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What is an Embolism?

Posted by Editor in Health and Wellness, Health Watch, Lifestyle on Jan 28th, 2020 | Comments Off

Embolism is an uncommon word for most people, but it’s not an uncommon occurrence, especially among people with cardiovascular diseases. Basically, embolism is when your internal organs get starved of oxygen. To avoid this from happening, you need to know what causes it in the first place.

Overview

To understand the condition, let’s look at some terms related to the condition:

Embolus is a particle in the blood vessels that are made up of clotted blood cells.
Thrombus is another term for blood clot, while thromboembolus is a name for the blood clot that is moving in the blood vessels.
Ischemia is the term for the oxygen starvation of the cells.
Embolism is the result of ischemia and is characterized by the death of the cells.

Causes and Risks

Although embolism can be caused by a foreign material in the blood, such as gas/bubbles or fat globule, most blockages in the blood vessels are caused by a blood clot. Certain conditions increase your risk of embolism, including pregnancy, obesity, cancer, and heart disease.

Those with high cholesterol levels for example, have narrower arteries due to the build-up of plaque. If part of the build-up breaks up, the piece can lodge in the blood vessels and prevent proper blood circulation.

Symptoms of Embolism

Pulmonary embolism can cause the following: sharp back or chest pain, lightheadedness, bloody sputum, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Deep vein thrombosis can cause pain or tenderness in one leg, reddish skin, warm skin on the affected area, and swelling.

Stroke causes arm weakness or numbness, drooping face, and slurred speech. All of these are considered an emergency, so if you have a heart disease, make sure to get proper treatment to avoid embolism.

Types of Embolism

There are at least seven types of embolism you should be aware of.

Brain embolism is caused by the blood clot in the brain and is also another name for stroke
Pulmonary embolism is the formation of an embolus in the leg and is also another name for deep vein thrombosis
Septic embolism is the blocking of the blood vessels due to the infection in the bloodstream
Retinal embolism affects the back of the eye that can lead to sudden blindness
Fat embolism is the blockage of the blood vessels due to the introduction of bone marrow particles or fat into the blood
Amniotic embolism is the blockage of the mother’s lungs due to the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus
Air embolism is caused by the bubbles in the blood that blocks blood flow and is common among divers.

Treatment and Prevention

A healthy lifestyle prevents most condition that put you at risk of embolism. If you have symptoms of a cardiovascular disease, make sure to get a proper treatment through medication and a change of diet. Regular exercise will also help you reduce weight and keep you active.

Avoid sitting for long periods of time, too, as it prevents your calf muscles from contracting. Deep vein thrombosis can result from lack of movement even if you don’t have a heart disease. Divers can prevent air embolism by following proper guidelines and avoiding spending too much time underwater.

Six Storage Areas in Your HDB Flat You’re Probably Not Using

Posted by Editor in All About Singapore, Home Improvement, Lifestyle on Dec 2nd, 2019 | Comments Off

HDB flats are the cheap housing option in Singapore, but just because a space is a little cozy doesn’t mean you’re using the space as efficiently as you can. In fact, there’s a good chance there are still some spaces you’re missing out on.

Here are the five storage areas in your HDB flat that you’re probably not using enough:

The space above your bed

The space directly above your bed is the most under-utilized space in your entire home, and you want to make a shelf over your head for two reasons: (1) it can be a decorative space for paintings, houseplants, and decorative accessories; and (2) it can be a practical storage space (i.e. books, boxes for other stuff).

Overhead bed shelves can also work for your kids’ rooms, as long as they don’t fall over or bump their heads every time they try to reach for something.

The space under your bed

Under your bed is another useful storage area just waiting for you to use to its fullest advantage. Just because it’s dusty doesn’t mean you can’t use it for stowing stuff away – all you need is a vacuum cleaner and the right storage containers and you’re good to go!

Behind your door

The space behind your door has more utility than simply installing a coat rack. When you build a shelf in this area just the right way, you don’t need to worry about stuff getting knocked over every time it swings open.

Add a clothes rod to your floating shelves

Already have a floating shelf or two installed? Make them even more useful by bolting a clothes rod directly underneath that shelf for easy access for your clothes, including uniforms or your work attire.

Overhead space

Floating shelves and cabinets installed on the upper parts of your walls clear up much more space than a standard shelf. Instead of taking up floor space, they can be bolted to any height you want.

Unlike ordinary shelves and cabinets, floating shelves give you better options in customizing your storage space that emphasize on both aesthetics and functionality.

Consider a Self-Storage Company for Your Storage Needs

If you just don’t have enough space in your home, you have two options to manage your belongings: donate the things you don’t need, or call in the help of a self-storage company to provide a reliable storage option for your belongings.

Self-storage comes in many different options depending on the space that you need. Some options offer the space of a walk-in closet or a child’s room, while others can be as big as a one-car garage or even a two-car garage.

Financial Resolutions You Should Consider Making Now

Posted by Editor in Finance, Lifestyle, Uncategorized on Oct 4th, 2019 | Comments Off

Fitness and finance are the top categories where we have the most room for improvement, and while engaging in fitness improvements can be a bit straightforward, figuring out how you can better manage your finances could come with certain complexities. The following are some of the financial resolutions that you can make so you could be financially fit in today.

Set Clear Financial Goals

One financial resolution you should do this year is to create a plan that’ll help in executing your financial goals. But for you to do so, your goals should first be clear and concise. Make sure that your financial goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (S.M.A.R.T). So instead of saying “I will pay my debt,” say “I will pay my debt of $20,000 this year by paying off $840 whenever I get my pay check.”

Increase Your Savings

Paying yourself first – meaning putting money to your savings prior to paying your bills – isn’t just a great financial resolution to practise, but can also help you achieve your financial goals. This will also serve as your cushion to take care of your everyday needs in case of a financial emergency. You can start doing it by saving at least 10 percent of your income every time you get paid.

Lessen Your Debt

Reducing your debt isn’t just a great New Year’s resolution, but also a great practise to do all year round. Lessening the amount of money that you owe to other people will assure that you can weather any storm. Because when you have fewer financial obligations, you are far more likely to handle any unexpected expenses.

Engage Into a Side-Hustle

Have you been putting off your passion projects for too long? If so, then let this be the year where you make your side-hustle a reality. Today’s technology has made starting a business convenient, so ensure that you create a plan that will help and allow your passion to fully bloom.

Broaden Your Investments

Investing your money to allow it to grow is another great financial strategy. But if your investment are not diversified, then you’re likely setting yourself up for a financial disaster. To ensure that you aren’t prone to losing your investments, review them with your financial adviser and branch it out as much as possible.

Setting financial resolutions is one way of ensuring that you’ll have a healthy financial life. So be sure to add these resolutions on your list to enjoy a new and more financially successful you.

Things to Do the Night Before Your Wedding

Posted by Editor in Lifestyle, Weddings on Sep 9th, 2019 | Comments Off

Perhaps the most stressful part of the wedding preparation is the night before the ceremony. Most people will advise the bride and groom to get a good night’s sleep for the long day ahead, while some prefer to spend it with family and friends to commemorate the last night of being single.

Here are some productive things you can do before the big day.

Make a list of things to do – Even if you think you have prepared enough for the ceremony, it won’t hurt to do a last-minute check of everything that needs to be done before tomorrow. You might want to sit down with your wedding organizer and your assistants. This will help you remember things you might have overlooked and the items that you have missed.

Last-minute check with the vendors – Make sure everything goes well tomorrow by checking for the scheduled payments with the vendors even if you have a wedding organizer. You should have a list of all related information about the vendors, such as names and phone numbers.

Check with your photographers – Do a last-minute check with your photographers and videographers to make sure everything is working. You should also check your own phone and cameras if you plan to take a few photos yourself.

Talk to family and friends – You can do a last-minute check with your entourage to see if there are any problems, or if you’re feeling nervous or stressed, talk to family and friends to ease your worries.

Beauty prep – This is the perfect time to get last-minute finishing touches such as a spa session, but you should book an appointment with the salon or spa weeks ahead. If you think you need a facial, it should be scheduled at least a week ahead of the wedding day, because you don’t want to have a breakout when you need to look your best.

Check your personal items – Double-check all your personal items before going to bed. Don’t leave anything that can get lost or misplaced, so make sure that all your items are organized and returned after use. You should also pack a separate kit in case of emergencies that contains extra hairpins and buttons, safety pins, hair products and makeup, extra underwear and shirts, tissues, and a small sewing kit. Then assign someone to carry your personal items, emergency kit, and cash during the wedding.

Rehearse your speech or vows – Make sure you practice your speech or vows before going to bed, so you will feel more confident tomorrow. You can ask someone to listen and give advice while you recite.

Get enough sleep and rest – As much as possible, all the necessary preparations should be carried out days ahead to avoid stress. Eat a healthy meal and drink lots of water, then get plenty of relaxation and sleep and avoid any activities that will ruin your mood by turning off your phone before going to bed.

Stylish Alternatives to Leather

Posted by Editor in Lifestyle on Oct 12th, 2018 | Comments Off

Leather is not for everyone, not because some people don’t look stylish with it, but because processing of the raw materials from animal hide or skin contributes to animal cruelty and pollution. While not everyone will agree with such reasons, the chemicals involved in processing leather should not be set aside, that is why alternatives to leather have been promoted in recent years so people can have more choices without compromising style.

Here are some eco-friendly, cruelty-free materials to consider.

Cork. It is considered natural because of the sustainable cork oak forest industry that is tied up with preservation and the protection of endangered animals. What’s great about it, is that it’s waterproof and recyclable. Famous designer brands have been using this material, so it’s not like it’s cheap either.

Paper. Yes, some designers have been using paper to create bags, and are valued not just for their durability but also for their finish. If you’re not sure about the durability part, consider this: paper has been used in constructing buildings such as the Christchurch Cardboard Cathedral.

Waxed Cotton. Organic waxed cotton is used for a variety of clothing and bags, because they’re waterproof, washable, and pliable, unlike authentic leather.

Recycled Rubber. The texture of rubber, which mimics the look and feel of leather, makes it ideal for creating bags. The materials are taken from used rubber products, like tyres, a bonus that you will never get when purchasing authentic leather.

Tree Bark Leather. This is made from sustainable timber (which means the trees are grown again), that are prized for their natural grain, durability, flexibility, and eco-friendly processing. Not only is it used to create bags, but trousers and coats as well, because the material can be made as thin as leather.

Coolstone Leather. You’ll love the texture of this material made from slate stone, especially when it ages. The color and finish make it almost indistinguishable from authentic leather, but the texture feels like paper and stone.

Pinatex. As the name suggests, the materials come from pineapple bush, and look like authentic leather. It’s known for its durability and watertight properties, plus you’ll also be helping pineapple farmers indirectly when you purchase one.

MuSkin. This beautiful alternative to leather is made from mushrooms and are biodegradable. The only problem is that it must be waterproofed, but it’s also versatile so that you can change the shape and size of the material to create a design.

Faux Leather. This alternative to leather is commonly used in upholstery and is made either from polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PU is more flexible, softer, and has breathable qualities, while PVC is used for its moisture-resistant properties. Both are durable, low maintenance, and are cheaper than leather.

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