Hopefully, for most of us, the answer would be we have no idea. And that is because, for many people, our families are what made us who we are today, for better or worse, and we don’t even want to have to think about how our lives would be without them.

And there are many social and economic reasons that show the benefits of a thriving and healthy family unitand the positive effects it can have on an individual, but most don’t need any scientific evidence to know that is true.

From giving us love and people to rely on and teaching us skills to live in the world, your family is what made you who you are today.

Here are four reasons why your family is probably the most important thing in your life, and hopefully will always be.

They help you feel safe

Getting Proper Medical Care for Your Family

The world can be a scary place filled with so much uncertainty, but thanks to your family you learned you could live in it despite those fears.

Your family made you feel that whatever happened at school, work, or with your friends, you could come home and relax in a place where you knew people loved you and wanted to see you thrive.

It helped you to understand how to be that way for them and other people as well, and you want to pass that along to your own family someday.

They help you make the right decisions

Ways to Bring Your Family Closer Together

Life is full of so many choices, and not all of them are good ones.

Luckily, if you had parents and siblings who helped lead you down good paths and influenced you to make the best decisions for you and your life that definitely steered you in the right direction.

The great thing about family is they most likely taught you how to have success and be happy, but let you choose along the way how to get there. And when you made mistakes, as we all do, they were there for you too and helped pick you up and get you going even when it felt like you couldn’t do so.

They taught you important habits

Adulting

Thank goodness for parents who taught us important hygiene, grooming and health habits, or who knows where we all would be.

Things like going to the doctor every year, or visiting Family Dental Health Center to get your teeth cleaned and a check-up, or even that showering every day is important.

Sadly, not every person had someone to teach them these things, so if you have parents or other family members who did, it’s good to remember that and be grateful for it.

They showed you love

We sometimes take for granted how great it is to know there are people, sometimes several, in the world who love you exactly the way you are and always will.

Having a family who loves you can a bring a person such comfort and peace, and help them to be a confident and emotionally healthy person.

This is why when you have your own family, or if you have one now, make sure to love them as much as you can.

The post 4 Reasons Your Family Is the Most Important Thing in Your Life appeared first on InstantELLA.

It’s the season of giving and a time to think of giving instead of receiving.

It’s hard to know where to start your service endeavors because there are so many people in need and so many organizations that could use volunteers.

It can feel overwhelming, but the good news that if your heart is in the right place you can usually find a cause that you can volunteer your time and effort for.

And to help you get off on the right foot, here are five ways you can give back to your local or national community today and make where you live a better place.

Gather a clean-up crew

4 Ways to Help Your Community

Sadly, in most communities, there are areas that need a little extra love and care in the form of picking up trash and also cleaning it up in general.

Whether it’s a park, river, beach area, or other public areas, you can gather together a group of volunteers and create a clean-up project to help rejuvenate the community.

Make sure to get the permissions and permits you need, and then after that, go to work.

Your community will thank you for helping to beautify it, and those in charge will be grateful to not have to spend taxpayer money on it.

Volunteer to teach or help

If you have a specific skill you are really proficient at or are really good at teaching you may be able to volunteer to teach a class or be an aid.

For example, at a center that offers adult disability services you can ask if they need someone to teach a certain class or maybe the workers at the facility need help to put together a fun activity or program.

There are many places within your community that would probably love to have an extra hand.

Be a leader

Different, leader, best, unique, boss, individuality, original, special, worst, first, chief, champion and discrimination concept.

This can be applied to a community board or a little league coach, either way, you can definitely help your community out by becoming a leader in some organization that is city-run.

Since most of the time those positions are on a volunteer basis, becoming those leaders can help your voice to be heard in the community as well as affect lives for good.

Donate some money

Not everyone can put the time in to do something for the community, so if you have the means and big time constraints consider giving funds to a community cause in need.

Donations are very helpful to many organizations in your community, and you can do a little research to see where your money would best be served and then hand it over.

Share with your friends

The Science Behind the Joy of Sharing Joy

One person can really make a difference, but if that person gets their friends involved it can cause a positive ripple effect and before you know it there are people helping out everywhere you go which can only help your community.

If you are planning to volunteer or donate, share what you are doing with a friend, and if they want to get involved too, share with them how they can do their part.

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Recycling isn’t just throwing your soda cans or other plastic items in a blue container, it’s making little changes each day to help prevent waste and re-use more.

How To Be More Environmentally Conscious

Recycling can seem like a positive but daunting task, but it’s a lot easier to implement than it seems; and fortunately there are several ways to be better at recycling that aren’t a huge adjustment at all.

Here are a few of them that can help you to start recycling today.

Find out what goes where

First things first – it’s important to learn what you can recycle and what you can’t.

According to Waste Management, recyclables that can actually be recycled are metals, paper, cardboard, glass, and plastics. Electronics and car batteries can also be recycled, but not in the same places that household recyclables can be recycled.

Knowing what can and cannot be recycled will help you when throwing things away and what you should save and what is just plain old trash.

Clean it off

Little Steps that Can Help Your Company Be More Environmentally Responsible

Most people are unaware, but if certain things that you recycle still have food or any other type of waste on them it makes it difficult to recycle, and most of the time they end up needing to be thrown away anyways.

One dirty product, or one with food waste still in it, can contaminate an entire bale, containing thousands of pounds of collected plastics, according to Waste Management.

So before you put it in the recycling bin, make sure to rinse out that plastic Milk jug or wipe off that sheet of aluminum foil.

Buy Recycled

6 Ways to Reduce Your Company’s E-Waste

According to EPA, 544,000 trees would be saved if every household in the United States replaced just one roll of virgin fiber paper towels with 100 percent recycled ones.

Those are pretty big numbers if you think about it, and all it takes is replacing a product you use daily with one that uses recycled materials.

Reducing Your Footprint

We are lucky that we live in a time where finding products made from recycled materials is pretty easy, all it takes is a quick internet search or a look at a label.

Even larger companies can get in on using recycled materials, such as using Bioblend, which can help create plastic out of recycled fibers. Another way is by using recycled aluminum, glass, and electronics.

Whether it’s for your home and business, there are ways to recycle and use recycled materials for anything you do.

Make it easy

Invest in Industrial Environmental Responsibility

We all know that if something is easy, we are way more likely to do it. Recycling can be one of those easy things, making sure it’s going to be something always checked off on your to-do list.

Most cities offer recycling pickup, and most offer mixed recyclables bins, so you don’t even have to worry about sorting what you want to recycle yourself.

Checking your local city’s page or contacting your Waste Management company is how you can find out if that is available to you and also where you can sign up for it.

To Save the Planet, Start Small

Learning to recycle doesn’t have to mean changing your entire life; it can be accomplished by just taking a few small steps and making a few small changes.

The result will be you feeling like you are contributing to the health of the planet as well as contributing materials to help run our economy along. It really is a win, win.

The post How You Can Be Better At Recycling, Starting Today! appeared first on InstantELLA.

The Positive Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility

A group of dentists compiled this list of things you should know before your next appointment.

Toothaches

What causes a toothache?

If you have a toothache, there could be a number of reasons besides another cavity. Tooth sensitivity, generally due to worn enamel or receding gums, can cause toothaches, but that doesn’t mean you have a cavity. A cracked tooth can also be the cause, and it is possible to have a cracked tooth and not even know it. While tooth sensitivity can be self-diagnosable, if you are not 100 percent sure of the cause of your toothaches, you should see a Dentist DTC. They can diagnose the problem and help you decide on the best treatment plan.

Bleeding Gums

Five Things You Can Do If Your Gums Are Bleeding

Bleeding gums are never a good sign. No matter the cause, if your gums are bleeding every time your brush or floss your teeth, it’s a good idea to bring that up with your dentist. Bleeding gums are a sign of periodontal disease, and your dentist can tell you the best way for you to treat this symptom.

Breath

What Are the Most Common Dental Problems?

Yes, your dentist and the hygienists can all smell the last thing you ate before coming in. So, do them and yourself a courtesy by avoiding heavy odor-causing foods the day of your appointment. The good thing is, even if you do forget about this, most dentists and their staff are kind enough not to point it out and embarrass you. If you have bad breath for another reason, it might be a good idea to ask your dentist about it because it could be a sign of another dental problem.

Good Teeth

6 Brushing Tips to Impress Your Dentist

Good teeth get noticed. Generally speaking, the first thing that most people notice in another person is their eyes, and second is their smile – or their teeth. If your teeth are one of the first things someone notices when they meet you, don’t you want to make a good impression? Take care of your teeth and make that dentist appointment. If you are interested in teeth whitening or have crooked teeth you want fixed, your dentist is there to ask those questions and give your recommendations.

Dream Teeth

4 Things You Definitely Need to Do Before going to the Dentist

While having a good-looking smile is great, just remember that your dream teeth might not be possible. You can’t have a smile like Angelina Jolie if your mouth and face aren’t the same shape and size. Remember there are limitations, but your dentist is there to help you along the way.

Chewing Gum

Chewing Gum Negative Effects and Disadvantages

Chewing gum can be a good thing – so long as it’s a sugar-free option. Chewing gum with xylitol, a low-calorie sweetener, can help protect your teeth from cavities. Not only does the act of chewing the gum produce saliva which helps clear sugars out of your mouth, but the xylitol can actually inhibit the growth of bad, cavity-causing bacteria. Keep a pack of xylitol gum with you when you’re on the go to chew after meals. It’s no replacement for brushing and flossing your teeth, but it certainly helps.

Mouth Piercings

Oral Piercings: What You Should Know

Mouth piercings, especially tongue piercings, can be detrimental to your oral health. The small metal piercing clicking constantly against your teeth can chip them and wear down the enamel, leaving you at a greater risk for tooth decay and other mouth infections. Healthwise, it’s best to keep the piercings elsewhere.

Insurance

Everything You Need To Know About Health And Safety Compliance

For you and your dentist, it is best if you come into the office knowing what your insurance covers – and knowing whether or not that dentist takes your insurance. This isn’t to say that the staff at the office can’t help you figure this out, but before making an appointment, it’s good to know what kind of financial commitment you are getting yourself into. This isn’t to scare you away from making the appointment altogether, but rather to help you prepare so nothing unexpected comes up at your first appointment.

What Are the Most Common Dental Problems?

Another tip regarding finances: many dentist offices will give you a discount if you pay for the appointment in cash on the day of.

The post 8 Things You Should Know Before Going to the Dentist appeared first on InstantELLA.

Don’t be overwhelmed just yet. If you play your cards right, summer vacations can be a time of fun, learning and rediscovery of your own youth! Here’s how you do it.

Create a Routine

It does not end with planning a drive down to the beach or renting the perfect beach-house getaway. I’d recommend chalking out a schedule, planner or routine of activities even before summer starts. That way you will not only be prepared on day #1 but you would have been able to pre-register and save a spot for all those outdoor summer activities as well, you know what they say about the early bird. Obviously, having a plan would also ensure you’re making the best use of time and opportunities during this vacation.

A quick tip on planning the summer for your kids – include a mix of activities because children get bored easy and love variety. While a large part of summer is about the kids, it’s not all about them. Remember that you need to be relaxed and having fun too. Don’t cram your calendar with activities 24/7. Not only will that burn you out (and may burn out the kids too) but it leaves no room for re-adjustment or tweaking, and that’s no fun! Lol. Take on only as much as you’ll logically be able to handle and save room for downtime.

Having said that here are a couple of activities you and your kids can include in your summer routine.

Interactive Learning

Summer is all about Fun and so is Interactive Learning.  It involves a PC, tablet or other devices, interactive software, immediate answers to queries, virtual rewards and badges/ titles for performance and even online competitions. Sound like a video-game? Yes, because it pretty much is and that is exactly why kids find it so much fun. Except they’re learning along the way too.

American educational technology companies like IXL, through their online tools and website, offer students a chance to practice educational material. Often affiliated and recommended by the Public-School System, they provide students an engaging yet focused environment in which to excel. Sign-ups are free, through the affiliated school and students like my kids can use them throughout the year. Hint: even during summer

Registering your kid(s) at the Local Library’s online Summer Reading Programme is another great example of interactive learning. These programmes include several other exciting activities that go along with reading. My kids, for example read “The giving Tree” and then completed the lesson by planting a sapling in our backyard. They also enjoyed building their original Legos after reading a book on Lego design; and made their own tin can- robots after attending a book reading at the library which focused on robots and machines. Find IT Virginia and similar free online resources provide opportunities for e-reading and learning.

The possibilities are truly endless and I would have killed to have these opportunities growing up, but am happy my kids have them now. Better late than never.

The great outdoors

Physical activity is as important as mental health. My husband and I start our day with a jog around the neighborhood, while the kids do 2 laps each on their bicycles. It doesn’t matter who beats who to the house first, but we all return awake, alive and hungry. Whoever gets home first kills time playing some good old-fashioned basketball outside.

We take it easier on the weekends and substitute the jogs and bike rides for a day of mini-golf, bowling or the park.

And while a trip to the beach is a must, if you’re looking for local activities, Facebook Events  and Groupon Coupons could be a good place to start. Explore local events and workshops , take the kids to the amusement and water parks or the local fare, state-parks and museums, buy putt-putt, laser-tag, roller-skating and arcade game coupons for the family on Groupon at a discounted rate. Save some money, Explore, and thou shall find!

And don’t forget, your own backyard can be an ideal place to spend some time – if you’ve got a pool, make sure you search for a pool service near me to keep it clean and hygienic, but even without a pool, your own outdoor space can be a fantastic place for some truly wonderful adventures. 

Help Around the House

With great fun comes serious responsibility. If you haven’t already, take this time to teach the kids the nuances of laundry, doing the dishes, helping fix a meal and generally cleaning up after themselves.  It will go a long way in teaching them responsibility and preparing them for success as adults. Initially, I used to get a lot of pushback from my kids. It started with the “do we have to?”  but after gentle persuasion it’s slowly shifting to “can I help?”. Why surely, you can!!

Get a Pet

Now’s as good a time as any to get a pet for your kids to play with. My kids brought home 2 hermit crabs – Hermie and Sebastian – from the beach this summer. They had been after us for a while to get them a dog or cat. Since these cute little crabs are low maintenance, we figured it would be a good compromise. The bonus is the kids learn a little responsibility. They have researched how to take care of the hermit crabs and decorated the crab tank on their own with minimum supervision from us adults. Who knows, if the crabs survive a couple years, they might earn their puppy or kitten one day.

Indoor Fun

Ever heard the phrases “What do I do now?” or “I’m bored” from your kid(s), implying that you as the adult, are automatically supposed to come up with a solution to fix the ‘boredom’? Not anymore. This year I invested in arts & crafts, board-games, books, Legos and DIY projects to keep the kids engaged and entertained all summer long.

Some of the more interesting games that both kids and adults can play include, Connect Four, Jenga, UNO, Scrabble, and Monopoly. These never get old. Lego building is another activity that the boys and my husband enjoy and have organized several competitions around them.

We have family game nights where in addition to playing board games we all descend into the basement for a game of Pool or tag team Video Gaming. Other nights we chill over Netflix. Choosing Trilogies and other movie series like Aliens, The Godfather or Star Wars may work well during the summers when you can watch the series back to back and the kids don’t have school the next day.

Execute the Routine

Having created a schedule, it’s important to execute. The easiest way to do this is working as a team. After drafting the schedule, my husband and I discussed it with the kids to get their feedback and buy-in. Once everyone agreed, I had the kids replicate the schedule on a calendar in their room. Now they too share responsibility in keeping track of daily and weekly activities.

While some kids can be stubborn or rebellious, I honestly believe that all kids want structure and do well when given clear directions. Creating and executing a daily routine during the summers help build structure and discipline into the day. The kids have fun, parents can manage their time better and it’s a win-win all around. You know you’ve hit the nail on the mark when reminders and instructions become fewer and smiles and laughter greater!

Remember to have Fun!!

Summer comes along once a year and so it’s important to remember to have fun, irrespective of the activity on the routine. The routine is just a guideline meant to organize the day, not to limit fun. The routine should be flexible. If at some point activities need to be rescheduled, removed or added to the plan, go ahead and make alterations to the routine. As long as everyone is on-board and having fun, you’ll be fine.

It’s been just a few weeks of summer for my kids. Not only have I survived, but I must admit I’m actually looking forward to the weeks ahead. My secret lies in creating a balanced routine that includes having all out fun while learning, growing, being creative and unlocking hidden talents together!

The post Beach More, Worry Less : Smart Tips & Activities To Keep Kids Engaged This Summer appeared first on InstantELLA.