Great Books for Kids to Inspire Conversation For Black History Month

February 5, 2021 by Leave a Comment

As a black owned business, A Kids Book About was built on the foundation of diversity. These books cover important and real time trending societal topics in a way that is engaging for all of the curious kids in your life. Additionally, each book is written by a different author, told through the perspective of their own expertise and experiences creating unique opportunities for diverse voices to be heard. Inspired by the history and the influential figures who paved the way, A Kids Book About is the perfect way to start conversations and celebrate Black History Month with your kiddos.

In addition to each book being available for individual purchase for the price of $19.95 A Kids Book About has created a limited time bundle for a collection of books that are written by Black authors to celebrate Black History Month. Staring on February 1st this bundle will be available for purchase on akidsbookabout.com including the titles:
• A Kids Book About Belonging
• A Kids Book About Failure
• A Kids Book About Gratitude
• A Kids Book About Empathy
• A Kids Book About Divorce
• A Kids Book About Emotions
• A Kids Book About Suicide
• A Kids Book About Diversity
• A Kids Book About Systemic Racism
• A Kids Book About Climate Change
• A Kids Book About Adoption
• A Kids Book About Racism
• A Kids Book About Voting
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Celebrate National Wear Red Day with Women’s Choice Award

February 5, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Celebrate National Wear Red Day and American Heart Month with a tool that can help women fight against cardiovascular disease – the Women’s Choice Award.The Women’s Choice Award is a life-saving resource that identifies America’s Best Hospitals for Heart Care and additional health care resources. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of American women, causing one in three deaths each year – that’s approximately one woman every minute. What’s often thought of as a “man’s disease” strikes more women than men and is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined, and the Women’s Choice Award helps them navigate a confusing landscape of health care choices.

The award empowers women to choose the best services for themselves based on female-centric data research, surveys of tens of thousands of women, female patient feedback and information on what drives the consumer experience for women vs. men. It is also based on research from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), research conducted in partnership with the Wharton School of Business and more.

It is the only ranking that does not separate clinical outcomes from patient experience and reflects the preferences of women when choosing where to go for the best health care. No other ranks heart care based on a women’s needs.

“With such strong prevalence of heart disease, helping women find the best in cardiac care is how we empower them to make the best health care choices for themselves and for their family,” said Delia Passi, the award’s founder and CEO. Her business and brand have helped companies such as Hallmark, Goodyear, Hertz, Pennzoil, Mastercard, Brother, Coldwell Banker and more with marketing and research on women’s issues.

You can see rankings here:
https://www.womenschoiceaward.com/best-hospitals-for-heart-care?distance=10&name=&sort=ASC

Methodology information here:
https://www.womenschoiceaward.com/hospital-methodology

BEST HOSPITALS for Heart Care

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of American women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year—approximately one woman every minute. What’s often thought of as a “man’s disease” strikes more women than men, and is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined. “With such strong prevalence of heart disease, helping her find the best in cardiac care is how we empower women to make the best healthcare choices for themselves and for their family,” said Delia Passi, founder and CEO of The Women’s Choice Award. The following hospitals have met the highest standards for Heart Care across the U.S. and have earned the 2021 Women’s Choice Award®, America’s trusted referral source for the best in healthcare.

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Seven Peptides for Bodybuilding: How do they work?

February 5, 2021 by Leave a Comment

A lot of bodybuilding and fitness stores have started selling synthetic peptides. These products are a good alternative to traditional steroids. According to some experts, peptides are much safer than steroids, albeit they don’t provide the same results.

Peptides are small strings of amino acids. They are a smaller version of proteins, which is why they have similar properties. However, due to their smaller size, it is much easier to metabolize peptides than it is to metabolize protein items. 

Synthetic peptides can have a wide variety of potential benefits. Most of them are used for increasing lean muscle mass, but you can also utilize them for strengthening the bones, treating injuries, improving the skin, etc. They are especially great for bodybuilders as they might provide a surge of energy and endurance, which would help the exercising.

In this article, we will go through 7 peptides for bodybuilding and their potential impact on our bodies. Read on!

 

 

  • AOD-9604

 

 

When talking about fat burners, it is really hard to omit AOD-9604. This substance is regarded as one of the best products in its category. In fact, it can easily topple some of the more popular items of this type. AOD-9604 is an HGH analog. What does that mean? Well, it is a synthetic substance that should replicate all the properties of human growth hormone.  With it, you can experience a significant boost to your metabolic processes. This will affect not only your ability to burn fats but might also increase your energy, appetite, etc.  

 

 

  • BPC-157

 

 

BPC-157 is based on proteins found within the human stomach. Given that these proteins are synthesized in the stomach, they are used to regulate various functions of this body part. They are crucial for digestion and some other metabolic processes. If we’re talking about BPC-157 as a synthetic protein, people should expect a wide variety of benefits, which might vary from case to case. Some users have reported that the product helped them treat intestinal inflammations and minor digestive issues. However, if you’re a bodybuilder, you will probably be interested to hear that BPC-157 is good for nagging injuries. Whether we’re talking about joints or muscles, this item may provide relief to the affected area while also hastening regeneration.  

 

 

  • CJC-1295

 

 

CJC-1295 is another synthetic peptide that is primarily used to stimulate lean muscle building.  You can use it for more than 6 months, and there is also an option of combining it with other similar products. However, no matter what you choose, make sure to consult an expert before starting the cycle. CJC-1295 can work wonders for your muscles, bones, and joints. You will notice significant gains in a short amount of time, and the product might also provide some other benefits. 

 

 

  • GHRP 2 and 6

 

 

GHRP 2 and 6 are growth hormone-releasing peptides. These two are perhaps the most common peptide products on the bodybuilding supplement market. Both of them are meant to substitute human growth hormone, and as such, they can provide the same set of benefits. They were initially designed as hormonal replacement drugs, but in time they’ve become popular among bodybuilders and fitness experts. 

 

 

  • IGF-1 

 

 

IGF-1 stands for insulin growth hormone. With this product, you are able to replicate the effect of insulin growth hormone, which can be found in the human body. In terms of its impact, you can expect various benefits such as increased muscle mass, improved regeneration, bone and skin protection, a boost of energy, endurance, etc.

 

 

  • Melanotan 1 and 2 

 

 

If you’re looking for products that would improve your ability to get a tan, there aren’t much better than Melanotan 1 and 2. With these items, you’re increasing skin’s ability to utilize sun rays and change your skin tone. In other words, you’re not artificially getting tanned, but you’re just stimulating the processes that would allow you to do so. This is much safer and natural than going to tanning salons, which is why more and more bodybuilders are starting to buy Melanotan in Australia. 

 

 

  • TB-500 

 

 

Another awesome substance is TB-500 or Thymosin Beta 4. This peptide a naturally-occurring substance within the human organism. When we use synthetic TB-500, we are able to replicate the effect that this chemical provides. In other words, it might help you increase lean muscle mass, natural resistance and regeneration, bone density, etc. Phoenix Gen Research is a great place to buy TB 500 peptide in Australia if you’re serious about your bodybuilding.

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Baking with Baketivity – Fun For Kids

February 2, 2021 by 4 Comments

If you are like me, you love to bake. It is one of the things my youngest son and I do together often. He’s become quite the hand in the kitchen, although he’s still such a mess I’m always surprised. (When does that stop? Ever?)

We’ve recently tried out these fun kits from Baketivity. We did two at once, because sadly we were pretty sick when the “Back to School” one arrived (we had Covid, and I got very, very sick from it). No matter, it was fun doing them both together.

baking with kids

Each kit comes with everything you need, already measured out, labeled, and pre-packaged. It also comes with cute “kid sized” chef gear (hat and apron) as well as a cute little spatula- also kid-sized.  Apologies he’s not wearing them- they are a little too “kid sized” for him, LOL. This boy has been in men’s sizes for a few years now. What can I say- he’s just a giant.

baketivity

One kit was “back to school” themed, and was sugar cookies sliced into the shape of pencils, with colored sprinkles decorating them to look like them, as well. They were delicious, and disappeared immediately. Like, gone within a day.

fun kids activity

The second kit was cinnamon buns, and my son did these nearly entirely on his own, very limited help from me. He really enjoyed doing them. We make cinnamon buns all the time, but usually from either one of my books or from memory (my memory, so he needs me to tell him everything at this point). My books are obviously geared towards adults, so sometimes he gets confused on what to do next, or by a specific measurement. This kit really simplified things, and the directions are so easy for children to follow.

cinnamon bunds

If you have an aspiring baker, a kitchen helper, or you just want your child to be confidant and competent in the kitchen- I highly recommend getting a Baketivity kit. They are fun, easy to follow, and give kids the confidence to try bigger and more difficult things. And hey- don’t worry about the mess. That’s why we have mops and brooms and cleaning supplies, right? They can help us clean up, and it will be one more thing they get better at, right? There we go. Truly- really fun time. You will be so glad that you did.

Enjoy your day, and stay safe out there!

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Haute Couture Event

February 1, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Haute Couture is a pretty much misused phrase that actually has very certain rules for qualification. When translated, couture is French word for “sewing” or “dressmaking,” while haute means “high” or “elegant.” These are garments created as one-off pieces for a particular client. To qualify as an official Haute Couture house, members must design made-to-order clothes for special private clients, with more than just one fitting, using a workshop (atelier) that employs at least fifteen full-time staff. They, too, must have twenty full-time technical workers in one of their ateliers. Also, all Haute Couture houses must show a collection of no less than fifty must-be original designs; both day and evening garments — to the public every season, in the months of January and July.

Haute Couture enters a new era, with a governing body: the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM) — that’s altered up its style to fill the gap between heritage and contemporary design. You may definitely create your own style with Haute Couture.

What exactly is the purpose of Haute Couture?

Ever since the emergence of ready-to-wear clothes or fashion at the start of the 20th century, Haute Couture’s relevance had been sort of declining. The grueling guidelines and labour-intensive practices (today, one Giambattista Valli couture gown can take about 240 hours and 6,000 metres of fabric to create — which is A LOT) depict it inconveniences to anyone outside of the target audience. Guided by the FHCM, Haute Couture has evolved to be an Instagrammable showcase of artisans and creative grandeur, an ode to what can be achieved by the industry’s premier designers and craftsmen, its creations giving a trickle-down effect of inspiration on ready-to-wear and fast-fashion collections.

“Haute couture is a spearhead in terms of creation, a fantastic laboratory for research, both in terms of craftsmanship and design innovation,” explains Toledano. “Haute couture is a land of free expression for designers, as well as an image builder for brands.”

Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri added: “Creatively, FHCM is an incredible support because it is capable of coordinating a very rich and diversified body without getting involved in the vision of each house. I began working with FHCM while I was creative director at Valentino, although I wasn’t in such close contact as I am now. Since being at Dior, I’m frequently in touch with FHCM and the collaboration has been fundamental in my understanding of how French fashion works and performs, what its cultural and political appeal is and how they are brought forward.”

What are the rules of Couture?

Much word roams around the strict rules and regulations required of Haute Couture houses by the FHCM. Legally protected in 1945, ‘Haute couture’ is also a label that can only be awarded by a commission appointed by the Ministry of Industry. Again, for it to be eligible for Haute Couture status, all participating members must create made-to-order garments in an atelier of at least fifteen full-time staff, as well as twenty full-time technical workers in one of their ateliers. Those are the rules. Guest members are invited each season. Now if a brand wishes to become an eligible member, that brand must be invited four times in a row.

You can assume of couture as the highest of elegant fashion, dawned by internationally renowned brands like Christian Dior and Chanel. In January and July each year, they all present painstakingly elaborate and extremely expensive designs to a handpicked audience of editors, buyers and clients. Surely, there’s no better place in the world to present off these creations than on the red carpet or on major award programs.

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STRAWBERRY TIRAMISU Recipe

January 25, 2021 by 1 Comment

Serves 8

italian cake

Ingredients:
For the cream: 
500g mascarpone cheese, room temperature
500ml heavy cream
5 egg yolks
3/4 cups granulated sugar 

For the strawberries: 
2 1/2 cups of strawberries, chopped
1/3 cup Alchermes liqueur,* Fragfoli wild strawberry liqueur or Chambord
1 tablespoon sugar
2-3 tablespoons rum
1 cup orange juice 

1 box dry ladyfingers (Pavesini brand preferred**)

Put the strawberries, Alchermes liquor, sugar, rum, and orange juice in a bowl. Set aside. With a hand mixer or a KitchenAid standing mixer, beat the egg yolks, sugar, mascarpone, and heavy cream on medium speed for 5-10 minutes, until creamy. 

In a small bowl, strain the strawberries and keep the juice in a separate bowl. Dip the ladyfingers in the juice (a quick dip, you don’t want them to be soggy), and arrange cookies on bottom of a baking dish. 

Cover with half the cream mixture, then cover with the chopped strawberries, repeat cookies for another layer, and cover with remaining cream mixture. 

Decorate it top with strawberries just before serving and dust with powdered sugar. Chill for 2-3 hours before serving. It can stay chilled for up to 2 days.

* Alchermes is a scarlet colored Italian liqueur made by infusing neutral spirits with sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla, and other herbs, and Kermes, a small parasitic insect.

** Pavesini ladyfingers may be difficult to find in stores. However, they are readily available online. Other brands may be substituted.

Recipe and photo reprinted with permission of www.TuscanWomenCook.com.

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Historic Medical Malpractice Cases

January 25, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Amongst the considerable amount of injustices we hear about every day, there are also many famous medical malpractice cases. Some are famous because of their historical significance, others are well known because of who was involved, and others gained significance due to the high settlement amount.

Most Common Kinds of Medical Malpractice Cases

Doctors most at risk of facing a medical malpractice lawsuit are OBGYNs and neurosurgeons, due to the sensitive nature of their work. Some of the most common types of medical malpractice suits are a result of:

  • Birth injury
  • Strokes
  • Wrong-site surgery
  • Medical equipment left inside the patient
  • Anesthesia errors
  • Wrong medication
  • Wrong dosage
  • Misdiagnosis
  • Failure to diagnose

Birth injuries can often result in large payouts because they affect an entire lifetime and can severely damage the life of a child. They have the potential to leave them with both severe physical damage as well as brain damage. Birth injuries can also resolve themselves without medical attention, but severe nerve damage can have lifelong consequences.

Historic Cases

Medical malpractice cases have been around for over 800 years. The first documented medical malpractice case dates back to 1164 in the case of Everad vs. Hoskins. In this case, a servant and his master collected damages from a physician over “unwholesome medicine.”

The first medical malpractice case in the United States occurred back in 1794. It involved a man suing a doctor after the doctor performed an operation on his wife, resulting in her death on the operating table. Upon winning the case, he was awarded 40 English Pounds.

Celebrity Cases

Medical malpractice is something that celebrity status cannot help you avoid. There have been many celebrities over the years that suffered from well-documented cases related to medical malpractice. 

Michael Jackson

One of the most famous cases of malpractice involved one of the most notorious celebrities of all time. In the summer of 2009, Michael Jackson died due to a cocktail of drugs in his system, highlighted by the drug Propofol. Propofol is a powerful anesthetic normally used during surgery. 

Despite the strength of this drug and the wide range of side effects associated with the drug, Jackson’s personal in-house physician would frequently administer it to Jackson as a nighttime sleep aid.

In this case, the doctor was found to be so profoundly responsible for Jackson’s death, that criminal charges of manslaughter were brought against him, and no civil charges were pursued for medical malpractice.

Jackson’s doctor served four years in prison for manslaughter, was stripped of his medical license, and was ordered to pay $100 million to the Jackson family.

Joan Rivers

Another one of the most famous celebrity medical malpractice lawsuits in recent history revolved around the death of comedian Joan Rivers. Rivers went into a coma while undergoing a routine elective surgery on her throat and eventually died. 

Rivers had a reaction to the procedure and her vocal cords began to swell and plug off her airway. Doctors failed to notice her declining vital signs, and, as a result, she went into cardiac arrest and eventually a coma. A week later, Rivers died after being taken off of life support.

Rivers’ daughter, Melisa, brought a lawsuit against the doctors involved, and a settlement was reached a year later with the doctors taking full responsibility for their fault in her death.

Largest payouts

The largest amount awarded in a medical malpractice case was in July of 2019 in Baltimore to Erica Byrom, after her daughter suffered a brain injury during birth, which resulted in cerebral palsy. The jury awarded Byrom $229 million in damages. The judge in the case reduced that amount to $205 million due to a state cap on malpractice lawsuits.

Due to the reduction from the original award amount in the Byrom case, the largest amount paid to a victim remains the $216.7 million awarded to Allan Navarro in 2006. When brought into the emergency room with stroke-like symptoms, Navarro informed medical professionals of his family history of strokes. Despite that knowledge, he was misdiagnosed with sinusitis and given prescription painkillers. 

Because of the misdiagnosis, Navarro ended up with swelling in his brain and spent three months in a coma. He suffered damage to his cognitive abilities and is now in a wheelchair for the remainder of his life.

Seek Professional Guidance

Suffering due to medical malpractice can be extremely difficult to deal with, both for the toll it can take on the bodies and minds of the people involved, and the financial burden it can pose. If dealing with issues related to medical malpractice, make sure to hire a competent attorney to help you get the money you need and deserve.

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Everything you need to know about Invisalign

January 15, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Everybody wants a great aligned tooth; however, due to various reasons, not many people can feel really confident when they smile. Surprisingly, it not only damages self-confidence but equally affects an individual socially and psychologically. On the other side, most people don’t want to go for an alignment due to the fear of traditional braces. 

Traditional braces use the wiring system that runs along with your teeth. Likewise, they come with various pain points such as: 

  • Irritation
  • Limitation on your diet
  • Periodic maintenance
  • The overall structure

One significant point is that it can equally be costly, and that not how much does Invisalign cost as compared to traditional wired braces. So, what actually is Invisalign? As you stick with the article, we’ll put a detailed insight on Invisalign.

What Exactly is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a modern solution for aligning your teeth without wireframes. These are actually clear, smooth, and durable plastic custom molded into invisible aligners that snap over the teeth. Likewise, every two weeks, you’ll need to go for an exchange of your Invisalign. New aligners will slowly straighten the position of the teeth giving a perfect posture.

How Does It Work?

While the traditional braces need readjustment every time you visit a dentist, Invisalign is a snug fit, and they gently push the teeth to the right places, further aligning and gradually bringing the desired result. 

Invisalign comes with a lightweight aligner that slips over your teeth. Each aligner forces your teeth in the shape as required, and you will slowly figure out the change in your smile.  

How Can You Get Started?

If you want to get a perfect smile for your teeth, you’ll need to make an appointment with the specialist. Your dentist will make sure that Invisalign is right for you. Invisalign comes with specially developed software with 3D imaging technology too. This allows you to virtually preview how your teeth will align over time. 

After you decide to move ahead, the dentist will attach fixtures to the teeth. A mold is developed in your teeth, and the Invisalign aligners are further fabricated as per the treatment stage.

Is Invisalign Better Than Traditional Braces?

There are several benefits of using Invisalign over traditional braces. Here’s why you need to go for Invisalign 

  • It’s Invisible
  • It’s a brace that’s invisible. There is definitely a great advantage. Your employer, friend, partner, and family won’t be able to notice when you smile in front of them. 

It’s Comfortable

Invisalign can cause mild discomfort at first; however, once you are habituated to it, you will be more comfortable applying an Invisalign than go for traditional braces, which generally cause abrasions.

Removal

It is a fact that you can take Invisalign for meals and dental care. This is one of the biggest reasons why patients prefer Invisalign.

Side effects

There can definitely be mild discomfort when you start wearing Invisalign. They fit over the top of the teeth, and therefore, they may take some time for adjustment. Most of the patients have been found to face the issue of prolonged irritation to the cheeks or the lips. If you face such a thing, don’t hesitate to speak about the issue to your doctor. 

Allergens

In very rare cases, one may face allergic reactions. This reaction is generally mild and irritating gums. However, even after several days, the aligners don’t adjust, and you still experience irritation, its best to consult a dentist and go for treatment accordingly. 

Is it Possible to Switch to Invisalign?

Yes, it is definitely possible to switch from traditional braces to Invisalign. However, you need to consult your dentist before you take that step. In fact, your dentist will determine the best treatment before going through the process. 

You need to know that Invisalign is a separate form of treatment, and the cost of switching over can be sometimes costly depending on how long you’ve been wearing your braces. Remember, Invisalign may not be as efficient as continuing with the existing plan. 

How Much Does Invisalign Dost?

There are several factors to think about when comparing the price between traditional braces and Invisalign aligners. Meanwhile, you can understand the final cost depending upon how severe the teeth alignment issue needs to be dealt with. 

Traditional braces can be quite cheap as compared to Invisalign. Typically wire framed braces cost about $2,500 to $6,000. On the other side, Invisalign can be a little expensive than traditional wire framed braces. The average cost remains between $3,500 to $8,000. 

Conclusion

If you are one of those seeking to correct misaligned or crooked teeth without any hassle, Invisalign is the ideal solution for you. Do you want to feel confident? Are you willing to pose for that perfect smile? Don’t stop yourself when you have got the best treatment for your teeth. You can go for easy fixation of Invisalign from the best dentist at the best price. Happy Smiles!

 

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