When you look in the mirror, are you dismayed by the sight of the dreaded double chin?

You're not alone. Many of us are plagued by this phenomenon as we age. There are hereditary factors at play (thanks Mom and Dad) but environmental and lifestyle factors play a role, too.

Surgery is always an option, but what if you don't want to go under the knife? Should you give up?

Not at all - there are some simple (and natural) tricks you can use to banish that double chin forever. Here they are:

1. Lose weight

This first tip isn't a quick fix, but since excess weight is one of the key causes of a double chin, it's important to talk about.

The tissue around the neck and chin is fatty tissue. When you gain weight, your body stores fat - and some of it may get stored under your chin.

Sticking to a healthy diet and getting some exercise can go a long way toward eliminating a double chin. Try to avoid processed food, cut back on salt and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Find time to exercise more and focus on improving your overall health. Over time, these simple changes can help you drop extra pounds and get that double chin under control.

2. Exercise your face

The human body has hundreds of muscles, even in a space as small as under your chin. Toning them can help you firm up the flesh there and banish your double chin.

One exercise that's particularly helpful is jaw jutting. Here's how to do it:

1. Tilt your head all the way back until you're looking at the ceiling (or the sky if you're outside)

2. Gently push your lower jaw forward until you feel a stretch under your chin

3. Hold this position and count to 10

4. Release your lower jaw

5. Return your head to a neutral position

Repeat this exercise 10 times once or twice a day. It will tone your muscles and support the flesh under your chin. Here, Healthline suggests additional exercises for you to try.

3. Firm up your skin

As you age, your skin tends to sag and droop, creating a double chin. Here's a very quick and cheap home remedy that can tighten your skin.

Crack two eggs and separate the whites from the yolk. Whip the whites slightly until it's frothy and the albumen is broken up. (This will make it possible for you to spread the egg white on your face easily.)

Next, add one teaspoon each of milk, honey and lemon juice. Then, add three drops of peppermint oil and stir to combine.

Take the frothy mixture and, using clean hands, gently apply it to your neck and chin. You may want to lie down (or drape a towel over your shoulders) to prevent the mask from dripping onto your clothes.

Leave the mask for 30 minutes or until it dries. Rinse your face using warm water and pat it dry. You can do this mask once a day to firm up the skin under your chin.

4. Mind your posture

Bad posture is one of the leading causes of double chins - which may make you think twice about hunching over your computer or smartphone for hours a day.

There are lots of ways to correct your posture. Lifting weights can help tone the muscles in your shoulders and core, making it easier to hold your body straight. According to WebMD, practicing yoga and pilates can improve your posture and body alignment.

5. Moisturize daily

One of the most frustrating things about aging is the way it dries out your skin. Perhaps your skin was smooth and supple in your youth, but now you find that the moisturizers you used to use aren't getting the job done.

What does this have to do with double chins? Well, dry skin doesn't have the same elasticity as normal skin. It droops and sags more easily.

The solution is to use the right moisturizers on your face, particularly on the skin underneath your chin. A good time to do this is before you go to bed, so the moisturizer can do its work overnight. Here are three suggestions:

1. Massage wheat germ oil into the skin under your chin.

2. Heat up two teaspoons of cocoa butter in the microwave (until just melted), then massage it into your neck and chin.

3. Break open two capsules of Vitamin E oil and massage it into your chin and neck.

In all cases, leave the moisturizer on overnight. By morning, it should have mostly absorbed, but you can wash off any excess in the shower.

These five things can help you get rid of your double chin, so you can look and feel great.

The post All the secrets you need to eliminate your double chin once and for all appeared first on FamilyToday.

This is probably one of the age-old questions that until the advent of modern dentistry could only be answered by our great-grandmother's old wives' tales. Today we are better able to determine the answer to that question with greater detail on the why and why not's.

So, is thumb-sucking good or bad? The quickest answer to the question? Yes.

Wait, what?

Starting with infants

According to the American Dental Association, thumb and finger-sucking is a very natural habit for infants. The behavior often starts in the womb, as prospective parents sometimes find in their sonograms.

Thumb-sucking is an instinctive reflex that gives your baby comfort and helps them feel secure. This behavior develops into a coping mechanism to aid them as they learn to deal with anxiety and separation, which can be a great tool when you are trying to get them to go to sleep.

Use of this coping mechanism will continue as they grow into toddlers and find themselves exposed to new environments, activities and people on a daily basis.

So, for infants and toddlers, the answer is "Yes, it is good for them."

Preschool age

We all know that as a child gets older, parens should discourage them from relying on a thumb or pacifier. And while some parents are fortunate enough to have a child that loses interest by age two, others will find themselves battling over the subject all the way into Kindergarten when peer pressure usually solves the issue.

So, how old is too old? The American Dental Association determined that by age four or five, it's best to find a way to stop your child from sucking their thumbs or using a pacifier.

Once the permanent teeth erupt, thumb-sucking has been known to produce issues in the ideal growth of the mouth as well as the proper alignment of the teeth. The habit has also shown to cause changes to the roof of the mouth and its shape.

Watch your child's habits closely. If he or she is merely resting their thumbs passively in their mouths, this will have less of an effect as those who suck actively or vigorously.

So, for older preschool ages and above, the answer is "Yes, it is bad for them."

How can I make them stop?

Just like any other habit, especially one developed as a coping mechanism, thumb-sucking can be challenging for a child to stop.

The Mayo Clinic advises parents on what to look out for and provides steps to assist your child in breaking the habit before it becomes a problem. You can start by talking to your child about the practice. There is a better possibility of success if your child understands why they need to stop, and is allowed to be involved in the method applied.

In other situations, ignoring the habit can be enough. Doing this is useful in cases where the child has established thumb-sucking as a way to get your attention.

Other options include:

Gentle reminders

Most of us have formed certain habits without realizing it. If your child sucks his or her thumb unconsciously, it's best not to be critical when addressing it. Just gently remind him or her to stop. You don't want an unconscious habit to convert into a trigger habit.

Identify their triggers

For many children, the habit developed as a comforting reaction to stress. If you can identify the issues that lead to the behavior and provide comfort in other ways, you will remove the need for thumb-sucking altogether.

Positive reinforcement

Offer praise or small incentives when they choose to stop. These could include such rewards as extra bedtime stories or a special outing. Keeping track of their progress with stickers on a calendar will show them how well they are doing and encourage them to continue.

If you have growing concerns about the effects of thumb-sucking on your child's teeth, talk to your dentist. In fact, for some children, hearing why it's important to quit the habit from their dentist is all it takes. It's also sometimes more effective than hearing it from mom and dad.

If thumb-sucking becomes a problem to the development of their teeth and mouth, your dentist can recommend a mouth guard or similar product that impedes with sucking.

What if nothing seems to work?

For some children, thumb-sucking will be as challenging to stop as smoking would be for an adult. If this happens, you may need to let nature take its course. Putting too much pressure on your child to stop will only increase the anxiety that the habit helps alleviate, and will end up delaying the desired result. Eventually, peer pressure leads most older children to stop.

Remember each child is unique and develops at their own pace. So don't worry if your child takes longer to wean off the pacifier; with your help and encouragement, they won't need it soon enough.

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Biting your nails might seem like a minor bad habit - we all know ragged nails don't look as nice as neatly trimmed or manicured ones. It's also rather common; research shows that half of all kids between the ages of 10 and 18 bite their nails - and many adults do, too.

The frequency of the habit might lead you to believe that it's no big deal. However, it might surprise you to know that there are some truly nasty (and dangerous) infections that can result from biting your nails.

Here are five common infections that are even riskier for nail-biting:

1. Staphylococcus aureus

You might have heard of staphylococcus bacteria before. Medical professionals often refer to it as a staph infection - and it's not a joke.

Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria frequently found in the nails of nail -biters, according to BetterHealth. Untreated, this bacteria can do all these things:

• Cause the growth of boils or abscesses on the skin

• Cause respiratory infections

• Cause symptoms like those of food poisoning (in fact, it's a common culprit in food poisoning, according to the CDC)

One of the most problematic facts about staphylococcus aureus is that there are antibiotic-resistant strains of it, including methicillin-resistant s. aureus (MRSA), which can be fatal.

2. Escherichia coli

More commonly known as E. coli, this nasty bacterium is one that's often implicated in outbreaks of illness across the United States. It's commonly found in the lower intestines and is present in feces, accordingto WebMD. Many of the E. coli contaminations come from not washing your hands.

Even if you wash your hands carefully after you use the bathroom, you can still end up with E. coli underneath your nails. If you then put your fingers in your mouth to finish off that hangnail, you run the risk of moving the bacteria into your body.

One strain of E. coli, known as enterohemorrhagic E. coli, can be life-threatening.

3. Herpetic whitlow

Herpetic whitlow is caused by the same herpes simplex virus (HSV) that causes cold sores (Approximately 40% of all adults have oral herpes and carry the herpes virus). If you stick your fingers in your mouth, you risk transmitting the virus to your fingers. Once it's there, it can cause:

• Swelling and redness of the fingers

• Lesions on the fingers and around the nail bed

• Fever

• Swollen lymph nodes

Herpes isn't life-threatening, but it's highly contagious. If you have herpes whitlow, then you run the risk of passing it to people easier than you could if it were confined to your mouth. And once you have herpes whitlow,it's likely to recur for the rest of your life - just as oral herpes and genital herpes do.

4. Candida Parapsilosis

Candida bacteria are more commonly known as yeast bacteria. These bacteria are often found on human hands and under fingernails, and can cause infections in almost every part of the body, according toMedical News Today.

Transferring candida parapsilosis from the hands to the mouth can lead to candida infections in the mouth, digestive tract, and stomach. In some cases, systemic infection may result, affecting the heart, brain, bones, eyes, and other parts of the body.

Systemic candidiasis can be fatal if not properly treated. Often, patients may need a prolonged course of antifungal medication to treat their condition. Surgical nail removal might also be necessary.

5. Salmonellosis

Salmonella bacteria is frequently implicated in cases of food poisoning. It's caused by salmonella enterica, a bacterium that grows in food. Infections with salmonella are more common during the summer months as salmonella needs a warm environment to grow, as outlined by WebMD.

People who handle food without washing their hands, or those who don't wash their hands when they clean up after a pet, are likely to have salmonella on their hands and under their nails. If you transfer salmonella bacteria to your mouth, you can expect symptoms to start within 12 to 72 hours after infection. The symptoms include:

• Diarrhea

• Fever

• Abdominal cramps

For most people, salmonellosis is not fatal. However, pregnant women and individuals with compromised immune systems may be at a risk of serious illness or death. Dehydration is also a significant risk with salmonellosis.

The best way to avoid transmitting germs from your hands to your mouth is to stop biting your nails. Washing your hands with soap and hot water for at least fifteen seconds after handling food, using the bathroom, or cleaning up after your pets also helps, but ultimately, you can lower your own risk by stopping this bad habit.

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If you've ever experienced white spots on your lips or inside your mouth, you can attest to the fact that they can be painful, uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing.

These little white dots can range in size as well as levels of pain. Small spots may just be unsightly, and you may feel no pain from them at all. Larger ones might feel more inflamed, raised above the skin and can cause a burning sensation when touched.

There are many reasons why we have these pesky white spots. Sometimes we can pinpoint the cause, but sometimes they appear out of nowhere.

Causes of white spots on your lips

Sometimes, the causes behind the little white spots is unknown. However, there could be some contributing factors.

These include:

• Poor personal hygiene

• Genetics

• Abnormal shifts in hormones

• Allergic reaction to products

• Trauma to the area

People might also experience other symptoms associated with the causes of white spots such as a sore throat, fever and swollen glands.

Most white spots are nothing to worry about. They can be annoying and embarrassing, but usually harmless.

However, these little spots could indicate a more serious health condition. It's always best to seek medical advice and guidance if you want to rule out any potentially serious causes.

Conditions associated with white spots

Depending on the type of white spots you experience, you can pinpoint what they mean. However, you should always see a medical professional for a definitive diagnosis.

These are some of the most common conditions associated with white spots on the lips:

Oral herpes

This is an infection in the mouth caused by a Herpes virus. They are commonly called "cold sores" and can feel like blisters inside your mouth or on your lips. They can be painful and last up to a week.

These bumps may also feel tender and sore to touch. They are contagious, so be mindful about things like sharing drinks. Doctors typically prescribe antiviral medication to help kill the virus.

Fordyce spots

These bumps are a little more yellowish in color and appear on the outer part of your lips or inside your mouth. These bumps will normally appear in clusters and can develop at birth.

Fordyce granules are typically painless but can cause itchiness. This condition is not contagious. Usually, these bumps go away on their own but can be treated with topical treatments prescribed by your doctor.

Bumps caused by trauma

It is possible that you have accidentally bitten your mouth or experienced some type of trauma to your lip area. This can cause lesions or bumps that may lead to small white bumps on your lips.

These types of bumps will most likely go away on their own. Just be careful when you chew food or gum as you can re-injure the same area.

Oral acne

As a result of oil and dirt build up, you may experience acne on your lips. These types of bumps can usually be identified because they resemble pimples and are filled with oil, just like normal acne.

You can reduce these bumps by keeping your mouth area clean. Also make sure that when you wash your face with anti-acne treatments, you also include your lips in the cleaning routine.

Oral cysts

Oral cysts can form from an infection in your mouth. Typically, you might see these in people who have just had some type of oral surgery or piercing. Their immune systems are more vulnerable to these bumps forming inside or outside the mouth.

If you want to seek treatment for this, a doctor can puncture the cyst with a sterile needle to drain out the excess liquids.

Treatment of white spots

Home remedies can sometimes be the answer to getting rid of some of the most common white spot conditions. Practicing good oral hygiene and a healthy diet are good ways to prevent these white bumps from returning. You can also rinse your mouth with warm water and salt to help sanitize your mouth and prevent the spread of infection.

Medications and topical treatments can also give temporary relief or cure the condition altogether. Going to regular and routine check-ups with your dentist can also help reduce causes and symptoms. Plus, they can catch any irregularities in your oral health such as oral cancer and other serious conditions.

Symptoms are usually treatable, and you can expect to see the bumps go away within a few days. However, if your symptoms worsen even with treatment, go see your doctor right away.

Small, white bumps are harmless to some, but can also be a strong indicator of a serious health condition for others. You know yourself best. So, if you feel something is amiss, go get it checked out.

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The key to healthy teeth has gone far beyond telling folks not to eat sugar. Although this approach was popular for decades, we now know much more about how to keep your teeth healthy.

To have a smile free of diseases, eating well is crucial. Oral health is partly based on the consistency and quality of the food, and how you eat them.

Certain types of food have a better chance at enabling your body to fight inflammation and bacteria. If your diet includes foods with nutrients and antioxidants found in vegetables, legumes, nuts and fruits, it can go a long way to protecting your gums and teeth (along with regular brushing and flossing, of course). Here's how you should be eating:

1. Drink (and eat) more calcium

Studies have consistently found that calcium plays an important role in keeping your bones and teeth healthy. It can also help to clean plaque and maintain fresh breath.

You can increase your calcium intake by consuming more dairy products that are high in calcium and vitamin D. You can also drink calcium-fortified juices to lower your risk of tooth decay and oral diseases.

If you're not a big fan of dairy products, you can add powdered milk to dishes or eat more raw vegetables and fruits.

2. Snack healthy

Whether you're at work or home, make it a habit to only have healthy snacks available. If you feel like heading to the vending machine, you can be sure that you're about to make the wrong choice...Unless that machine is loaded with healthy food, which I doubt.

Here are some healthy options to boost your energy during a busy day:

• Cheese

• Cranberries

• Raisins

• Raw almonds

• Yogurt

It's also a good idea to rinse your mouth after snacking. Making this a habit will help prevent enamel loss. Your teeth can be worn down by acid-producing bacteria for as long as 20 minutes after you swallow.

3. Beware of acidic foods

Apart from acid created by bacteria, certain food are acidic by themselves and are just as harmful to your teeth.

Here a list of acidic foods that you should only consume with a well-balanced meal:

• Citrus fruits

• Coffee

• Fermented food

• Meat

• Pickles

• Sodas and sports drinks

• Tomatoes

Some of these foods are beneficial to your overall health, but they can also damage your teeth, so make sure that you consume them with care and in moderation.

One sign that'll let you know that your teeth are being eroded by acid is tooth sensitivity. Make an effort to chew and swallow these types of acidic foods quickly and rinse your mouth after meals. This will neutralize the acids in your mouth and leave you with healthier teeth.

4. Drink lots of green tea

Research has found that green tea controls bacteria and lowers the risk of cavities as it reduces the acidity of your saliva. The tea's anti-inflammatory components can help control gum disease and tooth loss. It is also known to help fight cellular damage and fight against tumors.

Try to eat healthily but also limit the time that food comes into contact with your teeth. Keeping food in your mouth for a long time can damage your teeth. Also, drinking lots of water throughout the day can greatly better your chances of maintaining healthy teeth. But diet alone isn't enough to enhance your oral health; remember to brush and floss consistently for a beautiful and healthy smile.

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Dentists are around to take care of your teeth. Although you might take your teeth for granted, they're pretty important. You use them when you speak, smile and when you eat. It's safe to say these are all pretty pleasant activities.

But for some reason many people still dislike going to the dentist and even fear it. According to Harvard Health Publications, between 13% and 24% of people all over the world are afraid to go.

Some people feel anxiety because of a bad experience they had in the past or because they start to anticipate discomfort and fear that everything could go wrong. However, modern medicine has advanced incredibly. Even the most dreaded procedures (we're talking to you, root canals), have been tamed, so there's really no rational reason to fear going.To keep your gums and teeth healthy, follow these 8 tips to overcome the anxiety of going to the dentist.

To keep your gums and teeth healthy, follow these 8 tips to overcome the anxiety of going to the dentist.

1. Be honest with your dentist

The first step to building trust, reducing your anxiety and improving the overall experience is to simply be honest. Tell your dentist and the staff how you feel and your concerns. They aren't scary monsters - they're humans, and probably have fears of their own. They'll do the best they can to make you feel more comfortable.

2. Don't be afraid to ask questions

Often, fear stems from the unknown. You may start to try and fill in the foggy future by creating narratives about what mighthappen. Usually, your mind spirals into worst-case scenarios, even if they are actually very unlikely to happen in real life.

Instead of letting your mind wander into the dark cavities of the dental world, ask your dental assistant and dentist to walk you through what they'll do during the procedure before you even go in. Once you're there, ask them to explain what they're doing as they work, too.

You might even be surprised just how much you'll learn and how happy your dentist is to tell you what all their equipment is for. Pretty soon the procedure will seem routine, maybe even a bit repetitive, and less like your worst nightmare.

3. Go slow

Sometimes people get caught up in the people pleasing side of dentistry. Your mouth is open for most of the time, it's difficult to speak and someone else is standing over you instructing you how to adjust your face.

It certainly can feel awkward, and you might try to just get in and get out without making waves. However, it's actually okay to interrupt your dentist or dental assistant. Don't forget that you're the patient, and they want to make sure everything goes smoothly, too.

If you need to slow things down, ask a question, spit, take a break, or anything else, speak up. Sometimes people don't feel in control when they're in the dental chair, but it doesn't have to be that way.

4. Try deep breathing exercises

Being able to calm yourself and get back to an emotional middle-ground is essential for any type of stress. Practice slow, deep breathing exercises before you go to the dentist and when you get there to try and maintain your equilibrium. This will also help you stay grounded in the present.

You can also practice breathing exercises when you're with your dentist. Focusing on your breath will also draw your attention to something other than what's going on in your mouth.

5. Bring something soothing

Sometimes focusing on your breath can be a little difficult, so you might want to take along something else that you find soothing. Bring your own music to listen to while you're waiting or take along something to fidget with like silly putty or a hair band. You can play with it while you're getting your teeth cleaned to distract your mind.

6. Bring backup

Having a friend or family member with you - someone you can trust - is also beneficial. Just knowing someone is there to support you can bring some relief.

7. Ask your dentist for sedatives

If you really feel unable to handle your anxiety, ask your dentist to use sedatives. They may be able to use nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or local anesthetics. Actually, there are quite a few options to choose from.

Although not ideal, using these sedatives to cope with your fear is better than not ever going to the dentist at all.

8. Go to counseling

For some people, none of these tips are enough to get over their fear. If you've become so petrified of going to the dentist it prevents you from getting the treatment you need to stay healthy, you may have a phobia.

There's a difference between being afraid of something and phobias, which interfere with your daily life and go far beyond anxiety. If you really can't go to the dentist because of a phobia, it may be a good idea to seek counseling to try and master it.

Dentists don't want to inspire fear; they want to help. If you let them, they can work with you to make sure those pearly whites are healthy for years to come. So, what are you waiting for?

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It can be difficult to get kids excited about their dental health. That said, here are 6 tricks that work wonders:

1. Do it together

Brushing your teeth with your children makes it easy to ensure they're doing it; and it can also make the activity more fun for them.

Especially if you're a working parent, kids look forward to planned "together time," whether that means reading a book together or brushing your teeth.

Also, if they see your commitment to brushing is strong, it will encourage them to start feeling the same way.

2. Let them choose

There's a reason the grocery store offers 10 types of adult toothbrushes and 50 types of kids' ones.

Kids don't get to make a lot of their own decisions in life, so they might feel empowered if they're allowed to choose exactly what toothbrush and toothpaste they use.

If they feel like they're part of the process, they'll be less opposed to the mandatory task of brushing every day.

3. Make it a game

Kids are easily distracted, so it's important to find ways to get your kid actively involved in brushing, so they do it right and prevent cavities.

Come up with simple challenges or games to keep them brushing, such as using a special timer or singing a song while brushing.

Encourage them to make bubbles with the toothpaste or create fun analogies to their favorite things and activities to keep them brushing longer.

4. Set up a reward system

Some kids are motivated by rewards, no matter how small. You can set up any reward system you like to encourage consistent tooth cleaning. For example, if they remember to brush, they can have their favorite food for breakfast. Or create a star chart, and after a week of brushing, give them a weekend reward.

5. Use books and videos

Hearing an explanation of why brushing is important from you isn't going to be very entertaining for your kids.

But luckily, there are tons of books and resources out there that offer fun lessons on how and why to brush. You can probably even find a video on YouTube of other children having fun while brushing, which shows your child they can have fun, too.

6. Invest in electric

Electric toothbrushes can be expensive, causing many parents to pass on buying one for a tiny mouth that's just going to grow out of it.

But if you're having trouble getting your children excited about brushing, then getting them an electric toothbrush is a surefire way to help.

Electric toothbrushes usually tickle and make funny noises, which makes brushing your teeth a lot like playing with a toy.

Most kids won't become consistent brushers just because you tell them to. Encourage them to brush by looking for ways to make it a more fun experience for them.

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Older generations like to poke fun at millennials for how they stare at screens rather than have conversations face to face. But, ironically, much of that screen-staring time is spent connecting with other people. Millennials chat on social media apps and make plans over texts. Facebook (and Myspace before it) even counts the number of friends you have and pressures you to keep that friend-count high so you don't look like a loser.

But, in this hyper-connected internet age, it's especially important to take time for yourself once in a while - here are six reasons why:

1. Extended anxiety relief

Too many stimuli aren't good for your mental health. When you spend all your time doing things and no time thinking about the things you've done, your brain gets overloaded with all these raw emotions and experiences, producing anxiety.

Alone time gives you the space you need to process everything that's happened to you, which, in turn, relieves anxiety.

Simplifying your life helps here as well. Maybe some of your priorities aren't all that important. Harvard research shows we spend 47 percent of our waking hours thinking about something other than what we're actually doing. This increases anxiety. Creating time for yourself can help you focus more fully on the present, reducing this anxiety.

2. Improved physical health

In addition to improving your mental health, alone time gives your physical health a little boost as well.

Everyone knows they need to exercise regularly to stay healthy - but when you're always at work/school hanging out with friends/family, it can be hard to find the time to work out. Getting rid of these distractions for a while allows you to get stronger, increase your stamina and tack on a few more years to your life.

3. Maximized productivity

Again, social activities do have significant value, but they're also distractions. Isolating yourself allows you to focus on work or school projects due soon. You can also use alone time to explore potential hobbies and develop new interests.

You will be more productive when you can concentrate better. Try removing some of your daily distractions like compulsively checking your email. Turn Facebook notifications off. You will get more done in less time, a huge factor in finding time for yourself.

4. Magnified gratitude

As John Lennon once famously wrote, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

We spend so much time thinking of our long-term goals - working toward that next promotion, finding ways to save up enough money to eventually buy a house, etc. - that we forget about all the little things we have right now.

The smell of a bag of coffee freshly opened, the taste of that coffee after it's brewed, the banal beauty of a sunny summer day ... these things are easy to miss when you've dedicated your thoughts to other matters.

Taking some time for yourself allows you to slow things down and focus on the present moment, allowing you to appreciate all the small details that make life rich.

5. Increased happiness

Downtime allows you to reflect on what is going on in your life, increasing your happiness.

Your morning can make or break your day. Try setting your alarm 30 minutes earlier each day and spend that time praying or doing yoga. This sets the tone for the rest of your day and increases your happiness and satisfaction of day-to-day life.

We often focus on getting everything done, which leaves us feeling stressed, depressed and exhausted. Also take time to read, watch a favorite TV show or do whatever other favorite activity fills your cup. The best way to do this is to schedule regular "me time."

Spending time alone isn't selfish. Everyone needs time to themselves.

6. Strengthened focus

When all day we run at full speed like an ambulance driver, we lose touch with our surroundings. It's amazing how taking time for yourself provides more clarity. It will help you prioritize and give you an energy boost for your sometimes daunting schedule.

Remember, our perceptions are often flexible; they are a lump sum of our experiences. When you take a regular break, you can clear your mind and have a clearer perception of reality, becoming more focused.

At the end of the day, spend time in reflection. Celebrate the wins, the things you did accomplish instead of the tasks you didn't complete.

"We seem to have a complex about busyness in our culture. Most of us do have time in our days that we could devote to simple relaxation, but we convince ourselves that we don't." - Thomas Moore

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Though people get married for a variety of reasons, almost all will agree they want to be happy in marriage. Unfortunately, not every married couple feels completely happy. In fact, many find married life frustrating and limiting.

So, how do you find happiness in marriage? How do you make sure you and your partner are happy and committed to each other 5, 10, 15 or even 40 years after your wedding day? If you keep in mind the following thoughts, you can create and maintain happiness throughout your marriage.

Don't take work for granted

Don't think of marriage as a milestone to reach with smooth sailing afterward. The work really begins once the wedding is over and all the guests are gone. A marriage requires attention, and the moment you stop working on it, it can start to fall apart.

Find time to spend together, and also spend time apart. You are bound to change as you grow through life, so be sure to keep this in mind as you work toward common life goals.

Communicate

If you don't voice your issues to your spouse, there's no one to blame but you. The easiest route to marital unhappiness is by avoiding communication about ongoing problems. Problems need to be addressed and solved for continued growth.

No matter how well you think you know each other, there will always be times when you won't be able to pick up on each other's visual cues. So, be sure to voice your concerns in order to stay on the same page.

Be clear with each other

Playing mind games in a marriage is unacceptable. There is no room for being passive-aggressive, not saying what you mean and testing the other person through hints and suggestions.

Communicate clearly about what you want and need instead of trying to manipulate one another into doing what you want. You may think you're trying to protect the other person's feelings by not being blunt, but there is always a way to speak the truth clearly without hurting your spouse.

Be vulnerable

It is hard to put our feelings and emotions on the table, especially if we've had bad experiences in previous relationships. However, in order to build a happy marriage, you need to put your fears and insecurities in front of your partner and they need to be willing to do the same.

Many people have raw emotions they are unable to share. Try your hardest to open up to your spouse so that you can be better understood. A happy marriage is built on a foundation of trust and understanding.

Take care of yourself

After a few years, it's easy to get into a rut. Your days are busy, and there are never enough hours to get everything done. It may feel impossible to put forth the energy to look nice on date-nights or other special occasions.

But, remember how good it feels to look nice and care for yourself. Put forth a little extra energy to make sure you look as good as you feel. Floss. Exercise. Eat healthily. Look good because it makes you feel good. Your marriage will be better for it.

Finding happiness in your marriage isn't about one thing you can do right. It's about a lot of things you can do right over the course of your marriage to keep it going strong.

The post 5 ways to create a happy and lasting marriage appeared first on FamilyToday.

Of course, maintaining your child's health is one of your top priorities. Finding the right doctor, however, is a challenge. Finding the perfect dentist who is both qualified and good with your kids is arguably even harder. It's a common problem, and most moms are continually struggling to find a child-friendly dentist, who can keep their little one happy and cavity free.

The right dentist will not only provide the best care for your child's teeth but will also educate both you and your child about the basics of dental care. On top of this, the dentist should build a positive relationship with your child and be able to handle any special needs your child may have.

So how do you go about finding this unicorn of a dentist for your child? Here are some ways to narrow the search.

1. Examine their qualifications

You can't trust anyone less than a qualified professional with your child's care. Make sure the dentist is board-certified for your state before you even make an appointment. Pediatric dentists complete between two and three years of further training after dental school and have experience in child psychology as well as knowledge about children's overall growth and development.

2. Make sure they're kid-friendly

Of course, you don't have to see a pediatric dentist; you just need to make sure that whichever dentist you choose, he or she has a genuine love for children. Children hate sitting in the dentist's chair for too long, so you need to look for someone who makes the entire process as fun as possible. Look for a play room with games and toys to keep your child occupied while you wait as well as a personality that can keep your child entertained while he or she is in the hot seat.

3. Check that the dentist's care is covered by your dental plan

Check with your dental plan's network to find out which dentists are covered by your insurance. Double-check this information with the dentist's shortlist, as sometimes the provider lists can be out-of-date.

4. Look for convenient office hours and location

Many parents can't afford to take time off of work for a child's dental appointment. So look for a dentist who is available on the weekend or who has extended hours during the week. Also look for a location that's convenient for you to visit with your child. No one wants to drive an hour to a dentist with a screaming child in the car.

5. Consider special needs

Does your child have special needs? He or she may need more support and care from a dentist, so consider talking about these needs with the dentist you meet. Ideally the dentist will be patient and understand your child's special needs, which will allow the dentist to provide the best dental care. Whether it's autism, Down syndrome or something else, bring the topic up at your first meeting and make sure the dentist answers all of your concerns before you let your child sit in the examination chair.

Your child doesn't necessarily need a pediatric dentist since all dentists are qualified to treat children, but with pediatric dentists' extra training and experience with taking care of kids, you'll be better off with one. Spend some time researching before you make your appointment so you can choose the right dentist for stress-free dental checkups.

The post 5 ways to find a dentist your kids (and you) will love appeared first on FamilyToday.