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How Much Drinking Water is Recommended During Pregnancy

If you are not careful to observe proper hydration practices during your normal day to day routine, it is easy to find yourself dehydrated – it happens to the best of us. Dehydration takes place when your body is losing more fluid than it is being provided. When you are sweating more than usual, have been sick, or are currently pregnant, it is possible to dehydrate more quickly than usual. This highlights the importance of drinking adequate amounts of water during pregnancy, if only to alleviate common problems, like tiredness and constipation, associated with being pregnant.

Proper Pregnancy Hydration

When you are pregnant, it’s important to remain hydrated. During the various stages of pregnancy, the minimum amount of water ranges from six to eight 8oz glasses of fluid per day. Typically, most drinks count toward your daily water allowance, although caffeinated drinks should be limited throughout pregnancy. Additionally, drinks high in sugar are not considered part of a healthy diet, especially for pregnant women. Some healthier drink options include:
  • Purified or Filtered Water
  • Fruit Infused or Herbal Tea (suitable for pregnancy)
  • Fresh Fruit Juice
Try to drink 1.6 litres of fluid a day. Carrying a one litre bottle of water with you allows you to keep track of how much you are drinking throughout the day.

The Importance of Drinking Water Daily

Practicing carrying around a 32 ounce water bottle will help you drink adequate amounts of water throughout the day. By maintaining an appropriate water intake, you enable your internal organs to operate at optimal levels for the regular removal of waste. Take your kidneys for example, which utilize urine output to flush away various types of waste. By doing so, your chance of suffering with a kidney infection, urinary tract, or even a bladder infection are significantly reduced. Take our word for it when we say you definitely don’t want to deal with that during your pregnancy.
Solid waste also requires proper hydration to be flushed away on a daily basis. Bowel movements are dependent upon water for ease of passing, whereas water has the ability to soften stool. Pregnant women suffer from bathroom issues more than any other individual – so allow water to be your solution! Additionally, you’ll be a decreased risk of developing hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

Why Should I Take Care to Remain Hydrated During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy you are no longer eating and drinking for one, you’re doing so for two. The same goes for the process of excreting – you’ve got two bodies to maintain now. Although this may be a personal subject, you have to ensure your organs are up for the task of cleaning up after two bodies. By drinking adequate amounts of purified water, you are poised to enable solid wastes to move on down the line with ease. Digestion will also improve, as water plays a vital role in absorption, in addition to waste management.
Does the idea of avoiding UTIs during pregnancy sound good? Be careful to drink enough water in order to dilute your urine, which enables proper flow to keep the bacteria at bay. Drinking enough water also keeps your urine diluted, which not only keeps things flowing but also keeps UTIs at bay (urine that hangs out too long in your bladder can become a breeding ground for infection-triggering bacteria), as well as bladder infections and kidney infections (which are types of UTIs).
Women experience a lot of hot flashes during pregnancy. It’s as though someone turned the heat on and ripped the knob off. If you are struggling to find a way to cool down, drinking enough water may do the trick. Your body will be enabled to run smoothly, thereby lowering your inner thermostat for a break from the heat through sweat.
Fatigue can hit hard during pregnancy, but water is great at combatting bouts of fatigue. Did you know that exhaustion was one of the first symptoms of dehydration? Additionally, you may face symptoms such as headaches, and edema. Water flushes away sodium to minimize swelling in the feet and ankles.

Dehydration Signs & Symptoms

Understanding the signs of dehydration serves as the first step to avoiding it altogether. Once you begin to feel early symptoms, you can take proper steps in stopping it, or seeking medical attention when necessary. Some of these symptoms may look like:
  • Extreme thirstiness
  • Less urine output
  • Darker colored urine
  • Exhaustion, fatigue, confusion, and even dizziness
Once you become severely dehydrated, there’s no room for messing around. If you are pregnant, and experiencing any of the following symptoms, please don’t hesitate to call your doctor or go to the ER:
  • Inability to keep fluids down
  • Feeling rather sleepy or disoriented
  • Experiencing bloody or black bowel movements
  • Struggling with diarrhea lasting beyond 24 hours
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How and When to Give Your Baby Water

While it may seem strange not to give your baby water until about 6 months of age, there is scientific evidence to support this practice.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a Trusted Source, breastfed babies do not need extra water because breast milk is more than 80% water and provides all of your baby’s fluid needs. Infants who are breastfed stay hydrated with the help of breast milk.

Why cannot you give your baby water until he is 6 months old?

Water can cause diarrhea and even malnutrition in infants younger than six months. Introducing water to a breastfed baby may cause the baby to breastfeed less or not at all, which can lead to malnutrition. Breastfeeding less often can decrease the amount of breast milk.

Should you give your nursing baby water when it’s hot outside?

Even if it is a hot day and/or you live in a hot climate, your baby does not need water until he or she is 6 months old. Breast milk or formula are the best options for keeping your baby hydrated.

How much water does a baby need?

According to general guidelines, most babies should drink between two and eight ounces of water per day. This amount is in addition to the water your baby receives with formula or breast milk. If you allow your baby to drink water from his cup throughout the day, he will likely get all the nutrients he needs.
In general, it is safe to let your baby drink as much water as he wants once, he is six months old or older. While still receiving breast milk or formula, he or she will likely be transitioned to solid foods. When solid foods are introduced, it is necessary to drink a little more water to stay hydrated.
Many pediatricians recommend drinking four glasses of water a day from about age one. This is because your baby will become increasingly dependent on solid foods, which will require increased water intake.

Is it necessary to boil tap water for babies?

Some types of tap water may not be safe for your child to drink. If you are concerned about the quality of tap water in your home, contact your local health department.
If tap water is not safe, you can use bottled water instead or boil it to mix with baby food or give to your baby once he or she is over six months old.
Bring cold water to a boil for one minute to boil tap water. Then let it cool to room temperature for 30 minutes before using it. Before giving the water to your baby, test it on your wrist to make sure it is room temperature.

Dehydration symptoms in infants.

If you are concerned that your child is not drinking enough fluids because he or she is unwell or because it is extremely hot outside, watch for these signs of dehydration in infants:
  • Dark yellow urine
  • Fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours
  • Tearless crying (crying with few or no tears)
  • Cracked lips
  • Listlessness
  • Dry skin that doesn’t bounce back when gently pressed
  • Unusual sleepiness
  • Extreme fussiness
  • Sunken fontanelle (the “soft spot” on the top of her head)
  • Sunken eyes
  • Cold hands and feet

Contaminants in water pose a greater threat to infants.

Nitrate

High levels of nitrates can cause methemoglobinemia by interfering with oxygen transport in the blood (also known as blue baby syndrome). Methemoglobinemia is a blood disorder in which the skin turns blue and can lead to serious illness or death. Methemoglobinemia most commonly occurs in infants who are bottle-fed and younger than six months. When nitrate levels in water exceed ten milligrams per liter (mg/L) or ten parts per million, it can be harmful (ppm). Nitrogen is used to calculate the nitrate content.

Lead

The brain, kidneys, and nervous system are all susceptible to lead poisoning. Children’s development can be slowed by lead, as can learning, behavioral, and hearing problems. Lead poisoning is most dangerous for babies, children under six, and pregnant women. Any amount of lead is dangerous.

Manganese

Problems with memory, attention, and motor skills may be exacerbated by high levels of manganese. In addition, it can cause learning and behavioral problems in infants and children. When manganese levels in water exceed 100 micrograms per liter (g/L) or 100 parts per billion, it can be harmful (ppb).

Arsenic

High levels of arsenic have been associated with decreased intelligence in children and increased risk of bladder, lung, and liver cancers. Diabetes, heart disease, and skin disease are all associated with arsenic. Arsenic can be harmful in any amount. The MDH strongly advises treating water containing more than 10 g/L of arsenic or finding another source of water.

Fluoride

Caries can be prevented with the right amount of fluoride. Your baby’s doctor or dentist can help you make sure your child is getting the right amount. To protect teeth, drinking water should have a fluoride content of 0.7 mg/L or 0.7 ppm.

Final Though

Waterdrop was founded in 2015 with the goal of providing reliable water treatment solutions to address these issues. The company’s mission is to provide high-quality products that truly treat people’s drinking water around the world. The name Waterdrop is derived from the desire to provide clean, safe and nutritious drinking water – from the first sip to the last delicious drop.
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Best Gifts on Valentine’s Day That You’ll Never Forget

Valentine’s Day offers couples many ways to express their feelings. Perhaps one of these ideas will spark your imagination. Many people around the world celebrate Valentine’s Day to express their love and admiration for the people they care about. Some people choose this day to propose to their loved ones or invite them to a romantic dinner at a restaurant. On Valentine’s Day, many people give their partners or admirers valentines cards, chocolates, jewelry, or flowers, especially roses. In some social circles and cultures, it is also a time to acknowledge friends. These are good, but not particularly fancy. A trip for Valentine’s Day would be a fantastic idea, and you can use this blog to find your ideal vacation spot.

Best destinations for Valentine’s Day

Argentine Patagonia

According to U.S. News & World Report, Argentine Patagonia ranks 30th, dropping eight places from previous rankings.
According to U.S. News, everywhere you go in this Andean region you’ll find “cobalt blue lakes, azure glaciers, emerald trees and turquoise skies.” There are few places in the world that offer more adventure and discovery than this.
Rugged Mount Fitz Roy, the historic (and mysterious) Cave of the Hands, the Punta Tombo Nature Reserve, the Peninsula Valdes Marine Reserve, and the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier are must-sees on any trip. Bring your camera and a sense of awe.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes are located on the Croatian Adriatic coast, near the border between Zadar and Zagreb, the country’s capital.
The lakes consist of 16 bodies of water connected by a series of waterfalls and fascinating bridges. They are flanked by centuries-old emerald forests teeming with birds, wolves, bears and many other animals!

Silverton, Colorado

The well-preserved frontier town of Silverton is a National Historic Landmark, and a visit there feels like a trip back in time. The Victorian-era architecture and narrow-gauge railroad give a glimpse of the early American West, even as the mines have been turned into tourist attractions and the brothels have become hotels. Silverton is a prime spot for outdoor adventure, nestled in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. You’ll find plenty of fun and excitement in this little-travelled place, from moderate hikes and rafting trips to adrenaline-pumping heli-drops at Silverton Mountain Ski Area.

Sichuan, China

The Giant Buddha of Leshan is located in Sichuan, China. This 233-foot-tall Buddha is carved into the mountainside. The Giant Buddha is one of the largest Buddha figures in the world and was carved in the eighth century. Stay at the Panda Inn in Sichuan, which is decorated with panda images everywhere, including on the walls and furniture. The staff wears panda costumes to add to the fun.

Paris, France

“Paris is on many people’s wish list because it is one of the most famous cities in the world. There are so many famous landmarks to see here: the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral – the list is endless.”

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Cancun has long been a popular destination for Americans from the East Coast (especially Floridians) who want an international vacation close to home. Despite the influx of tourists, the region has retained the appeal that distinguished it in the first place.
Cancun is known for its first-class hotels, vibrant nightlife and warm beaches. Treat yourself to all of that – and the local cuisine, too! – But you can also enjoy other activities such as visiting Mayan ruins, swimming in cenotes, and snorkeling.

Before you go

While travelling on Valentine’s Day can enhance mutual feelings, we must also be mindful of our safety, especially when travelling by water. When we travel abroad, the local water supply may not meet our needs, or we may not have enough bottled water with us so that we can use the water purifier we have on hand.
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Why Your Dogs Need To Drink Adequate Water

Did you know mammals are dependent upon water to live? This includes water dwelling mammals, such as dolphins. When it comes to the necessity of water, man’s best friend is no exception. The cells found within your puppy’s body require hydration for proper function, just like their human counterparts. Otherwise, you may notice your dog becoming habitually dehydrated, which ultimately leads to the development of a variety of health issues. Some of the problems associated with dehydration in dogs include the breakdown of organ function and, ultimately, their demise.

How Long Dogs Can Live Without Water

As mentioned above, mammals are completely dependent upon water every single day. For dogs especially, access to fresh, clean water is important, regardless of the outdoor temperature. However, with that being said, it is crucial for dogs to have water in anything above 80 degrees Fahrenheit in larger amounts, more frequently throughout the day. If your four-legged friend dwells within your home, and enjoys access to air conditioning, they are more likely to require water only every few hours. Although they can survive in this environment, the best practice is to maintain a level of clean drinking water in their bowl at all times.
Some pet parents become frustrated with leaving water out, simply because their dog struggles with potty training indoors. This highlights the importance of sticking to a schedule, especially in regard to water. This goes to great lengths in preventing unwanted potty accidents, by adhering to a 15 minute rule after eating or drinking. If you’d like, many families take their dog for a walk once they’ve finished their meal, to encourage bathroom practices outdoors.

How Much Water is Necessary?

This is nearly impossible to answer correctly, as the amount and frequency of water availability is completely dependent upon your dog, their breed, personality, family situation, and much more, including indoor or outdoor temperatures, and health concerns. Generally speaking, you can offer 1 ounce of water per pound of weight for a healthy dog of average size and weight. In the event your dog is happy to drink more, you are better erring on the side of caution and allowing them to drink more than advised.
Additionally, there are other factors that play a role in the amount of water available to your pup. If they suffer from kidney diseases, it’s imperative that they are provided with adequate amounts of clean water, free from bugs, leaf litter, and algae, especially if they are in the outdoors. In order to stay healthy, dogs instinctively drink the amount of water necessary to stay healthy. When the water in your dog’s bowl is being consumed regularly, there is absolutely no need to measure their intake, especially if they are healthy overall.
However, if your dog struggles with various health problems, your vet may advise a watering schedule. In this case, it’s important to adhere to the schedule provided by their veterinarian team in order to avoid additional issues. Whenever your dog is not on a restrictive water plan, though, it’s safe to provide plentiful amounts of water. If this is what you practice every day, don’t make any changes to your schedule.

Is My Dog Getting Enough Water?

Aside from measuring out a specific amount of water for your dog to consume, you can watch for additional signs regarding overall hydration. Most dogs, when they are well-hydrated, will exhibit good skin elasticity, bright eyes, moist gums, and good amounts of energy. Additionally, their urine should be odorless, and clear to pale yellow in color. Dehydrated dogs, on the other hand, may exhibit sunken or dull eyes, thick and sticky saliva, darkened gums, and dry skin with reduced elasticity. Their urine will also smell, and be darker in coloration than a hydrated pup (unless they have kidney diseases).
If you are noticing any of the aforementioned signs of dehydration, consider calling your vet immediately. In the meantime, begin offering your dog small amounts of water to support their system, especially while you await the advice of your veterinarian.
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How To Save On Your Water Bill

So, every time you get your utility bill it seems like the rate continues to grow. Like your cable, TV, and internet bills, lately, your water bill seems to be climbing out of control. Is there a shortage of water?
If you are late on your water bill, it could seriously affect your credit. Most utilities do not report on-time payments to the credit bureaus and accounts that fall to collections can cause your scores to plummet.

How To Save On Your Water Bill

There are several ways you can cut back on your water usage and lower your bill.
It’s really difficult to run your tap water in hopes of getting colder water. Instead, fill up your pitcher and store it in your refrigerator. On top of that, it works best with a pitcher that comes with an attached filter while saving water.
You will significantly reduce your water expenses with a low-flow toilet. Replacing your toilet can be a major expense but you could add weights to your current toilet tank. If you don’t know how to install the weights, talk to a plumber for assistance.
You can replace your current dishwasher and washing machine with Energy Star appliances. It will cut back on your water bill and the energy you are spending. If you want to find savings, tax credits, and discounts, you are welcome to use Energy Star’s rebate finder.
It’s non-productive to run your washer with just a few items such as tee-shirts or pants. Not only are you increasing your water bill but you are wasting water. Running a full load in your washer will save you money and cut down on the number of loads you are washing each week.

Saving On Your Water Bill Is Saving Water On The Planet

As time moves on, there are more droughts popping up around the world. There is a limited supply of water making water a very precious commodity. Every human and all living things on this planet need fresh water in order to survive. Without fresh water, no living creature can survive.
Recently, it has become a sad fact that even though 71% of the planet’s surface is water, there are many places that are running out of clean water. Conserving water is becoming a critical step for all of us. Without it, the entire world will suffer from a lack of water and will not be able to protect the ecosystem over time. By cutting back on our usage of clean water, we are protecting water responsibly.
Fresh, clean water helps get rid of all kinds of toxins in our bodies. Whether toxins are formed from outside sources or caused by human consumption,water has become more and more contaminated due to bad practices by humans.
You might not know it but clean water is not just for consumption but for sanitation purposes as well. If your body or clothes are washed with contaminated water, disease will be on the rise. Imagine eating food cooked with contaminated water! Over time, you will become quite sick from diseases. We all need clean water for greater health.
Imagine not being able to consume fresh water causing all life on the planet to become seriously sick and die. Serious medical conditions will include cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis, all caused by contaminated water. I can’t even imagine realizing the only water you can consume will be loaded with toxins and come from sewage or water left behind by industrial plants!
The next time you take clean water for granted, think again. In order to consume fresh, clean water takes everyone to get involved and fight to protect this precious commodity each and every day.
Get with your community, spread the word, and educate everyone about the incredible value of clean fresh water, not just for us, but all living things on Earth.
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Why does My Water Smell of Sulfur?

Even the healthiest well water may smell of a hint of sulfur, but why does this occur? When sulfur breaks down it releases hydrogen sulfide gas, which may smell similar to rotten eggs. Since it’s uncommon for this scent to be discovered in groundwater, it’s understandable for the smell to come about due to a chemical reaction. Many people around the world utilize well water as a source of drinking water, and the smell of sulfur is no stranger to well water. The good news is, there are water treatment services that can amend this issue, and get your well back to smelling good, again.

The Cause of Sulfur Smell in Water

Sulfur bacteria or hydrogen sulfide are the main reason for sulfur smell in well water. This type of bacteria thrives in moist environments that lack oxygen levels to support other types of bacteria. A water heater or hot water running from the tap might also smell of sulfur due to similar reasons. In terms of a water heater, terrible sulfur smells occur when the internal aluminum and magnesium rod begin having issues and reactions that produce hydrogen sulfide gas.

Is it Safe to Consume Water Containing Sulfur?

Showering in water smelling of sulfur is not in and of itself dangerous, as sulfur is a part of life. Should you choose to shower in water containing sulfur, your health should not be impacted in a negative manner. The biggest downside to this type of water is the emitted odor. Consuming said water would be difficult and rather unpleasant.
In the event where drinking water wreaking of sulfur, you may begin experiencing health issues such as stomach upset, skin allergies, and much more. It’s important to note that these reactions aren’t a direct product of the presence of sulfur, albeit the lack of water consumption overall. When you drink less water than necessary, it begins to put your health out of whack, and lead to more severe consequences. By taking a few precautions, and putting proper filtration into place, you may fix this issue altogether and move forward with your life.

How do I Treat Smelly Water?

You must begin by first determining the source of your water problem. Once that’s done, you can begin to put a plan into place to reverse the issue, if possible. Other options may include water filtration at the tap, whole house filtration, and more. Before jumping to that conclusion, a few common suggestions include:
It is a good daily practice to start off by turning on all of your household faucets. Allow them to run for anywhere between 5 to 10 minutes in order to flush away any bacteria that has built up overnight. Turn off all of your faucets, and run a test with one faucet. Simply turn it on to see if the smell successfully reduced.
Keeping your water heater clean is an important practice, especially if it is responsible for producing a foul smell. Begin by emptying your water heater after you’ve switched it off. Continue by refilling it, turning it to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and allow it to run for a few hours. Typically, this is enough to kill off any bacteria it’s been harboring.
Bad tasting or foul smelling water can sometimes be due to levels of sulfates and hydrogen sulfide. Having your water tested is the first step to addressing this issue, which should be conducted by a trained professional.
Foul smells from your water source are a big sign that you need to consider filtering and purifying your water. By installing a system, such as an RO machine, the existing impurities and bad odors can be removed or reduced. An RO filter membrane, for example, is capable of removing contaminants as small as 0.0001 microns. This means that smells are effectively removed, including sulfur (a natural occurrence). By utilizing something such as Reverse Osmosis, you won’t experience the production of additional problems, and receive a water source you can count on.

How Sulfur Reaches Your Water Source

As a natural occurrence, sulfur is capable of penetrating into your water in a variety of ways, at any given time. Some of the issues you have been experiencing may be due to:
Considering the fact that water heaters produce heat, and create a warm environment, it comes as no surprise when bacteria begin to grow and thrive. This often includes sulfate-reducing bacteria, and more. As such, this enables sulfur-like odors (like hydrogen gas) to break down.
Once the bacteria thriving within your water pipes are met with natural sulfates, it’s common for hydrogen sulfide gas to be produced. Essentially, the results are due to something within your water or water pipes rotting. It’s imperative to have this issue quickly reversed, before it begins impacting your health.
This may come as a surprise, but sulfates currently exist within our atmosphere as we speak. These sulfates also thrive within our current water supply around the world. Diluted sulfuric acid is produced when sulfur trioxide combine with water vapor in the air. Sulfur trioxide is formed through the combustion of fossil fuels. When it falls with the rain, it creates an “acid rain”.

Before You Go

It’s important to keep tabs on your water supply, especially when it comes to the health of your family and four-legged friends. Although sulfur riddled drinking water isn’t dangerous in and of itself, it could impose consequences that are easily avoided. By installing a water filtration or water purification unit, such as a Reverse Osmosis system, you can provide yourself, your family, and your household appliances with water that nourishes and enables them to thrive – rather than fail.
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Everything You Should Know About New Year Traveling

New Year’s is commemorated around the world in a different manner for cultural reasons, any given country’s climate, family, and much more. Traveling enables us to visit new and exciting cities, while allowing us to explore and discover the unknown. Although there are many reasons to travel, the practice of traveling for New Year’s Eve is no exception.

The Importance of Traveling

During travel each stage of the process, from planning, exploring, and returning from said trip, play an important role. The act of traveling also does wonders for travelers, providing a whole slew of benefits to your physical and mental wellbeing. Plus, once you start traveling, it won’t be long before you catch the travel bug, and find the motivation to pack again and again to travel more often. By traveling for New Year’s you will have new opportunities to venture out with friends and family, or in more of a solitary fashion. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits set forth by traveling, in an attempt to inspire future adventures.
When traveling outside of the United States, you may quickly begin to realize the difference in your goals verses the general public, as well as other travelers. This is due to vast differences in worldwide cultures compared to that of Americans. Your travel plans may focus on more productive outcomes, whereas those of another country tend to be more about the journey. Your patience may be regularly tested by waiting out thunderstorms, or standing in line at the airport – maybe even enduring a canceled or delayed flight! After a while, though, you will gain patience and get used to waiting, rather than become frustrated over situations you cannot control.
If you are in desperate need of a disconnect from day to day routines, travelling could be the perfect remedy. By breaking away from your repetition you poise your mind to reset. Getting out to see new places, meet new faces, and overcome challenges along the way all work together to create memories that last a lifetime. This is an important part of stepping away to reevaluate what’s truly important in life, as well as the individuals you choose to place within your own.
Once you gain some perspective, there’s nothing like watching the sun set in the Caribbean, or venturing down the cobblestone paths of France. The more you step out of your comfort zone, especially by placing yourself into the unknown, the more you will build confidence. Before long, your first instinct in a frustrating situation won’t be stressing out. If you want to build confidence, patience, and peace of mind, traveling could be your ticket to a new lifestyle.
Your senses are impacted by a variety of stimuli, new and old. Vivid colors, familiar landscapes, new horizons, these are just a few of the elements that invigorate an individual’s senses. Whether it’s recognizing the scent of a new French bakery, or listening to the hustle and bustle of a café in Canada, there are sights, sounds, and smells to behold. Take the leap and attempt eating with chopsticks. Can you navigate a foreign map to find your way throughout a strange city? These activities go to great lengths in improving your cognitive function. By facing new and strange challenges, your brain begins to work in a resourceful manner to find a resolution.

Crucial Tips to Take with You

If you are looking for an eye-opening experience, traveling is well worth a shot. And, although it’s easy to get excited over your next adventure, you can’t let that catch you off guard. When it comes to personal security and safety, it’s crucial to ensure you travel in the safest manner possible. You want to make sure you return home safely, fully capable of sharing in your adventures with the friends and family you left behind. Here are a few tips that make safety during travel a little bit easier:
Keeping a copy of your passport and driver’s license, along with the original, is a common practice for travelers. These forms of identification, as well as other types, make traveling easier. By making simple copies, you ensure easy travel regardless of whether the originals (or copies) become lost or stolen along the way.
Regardless of the destination, it is a wise choice to keep your friends and family informed of your next adventure. This is true for month-long journeys overseas and overnight trips alike. You can take this a step further by forwarding a copy of your itinerary and other travel plans to a trusted individual (or two). This enables someone to keep tabs on your wellbeing to ensure everything is going according to plan.
If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, it’s highly advisable to set an alarm for the early hours. Whether you are stepping out for a croissant, or need to catch a flight, rising early is a great practice. By doing so, you are poised to avoid larger tourist crowds, as well as capture some famous photo ops while the sun’s on your side. Chances are, most parts of town are safer in the morning and afternoon hours.
The easiest way to get run down and sick during and after your trip, is to allow yourself to become hydrated. The fact remains, traveling by car, train, and plane puts your body into a dry environment. In order to avoid lowering your immune system, it’s advisable to drink 8 ounces on an hourly basis, while also avoiding the consumption of alcohol – which contributes to dehydration.

Final Thoughts on Travel

If you are seeking to start a new chapter in life, considering the advantages set forth by travel will expose you to new heights. Once you return home, you will take home new faces and exciting memories you’d otherwise have missed out on. Exposing yourself to distinct and diverse cultural traditions and lifestyles offers an experience unmatched by any other activity. Broaden your mind and expand your horizons by booking your next trip today.
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Does Water Quality Have Any Effect On Hair?

If you’ve taken a shower at a place other than your house, maybe a hotel, or a friend’s house, you may notice that your hair feels differently. Common water contaminants can affect your hair’s look, feel, and general health. Fortunately, this article discusses water quality in your home and how it affects your hair, and we also discuss how to keep your hair feeling and looking great.

What Is Water Hardness?

Identifying hard water in a home is not difficult. If you have recurring problems with mineral deposits on your faucets or showerhead, then you probably have hard water.
Hard water means water containing high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Unfortunately, hard water does more than add scum to your shower; it is also responsible for scaly white buildup in coffee makers. Also, if you have to use white vinegar to clean your coffee maker to make your coffee taste good again, you have hard water.

Effects Of Hard Water On Your Hair?

Hard water is a significant problem with water quality that affects the health of your hair. Water in homes having hard water issues contains high calcium and magnesium levels. These minerals cling to your hair after taking a shower with hard water. Hard water affects the hair in many ways, including:
Hard water dries out your hair. After showering in hard water, your hair gets a rough feeling instead of being shiny and smooth. Furthermore, hard water dries out the scalp, increasing the amount of dandruff in the hair.
Hard water deposits minerals in your hair, making it look like dandruff. When you shower with hard water, it can leave traces of hardness minerals in your hair, giving you an appearance of dandruff.
Hard water can cause possible hair loss. For some people, the minerals in hard water clog their hair follicles after they shower. Therefore, their hair breaks off easily at the base, causing hair loss, especially for people prone to hair loss.
Hard water prevents your hair from properly cleaning because it does not lather well with soaps and shampoos like hard water. Therefore, showering with hard water can reduce the effects of your hair cleaning and moisturizing products, preventing your hair from being as clean and healthy as you want.

How pH Levels Affect The Hair

Looking back at high school chemistry, you may remember that the pH scale ranges between 0 and 14. 7 is considered to be a neutral pH. Acidic pH is below 7 while anything above 7 is alkaline or basic.
The hair has a pH of 4.5 to 5. Hard water’s pH can be 8.5 or more without considering the pH levels of your shampoo, conditioner, and other products in your hair regimen.
Hair pH greater than 10 causes makes the fibers swell, causing irreversible damage.

How Can You Save Your Hair?

Adjusting your daily routine to counter hard water effects on your body may not be easy. However, using a water softening system in your home can help keep your skin soft and elegant and your hair bouncy and shiny. You can reduce the mineral content in your water straight from the tap using a water softener.
When addressing a hard water problem in your home, the first thing to do is get an in-home water test. The test helps to check the actual level of hardness-causing minerals in your water. The next step is checking out the local guides on hard water in your region. Afterward, call Waterdrop to figure the best water softener for your household water needs.
You mustn’t take the effects of hard water on your hair and skin lightly. Having proper knowledge of the issue can help you take the right steps towards softening the water in your home.

Conclusion

Apart from adding scum to your shower and scale buildup to your coffee maker, hard water affects your skin and hair. Hard water can dry out your hair, leave mineral deposits, cause hair loss, and leave your hair looking dirty. Fortunately, Waterdrop has the best water softeners to suit your household water needs.
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What You Should Know About Hurricanes & Remain Safe

People who live in hurricane regions know all too well how frightening they can be. If you have recently moved to an area that is known for hurricanes, you might want good information before a storm hits your area. Not all hurricanes are as terrible as talked about on the news but understanding these storms will help stay safe, especially in the aftermath. Understanding the difference in storms will give you a better understanding of what might be heading your way.

A Tropical Cyclone vs A Hurricane

In general, a cyclone is a very large, destructive storm with strong winds rotating around the center. A cyclone system has thunderstorms but does not have fronts. On the other hand, a tornado is a very violent storm with very strong winds spiraling around a central point with clouds shaped like a funnel. Tornados, unlike cyclones, are formed over land and are often spun off from Hurricanes.
Tropical cyclones with maximum surface winds less than 99 mph are called tropical depressions. Tropical storms have maximum sustained winds of 39 mph or higher and are known as tropical storms.
Are You Confused Yet?
When one of these storms has winds up to 79 mph, it’s called a Hurricane. A hurricane’s wind scale is called the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale which is measured between 1 to 5. I’m sure you have heard the term “a Hurricane 2 or a Hurricane 5. These categories are based on the maximum sustainable winds and the higher the category, the more dangerous a hurricane can be to property damage and life.

How Are Hurricanes Formed?

Exactly how or why a hurricane is formed is unknown but everyone is in agreement, there are 2 ingredients that must be present at the time.
One – Warm ocean waters provide the energy the storm needs to become a hurricane. In general, the temperature of the surface water must be 26°C (Celsius) – 79°F ( Fahrenheit) or higher to create a hurricane.
Two – Winds that do not alter very much in speed or direction as the rise in the atmosphere. If winds continually change, they can tear a storm to pieces.

Why Are Hurricanes Given Names?

There are usually more than one hurricane rising up at one time. It can be difficult to keep track of all of them, so they are named. A storm is usually given a name when it becomes a tropical storm. That name will stay with the storm even if it becomes a hurricane. Tropical disturbances and depressions are not given names.
Each year, there is a list of names given to storms in alphabetic order. A list of names is reused every 6 years, but if a storm is very destructive, the name is removed from the list. A new name starting with the same letter will replace that name on the list.

How Hurricanes Influence Our Water Supply

Hurricanes and other strong storms can reap havoc on many scales including power outages, dangerous flooding, damaged homes, a rise in diseases, and unhealthy drinking water. When a hurricane makes landfall or other heavy storms cause flooding, public water supplies, and well water can easily become contaminated and cause many illnesses.
We’ve all seen news broadcasts talking about stores running out of bottled water just before a pending storm. Everyone will stock up on clean, safe water as tap water during or after a large storm is not considered safe. Better yet, instead of stocking up on bottled water, you should consider getting a Reverse Osmosis Water System, Drinking Water System, or Whole Water Treatment System.

The Dos & Don’ts After A Hurricane

In order to keep you and your family safe from the damage caused by a hurricane, you must use safety precautions. Following the tips below, your family, friends, and yourself can remain safe until and after the hurricane has passed.
Severe storms and heavy rain can cause flooding and are known to knock out power lines. In turn, these downed lines create electrical currents passing through the ground and ending up in standing water. Always stay away from downed lines and standing water including walking, driving, and wading through water.
If you have food that has come in contact with flooding water or stormwater, throw it out. This food can make you very sick, even if there are no smells and it tastes fine. Throw out perishable foods that have not been refrigerated during the power outage. Obviously, get rid of foods that have odors, changes in color, or textures.
Pay close attention to any reports from local officials regarding water precautions around or in your home. Stay away from water that has been reported as contaminated especially while making baby formulas. Start over making ice, brush your teeth with filtered water or bottled water only. Wash and prepare food with filtered water, wash your hands regularly, and wash your dishes.
Keep in mind, any debris caused by a hurricane can be potentially dangerous so avoid it. Debris can be anything from fallen trees, tiles from the roof, window panes, and other objects harmed by the storm. Debris can be items loaded with nails, sharp edges, or glass.

Final Note

When a hurricane carves through our lives, it can take some time to get back to some semblance of order. It isn’t just buildings that are harmed, people and pets are too. There will be health issues along with inconveniences, such as loss of power, due to damaged lines damaged by the storm. Understanding hurricanes and the dos and don’ts will help you get through this disaster and come out the other end safe and sound.
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Which Cities Have The Best Tap Water in U.S.?

Water is a necessity in our daily lives. We need to drink water, cook with water, and more activities in it. We are constantly reminded of the importance of drinking enough water to stay healthy and hydrated. Since the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, came into national focus in 2015, the quality of our water has been a frequent topic in the news.
Although the majority of affected areas are low-income and rural, unsafe and poor-quality water can be found throughout the United States. If you want to know if you live in a state with good or bad water, we have compiled lists of the best and worst public tap water in the United States. Do not worry if your state is included in this list; we have a number of filtering methods to clean your tap water.

Regulations for Clean and Safe Water

After the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972 and the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1974, Americans believed that their public water systems would provide clean water. While these laws have helped set standards that ensure access to safe drinking water, recent headlines have shown that this is not always the case.
Despite the fact that life-threatening diseases such as cholera and typhoid have been nearly eradicated thanks to the introduction of water sanitation, there are still concerns about the safety of public water. Even though regulations are in place to ensure that Americans have safe drinking water, many public water systems continue to have problems with contaminants like lead, pesticides, and bacteria.
The Safe Drinking Water Act is concerned with setting standards for evaluating the quality of drinking water. The Act authorises the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a set of minimum water quality standards and requires all public water suppliers to meet them. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gives state governments permission to implement water safety regulations. The law also requires the EPA to set minimum requirements for states to maintain their underground drinking water supplies.

Top-Rated Water Utilities

The city had the second lowest bacteria levels in drinking water and was in the top 15 for lead, turbidity and haloacetic acid levels.
It was among the top ten metropolitan statistical areas for lead, turbidity, and haloacetic acid.
The lowest turbidity and haloacetic acid levels were in the top ten.
For low bacteria, lead, turbidity, and haloacetic acid levels, it was in the top 25.
For low bacteria and lead levels, it ranked in the top ten. Levels for turbidity and haloacetic acid were more evenly distributed across the cities on the list.
Although it ranked in the top five for lead levels, it had higher levels for haloacetic acid, bacteria, and turbidity.
Although it had one of the lowest turbidity scores on the list, its haloacetic acid score was higher than average.
The city ranked in the top 15 cities for haloacetic acid and lead concentration and had bacteria levels well above the average for cities on the list.
Bacteria levels were low but lead and haloacetic acid levels were in the middle of the cities on the list.
Although bacteria and lead levels were low, the city had significantly higher levels of haloacetic acid than the other cities on the list.

Learn More About the Quality of Your Local Water

If you get your water from a public source, you’ll get an annual report called a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from the Water Company. The report contains information about the quality of your local drinking water. It also includes information about the source of the water and the levels of contaminants detected in the water.
A CCR is not available to everyone. They are usually sent to the person who is responsible for paying your water bill. This means that if you live in an apartment, condo, or rental property, you probably will not receive a CCR every year. In those cases, you may receive such a report from your landlord, property management company, or homeowners’ association. Local CCR reports that the water utility publishes online may also be available to you.
CCRs are not issued to people who get their water from private sources such as groundwater wells. Since the EPA does not regulate private wells, no testing is required for a CCR. The owner of the well is responsible for testing and maintaining water quality. If your water comes from a private well, you can quickly and easily determine the safety of your water with a well water test kit from TestAssured.

How to Get Clean Water if You Live in the Bad Water Area

No need to pack your bags if you live in one of the states on the “worst tap water in the United States” list. While there are other options than drinking tap water, a water filtration system is highly recommended. If you think bottled water is a good alternative to dirty tap water, read our Bottled Water vs Filtered Water article for a list of cons that argue against the wasteful and expensive product. By filtering your tap water at home, you can protect your long-term health by removing harmful contaminants. If you are interested in filtering your water at home but do not know where to start, we recommend consulting your local municipality’s water quality report. Using this article as a guide, you can easily understand your city’s water report. Once you know what contaminants are present in your drinking water, you can use our guide to better choose a water filter. A whole house water filter would be necessary if you want to filter your water from every tap in your house. If you only care about the water you drink, under-sink filters are an easy and convenient way to ensure your water is clean and healthy.