Annie

Antigua and Barbuda: A Guide to Citizenship by Investment for the Family

January 22, 2020 by Annie

Citizenship by investment is a method of getting a second passport and citizenship to another country through investing in its economy. It is one of the fastest legitimate ways to get permanent residency status, particularly in the Caribbean.

While this method of acquiring second citizenship mostly appeals to business- and travel-minded people, it can also be a viable option for those looking to relocate their family. In this article, you will learn the inner workings of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment (CIP), including the methods of investment and the benefits it can offer to the entire family.

How to Acquire Antigua Citizenship: A Brief

You can become an economic citizen of the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda three ways: by contributing to the National Development Fund (NDF), making a real estate investment, or putting money into an approved business venture.

NDF Donation

Established in 2006 under the country’s Finance Administration Act, the NDF is a fund gathered to pay for government-sanctioned programs and projects that will benefit all legal residents in the nation. It covers both public-private partnerships as well as charitable investments approved by the government.

To ensure complete transparency, the NDF is overseen by the parliament and is required to provide a report of their projects and progress every six months. It is also under the scrutiny of an international accounting firm that audits its cash flow.

Making the NDF contribution is very straightforward; you only need to make a one-time donation of at least US$100,000 on a single application. The best part is that this amount already covers the applicant’s family with a maximum of four members, including a legal spouse, dependent children (both biological and legally adopted), and dependent parents (aged 59 years old and above).

It is worth noting, however, that the amount does not include due diligence, government fees or licensed agent fees. Processing fees are pegged at US$25,000 for a family with four members or less, with an additional US$15,000 for each additional dependent. You must be represented by a licensed government agent in your application.

Real Estate Investment

When you’re planning to move to Antigua with your family, you might need to have a place to stay in. This is where real estate investments can prove to be more beneficial.

To qualify for this method, you need to invest at least US$400,000 in an officially approved real estate property. Under this citizenship by investment option, a family of four or less would also need US$50,000 to cover government processing fees. And, as with NDF donations, a family with five or more members needs to prepare and an additional US$15,000 for every subsequent dependent.

Take note that the contribution amount can also be reduced through joint investments. The only condition is that each applicant must contribute a minimum of US$400,000 in the same real estate property.

Business Venture

In Antigua and Barbuda, you can also choose to invest in a business venture to become an economic citizen in the country. However, you must pick a business to invest in wisely because not all companies are sanctioned by the government for the CIP.

Before investing in a company, be sure to check whether the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) have approved an existing or proposed business to be part of the citizenship by investment program. On top of that, you should also know that there are two investment options under this method:

An approved business venture with at least US$1,500,000 from a single applicant
A joint investment made by two or more people with a minimum total of US$ 5,000,000. Like real estate investments, each person should also contribute a minimum of US$400,000 each for partnerships.

3 Antigua and Barbuda CIP Benefits for the Entire Family

Moving to another country with the entire family is a major decision to make. Aside from preparing everyone for the big change in their lives, you’ll also need to consider what the new country you’ll be moving to can provide that your original home cannot.

In this aspect, Antigua and Barbuda has three main offerings, including:

Expanded Travel Opportunities

A family that travels together, stays together.

If your family travels frequently, a passport from Antigua and Barbuda can help reduce the hassle – not to mention the expenses – of getting each member a visa for every country you visit. This is because Antigua citizenship can serve as your visa-free pass to more than 140 countries, including China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the Schengen area.

Sense of Security

When looking for a new home, one of your top priorities should be your family’s security. With economic citizenship from Antigua and Barbuda, you and your family will get to experience living in a peaceful and economically stable nation. For most families, this kind of assurance is priceless.

Access to World-class Healthcare, Education and Lifestyle

Obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship can also open a door for your family to gain access to good healthcare and education. Since the benefits of CIP extend to the main applicant’s dependents, you can rest assured that your spouse’s and children’s futures are secure.

Know Your Options

When you’re moving your entire family to a new country, the smart move would be to know what you stand to gain before taking the first step of the application process. Searching through the Internet for the latest citizenship by investment news is a good way to start. Use this article to help you decide whether moving to Antigua and Barbuda is the right choice for your family.

AUTHOR BIO

Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship investment into the Caribbean, North America and Europe. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.

6 Kid-Friendly Landscaping Ideas to Try at Home

January 21, 2020 by Annie

Without a doubt, landscaping can turn any yard into a pleasing work of art. With the right design, plan, and implementation, your lawn can be the most striking element of your outdoor space and home overall.

But in your quest to have a lovely, picturesque lawn, you may forget or neglect one crucial thing: making it kid-friendly. Many landscaping designs tend to look amazing but are not conducive for play, sports, and other activities that children love doing.

Additionally, some of the beautifying features you choose to add may be unwise to have in your yard if you have kids. Expensive decorative items are not worth having around since there is a chance your playful young ones can break them. They can be the cause of accidents and injuries too.

Combining Aesthetics and Child-Friendliness in Your Landscape

A provider of landscaping services in Conway, Arizona, says that having a stunning, functional, and kid-friendly lawn all at the same time is possible. With the right design and ideas, you can have a beautiful yard, one that everyone in your family, even the youngest ones, will appreciate and love.

Below are six landscaping ideas that will allow you to have a lovely, functional, and child-friendly outdoor space:

Add a playground area

A small playground or even a playhouse can quickly transform any landscaped area into a child-friendly outdoor space. It is a place that kids will love playing and spending countless hours in.

To have a safe playground in your property, choose the most leveled part of your yard to set up the play area. Aside from ensuring the well-being of your kids, this action will help you out with faster installation, as well.

Additionally, select an area that is far from trees and fences. By doing so, you will minimize accidents that can be caused by these features.

Once the playset has been set up, check it carefully. Make sure all screws and nails are placed properly and securely. Ensure that all parts are connected and fastened correctly and tightly, as well. Lastly, if there are any sharp edges, use a hand plane to smoothen them.

Include space for sports and recreation

Playgrounds are perfect for young children. However, if you have older kids or want to be prepared when your little ones get older, think about leaving a wide-open space in your yard, which can be used as a sports and recreation venue.

An open green space can be easily turned into a putting green where you can teach your kids to play golf. Your family can also use it to play badminton, Frisbee, and even baseball.

You can also set up a trampoline in this area, which will give your kids hours of fun. In the summer, you can set up an inflatable swimming pool. This will be another spot in your lawn that your children will love spending time in.

The key to having the perfect open space in your lawn is choosing the right type of grass. Lawn care pros from Maumelle, Arizona can help you select the ideal variety, one that can withstand all the activities that will take place in this area.

Grow child-friendly plants

Your choice of plants to cultivate in your yard can also make your yard more conducive for kids.

Certain plants are not worth growing in your lawn if you have children, no matter how beautiful they look. These include flowers with thorns and shrubberies that attract bees, mosquitoes, and other stinging or biting insects.

If you think you need these plants to complete your landscape, for instance, thorny bushes as natural fences, make sure the play area and other features that your children will be attracted to are far from them. By doing so, you reduce the likelihood that they will hurt themselves on these shrubberies.

Incorporate shade

Staying too long outside under the sun is unhealthy. But if you want your kids to spend more time outdoors, you need to find ways to incorporate more shade in your lawn.

Trees are the most dependable providers of shade outdoors. However, if they were only recently planted, you will have to wait long for them to grow tall and be functional during the day.

A pergola or pavilion is your best option if you want a feature that can give you and your kids protection from the sun and other elements immediately. If you have an uncovered patio, placing an awning or even a large umbrella in the middle table can provide enough shade for everyone.

Add a garden

Having fruits and vegetables from your garden is an excellent way to make healthier dishes at home. You will also be sure you are eating safe, pesticide-free produce since you can use organic items and solutions to keep pests away.

Moreover, taking care of a garden is a great family activity. Your kids will love planting seeds, watering, and nurturing them. Harvesting the fruits of their hard work will be an exciting, fun, and rewarding activity, as well.

The perfect place for an edible garden is an area far from trees since they tend to harbor insects and rodents that can ruin your plants. Additionally, find a spot that receives the right amount of sunlight and can be watered easily.

If your lawn is not spacious enough to accommodate a garden, you can opt for a raised one. Use planter boxes to grow your choice of veggies and fruits and hang them vertically.

Aside from having access to fresh produce, your vertical garden can be one of the aesthetic points of your lawn.

Include storage areas

Finally, keep your landscaped lawn tidy and looking its best by adding a shed in your yard.

A backyard shed makes for a nice, functional addition to your property that will allow you to keep bikes, toys, sports equipment, gardening tools, and other items from piling up in your lawn. Regardless of their size, these outdoor space staples can easily make a yard look messy.

A garden shed is the perfect place to store all these items when you and your kids do not need to use them.

With these landscaping tips and ideas, you will have a stunning lawn that can also be the perfect spot for both fun and relaxation for all the members of your family, regardless of their age.

Energy Conservation for Kids

January 20, 2020 by Annie

While electricity may not be the easiest concept to teach to your kids about, it is completely possible to do in an engaging, fun way. Not only can teaching your children about electricity be beneficial for your household, it can make your kids into thoughtful energy-savers and responsible adults. It might be hard at first, but once your kids understand what electricity is you will be able to make great strides in saving money and energy in your home.

Explaining Energy

You might not want to go into all of the science of electricity, but you can explain the basic concepts. Show them the difference between being able to turn something on when it’s plugged in and that it won’t turn on when it’s not. Use inanimate objects to make your points. Ask them whether an electric shaver or a traditional razor uses power. Slowly they will learn that things that plug in, even just to charge, use energy. Taking the time to see to it that your children understand the basic concepts will help them truly get into saving energy on their own. In the best case scenario it will fascinate them.

Conduct Experiments

A fun way to illustrate these points is to conduct short experiments with them. One experiment is rubbing a balloon on their hair. You blow up the balloon and tell them that this is because of electrons and that electrons make energy. This is one way to explain the complicated concept of electricity, but there are many other electricity experiments to do with your kids that can help understand what you are trying to show them.

Gamify the Process

Children everywhere love games. Making a game out of learning about electricity and conserving it will make them pay a lot more attention to you. It can also be a competition. If you have more than one kid, you can reward the person who does the better job at turning off the lights, opening the fridge only once, and unplugging electronics when they are not being used.

Another way to do this is make challenges. Keep track of who is making an effort to read books instead of playing games or watching TV. Challenge them to spend a day outdoors without electricity. You can take them on a picnic or to the beach. If you make it a game and challenge your kids to use less power, you will be able to get them engaged and learning about the conservation of energy.

Assign Duties

To keep your kids focused on saving energy you can give them specific tasks to take care of. For example, you can make it their responsibility to watch over the thermostat and to check the rest of the family when they are needlessly using it. Put someone on lights duty. Have your kid check to see that the appliances are off and everything that can be unplugged is unplugged.

Get Them Involved

There are many ways to get your kids involved in the process. First you can show them the numbers. Show them the electricity bills. At first they will be blown away by how much your utilities cost according to the MoneyPug, a site to compare utilities. Then you can use it to make another challenge. Every month you can show how much you’ve saved. Seeing the results will help motivate them.

You can also get your kids involved by having them help you with energy-saving projects. Go shopping for solar panels or energy-saving appliances. Build a small wind turbine not because it will produce a lot of energy but because it will get your kids to understand that green energy is the future and will become cheaper as the economy turns away from burning fossil fuels.

There is no need to make it political, but you can enlighten your children by showing them that electricity is valuable and that it costs a lot of money. Teaching your kids to save anything is tough, but if you make it enticing for them, if you reward them for saving energy and challenge them to do better, they could be inspired. This is how you will help raise your kids into responsible, thoughtful adults.

5 Small Changes You Can Make in 2020 to Drastically Improve Your Health

January 19, 2020 by Annie

Your health is arguably the most important thing you have. And while we often think we need to make significant changes in order to enjoy better health, the truth is that small tweaks in the details of our lives can make the most noticeable differences. As we embark on a new year, are you willing to make some adjustments?

Try These 5 Small Changes

Let’s be real for a minute. No matter how serious you are about setting big resolutions for 2020, you’ll eventually forget about them.

Are you going to the gym for six spin classes every week? Probably not happening. Completely avoiding all fast food? Not practical. Unplugging your TV and reading 100 books? That doesn’t sound like a recipe for an enjoyable year.

If you really want to make positive strides, it’s all about making small, incremental changes that are easy to integrate into your life with minimal friction. In terms of improving your health, here are some suggestions:

Eat More Colorful Meals

You can tell a lot about your diet by the color of your foods. The more color you have in your meals (natural – not artificial), the more nutrients you’re getting. Try introducing new fruits and veggies into your weekly meal plan and you’ll naturally start eating healthier.

Get 30 Minutes of Daily Exercise

There’s no excuse for not exercising. You don’t need to spend two hours lifting weights or running on a treadmill. All it takes is 30 minutes of moderate physical activity to benefit your physical health and emotional well-being. No matter how busy you are, you can carve out half an hour somewhere in your day.

Find a Good Dentist

Your oral health is closely connected to your heart health. Gum disease is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and other problems. You can’t ignore this aspect of your overall health.

When’s the last time you went to the dentist? If it’s been a while, let 2020 be the year that you finally find a good dentist and schedule regular cleanings and exams. Not sure where to start? Go online.

Finding a good dentist is as easy as typing in your location and reading reviews. For example, searching Scottsdale dentist on a site like Healthgrades will give you reviews and ratings for the best dentists in Scottsdale, Arizona. All you have to do is click a button and you can schedule an appointment!

Stick to a Sleep Schedule

The average American doesn’t get nearly enough sleep. If you’re like most, you’re sleep-deprived during the week and then try to catch up over the weekend. Unfortunately, this lack of consistency isn’t doing you any favors.

“Establishing a sleep schedule and sticking to it has cured my bouts of insomnia,” Mare Hare tells Real Simple. “I go to bed and get up at the same time every day, and I sprinkle my bed with lavender and play soothing music to help me fall asleep. With a full night’s rest, I have fewer mood swings and my mind stays sharp.”

Try going to bed at the same time every evening. And as hard as it is to get out of bed early on the weekend, train yourself to do it. After a few weeks, your body will be so used to the schedule that you won’t even need an alarm.

Spend More Time Outside

Humans weren’t designed to spend 20-22 hours indoors every day. We’re built to be outside – even if that means spending time in your own backyard.

“Vitamin D is made by our bodies when sunlight hits our skin, and it’s estimated that over 40 percent of Americans are deficient in vitamin D. Additionally, using the outdoors for de-stressing and relaxation has been shown to be effective, sometimes more so than doing the same activity indoors. ‘Nature therapy’ or ‘forest bathing’ can go a long way toward helping you feel refreshed,” explains Michelle Swader, RDN, MS, CD.

Make it a point to spend more time outside this year. It could be as simple as reading a book on your front porch or taking regular walks with friends.

Live Your Best Life in 2020

Let this be the year that you finally do something about your health. By introducing a few of these small changes into your life, you can take some major strides forward without introducing a ton of unnecessary friction into your daily routines.

Which ones will you embrace?

Tips on Creating Your Remodelling Budget Plan

January 16, 2020 by Annie

Having a budget can help you to have more control over your expenses and the total cost of your project. You can pick out unnecessary items or add-ons that your contractor might sneak into your contract. It also sets limitations, reducing your comprehensive options to choose from, but hey, at least you won’t be having a hard time deciding on the design. You can stay within the specific price range that you can afford. A budget can also help you keep track of your expenses. Here are tips on creating your remodelling budget plan, so you won’t end up broke:

Look up other sources

Use magazines and articles to choose designs that you have interest in. These magazines and articles show an accurate cost estimate of the materials used and the total cost of the whole project, so you can have an idea about the total budget you need.

Do some research

Research the costs of the materials you want on your own. Once you have made a list of the materials and their prices, compare them with the contractor’s bidding price for the materials. Choose those who offer excellent quality for a low price.

Base it on your home’s value

Another accurate way to create your budget plan is by using the value of your home as a reference. Know the cost estimate of your house so you can establish the range of how much your budget is going to be.

Using budget calculators

Online budget calculators provide you with a set of fields to answer with the cost estimates that you have listed, to generate a budget plan based on those estimates.

Just stick with the everyday bath essentials

Start by investing in accessories that are stylish, durable, and will make your bathroom remodelling project perfect. Soap is undeniably one of the most important things a bath should have. Accompanying the soap must be a good and well-constructed soap dish that doesn’t melt away with the soap. It must fully serve its purpose as a soap dish. Ample space must be given for towel hanging. It is wise not to keep your used towels too close to each other, especially if you are not the only one using the bathroom.
A decent amount of space should always be considered when it comes to planning the layout of your bathroom or how you want your bathroom to turn out. Ditch the cliché bathtub and go for a much better alternative, such as installing a dedicated shower stall within your bathroom. If you want to maximize the given space you have, try opting for a shower pod. This is a convenient small scale cubicle dedicated for showering.
Having mirrors in the bathroom is a must as they give us a reflection of how we look. Rugs are equally important as well since they dry our feet before we go outside the room, fresh from the bath. Rugs also make your flooring a bit more attractive.

5 Fun Online Games You Will Love

January 16, 2020 by Annie

If you frequently enjoy playing online games as a way of relaxing and distressing, it’s well worth continuing reading in order to discover a list of fun online games which you’ll fall in love with. Especially if you’re well overdue to find a new favorite online game. Or have begun replaying games which you’ve successfully completed for a second time.

5 Fun Online Games You Will Love:

Final Fantasy XIV: Shadow Bringers

If you’ve ever played a Final Fantasy title, you’ll definitely fall in love with Final Fantasy XVI, which is an online multiplayer role playing game. One reason why Final Fantasy XVI is so popular is that it features ever changing, ever evolving storylines and missions. So even if you spend months playing Final Fantasy XIV Shadow Bringers, you won’t run out of new challenges to take on. If you were wondering, yes most of your favorite Final Fantasy characters are featured in Final Fantasy XIV: Shadow Bringers.

Online casino games:

If you want to pretend that you’re a high roller in Las Vegas or Monte Carlo, it’s definitely worth playing online casino games at www.13wins.com. As not only will you be able to play luck based games such as slots, bingo and keno but you’ll also be able to play skill based games such as baccarat, canasta and poker. Which still involve elements of luck but can be won if you have smart strategies put in place.

Overwatch:

If you enjoy playing online multiplayer shooters and are interested in playing a team based shooter which is set in a futuristic world, it’s a great idea to start playing Overwatch. Especially as it boasts high quality, vibrant graphics, unique storylines and missions and a large roster of playable characters. Some examples of the types of heroes which you’ll get to select include an angelic healer and a futuristic samurai style warrior.

Mordhau:

If you’re looking for an underrated online game which offers unique gameplay, you’ll love playing Mordhau. Which is a medieval style battle simulation, which will allow you to fight up to 64 real players on a giant battlefield. Some of the weapons which you’ll be able to equip and battle other players with include swords, maces and throwing knifes.

One key to winning battles is to try and pick up any loose weapons which you may find on the ground and to steal the weapons of the enemies which you successfully kill. Just be sure to watch your back as another battler may try to knife you in the back, while you’re trying to equip a better weapon.

Overcooked:

Overcooked is a fun cooking simulation which will challenge you to successfully prepare a wide variety of dishes in a short time period. If you think that you have what it takes to manage several chefs in a fast paced kitchen, it’s definitely worth playing Overcooked. Especially if you enjoy time simulation games and cooking simulation games.

So if you’re well overdue to pick out a new online game to test out, it’s definitely well worth stopping whatever you’re doing in order to start playing one of addictive games listed above!

Things to Do Before Extending Your Stay in Your Chosen Accommodation

January 9, 2020 by Annie

There are times when you have unplanned trips. You have no idea how long you’re staying in one place and which places you will visit. You think about making decisions upon arrival.

If you love the destination, you might want to consider extending your stay in your chosen accommodation. Before you do so, these are some things you need to do.

Evaluate your experience

Even if you love the place you visited, if you dislike your experience in the hotel room, you need to consider moving to a different accommodation option. You should only extend if you love the room and the services given to you.

Look for other rooms

If you dislike the experience or if you have too many complaints, it’s best to leave and look for a different place. If you’re travelling to hot destinations, there are probably tons of choices waiting for you. It’s also an excellent idea to move close to places that you intend to visit over the next few days.

Ask for room availability

If you love the room and you think it would be worth staying for another night, you need to inform the receptionist or manager right away. If you’re staying in a great room, someone else might use it if you leave.

Ask for a discount

Room rates are usually fluid. You can get the same room at a lower price. It depends on the demand. Therefore, there’s nothing wrong if you ask for a promotion and an additional discount. There’s no guarantee that you will get what you want, but there’s no harm in giving it a try.

Check the overall safety of the place

If you travelled to a safe area and the place is in a safe neighbourhood, it’s okay. However, if the place is next to a dangerous neighbourhood, you need to leave. You don’t want to continue putting your life at risk.

Look for alternatives

If your final decision is not to extend your stay, it’s your call. Make sure you have the right place where you can move into. If you chose to stay in a large house, you made the right choice. You will probably decide to extend your stay. You can check the options offered by thewowhousecompany.co.uk. The good thing is that these houses are big, and you can accommodate your entire family, and friends. There’s no need to book two or more rooms to accommodate every member of your travel group, unlike in hotels.

Always go back to your experience during the stay before you finalize any transaction. If you think it’s best to leave and go home, you also need to consider it.

You decide to stay because you feel overwhelmed with the place and you want to see more. The truth is that you can’t afford to spend a day more due to the cost. You already spent a lot visiting different places. There’s nothing wrong with extending your stay as long as you make smart decisions. Weigh up the options first and do the right thing.

6 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe During the Holidays

January 7, 2020 by Annie

The holiday season is a much-anticipated time of the year. It’s filled with celebrations and good food. Plus, people get to meet family and friends to catch up. But, do you know that holidays can be quite stressful for everybody’s furry four-legged friend?

Although it may often seem that your canine is delighted to have a lot of humans around him and is excited to join in the festivities, a lot of holiday elements can be bothersome for him. So, to make fun celebrations of the season bearable for your little furry one, here are some tips to better care for him.

1. Always have food available for him.

When there’s an abundance of sweet treats around your home, you can bet that your dog would be interested in the stash. Likewise, when everybody’s feasting on the holiday spread, your furry one would want to join as well.

Aside from instructing everybody not to give your dog any chocolate and other sweet treats, make sure that there are no spills on the floor that your dog might lick or eat up. Also, set out his own stash. This way, family and friends won’t feel like your pet’s missing out on the celebration.

If you have been quite busy preparing for the party at home and had forgotten to restock your dog’s nibbles, you can take advantage of a dog food delivery service. You can have his snacks and full meals delivered for him in time for the party, so he gets to join in on the feast. The guests can give him his treats while everybody’s feasting on all the desserts you have prepared.

2. Consider putting a leash on him.

The problem with holiday celebrations is they can get loud. This can prove quite overwhelming and agitating for pets. The frequent ringing of doorbells, the chatter, the running around of nieces and nephews, and even the festive attire of guests can scare your fur baby.

Prevent the possibility of your dog running around too much, growling, barking or biting people if he’s not used to all the racket. Put a leash on him to keep him under control. Or, find a quiet room for him in the house where it’s quiet, or the sounds would be less intense for him.

3. Be careful in dressing up your dog.

It’s no longer uncommon to want to dress up canines to celebrate the season. You will surely find costumes in all shapes and sizes in pet stores that will make your pet look cuter and even more lovable.

However, inspect doggie outfits thoroughly first. Check for potential problems that may cause agitation. Also, see if your pup would be up for wearing clothes and if he won’t be bothered by the accessories that some costumes or outfits have. As much as possible, avoid anything with fringes, poofs, and small detachable embellishments like buttons or beads that could be choking hazards.

4. Avoid using wax candles.

Candles are among the favourite decorative pieces for the holidays. But, as pretty as they are (some even come with a delicious scent), they are not the safest to have around your home if you have a dog.

First of all, those scented candles may appear edible to the furry four-legged member of your household. Your dog might nibble on it and can get sick. Secondly, there’s always the danger that your dog could knock it over, or his furry tail would catch fire.

But, if your holiday celebrations simply would not be complete without the cosy flickering illumination of candles, opt for battery-powered LED versions instead.

5. Do not use holiday decor that can aggravate your dog.

As mentioned earlier, the sounds of the holiday can be quite stressful for dogs. Therefore, as much as possible, avoid using decorative items that can make a lot of noise such as toy locomotives that go choo-choo often, twinkling lights that play songs non-stop, and chimes and bells along the doorways.

Rethink using glow sticks, tinsel, and angel hair that your dog can ingest. These decorative pieces can lead to intestinal issues for your pet.

6. Invest in reflective or glow-in-the-dark collars and dog tags.

Nights are longer, and they can be really dark at times. So, if you are keen on letting the dog out to get away from the crowd and noise of the holiday festivities at home, make sure that it will be easy for you to find him when it’s time to go back inside.

You can purchase reflective or glow in the dark dog tags online. This way, if your pup wants to play hide and seek before heading back home at night, you’ll be able to locate him more quickly in the dark. However, if there are fireworks in your neighbourhood, don’t even think of letting your dog out as he may end up getting lost from the stress of avoiding the noise created by pyrotechnics.

With these simple pet tricks for dog protection, the holidays can indeed be a time of fun for your entire household.

AUTHOR BIO

Farah Al-Khojai is the Managing Partner of Pet’s Delight. A passionate entrepreneur, Farah holds a Bsc in Government from the London School of Economics. She is always on the lookout for new opportunities to develop and grow the pet and equestrian retail and wholesale market in the UAE and beyond, and is proud to be at the helm of the first and the largest pet care provider in the market representing world-class brands including Orijen, Applaws, Hunter, Savic, Flamingo, Ruffwear and Rogz.

Surgery As A Treatment Option For Incontinence

January 6, 2020 by Annie

Aging and childbirth give rise to various problems, which might require surgery in order to combat them. Incontinence Treatment Toronto is one such condition. In Stress Urinary Incontinence there is an involuntary loss of control over urination when there is an increase in pressure due to either coughing or sneezing or laughing or doing any form of physical exertion.

What is Stress Urinary Incontinence?

Stress urinary incontinence is a health condition which takes place due to the change in the anatomy of the female body because of vaginal childbirth, weight gain or ageing. Due to these conditions, the pelvic floor muscles and tissues become weak and causes urethral closure which controls urination. The bladder and urethra are supported by the pelvic floor muscles. A vaginal delivery or other causes may weaken these muscles, so exertion on these muscles apply pressure on the bladder and cause the urine to leak.

Surgery as treatment

Surgeries are usually the last resort when it comes to treating Stress Urinary Incontinence. There are various surgical techniques which are available. If the condition of incontinence is due to vaginal atrophy or bladder prolapse, then an anterior vaginal repair surgery can be carried to restore the weak and sagging vaginal muscles. If the muscle sphincter of the bladder is weak, which is causing the leakage then artificial urinary sphincters can be inserted. Other surgeries which help to alleviate the condition of Stress Urinary Incontinence and provide support to the urethra, include bulking injections, tension-free vaginal tape and urethral/vaginal sling procedures.

Laser treatment

If you don’t want to opt for surgical treatment, then you don’t have to worry as there are non-invasive procedures which are available. Vaginal laser therapy is increasingly becoming a popular option for treating Stress Urinary Incontinence. The Laser gently stimulates the re-growth and re-structuring of the collagen present in the vagina and urethra. This causes thickening which in turn tightens the region and ultimately reduces urine loss and gives you better control over urination.

Other treatment options

Invasive and non-invasive procedures are two of the most popular ways of treating the condition of incontinence. However, if you aren’t sure about either of the procedures, then there are also other options which are available to you that you can opt for. Some of them are:

Behavioural Therapy: Behavioral modification takes place with the changes in lifestyle which help to reduce the frequency of urine. Some of the modifications include altering daily fluid intake, urinating more often, avoiding certain movements and quitting smoking, drinking alcoholic and caffeinated drinks. The modifications differ from person to person.
Medication: helps in the treatment of moderate and mild cases of SUI. Anti-cholinergic, anti-muscarinic, anti-depressants and beta-agonists are some of the types of medications which are prescribed for the condition.
Physical Therapy: Biofeedback and kegel exercise can be helpful in combating the condition. In biofeedback, an individual learns, identifies and controls the pelvic floor muscles which help people to regain control over urination.

Portable Structures: Assemble, Use, and Disassemble

December 23, 2019 by Annie

Temporary or portable structures have become very popular in the construction industry. They have advantages over permanent buildings provided that they satisfy the needs of the owners. They come in different sizes, shapes, and styles. Clients can choose from the many types of portable structures such as;

i. Modular buildings – These buildings are manufactured elsewhere and sent to the construction site where they are assembled. They are ideal for storing a number of items both personal and industrial. They are similar to modern buildings because of their complexity.

ii. Steel structures – These buildings are more traditional and easier to construct. They have a simple framework and are primarily made of steel.

iii. Steel and fabric buildings – These buildings are large but quite simple. They are suitable for the storage of industrial products.

iv. Buildings on wheels – These are more like tiny homes that you can move around whenever you need to. They are simpler than traditional homes but offer close comfort.

v. Prefabricated wood buildings – These are ideal for people who need a long-term plan and do not plan on moving. These structures are very secure and have attractive designs.

1) Mounting portable structures

Portable structures are easier to mount compared to permanent buildings. Some of these structures come ready to use while others need to be put together at the construction site. The most important thing to consider during mounting is following rules, regulations, and safety precautions. The safety precautions include:

· Ensure that you do not work in bad weather. Wet or icy areas can lead to accidents and severe consequences.

· Use ramps and ladders when necessary. Do not go on high parts of the structure without protective climbing gear.

· Install protective features such as rails to hold onto while mounting the structures.

· Avoid any jewellery or hanging items on your body.

· Ensure that you put on protective gear such as gloves, masks, and head protection.

· Avoid jumping and instead climb down slowly.

2) Usage of portable structures.

Portable structures can be used for purposes such as:

· Extra office space – If the office is quite small for the increasing number of employees or growing business, you can solve this by sourcing temporary building hire to make a portable structure to be used as an office.

· Storage space – If you are in need of a storage space for personal or industrial goods, a temporary portable structure is a perfect fit. They can be built in different shapes and sizes to ensure sufficient space for your items.

· Starting a business – For any startup, capital is a major concern for many young entrepreneurs. A simple portable structure is ideal in this case and it does not require a hefty sum of money to put up. It is also advantageous in the sense that you can move your business around in search of customers or the ideal location.

· Personal use – You can have a temporary building as an extension of your house or in the back yard. You can later use this for any activity you choose.

3) Dismounting portable structures.

A very important aspect of a portable structures is that it can be moved or dismounted once you’re done using it. For every structure, there is a manual together with rules and regulations to follow when dismounting the building.

Bottom line

Portable structures are beneficial to users because they are cheaper, more convenient, and a lot of time is saved during construction. Furthermore, they are kinder to the environment compared to permanent structures.