Mandy, Author at Serendipity Mommy

Crying & Colic: What You Need To Know

November 26, 2020 by Mandy

A baby that won’t stop crying is seriously frustrating and stress-inducing. If your baby has regular episodes of crying and nothing seems to help, she may be suffering from colic. Colic is something that many parents struggle with. It can be tricky to pinpoint colic and treating it is even more challenging. It’s important to stay calm and be patient while your baby goes through what is usually a short phase. In many cases, there is a way to offer your baby relief, whether it’s through different gas relief products or a teething solution. Use your best judgment and check out wellements baby tooth oil reviews to see how to deal with a suspected case of colic.

Colic Timeline

Colic typically occurs in babies that are a few weeks old. Once a baby has reached about four months of age, colic starts to go away. Generally, colic is suspected when there is a significant amount of crying, around three hours or so, each day. Parents may try a variety of products from companies like Wellements to treat and lessen the symptoms of colic.

Signs of Colic

The most noticeable sign of colic is excessive crying in a baby that’s younger than four months old. Babies with colic may also turn red from discomfort, cry with a high-pitched screech, clench their hands and pull up their legs. A colicky baby is also nearly impossible to calm down.

Ideas for Relief

There are different strategies to try if your baby has colic. Parents have found some success with gas drops, burping, a pacifier, car rides, rubbing the baby’s back, a bath and music. Talking to your baby, going for walks with the baby and singing to her may also offer a few minutes of calm. Most of these solutions only work for a short time, so it’s important to try different things to give your baby some relief.

Other Causes of Crying

While colic is often suspected in a young baby’s excessive crying, sometimes it may be something more serious. Your baby’s crying may be due to an illness or some other problem. Be on the lookout for fever, vomiting, loose stools or a baby that isn’t gaining weight. These symptoms may point to a different diagnosis.

Talk to Your Pediatrician

If you’re running out of ways to soothe your baby or if the colic seems to be getting worse, it’s time to call your pediatrician. Sometimes, it may be a simple solution like Wellements constipation relief or switching formulas. Other times, your pediatrician may offer to run some tests to find out if there is a food allergy or something else to blame for the baby’s discomfort.

Take a Break

Hours of crying with a new baby is painful for parents. If your baby seems physically fine and still continues to cry during colic episodes, it’s important for parents to stay calm. One way to deal with the stress of a baby that cries a lot is to take plenty of breaks. Sometimes, it’s best to put the baby in a safe place, like her crib and walk away for a few minutes.

Crying and colic in new babies are hard to solve. In many cases, this is simply a phase that will eventually pass. Try some of these tips to deal with a colicky baby.

WHY IS ONLINE EDUCATION A VIABLE OPTION IN THIS ERA

November 26, 2020 by Mandy

Image

COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented healthcare crisis that has halted all forms of life and activity. It has overwhelmed the global economic sector by slowing down all industries, ceasing all forms of activity. As countries struggle to recover their economic health and curb the virus from spreading, the education sector fights back.

Conventional learning models are no longer an option as schools and universities worldwide shut their doors to students. The education sector has responded by transitioning to online learning models through digital tools and platforms. This transition has introduced the world to an exciting new possibility: e-learning is more convenient and affordable.

It is crucial to note that online learning is not new. Its presence is catching up rapidly for several years now. But the pandemic and resulting lockdowns have certainly sped up the transition, urging millions of students to learn online.

Why is online education a viable option for billions of students and learners across the world?

Let us take a look:

Greater Convenience & Flexibility

Online education accompanies the promise of enhanced convenience and flexibility. The entire concept of online or remote learning is grounded in convenience and flexibility. Students no longer have to travel far and wide to enjoy quality education. With e-learning models, they can avail quality education in the comfort of their homes.

Today, professionals seek career advancement opportunities to pursue online degrees to advance their skills and enjoy greater marketability. Students worldwide have access to online courses and remote degrees offered by world-renowned and prestigious universities. They can explore several fields, from engineering to information technology, and so forth. It is crucial to conduct thorough research and review your chosen institution’s online rankings before choosing a degree or course.

Students can undertake courses, certifications, diplomas, and training by illustrious professionals and academicians. They can take part in research-driven workshops and join masterclasses with notable professionals without leaving their homes.

Online learning is indeed one of the greatest miracles of technological innovation. Previously, students had to leave their countries and travel abroad to seek enrollment at prestigious universities. However, with the advent of online education, these universities are offering online courses and degrees.

Cultivating Marketable Skills

Online courses and certifications are education trends that emerged long before the advent of the coronavirus pandemic. However, in the wake of this global crisis, this trend has undoubtedly sped up. Institutions and educational organizations are increasingly collaborating with tech-giants, such as Google and Microsoft, to offer lucrative and prestigious certifications. These certifications are focused on advanced training in innovative technologies, such as big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Modern-day professionals cultivate formidable skillsets and expertise, regardless of their academic backgrounds. Professionals and students can branch out from their chosen fields and explore lucrative opportunities in entirely different career paths. Even broadcasting platforms, such as the BBC, are initiating new online learning opportunities.

Students and professionals are looking towards platforms, such as Coursera, Masterclass, and EdX, to advance their learning and skills. Learning has emerged as a powerful strategy to combat stress, solitude, and depression stemming from prolonged lockdown. People locked at home seek to use their time constructively, and online education is indeed a viable option.

Enhanced Affordability

Conventional learning settings came with many costs and often proved as deterrents for many to pursue higher education. Most professionals enter their fields with massive amounts of student debts, which they struggle to pay off.

Online education offers the opportunity to enjoy quality education and academic advancement without the burden of student debt. It provides incredible avenues for affordable educational improvement and learning. Students from all over the world can sign up for degree programs and diplomas at prestigious universities.

They no longer have to worry about hefty tuition, dorm room expenses, and administrative costs. They do not have to relocate to other countries and entail thousands of major and minor fees. Education has become more accessible and flexible, given the enhanced affordability of e-learning models.

Easy to Manage

Students and professionals from all walks of life are turning towards e-learning to make education easier to manage. Millions of students across the world fail to pursue advanced education, given their social and financial burdens. While some have to look after aging and ailing parents, others have financial responsibilities towards their families.

Online educating offers a learning model that is far easier to manage than conventional learning. Professionals juggling between work and domestic responsibilities can squeeze in online lessons more effectively than physical learning. Nurses and physician assistants can explore advanced education with considerable ease.

Professionals struggling in the same job for years can explore career advancement by taking up innovative certifications and online training. Online learning comes with the flexibility of setting your hours and building your milestones.

Conclusion

Indeed, online education is a highly viable option for all those previously disadvantaged, whether financial or social. Online education has made learning and career advancement more flexible, convenient, and affordable. It allows students to control their academic future by expanding their opportunities. Students and young professionals can explore numerous options that were previously unavailable to them.

Top 7 Ways to Manage Your Finances Like An Expert

November 25, 2020 by Mandy

One of the hardest parts of growing up is learning to manage your own finances and making your money work for you. It becomes obvious, in your adult life, that money plays a significant role. It would help if you learned how to be both financially responsible and prudent. You must learn how to save and make sure that you are living within your means and not over or under them.

The question now becomes how can achieve financial freedom in a world where the economy continuously shifts; sometimes the economy shows promise of growth, and sometimes it takes an unexpected plummet, especially during a time like this with the COVID-19 pandemic. People have lost their jobs due to retrenchment and have ended up in difficult financial situations.

What does that tell you? That you need to be smart with your finances in order to stay prepared in case of any sudden changes. The following ways can help you manage and monitor your finances:

Having a savings account

A savings account is sometimes referred to as a ‘rainy day account’ because you want to have some money put aside for emergencies. A contingency fund goes a long way in preventing borrowing money from other people or places and being in debt.

Please make an effort to put some money into a savings account and do not touch it unless it happens to be for a dire situation. It teaches you discipline in terms of having money at your disposal but not rushing to the bank (or whatever firm you have saved in) whenever you need money in your hand. In the event you feel like you might forget to transfer your money, you can set it to automatically transfer a certain amount from your checking account to your savings account.

Avoiding unnecessary monthly bills

Sure, you have great credit and possibly qualify for certain loans at your bank, but that doesn’t mean that you should take out that loan. For example, say you are married and have a family, and both you and your partner drive separate cars, there is no need to take out a loan for a family car.

It is an unnecessary expense that you will need to count every month. In addition to that, it would be just another way to contribute to the pollution of the environment. Exhaust fumes from petrol-fueled cars add to the already building greenhouse effect in the ozone layer.

Taking out insurance policies

It is smart to take out insurance policies for medical cover, homes, and cars. They cover expenses you might not be able to pay for upfront. For example, medical cover and car insurance can cover the expenses incurred during a road accident. The car might be damaged and will need to get repairs done on it. The people in the vehicle might have sustained injuries, and that is where health insurance comes in.

House insurance usually covers theft and damages caused by natural causes such as fire or floods. Putting money into such an account also pays off in the long run.

Limit your credit card use

The number of times you turn to your credit card when you do not have cash in your pocket is ridiculous. There is the urge to swipe your card when you feel like you really need to purchase an item. The reality of the matter is you probably don’t need that item!

Human beings are seemingly covetous in nature; you’ll see something and feel the need to instantly want to own it, though you could do without it. Just like saving, using your credit card also requires you to be disciplined enough not to turn to it. If you want it, you don’t need it.

Keep track of your expenses

A habit that is important to cultivate is monitoring how you are spending your money. Think of yourself as your own personal auditor. You can use applications such as Microsoft Excel to make a spreadsheet showing how you have spent your money and work on updating it maybe twice a week.

That way, you can also learn how much you typically spend within a given amount of time and see what you can cut out.

Budgeting

As you track your expenses, you also learn to budget for your income or any other money you earn on the side. It is one thing to come up with a budget. It is a whole other thing to ensure that you are living by it such as paying for home insurance, bespoke car insurance & likewise. It is already clear that part of managing your expenses requires integrity and discipline; you need to be honest with yourself as you come up with your budget.

Proper financial planning

Learning to manage your money does not happen overnight. Be patient and learn from others, and do what works for you.

WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP SKILLS DURING COVID-19

November 25, 2020 by Mandy

Source

COVID has been a trying time for just about all of us. Not only has it changed society as a whole, but it has uniquely affected each of us. Unfortunately, the majority of us have been negatively affected by the Coronavirus. There is no solution to the virus available. The frontline fighters like doctors and nurses are working tirelessly every day to ensure that we get the healthcare we need.
However, you need to understand that these frontline workers might feel the effects of exhaustion by now. They have worked tirelessly to ensure that healthcare services reach all those who are in need. A sense of demotivation is bound to set in when death and sickness surround them and physically exhausted. If you are in the healthcare sector, it’s essential to adopt or develop leadership skills to motivate the people around you. It’s necessary to support those around you who aren’t feeling 100% right now. Not only for them, but it’s always a good idea to increase your leadership skills as a means of self-improvement.

Here are a few ways to increase your healthcare leadership skills during COVID-19:

BUILD UP YOUR KNOWLEDGE

As a healthcare sector worker, it may be a good idea to broaden your horizons and diversify into the field. Nothing is stopping you from adding responsibilities to your work. It will enrich your portfolio be great for you. Still, something like health administration could be a great skill to increase your leadership qualities as well.
To upgrade yourself in the field of healthcare, you should opt for a master’s degree. To learn more, click here to understand the rest of the needs better. Suppose you are seriously considering branching away from the traditional medical roles and playing a part from behind the scenes. In that case, this could be just what you need. Having both hands-on knowledge about medicine and administrative education can be a game-changer for your leadership qualities.

PRACTICING EMPATHY

Being holistically present with the patients is extremely important when practicing medicine, especially during a pandemic. Being emotionally aware and practicing understanding with the client will make them feel a lot better about their treatment. Half of the fight is maintaining a positive attitude. You can play a significant role in their attitude by merely practicing empathy.
Empathy can be one of the most prominent feathers in your hat when it comes to leadership skills. If you are working well with your clients, others will likely model your actions and behave the same way. Leading through example is one of the best things you can do when looking to influence your people.

COMMUNICATION

Whether you are in a healthcare role or not, communication is one of the most vital leadership roles you can adopt. It is essential to have adequate communication abilities in your career, especially in a healthcare setting where miscommunication can have dire consequences. A misunderstood message can have fatal ramifications in a hospital setting.
Developing proper communication will set you apart from the rest and make others see you as a leader amongst them. You can increase your communicative ability by practicing with your colleagues. Give them clear, direct, and concise messages to establish yourself as a leader.

THE ABILITY TO MAKE A DECISION

One of the most acceptable methods to increase your leadership abilities in a healthcare setting is to make a decision. In hospitals and care facilities, time is of the essence. You can’t take too long to think and wait for another alternative to present itself. It would be best if you had the presence of mind to be able to make a decision and stick by them.
Being able to make and stay with your decisions is one of the best leadership qualities to have. You can increase this quality by assuming more roles on the floor and being given more responsibility.

KNOWING YOUR LIMITATIONS

Finally, it’s essential to know where to draw the line in terms of your abilities. Nothing is more unattractive than biting off more than you can chew. Knowing and being communicative about what you can and can’t do is one of the most explicit leadership roles you can display.
You can increase this trait by communicating to your superiors and your subordinates about where your limits lie. Taking risks and venturing into uncharted territory might work in the business world, but not in healthcare. People’s lives are at stake, especially during COVID-19. It would be best if you stuck with the safest and most obvious solution to rehabilitate these people back to proper health.

CONCLUSION

Leadership skills are fundamental regardless of what profession you are a part of; it is especially important to practice leadership skills in the medical field. You never know who you might influence. In eras like these, we often look to each other for strength. Understandably, we have never dealt with something like this before, so there is a great deal of uncertainty.
Standing out with your skills as a leader can be the difference between doctors’ and nurses’ motivated and demotivated staff. You may be saving patients’ lives every day, but you never know; you may be saving a colleague’s morale as well.

HOW DOES EDUCATION UPLIFT SOCIETY

November 24, 2020 by Mandy

Image Source

From manhunters to scientists, the world has rapidly evolved in the past thousand decades – all thanks to education. It enlightens us with information and knowledge to make this world a better place. Likewise, people can develop a different perspective on life, helping them look at the brighter side of things. In short, education is a weapon to change lives and the world around us.

In addition to providing knowledge, it develops skills, personality, and attitude that can unfold lucrative career opportunities. Simultaneously, it increases awareness in society regarding minority groups, social justice, legal obligations, etc. Thus, alongside individual well-being, it has the power to reshape the entire community. If you are clueless about it, have a look below.

1. Creates Social & Environmental Awareness

Today, we are experiencing many social problems – corruption, drug abuse, female infanticide, and superstitious beliefs. Education increases social awareness through intellectual components, representing science, theories, ideas, and concepts. It establishes moral essence and ethical values to produce socially desirable behaviors. Moreover, education helps people recognize environmental hazards, encouraging them to use renewable energy, reduce water wastage, and recycle waste. Likewise, it promotes sustainable development to make this world a better place for upcoming generations.

2. Promotes Empowerment and Justice

Education builds a sense of empowerment among people. In addition to improving decision making, they can take charge of their lives. Similarly, it develops a better understanding of individual rights, encouraging them to fight injustice. If you also wish to make a difference in this society, pursue an online program to learn the ropes. It will let you become the voice of unheard and minority groups while fighting their battles. Thus, giving you a chance to lift the weak and bring a feeling of equality amongst everyone.

3. Fosters Economic Growth

Economic growth determines the total output and income in an economy. When the majority of the population has acquired education, the employment ratio is high. People are actively looking for jobs, and there are many investment activities taking place. As a result, productivity and income levels significantly increase, leading to economic growth. However, a stable growth rate requires more than a high school degree, which means people should opt for higher education.

4. Breaks Stereotypical Mindsets

Unfortunately, social intolerance is one of the most significant issues in the world today. It includes discrimination, gender inequality, racism, and religious bigotry. At times, individuals don’t get jobs because of their race. At the same time, sometimes, societies refuse to accept people because of their religion. Education helps them learn about different cultures, beliefs, and social-economic classes while teaching humanity’s lesson. In classrooms, every student is equal, irrespective of their backgrounds, putting an end to discrimination.

5. Reduces Crime Rate

One of the leading reasons for rising crime is poverty. When people can’t afford to foot their bills, they start stealing from others. Fortunately, education keeps people off the streets and improves labor market prospects. It teaches the difference between right and wrong, encouraging them to follow the right path. At the same time, it builds empathy, reducing the tendency to commit crimes. Sometimes, teachers also expose children and young adults to other’s experiences. They explain the outcomes of wrongdoings to keep individuals away from the crime world.

Final Thoughts,

In today’s era, education is every individual’s fundamental right. It helps us understand and solve problems that lay ahead of us. From environmental concerns, financial security to combating injustice – education provides a roadmap. Likewise, it helps us become better citizens who can reshape society by respecting rights, laws, and regulations. Alongside promoting individual success, education can make this world a better place.