Category Archives: Lifestyle

How To Take Control Of Your Health This Spring

There are some aspects of our health that we cannot control. However, by making a real effort to stay fit and healthy as you age, you can reduce your chances of dealing with complex health problems further down the line. 

group fitness instructor workout session, health, aging

Photo by Gabin Vallet on Unsplash

With that in mind, here are some simple yet effective ways in which you can take control over your health this spring.

Identify bad habits. 

Bad habits have earned their name for a reason – and by continuing to participate in them, you may be causing significant damage to both your physical and mental health. As such, now is the perfect time to take a close look at your hobbies so that you can put a stop to those that may be harming you, such as smoking. 

Address problems sooner rather than later. 

Many people are quick to dismiss signs of sickness, such as aches and pains, in the hope that they will go away on their own. However, this is rarely the case, and you may require medication or other healthcare support to return to your usual self once again.

As a result, you should ensure that you do not put off going to the doctor – even if you’d rather be anywhere else. Doing so gives you quick and easy access to the support you need and could also help when it comes to detecting certain diseases or complications while they are still in their early stages. 

Take pain management seriously. 

Pain can impact your day-to-day life in many ways, whether caused by a sports injury or poor posture. For example, it may stop you from exercising, which means you are no longer on track to meet your fitness goals. As such, you must take pain management seriously and rely on the relevant support services when you need them. For example, you could visit a chiropractor to help relieve pain in different areas of your body. 

Drink more water. 

Drinking more water is one of the easiest – and yet most effective ways to take your health into your own hands. This is because staying properly hydrated supports many different functions within our body, including the regulation of our immune system, making it easier to fight off sickness and infection. As such, you should drink 1.5-2 litres of water a day.

Get more sleep. 
Long, sleepless nights could be a sign that you are not as healthy as you think you are. As a result, you must focus on getting the downtime you need to thrive in your daily life. There are many ways in which you can approach this issue. For example, many scientific studies have found that going to bed at the same time every night can ‘program’ your body so that you automatically begin to feel tired at this time. This could make it a little easier to drift off. You can also make it easier to fall asleep by avoiding using your phone for a few hours before bed, as this can help you wind down.

Building A Better Relationship With Your Parents As You All Get Older

As you grow up and start a family of your own, you can find that your relationship with your own parents changes. You may find that you’re less reliant on them than you were when you were younger, and may even experience some challenges as you face your own parenting struggles.

But change doesn’t have to be a bad thing, and getting older gives you a great opportunity to get to know your parents differently, so you can enjoy more quality time together. Learn some of the ways you can build a better relationship with your parents as you get older to help bring a new dynamic to your relationship.

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

Resolve issues you’ve been experiencing

Families are complicated, and over time, things can build up between families. You may have even experienced some serious issues that have led to a lack of communication or poor relationships over the years. But if you want to enjoy a relationship with your parents going forward, you may need to take steps to resolve these issues and find a way to forgive and move on. It’s not always easy, but if there’s a chance to save your relationship, it could be worth a try.

Be there to provide help and support

As your parents get older, it’s them that may need taking care of. Being there to provide help and support is important, and whether that’s physical or emotional support, you should pay attention to your parents’ behaviors and ensure that they get the help they need. Now that you’re more self-aware, you may be able to recommend support for issues they might be experiencing such as depression, addiction, or PTSD treatment for veterans. Your parents may be reluctant at first, but you should persevere to help them get the help they need as they get older.

Plan quality time together

Once you have your own children, time spent with your family can often revolve around the kids and keeping them entertained. But if you can, try to spend some quality time with your parents where you can be adults together and make some wonderful memories. This one-on-one time can also help you notice any changes in their health and wellbeing that may need some support, that could go unnoticed in a big family setting.

Spend time enjoying some of their hobbies and interests 

Now that they’re no longer taking care of you, time with your parents can be spent enjoying some of their hobbies and interests. Take the time to find out the things that they’re interested in and plan some fun activities together that will help you create some special memories and learn more about your parents.
As we get older, our relationships evolve and change, especially the ones we have with our parents. You may need to learn how to communicate with elderly parents or take on caring responsibilities, but you will also find that your relationship changes in positive ways too as you get to know them in different ways. Focus on building a better relationship with your parents to help you enjoy your time with them, and who knows, they could still have a lot to teach you about your own parenting skills too!

Raheem’s Adventures: Fun and Educational Children’s Books

The following 3 books by the author, Jawad, have been written with a fun and educational spirit. Jawad was kind enough to share details on each of his books below, please read on to learn more about them.

Raheem and his Magic Shoes:

This Book shares two of my passions, which are basketball and a story that has a meaningful message. The book is aimed at children ages 3 to 8 and currently is on Amazon.ca’s top 100 basketball books for children. The book is available at locations for the Toronto public library, Milton public library, and Mississauga central library.

Book Blurb:

Dribble right then dribbles left. He dribbles past his opponents. He takes a jump shot and … swisssssh!  Raheem loves to play basketball and is eager to make the team, but he believes the only way he can make it is with his magical shoes. Will the shoes work? Raheem will try anything! “Raheem and his Magic shoes” is the inspiring story of Raheem and his quest to make the basketball team. This fully illustrated book tells the story of a young boy who believes he isn’t good enough without his special kicks to make the team.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/168902514X

Raheem the Superhero:

This fun read was inspired by my little nephew who loves superheroes and his willingness to help others in need.  

Book Blurb:

Incredible strength, lightning speed, x-ray vision, and the ability to fly are just some of Raheem’s favorite superhero abilities! Every superhero needs them, right? You can’t save the day without them? Right???? That’s what makes a SUPERHERO a superhero, rightttttt? Raheem seems to think so.

From the author of “Raheem and his Magic Shoes,” comes a story about Raheem’s wish for superhero powers so he can help save the day.  This book helps empower kids, with the understanding that they have their own special powers and shares a meaningful message, that parents and children will enjoy.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08CP92PPL

Raheem the Referee:

As a basketball referee, I wanted to share another side of the sport I enjoy very much.  This book is like a beginner’s guide to basketball officiating. 

https://a.co/d/8dw7cPD

Book Blurb:

Foul! On blue, I mean, yellow…wait, was it a foul?

Being a basketball referee isn’t quite as easy as it looks. You have to make quick decisions that require swift action. Why would anyone want to be a referee? Raheem does, and he wants you to join him!

Breaking the rules is not RIGHT and Raheem wants everyone to play fair. So come along and let’s learn how referees enforce the rules of the game.

BIO:

Jawad is a husband, father, basketball coach, and referee. When he isn’t balling, he is a techie and children’s author. His other works include ‘Raheem and his Magic Shoes’. A tale that has captured the hearts of many young children across the globe. Also, “Raheem the Superhero,” is a story that shows we don’t need superpowers to be real heroes. Once, in his past life, he wrote for a men’s fashion blog.

As a son of immigrant parents, Jawad was taught to appreciate literature and value family at a young age. He draws inspiration from his love for his family, his imaginative mind, and his love for storytelling.

Jawad Tariq currently lives in Oakville, Ontario.