba Diving
Whilst there are many great places to see and explore in the world if you are anything like me
you will always want to go somewhere new. Something about scuba diving, and travelling in general, gets me in the mood for adventure, curiosity and excitement. You will experience some of the most amazing sights and get the chance to explore new
countries on your adventures too as well as getting closer to nature in an incredibly special
environment! Plus, you will make new friends and have new experiences; the best part is you
will not need to take any qualifications or work hard for it!​

It can be difficult trying to balance a demanding work schedule with a happy home life. This is
especially true in some careers more than others. STEM job roles vary extensively; some people
with STEM careers can find themselves spending most of their day in an office, whereas others jet
off to new countries regularly. With long hours and a lot on your plate, juggling a successful career
with your desired lifestyle isn't easy. Fortunately, there are ways to maintain a good balance
between the two. Here is a guide to different types of STEM careers and how you can be
successful at work and at home.

Different Types of STEM Careers
STEM careers involve many types of roles within the science, technology, engineering, and math
sectors. These sectors cover varying jobs, such as civil engineers and geophysicists. Professionals
work in many different settings, from classrooms and lecture halls to laboratories and clinics. Here
are a few of the best-ranking STEM roles, according to the U.S. News & World Report.

Physics
The U.S. News & World Report states that the best-ranking role is a physician assistant. Physician assistants earned a median salary of $115,390 per year with a 31 percent job outlook, which is much faster than average. They rank number one in STEM jobs; they also top the leaderboard for
the best healthcare jobs and come in at number one on the top 100 best jobs list too.

Computer Science
Roles within computer science include network engineer, systems engineer, and software
developer. Software developers earn around $110,140 per year, and they have a low
unemployment rate. To become a software developer, you need to earn a bachelor's degree in
computer science.

Engineering
There is a wide-ranging spectrum of careers within engineering, from geotechnical and
aeronautical to electrical and mechanical. Mechanical engineers come in at number 11 for the best
STEM jobs and number one for the best engineering jobs. You can anticipate earning an average
salary of $90-$160 per year, and you can become a mechanical engineer with a bachelors degree.

With an associates degree, you might be able to get an entry-level job. Mechanical engineers
score 8 out of 10 for both work-life balance and future growth.

Growing Your Career While Balancing Your Lifestyle
No matter what area you work in, it can be difficult to grow your STEM career without sacrificing
the lifestyle you enjoy. A great way to fast-track your career is to achieve further qualifications.
Those with an engineering background can benefit from achieving an online graduate diploma in
engineering management from the University of Ottawa. This graduate diploma will help you
develop management skills. The course covers topics such as the legal, ethical, technological, and
global context of management decision-making, the structure of engineering organizations and the
importance of accounting and finance, interpersonal skills, decision-making under conditions of
uncertainty. This course is ideal for STEM and engineering professionals, and it can be completed
in three terms.

Be Realistic
Maintaining a good work-life balance is achievable, but some careers are less compatible with
certain lifestyles. Therefore, it is important to set realistic goals at the beginning of your career that
matches your lifestyle type. For example, if you know you will want to spend most evenings and
weekends at home with your family, you should choose a career route to allow for this free time.
Although jobs that require frequent travel sound appealing, they may not make you happy in the
long run. Of course, throughout your career, your goals may change. Therefore, it is important to
regularly review your career aspirations as your lifestyle and desires change.

Communication is Key
A key component to a good work-life balance is communication. While striving to achieve a
successful career, it is important to have a good support system at home that you can rely on. To
build a supportive home network, you need to create an open dialogue with those closest to you.
For example, if you have a family you return to after a working day, you need to be able to speak to
them openly and honestly. In addition, make sure responsibilities are distributed proportionately
and always know where you both stand.

Whether things are going well at work, or you are having a hard time, try to maintain an open
communication channel. If you are having an intense time in the office, make sure your partner
knows about it. This gives your partner a chance to understand what you are going through, and it
will give them a heads up when things get tough. Furthermore, keeping them in the loop will give
them some context about your behavior. It will enable them to understand your actions and any
changes in mood you may display.

Honest Relationships at Work
Similarly, it is also important to maintain an honest relationship with management at work to
understand your home life dynamic. If there is a period of intense work, they will gauge your home
life and hopefully delegate a suitable amount of work to you. It will also give them realistic
expectations of what you are capable of taking on. Not everyone gets on with their colleagues, but
it can be a good idea to be open with the people you work with directly. Developing good work
relationships can lead to excellent teamwork and increased productivity.

Commit to the Workload You Accept
Taking on extra work can score you brownie points with your manager and colleagues. However, it
is important that you only accept this work if you know you have the time to complete it to the best
of your ability. Don't say yes to work you cannot commit to. Learn to assess your current workload and make sure you don't bite off more than you can chew. Although your manager may be happy that you have volunteered to take on that new project, he won't be so happy if you start missing deadlines or begin handing in inadequate work.

Your mouth, jaw, and teeth are important parts of your body, and it is vital to keep them in good condition. Your smile can be one of the first things that other notice about you, and it can help make you feel more confident and positive. Looking after this area of your face is as important as any of the other parts. From brushing and flossing to keep your pearly whites pearly white, here are just three tips to help you look after your smile.


    1. Visit your dentist You should regularly visit your dentist in order to keep on top of your oral hygiene. They can spot any new problems, as well as helping you to manage existing ones. There are many services that a dentist can offer that you cannot access elsewhere, and therefore frequent check-ups are vital. If you have any queries, concerns, or questions, the best person to consult is your dentist, such as those at bafdentistry.com, as they are the experts with plenty of experience. Common tooth problems include cavities, gum disease, or teeth grinding, and your dentist will be able to diagnose these, advise you on treatments, and make recommendations for products to use, as well as many other useful services.

    2. Use a lip balm  Chapped and dry lips can be very uncomfortable and can just get worse and worse if you don’t treat them. Many factors can damage your lips, such as the weather and your environment. When the air is very dry, the lips can also become dry, and you may find yourself licking them more in order to moisturize them. This can actually make the problem worse. Dehydration and various medical conditions can also contribute to dry lips. Using a lip balm can help to keep your lips moisturized and protected, replenishing them and giving you some relief. You can even use lip balm with SPF to help protect delicate skin from UV rays. They also come in many different flavors and colors, so you can find your perfect match.

    3. Help reduce stains Certain habits, and different types of food and drink, can cause your teeth to become discolored. While this is not completely avoidable, there are some ways that you can reduce the impact on your teeth. Smoking is one common cause of teeth staining, as tobacco can leave deposits on the teeth. Smoking can also cause other tooth and oral problems, including bad breath and gum disease. Strongly colored food and drink, such as red wine, tea and coffee, and some vibrant berries, can contribute to tooth discoloration. A general rule is that if it can stain a tablecloth, it can stain your teeth, so enjoying these items in moderation, or taking extra precautions such as drinking through a straw, can help reduce their impact. A certain amount of staining and discoloration is normal, and your dentist or hygienist can help remove them for you when you go for a check-up.

The bond between a child and their parents is special and you should nurture a loving relationship where you can. That said, life can test even the strongest family relationships and it is natural to have disagreements and fallouts on occasion. You may find it difficult to maintain a close relationship with your parents as you get older, especially if you live further away or have work and other demands on your time. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to rebuild your relationship and grow closer to your parents. Here are some suggestions to help you develop a stronger relationship with your parents.

Spend quality time together
Finding the time to visit your parents can be a challenge when you are trying to balance a busy work schedule with a social life, family commitments, and other demands. However, you should make spending time with your parents a priority and make an effort to see them as much as you can. Do not always wait for your parents to get in touch first and organize catchups. Show that you enjoy spending time with them by reaching out and arranging a family meal or day out.
 
If you are lucky enough to live close to your parents, then try to see them regularly by inviting them round for dinner or doing activities together at the weekend. Spending quality time together will strengthen your relationship and help you maintain a close bond with your parents. If you live in a different city or state and cannot meet up as often, then make an effort to stay connected via communication apps. You can use apps like Whatsapp, Facebook, and Skype to message each other and videocall. This will help you remain an active part of each other’s lives and maintain a close bond with your parents even if you are separated by distance. Take a look at this article for some of the best apps to help families stay connected.

Find common interests and hobbies
Finding common interests and hobbies will make it easier to spend quality time with your parents. Sharing new experiences is also an excellent way to strengthen family bonds and grow closer. You could try cooking new recipes together, get involved in a local community project or start a family crafts project. If your parents are older, then doing activities together can help keep them fit and encourage them to lead a more active lifestyle. According to Abbott, “some of the best activities to do with aging parents include walking, dancing, and bowling.” Find something that you and your parents enjoy and start doing activities together in your free time to build a strong relationship.

Appreciate what your parents have done
Your parents are likely to have done a lot for you over the years. Think about all of the times that they gave you lifts, paid for things, and supported your dreams and aspirations. You should remember all of the caring things that your parents have done over the years and appreciate their love and support. Never take your parents for granted and show them that you appreciate everything that they have done for you. You can do this by buying them a gift, writing them a thank you card, or simply doing something nice for them like cooking them a lovely meal.

Support your parents as they get older
As your parents get older, there is likely to be a shift in your relationship. Your aging parents will become more reliant on you and they may start to need help with their daily activities. Supporting your parents as they get older can be challenging and they may find it difficult to accept your help, especially if they like to be independent. Make sure that you approach the topic of senior care sensitively and discuss how you can help.
 
Taking care of your parents as they get older will strengthen your bond and show your love and support. There are dozens of ways to help aging parents. If you live nearby, then you could offer to visit once or twice a week to help with household chores or drop off homemade meals. You could also discuss the benefits of moving to a senior living community. Frontier Management explains how senior living options should be considered when daily activities become strenuous, home care is not an option, or a senior wants more social interaction. Moving your parents to a senior living community will ensure that they receive the care and support that they need as they get older. You also have the option to move your parents to a location closer to you so that you can visit more often and spend quality time together.

Travel with your parents
Traveling with your parents might not be top of your vacation list, especially if you have different interests. However, going on vacation together can be a fantastic way to share new experiences and build a stronger relationship. According to the travel blog, Intrepid Travel, traveling with your parents is a special experience that can bring your closer. If you are planning on booking a vacation with your parents, then make sure that you pick a suitable destination with activities that everyone will enjoy. Avoid travel stress by booking things like accommodation and transfers in advance but leave your itinerary free to allow for spontaneity. If you are not confident about booking a two-week trip somewhere with your parents straight away, then try going on a short weekend break first.
​
Conclusion
Issues between children and parents are common and it is normal to have rough patches in your relationship. If you are searching for ways to strengthen your relationship with your parents, then you are not alone. Many people would like to enjoy a closer bond with their parents. The good news is, there are lots of different ways to improve your relationship and build a closer bond. Spend quality time with your parents and make family a priority in your schedule. Remember that it is never too late to rebuild your relationship with your parents and show them that you care.

While wisdom certainly comes with age, so does the deterioration of our physical and cognitive abilities. This aging process can therefore leave many elderly individuals vulnerable to falls, accidents and injuries, even in their own home. To ensure that you or your loved ones are safe as you enter your twilight years, below are 10 ways to senior-proof the home and make it a safer place to live.

Falls Among Seniors
One of the major concerns for seniors are slips and falls in the home. Even if you or your loved ones are healthy, falls can be common as eyesight, coordination, and physical strength begin to degrade. Falls also pose a danger to an elderly person’s health as they can lead to hip or pelvic fractures. Even more worrying is the potential for fatal falls, such as if a person hits their head.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one out of four American seniors fall each year, resulting in more than 32,000 deaths and over 700,000 hospitalizations annually. Some other facts include:

• Falls cause the most factures in seniors.
• Senior women are twice as likely to suffer from facture-related falls.
• Senior men are more likely to die from a fall than senior women.
• Falls can amount to roughly $30 billion in direct medical costs each year.

If your loved one is one of these seniors who has had frequent falls, then it may be time to consider assisted living options like the ones offered at Belmont Village. In the meantime, though, there are ways to senior-proof a home to make it safer and prevent falls and accidents from occurring.

1. Remove Trip Hazard Objects or Furnishings
While they may not be noticeable on an everyday basis, small objects or furnishings such as everyday clutter, pet bowls, bags, electrical cords and small décor can be prime instigators of falls. Before you set about senior-proofing the home, make sure these smaller items are removed permanently or put into locations that are out of harm’s way.

2. Upgrade Your Bathroom(s)
Bathrooms are one of the main areas for falls, even for those who are young. To ensure that the home is senior proof, you will need to upgrade the bathroom to accommodate areas that may be high risk. This includes adding a shower seat, installing grab bars, ensuring there are non-slip bathmats and shower mats, installing a raised toilet seat, and checking that the height of the bath is low enough for the elderly person who is using it.

3. Install Railings
Stairs can become difficult to climb as a person gets older. Therefore, if the home has a lot of stairs, it is important to ensure there are adequate railings installed. This includes even slightly raised areas that might only have 1 or 2 stairs. When installing your railing, make sure they are also at the right height so that the person using them is not having to reach too high or low.

4. Add Grab Bars
Grab bars are essential in areas of the home where seniors may need support or assistance standing up from seated positions. This includes the toilet, shower, bath, or even in the bedroom if they need something to hold onto while getting dressed or in and out of bed.

5. Create Clear Walking Areas
Seniors require extra room when making their way down hallways and through other areas of the house. Along with getting rid of clutter, ensure that the home is set up so that they have clear walkways to primary areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom. This might require moving furniture around or removing furnishings to ensure that there is as much room as possible.

6. Cover Sharp Edges or Corners
Another danger associated with falling in the home are sharp edges or corners. Places like coffee tables, desks, or even corners on kitchen islands can be a hazard, so it is sensible to cover these with specially designed padding. Covering edges or corners are especially important if the elderly individual is already prone to falls and has restricted mobility.

7. Ensure the Home is Fire Safe
As we get older, it can be easy to forget to check that the house is fire safe. Be sure to update old fire alarms or replace batteries and ensure that there is a fire extinguisher on hand where needed. It is also important to check that there are no fire hazards in the house such as frayed wiring, overloaded sockets, crowded fireplaces, or even an accumulation of dust near electrical appliances.

8. Update Slippery Floors or Rugs
Ensuring that the floors are slip-proof is another important way to prevent falls. This includes getting rid of rugs that can slide under foot and replacing tiles or vinyl with carpet or slip-proof flooring. This may also require adding rubber mats to areas where you cannot replace the materials, such as in shower areas or bathrooms.

9. Add Smart Technology
Advances in smart technology allow the homeowner to manage things like lighting, temperature control, and turning appliances off and on without getting up. Many systems such as Alexa can turn on virtually any appliance in the house and regulate the heat and air conditioning. This is great news for seniors: rather than having to get up and turn the coffee machine on, for example, smart technology will allow them to use voice commands or an app on their phone. While incorporating smart technology can be a challenge at first, there are ways to do this gradually.

10. Ensure the House is Well Lit
Slips and falls can sometimes occur if a room is not well lit. Dark areas or poor lighting can make it difficult to see, so make sure that all walking areas are well lit. This is where smart technology can also help as it will allow the resident to adjust the lighting without physically walking to the light switch. If you are using basic bulbs in lamps and overhead lights, make sure you are also using the highest wattage possible. You may even want to invest in floor lighting or night lights.
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Final Thoughts
Falls, slips, or accidents are never 100% avoidable, but the tips above can significantly reduce their occurrence. The key is to be accident-minded when evaluating any changes that need to be made in the home. By ensuring that falls are minimized, and that the home of your elderly loved one is relatively safe, it will give you more peace of mind.