Ayah Danica V. Granada – FamilyToday https://www.familytoday.com Here today, better tomorrow. Wed, 26 Apr 2017 06:31:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.3 https://wp-media.familytoday.com/2020/03/favicon.ico Ayah Danica V. Granada – FamilyToday https://www.familytoday.com 32 32 7 things best friends only do for each other https://www.familytoday.com/self-care/7-things-best-friends-only-do-for-each-other/ Wed, 26 Apr 2017 06:31:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/7-things-best-friends-only-do-for-each-other/ When you have a best friend, you've got someone to experience life's best moments and disasters with.

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There are things you can only do and say in the presence of your best friend and no one else. Sure, mom may know what's going on at school, but not what's going on among classmates. We can all talk to dad about cars and sports. Our siblings are there when we need someone to save us - or to playfully torture.

All these qualities can be found in your best friend

Some people believe having many friends is better; you get a friend for every situation. The only setback is that there's a kind of freedom that's limited when it comes to people who are simply JUST friends.

Why settle for ordinary friendships when you have a best friend for all seasons and situations?

When you have a best friend, you've got someone to experience life's best moments or disasters with, both literally and figuratively.

1. Listen to each other's rants, whatever the topic

Terrible, disgusting, random - no matter the topic, having a best friend means there will ALWAYS be someone to talk to. Topics will range from what you had for breakfast to the math homework you can't quite figure out (which ends in you two calculating the carbs both of you consumed instead).

You're not only ugly crying together at the sappiest or most heartbreaking movies, you have also laughed obnoxiously at things no one else would find far from funny.

Because sometimes, all we need is a person willing to listen to our ridiculous, deepest, darkest thoughts. There's barely any room for judging in a best friend-ship.

2. Spend time together doing nothing at all, or everything at once

"Actually, I think it's the opposite. We know each other so well there isn't anything left to say. Sometimes it's nice just sitting here with you all, thinking. It's only best friends who can be comfortable with silence, wouldn't you say?" "• Benjamin Wood

I can no longer count the number of times we've made plans to come over and spend the day in each other's room, but I do remember that a majority of those were spent doing nothing. On the other hand, there were also days where we squeezed in as many activities as we could in 24 hours, as if it were the last day we'd ever see each other.

A best friend is someone you'd feel comfortable glamming it all up with, or bumming it out in sweats and oversized t-shirts. If you can't be yourself in each other's presence, why are you even best friends?

3. Solve awkward situations together

"That was our friendship: equal parts irritation and cooperation." - Ransom Riggs

Had a period accident? You can definitely count on each other for an extra pad. However, if the situation goes out of control, you know she'll be willing to buy you a new pair of undies and pants if she has to. Clothing mishaps are instantly solved by a rummage through each other's closets.

4. Support each other's plans

Whether it be stalking someone on each other's behalf as a way of being stealthy, or by lying to cover up for each other, you've got yourself a special agent.

No matter what you're doing, it's the golden rule of friendship to drop everything for your best friend when she needs you. Just like boys rush to their fellas, girls too will come running to their best friend in times of crisis.

5. Pray for each other

It doesn't matter what religion you belong in. You'll still pray to Buddha about your best friend's hopes and dreams. Praying together is also an option. It's a beautiful feeling, being able to openly talk about and to God with each other. I guess this is what they mean when someone is your "soul sister."

A best friend is someone who brings out the best in you. And if ever our "best" runs out, they'll be right there to encourage us emotionally, spiritually and physically. There's nothing a long, tight hug from our bestie can't fix.

We may not have the same religion or beliefs, but we support each other no matter what.

6. Tells you the truth no matter how harsh it is

"That was what a best friend did: hold up a mirror and show you your heart." - Kristin Hannah

They have a way of making the most unpleasant things nice. You tell each other the truth, no matter how ridiculous and harsh they may be. Admit it; they're the only ones you can compliment and insult at the same time. Criticism is second nature and is rarely ever considered as offense. None of us would mind if our best friend told us we gained a little weight. Heck, they'll even join you in workouts and help you shed those unwanted pounds fast.

Some scolding and (loving) judgment is healthy every once in awhile. How else do you expect your BFF to keep you in check?

7. Like and hate the same things

You watch the same shows, like almost the same kind of music, artists and stars. Even if your interests don't match up yet, eventually they will. Habits and preferences tend to rub off on each other easily. This includes people, too. You both live by the "your enemy is my enemy" motto.

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8 common pains you think are nothing but may actually be killing you slowly https://www.familytoday.com/self-care/8-common-pains-you-think-are-nothing-but-may-actually-be-killing-you-slowly/ Mon, 13 Mar 2017 06:30:04 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/8-common-pains-you-think-are-nothing-but-may-actually-be-killing-you-slowly/ We know our body better than anyone but consult with a doctor about these pains, just in case.

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Most of the time, we experience body pains that don't mean a thing. They are usually eased with rest, ice or ibuprofen. But what happens when the pain doesn't go away? It might be time to schedule a doctor's appointment because some of these seemingly harmless pains can be deadly.

1. Pain from the neck up

You probably just slept in an awkward position and woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Shake it off, stretch it out and work on improving your posture.

But neck stiffness, paired with other symptoms like violent vomiting, seizures, sensitivity to bright lights and headaches that last longer than a migraine, might be signs of meningitis (inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord). Bacterial meningitis can cause brain damage and even death.

2. Aching chest

If you're far from feeling brokenhearted, aches in your chest can be a sign of heartburn and acid reflux - both of which are easily treatable. On the other hand, chest aches could hint at a more serious diagnosis.

Other areas of the chest include the lungs, the heart and the breast so don't ignore pain in these areas. Pneumonia thrives most in cold winter months, so don't pass off long-term coughing, sneezing and hacking as "just a cold" or the flu. A lasting cough and chest pain can also be signs of tuberculosis or lung cancer.

Chest pain could be also be a symptom of breast cancer. Once you start to experience pain and swelling, skin irritation and dimpling, nipple pain and retraction, it is important for you to schedule a mammogram.

3. Back and tailbone pain

Lack of exercise, bad posture, sitting for too long and lifting heavy objects improperly can cause frequent back and tailbone pain. If you don't address these problems, it will probably develop into chronic back ache. While the ache itself won't kill you, studies have discovered a connection between chronic pain, depression and suicide.

In rare cases, back pain may be a symptom of cancer.

4. Ear aches

Pain caused by swimmer's ear is normal especially if you just came from the pool or the beach, but that pain could mean something else.

One worst case scenario is acoustic neuroma, a tumor that only grows on a nerve in the brain. This tumor causes problems with hearing and balance. Talk with your doctor to decide if surgery is necessary.

5. Toothaches

Sometimes your pearly whites look and feel healthy from the outside, but deep down in your gums, something is horribly wrong.

When food gets stuck between teeth and gums, bacteria can enter through a crack or a cavity. It can then lead to inflammation and possibly spread to the head and neck. In rare and deadly cases, the infection spreads to the bloodstream - Who knew a simple toothache could be so fatal?

6. Sharp pains in stomach

Stomach pains caused by diarrhea, menopausal cramps and bloating can usually be alleviated by over-counter remedies. However, pain in the lower right area of the stomach indicates appendicitis that can be deadly if not treated immediately.

For women, bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain and difficulty eating are warnings signs of ovarian cancer.

7. Pain in your private parts

Women, especially those who've already passed the menopausal stage, should no longer be experiencing any vaginal bleeding. This could be a sign ofcervicalor fallopian tube cancer. A visit to the gynecologist is vital if you have this symptom.

Prostate cancer has similar initial symptoms as a UTI, so it's easy to confuse the two, but that could be a deadly mistake. Both UTI's and potential prostate cancer symptoms should be discussed with a doctor.

8. Eyes

Problems with your vision or pain in your eyes could be a sign ofeye cancer - which could easily spread to other places in your body via your bloodstream. Schedule routine eye exams every other year to help catch this disease early.

Trust yourself to know if the pains you are feeling are no longer normal. Stay vigilant and always put your health first - everything else can wait.

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Should you keep your dog in the garage? https://www.familytoday.com/family/should-you-keep-your-dog-in-the-garage/ Fri, 18 Nov 2016 12:46:31 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/should-you-keep-your-dog-in-the-garage/ We all love our dogs, but we'd also much rather keep our beds and upholstery fur-free. Will they be alright…

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Whether you're adopting a dog for companionship or to have an extra pair of eyes in your home, make sure you're doing it for the right (humane) reasons. There's no use in calling a dog man's best friend if they're being mistreated.

But if the idea of keeping a dog indoors 24/7 feels like a full-time job, you can opt to house them in the garage. After all, a garage is still a room, right? Should we feel guilty about leaving them in there? To clear things up, it is not inhumane or illegal to keep them in garages under certain conditions. Animal control will only interfere if your dog is being mistreated.

That being said, dogs are social animals and need your attention and care. Consider these things before putting your dog in the garage:

Weather

A dog's fur can only handle so much. The climate inside your garage has to be controlled so they don't die from the cold (or get hypothermia!) or suffer from heat stroke. Install a heater for the cold winter months and use proper ventilation during the summer. Keep an eye on both of these systems; heaters can catch fire and ventilation systems can jam up if you aren't careful.

Shelter them from the wind, snow, rain and heat of the sun just like you would a family member.

Comfort

Keep in mind that younger puppies need more interaction and cuddles from their owners, so the garage is not the best place for them until they grow up a little. Once in the garage, provide your dog with comfortable bedding and a specific corner just for resting. Chewy toys are also a good investment so they don't get bored - or end up chewing your favorite pair of shoes. Keep your dog well-fed and always let them have access to water.

Duration

Don't imprison them inside your garage. What use is having a dog if you don't even pay them any attention? Allow them to go in and out as they please.

Even though this shelter does protect them from some of the dangers of the outside world, dogs still need their daily dose of Vitamin D and fresh air. Don't keep your dog locked up all day inside a garage.

Interaction and attention

Dogs are affectionate creatures; theylove spending time with you. They need regular exercise, at least once a day. Greet them before you leave and when you get home, so they feel appreciated and cared for. They will be happy to see you no matter the time of day.

Safety

Make sure you've cleared as much space off your garage floors as possible so your pooch can roam around without causing damage to your things or themselves. Double check your garage doors for holes, gaps and loose bolts.

Tools and liquids must be stored up high and out of sight so your dog doesn't swallow or choke on materials lying around. Road salt and anti-freeze solutions (commonly used in the winter) can accidentally be consumed by your pets and result in diarrhea or even death.

Believe it or not, dogs are also vulnerable to theft. "Dog-napping" is common in some neighborhoods, especially if they're of a rare, expensive breed. Keep a close eye on your dog, especially if your dog isn't living in the house with you.

As man's loyal companion, they deserve your love and care. Dogs and humans have loved each other for years; don't break that bond. Consider keeping your pet indoors in the evening for bed, or during the day to spend time with you. Proper training can help your dog behave well inside your home. But regardless of how much time your pooch is spending in the garage, ensure it is a safe and comfortable space for them.

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Before you buy your toddler shoes, read these 5 tips https://www.familytoday.com/family/before-you-buy-your-toddler-shoes-read-these-5-tips/ Fri, 05 Aug 2016 14:19:54 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/before-you-buy-your-toddler-shoes-read-these-5-tips/ There's more to buying a pair of shoes for kids than just picking the cutest and most popular brands and…

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Four year olds care less about the brand of shoe they wear and matching articles of clothing. They don't worry about looking the coolest - yet. So why do parents worry so much? Doesn't it bother you that you'll constantly have to buy shoes in different sizes until they're 16? Don't forget about your impulsive shoe purchases in between, too.

In a report done by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), US-based consumers bought the most shoes per capita in 2013, with each individual (children included) acquiring 7 ½ pairs of shoes. Multiply that by 10 years, and you would have owned 75 pairs average, separately.

1. You (kinda) save more if they have siblings

Although it is unhygienic to share shoes, pairs that aren't completely worn out, or are still as good as new, can be handed down, especially those that were worn less than 5-8 times due to a sudden growth spurt. But keep in mind that if you encourage the use of a hand me down pair, you are forcing your child's foot into a shoe that has already molded to the shape of someone else's foot. This will cause them to get blisters.

2. Take note of their growth pattern

Keep track of the proportions of their feet- how long, how wide, how deep their arches go. Observe how long a pair usually lasts. Don't buy shoes a half size or full size bigger than their actual size. This is not the time to be frugal.

According to foot and ankle specialist Steven G. Tillett, DPM, "The rule of thumb here is that you should be able to slip your pinky finger in the heel, but only up to the first knuckle. Anything more than that and the shoe is too big- anything less and it's too tight."

3. Choose generic shoes

Are you sure you want to cash out on the latest pair of Nikes for your four-year old? Toddlers could care less about brands, unless they're Disney or cartoon characters. Chances are they'll grow out of them in less than half a year.

Also keep an eye out for sales and clearances. Comfort will always be more important than the brand, but if the shoe fits and functions well, why think twice about buying those perfectly cushioned Skechers on half-off?

Save money by categorizing them according to "dirty" and "clean" shoes. By alternating them, they last longer.

4. Consider comfort

Although it is rare for children to have heel or back pain, therapeutic shoes are also available for kids. Unfortunately, some stores are limited to minor kid sizes. Children with bigger sized feet who suffer from heel pain are better off selecting from adult-sized orthopedic shoes.

Young kids don't necessarily complain about their shoes feeling tight, or they just ignore it. Make sure you check their footwear every two weeks or every month- unless you plan on practicing the Chinese art of foot binding...

5. Sturdiness

Opt for shoes or sandals with straps to ensure that they are safe and won't slip off. This way, it'll also be easier to determine whether the sandals still fit after a few months. Is their heel hanging off the back part of their sandal? The shoe obviously needs to be replaced.

When it comes to making sure the soles are dependable, choose non-skid soles that have grips. For active kids, get stiffer soles, younger ones need more flexible and softer soles because the bones in their feet are still developing. The main concern for parents when it comes to infants is keeping their feet warm.

Select pairs that are easy to put on. For those who haven't learned how to tie their shoelaces yet, you can opt for Velcro-strapped sneakers. There's also the alternative of shoes with stretchy materials and durable slip-ons.

For slightly older toddlers, there are hook and loop fasteners. Once they get the hang of getting dressed on their own, you can slowly ease them into learning how to tie shoelaces.

As much as possible, avoid buying kids shoes online. Take them shopping with you. Bring a pair of socks just in case to see how it'd fit with the shoes on -and for sanitation purposes. You never know what kind of germs the person who tried them before you carried. Pass up settling for the display pair; when you've made a final decision always ask for a new pair instead.

Schedule your shopping date in the afternoon, since it's when our feet are at its biggest due to swelling.

Lastly, avoid decorative and light-up shoes as the small parts may be choking hazards. Plus, did you hear about the light-up shoe that ignited a car?

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