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Pet Insurance for Cats and Kittens
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Our experts answer readers’ insurance questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess insurance products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own.
- Pet insurance will generally only cover a cat’s visits to the emergency room, not routine vet visits.
- Some pet insurance companies do offer wellness plans that cover preventive care.
- It’s best to purchase coverage when your cat is still young, so no preexisting conditions will be excluded.
Over the life of his cat, Joey Lusvardi has been to the vet many, many times, not only for checkups, but for surgery, diagnostics, and medications. The cat behavior consultant at Class Act Cats said he’s easily spent thousands on his feline, enough to make him consider getting pet insurance in the future.
Cat owners are less likely than dog owners to seek regular medical care, despite its importance. Still, about 19% of cat owners say they’ve had to take their feline to an emergency room or surgical center — just the type of situation that cat insurance is meant to cover. Those visits, as Lusvardi knows, can become very pricey.
“Veterinary bills add up very quickly so when you do need it, insurance really helps,” he said. “It also prevents you from having to make choices about whether or not to get your cat medical treatment to address a potentially curable illness due to finances.”
What does pet insurance for cats cover?
Pet insurance, including insurance for cats and kittens, is designed to cover emergencies. Preventive care, like annual exams and vaccines, usually isn’t included.
According to the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, the most common reasons that cats need emergency veterinary care include eating something dangerous, fracturing a bone, and having blocked urine tubes. Two other common problems — kidney disease and heart failure — are treatable, but costly to control.
“We can do a lot for pets these days,” says Brian Evans, a veterinarian and medical director at Dutch, an online veterinary clinic. But “…costs can really accumulate and overwhelm people, especially in emergency situations.”
If you want all your vet care covered by your insurance provider, consider a cat wellness plan. These are insurance plans that cover preventive care, and sometimes also emergencies.
Lusvardi recommends looking up sample plans for any cat insurance that you’re considering. That will show you exactly what’s included, and what isn’t.
“Think about what you want the plan to pay for the most and make sure the plan covers that cost,” Luvardi says.
For example, some plans cover behavioral issues like scratching or loud meowing, but most do not. Others cover accidents, but not the illnesses that commonly send cats to the emergency room.
When should I purchase pet insurance for my cat?
Whether you’re bringing home a kitten or adopting a grown cat, it’s best to purchase pet insurance as soon as you can. That’s because no insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions. So, the sooner you buy insurance, the more potential issues can be covered.
It’s ideal to insure your feline when they’re a kitten, but since more than 70% of cat owners adopt or rescue their pets, it’s not always possible. If you’re taking in an older cat, get insurance right after bringing them home.
“If you wait until they get sick, it will be too late and could potentially exclude them from coverage for the rest of their life,” says Evans.
Will cat insurance cover all of my vet bills?
Most pet insurance plans offer you a reimbursement, but you’ll need to pay for care up front. In addition, most plans don’t cover the entire cost of care, so you’ll be left holding at least part of the bill.
Because of that, Lusvardi recommends putting some money into a pet-specific savings account each month. If you’re able to put away a significant amount, you might not even need insurance for your cat.
“You may be better off setting aside money for that cost rather than paying an insurance premium every month,” he says.
How can you find insurance for your cat or kitten?
Shopping online and getting into the nitty gritty of different plans can be overwhelming. Asking for recommendations from other friends who have cats gives you a bit of a shortcut — they’ll be able to tell you which insurance companies they love (and which they don’t).
Another good resource: your veterinarian. “They see many people with many different insurance companies so they can give you the good and the bad of each of them,” Luvardi says. “Plus, you’ll get a more individualized recommendation” based on the health of your pet.
Cat and Kitten Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
Pet insurance plans can be customizable based on your budget and coverage needs. Consider your kitten’s breed and health risks, and then compare policies from multiple providers to find the policy that matches your needs.
Average vet vi sts for routine care for a cat or a kitten may average up to $200. Pet insurance can help reduce these expenses or spread them out over time through monthly premium payments.
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The Impact Of Stress On Your Skin: Effective Strategies For Stress Management
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Stress is peaking these days. Between managing households, deadlines at work and daily commutes, none of us are immune to the chaos that can exist in everyday life. And if you notice that your skin is seeming a little dull or you’re experiencing more breakouts than usual, you’re not imagining things: Stress can have a major impact on how your skin looks and feels. So, what can you do to lower stress levels to improve overall well-being and get your skin back to its naturally glowing state? Read on to find out how to manage stress and feel better inside and out.
The Impact of Stress on Skin
Much of what we know about how stress affects the body is through symptoms like elevated heart rate, stiff or tense muscles, low energy and digestive issues. But stress also plays a significant role in how your skin looks and feels, whether you experience tension on a chronic level or not. So how does stress show up on the skin?
Skin Irritation And Rashes
Because of a weakened immune system, the skin barrier is compromised when you’re experiencing a stressful situation or going through chronic stress. As the body’s outermost layer, the skin barrier is vital to protecting you against environmental irritants and free radicals. The health and strength of this protective barrier can become compromised by factors including excessive sun exposure, humid or dry environments, over-exfoliation and stress. Stress levels impact the skin barrier and immune system and, for some, can even trigger flare-ups of contact dermatitis, psoriasis or eczema.
Dry Skin And Wrinkles
Stress impacts the skin on a molecular level and affects how cells age. For example, stress hormones (such as adrenaline and cortisol) cause collagen and elastin to break down, making it harder for the skin to rejuvenate and stay supple. According to neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart, “Because cortisol is pro-inflammatory, it’s very drying of the system … so you might notice that your skin is really dry or you’ve got skin problems. Your skin isn’t just the physical border of your body, it’s the psychological boundary of your body too, so often stress shows up in the skin.”
As the turnover of healthy skin cells slows down, fine lines and wrinkles become more pronounced. Couple that with facial expressions that get repeated during stressful situations – furrowing of the brows, for example – and you have a recipe for more fine lines and wrinkles.
Fluid Retention And Dark Circles
For many, sleep patterns are disrupted by stress. Insomnia and sleeping issues are common symptoms of stress, and poor sleep quality impacts numerous systems within the body, including the skin. A lack of sleep leads to increased signs of aging – notably undereye bags and dark circles. Loss of elastin and collagen makes the skin and muscle under the eyes weaker, which allows fluid retention to look more prominent.
Stress Hormones And Skin Health
What are stress hormones and are they bad? Not exactly. From suppressing inflammation to regulating metabolism and controlling sleep cycles, we need stress hormones to live optimally. Steady levels of cortisol and adrenaline are ideal, but when your body responds to internal and external stimuli, it causes hormone levels to rise and fall beyond the recommended range.
When the nervous system experiences a surge in stress hormones, it kicks off a number of reactions throughout the body and skin, such as:
- Skin glands producing more oil
- Slowed digestion in the gut
- Aggravated or angry skin due to triggered inflammation or setting off autoimmune disorders
- Trouble sleeping, leading to exhaustion and poor cognitive reasoning
Does Stress Cause Acne?
In a word: “Yes”! When the adrenal glands release excess cortisol due to chronic or acute stress, that stimulates another hormone (corticotrophin-releasing hormone or CRH) to release oil from the sebaceous glands. These tiny glands are found alongside hair follicles and emit oily sebum to keep skin hydrated naturally. Excess sebum production mixes with dead skin cells deep within the pore to create a clog, leading to buildup, irritation, bacterial growth and, you guessed it, acne.
Understanding The Mind-Body Connection
The mind and body are inextricably connected, which you notice through sensations like flushing when embarrassed, sweating when nervous or feeling itchy when stressed. As much as we notice the state of our skin when stressed, studies have shown that skin cells and hair follicles can create their own stress signals that get delivered to the brain!
The Brain-Skin Axis
In a simplified explanation, the brain-skin axis is a pathway that relays stress messages from the skin to the brain and from the brain to the skin. As we’ve already learned, stressful experiences and environments cause a release of hormones like cortisol into the body, leading to issues like irritation, dry skin and acne. However, exposing skin to specific stressors (ultraviolet rays from excessive sun exposure, for example) can cause stress signals to be sent from the skin to the brain, leading to an increased chance of psychological stress.
A Vicious Cycle: Stress Triggers and Skin Health
Both short and long-term stress can impact your skin health and show up as dry skin, prominent lines, wrinkles, baggy undereyes and inflammation. Plus, just seeing how stress impacts your skin adds another layer of stress to manage!
Whether you work or live in a stressful environment, or you’re simply going through a period of stress, there are things you can do to alleviate symptoms internally and externally, as well as manage how your body responds to various situations.
Creating a Skin Care Routine During Stressful Cycles
Getting your skin care routine back to basics is recommended when going through stressful periods and your skin is reactive. Using soothing ingredients and gentle care can help keep skin looking healthy without irritating the skin barrier. A simple routine is often best to help you manage the stress that is showing up on your skin.
Start by cleansing skin with a gentle formula, such as the Calm Skin Chamomile Cleanser, which contains revitalizing ingredients like rosemary, chamomile and grape leaf extract. The Echinacea Recovery Cream is filled with nourishing ingredients like evening primrose oil, echinacea and yarrow, making it an ideal moisturizer to calm and hydrate skin after cleansing.
If acne is present due to stress, consider deep cleansing masks to absorb excess oil and clear pores to prevent clogging. The Clear Skin Probiotic Masque features soothing yogurt, cucumber and kaolin clay to cleanse, soften and calm inflamed skin. Customer, Veronika, reviewed the mask online saying: “I have never used a face mask that actually yielded such results. I have been using it whenever I am breaking out or feel like I’m about to break out and it really saves my skin. LOVE!!!”
Look and Feel Better Using Stress Management Strategies
Though not ideal, stress is a part of everyday life. The best way to keep it at bay and reduce excess stress hormone production is to practice stress management strategies in a way that feels right for your situation or lifestyle. Learning how to cope with stress can give you a better handle on whatever comes your way and keep your skin and body in good condition.
Meditation, Mindfulness And Relaxation
There is so much noise in our lives, both literally and figuratively. The best way to balance that out and calm the body is by practicing mindfulness or meditation each day. Practicing these techniques can train you to be more aware of your surroundings and feelings, which can be grounding and calming during stressful times. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated — anything that allows you to tune out distractions and let your body and mind calm down and relax. Some good options include taking a walk, listening to a guided meditation or engaging in solo activities like painting or reading.
Exercise
Exercise is good for the body in more ways than one. As well as lowering stress hormone levels and reducing anxiety, it also boosts sleep quality. Something as simple as cleaning the house, gardening, joining a workout class or lifting weights can be a beneficial activity to add to a daily routine for stress management. Deep breathing exercises are another powerful tool to use as a way to reduce stress, as they lower cortisol and activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the restful counterpart to the fight or flight sympathetic nervous system).
Eating Healthy (And Staying Hydrated!)
Drinking enough water and eating a diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants helps your body manage the effects of daily stress. Nutrients repair damaged cells, boost the immune system, regulate stress hormone levels and give the body the necessary energy to get through daily stressors. Studies suggest that fiber-rich vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids are especially helpful in balancing stress hormones. Plus, a healthy diet is good for skin health in general.
Quality Sleep
Sleep is a prime opportunity for the body to repair and reset. A good night’s sleep also improves cognitive performance and mood, which are crucial to managing stress. To improve sleep hygiene, keep the bedroom free of electronics and distractions, avoid sugary foods and drinks before bed and create (and stick to) a consistent sleep schedule.
Other Relaxation Tips And Techniques
Need more tips to help relax and reduce stress? Consider some of the following relaxation techniques in addition to the practices mentioned above:
- Aromatherapy
- Massage and other spa treatments
- Deep breathing
- Yoga
- Visualization
- Hydrotherapy
Stress is unavoidable, but that doesn’t mean it needs to impact your skin health. By engaging in daily stress management techniques and using skin care ingredients that address concerns, you’ll be better able to navigate life’s curveballs without seeing acne, wrinkles or baggy undereyes creep up.
Are you looking to reduce stress in your life? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you to learn how to minimize stress and get your glow back.
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The Power of Music in Meditation: Enhance Your Practice – PHIATON
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Meditation has witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years, becoming a go-to practice for many seeking stress reduction, improved focus, and overall well-being. While meditation techniques vary, incorporating music can be a potent tool to elevate your meditation experience. In this article, we delve into how music can augment meditation and explore the advantages of integrating music into your meditation routine.
1. Creates a Calming Environment
One of the most significant benefits of using music during meditation is the creation of a serene environment conducive to stress and anxiety reduction. Immerse yourself in music with a slow, steady rhythm to ease your breathing and heart rate. This promotes a profound sense of relaxation and tranquility. The soothing melodies further cultivate a peaceful ambiance, amplifying the effectiveness of your meditation practice.
2. Reduces Distractions
External noises and intrusive thoughts often pose challenges during meditation. Music, however, acts as a shield against these distractions, fostering focus and concentration. As you listen to music, it becomes easier to tune out external disturbances, allowing you to maintain your attention on your breath or chosen focal point.
3. Enhances Concentration
Music possesses the power to enhance concentration and focus during meditation. The steady beat and rhythm synchronize brainwaves, promoting alertness and a deeper connection to your practice. This synchronization also bolsters cognitive function, bolstering your capacity to process, retain, and recall information.
4. Creates a Deeper Connection
Music has a profound capacity to forge a profound connection with our innermost selves and emotions. Integrating music into your meditation routine deepens your connection with thoughts, emotions, and body. This fosters a heightened sense of mindfulness and awareness. The calming melodies create an introspective atmosphere, facilitating a more profound meditation experience.
5. Increases Positive Feelings
Music’s influence on mood and emotions is well-established. Listening to uplifting, positive music during meditation can amplify feelings of joy, gratitude, and contentment. These emotional enhancements synergize with meditation, further reducing stress and anxiety.
6. Improves Sleep
Incorporating music into your meditation routine can also elevate your sleep quality. Listening to calming, soothing music before bedtime relaxes your mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Improved sleep quality contributes to overall physical and mental well-being.
In conclusion, the incorporation of music into your meditation practice yields numerous physical and mental health benefits. It fosters a calming environment, minimizes distractions, bolsters concentration, deepens inner connections, boosts positive emotions, and enhances sleep quality. When selecting music for your meditation, opt for melodies that resonate with your inner self, promoting relaxation and introspection.
For more insights on optimizing your meditation practice with music or to explore suitable meditation music, continue reading our articles and resources. Elevate your well-being through this harmonious synergy of meditation and music.
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Madera displays custom wood products in Los Angeles showroom
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Design and fabrication firm Madera has unveiled its latest showroom in Los Angeles, which was designed to showcase wood flooring and millwork products and has been captured in this exclusive video produced by Dezeen.
The West Coast hub, which is Madera‘s second showroom, is located in the Arts District of Los Angeles while its flagship showroom is in New York City.
The showroom features a selection of wood products ranging from the brand’s signature wide-plank Thrasher flooring to custom cabinetry and benches.
The space, which was converted from a former metal foundry into a showroom, aims to encourage clients to embrace wood and view it as an essential and natural element in design.
Madera’s made-to-order Thrasher cabinetry is displayed in a living room space The entryway features bespoke Douglas fir tables and benches, while the living room space has made-to-order Thrasher cabinetry showcasing the various finishes the brand offers.
The kitchen displays a large custom island combining Madera’s Dogwood Ash and Travertine finishes, while a nearby conference room houses the brand’s Abechi Façade cladding in black.
The showroom kitchen features a custom island that combines Madera’s Dogwood Ash and Travertine finishes Madera’s mission is to bring the natural beauty of wood into the spaces their clients inhabit to “redefine its place in the modern home”, according to the brand.
Its Los Angeles wood shop, where custom stair parts and millwork elements are produced, is located only a short distance from its showroom.
Madera’s showroom is located in the Arts District of Los Angeles The brand recently launched its Seamless Wood Design system, which aims to ensure wooden products in an interior all complement each other.
The system was created to offer designers and homeowners a customisable option that enables them to retain the character of wood throughout an interior.
Partnership content
This video was produced by Dezeen for Madera as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.
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Zapata National Bank Review 2023
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Our experts answer readers’ banking questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess banking products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
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On Zapata National Bank’s site. Zapata National Bank, FDIC Insured.
Zapata National Bank Review: Overall Rating
Zapata National Bank Pros and Cons
About Zapata National Bank
Zapata National Bank is a Hispanic American-owned bank in Zapata, Texas. It has one branch and two free ATMs (one at the branch and another near Highway 83).
To receive assistance, call or visit the branch Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT, or Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. The bank is not open on weekends.
The bank’s mobile app has 4.8 out of 5 stars in the Apple Store and 4.3 out of 5 stars in the Google Play store.
Your accounts are FDIC-insured for up to $250,000, or up to $500,000 for joint accounts.
The Role of Hispanic American-led Financial Institutions
Hispanic American-owned financial institutions are integral to providing products and services to underserved communities. These institutions also help address banking gaps among Hispanic American communities.
According to the US Census, people of Hispanic or Latino origin make up the largest racial and ethic group in Zapata, Texas.
Is Zapata National Bank Trustworthy?
Zapata National Bank does not have any recent public controversies.
At Insider, we usually include Better Business Bureau grades. The BBB has not assessed Zapata yet, though. You may want to ask family and friends about their experiences with the bank, or read online customer reviews.
Zapata National Bank Account Reviews
Zapata National Bank Free Checking Account
Zapata National Bank Free Checking Account
Insider’s Rating
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Deposit Amount
$50
Pros- $50 minimum opening deposit
- No monthly service fees
- No overdraft fees
Cons- No option to overdraw
- $1.75 out-of-network ATM fee
Product Details
- Hispanic American-owned bank with 1 branch in Zapata, TX
- 2 free ATMs
- No monthly service fees
- Member FDIC
Zapata has several checking accounts, but the Zapata National Bank Free Checking Account is the only one that never charges a monthly service fee. There are no overdraft fees, so any transaction that would overdraw your account will be denied. If you want the option to overdraw, you may prefer one of the other accounts.
Zapata National Bank Savings Personal Account
Zapata National Bank Savings Personal Account
Insider’s Rating
Fees
$5 monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
0.00% to 0.05%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$300
Pros- Includes ATM card
- Able to waive $5 monthly service fee
Cons- $300 minimum opening deposit
- Low interest rate
- $5 monthly service fee
- Only 1 free withdrawal per month, then $2 per withdrawal
Product Details
- Hispanic American-owned bank with 1 branch in Zapata, TX
- 2 free ATMs
- Waive $5 monthly service fee by maintaining a $300 balance
- No interest earned when daily balance falls under $300
- Interest compounded daily, paid quarterly
- Member FDIC
You may like the Zapata National Bank Savings Personal Account if you can maintain a $300 balance, because then you’ll earn interest and waive the monthly fee. However, you can only make one free transfer or withdrawal per month, while many banks let you make six monthly savings transactions.
Zapata National Bank CD
Zapata National Bank CD
Insider’s Rating
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
0.15% to 0.25%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$2,500
Pros- Interest compounded daily
Cons- Low APY
- $2,500 minimum deposit
- Only term options are 91 days, 6 months, and 1 year
Product Details
- Hispanic American-owned bank with 1 branch in Zapata, TX
- Term options are 91 days, 6 months, and 1 year
- Contact the branch to learn about early withdrawal penalties
- Interest compounded daily
- Member FDIC
The Zapata National Bank CD offers a similar APY to to average CD rates. The bank also offers fewer term options than most institutions — just 91 days, six months, and one year.
Zapata National Bank Money Market Account
Zapata National Bank Money Market Personal Account
Insider’s Rating
Fees
$15 monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
0.00% to 0.10%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$2,500
Pros- Able to waive $15 monthly service fee
- 5 free paper checks per year
Cons- Low interest rate
- $2,500 minimum opening deposit
- $15 monthly service fee
- No debit card
Product Details
- Hispanic American-owned bank with 1 branch in Zapata, TX
- Waive $15 monthly service fee by maintaining a $2,500 balance
- No interest earned when your daily balance falls under $2,500
- Interest compounded daily, paid monthly
- Member FDIC
The Zapata National Bank Money Market Personal Account pays a similar rate as the regular savings account, but you can make up to six free monthly transactions. You’ll need to maintain a $2,500 balance to earn interest and waive the monthly fee, though.
How Zapata National Bank Compares
Zapata National Bank vs. Falcon International Bank
Falcon International Bank has more branches and ATMs than Zapata National Bank.
Zapata National Bank has a free checking account, but it charges a $5 monthly service fee on its savings account (unless you qualify to waive it). Falcon International Bank doesn’t charge monthly fees on checking or savings.
If you’d like to open a CD, it could depend on which features you want in an account. Zapata National Bank pays higher CD rates, but Falcon International Bank has lower minimum opening deposit requirements.
Falcon International Bank Review
Zapata National Bank vs. International Bank of Commerce
International Bank of Commerce is one of the largest Hispanic American-owned banks in the US, and it has over 167 branches around Texas and Oklahoma. It’s a good option if you want to work with a big bank or if you frequently travel around the state.
International Bank of Commerce is also the clear winner if you’re searching for higher interest rates on bank accounts. Its savings and money market account accounts also have lower minimum opening deposit requirements.
International Bank of Commerce Review
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Zapata National Bank
At Personal Finance Insider, we rate savings, checking, CD, and money market accounts using our banking methodology and CD methodology.
Each account receives a rating between 0 and 5. We evaluate a bank’s ethics, customer service, and mobile app for all accounts. We also consider different features for specific types of bank accounts. For example, we look at overdraft fees for checking accounts and interest rates for savings accounts.
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The Impact Of Stress On Your Skin: Effective Strategies For Stress Management
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Stress is peaking these days. Between managing households, deadlines at work and daily commutes, none of us are immune to the choas that can exist in everyday life. And if you notice that your skin is seeming a little dull or you’re experiencing more breakouts than usual, you’re not imagining things: Stress can have a major impact on how your skin looks and feels. So, what can you do to lower stress levels to improve overall well-being and get your skin back to its naturally glowing state? Read on to find out how to manage stress and feel better inside and out.
The Impact of Stress on Skin
Much of what we know about how stress affects the body is through symptoms like elevated heart rate, stiff or tense muscles, low energy and digestive issues. But stress also plays a significant role in how your skin looks and feels, whether you experience tension on a chronic level or not. So how does stress show up on the skin?
Skin Irritation And Rashes
Because of a weakened immune system, the skin barrier is compromised when you’re experiencing a stressful situation or going through chronic stress. As the body’s outermost layer, the skin barrier is vital to protecting you against environmental irritants and free radicals. The health and strength of this protective barrier can become compromised by factors including excessive sun exposure, humid or dry environments, over-exfoliation and stress. Stress levels impact the skin barrier and immune system and, for some, can even trigger flare-ups of contact dermatitis, psoriasis or eczema.
Dry Skin And Wrinkles
Stress impacts the skin on a molecular level and affects how cells age. For example, stress hormones (such as adrenaline and cortisol) cause collagen and elastin to break down, making it harder for the skin to rejuvenate and stay supple. According to neuroscientist, Dr. Tara Swart, “Because cortisol is pro-inflammatory, it’s very drying of the system … so you might notice that your skin is really dry or you’ve got skin problems. Your skin isn’t just the physical border of your body, it’s the psychological boundary of your body too, so often stress shows up in the skin.”
As the turnover of healthy skin cells slows down, fine lines and wrinkles become more pronounced. Couple that with facial expressions that get repeated during stressful situations – furrowing of the brows, for example – and you have a recipe for more fine lines and wrinkles.
Fluid Retention And Dark Circles
For many, sleep patterns are disrupted by stress. Insomnia and sleeping issues are common symptoms of stress, and poor sleep quality impacts numerous systems within the body, including the skin. A lack of sleep leads to increased signs of aging – notably undereye bags and dark circles. Loss of elastin and collagen makes the skin and muscle under the eyes weaker, which allows fluid retention to look more prominent.
Stress Hormones And Skin Health
What are stress hormones and are they bad? Not exactly. From suppressing inflammation to regulating metabolism and controlling sleep cycles, we need stress hormones to live optimally. Steady levels of cortisol and adrenaline are ideal, but when your body responds to internal and external stimuli, it causes hormone levels to rise and fall beyond the recommended range.
When the nervous system experiences a surge in stress hormones, it kicks off a number of reactions throughout the body and skin, such as:
- Skin glands producing more oil
- Slowed digestion in the gut
- Aggravated or angry skin due to triggered inflammation or setting off autoimmune disorders
- Trouble sleeping, leading to exhaustion and poor cognitive reasoning
Does Stress Cause Acne?
In a word: “Yes”! When the adrenal glands release excess cortisol due to chronic or acute stress, that stimulates another hormone (corticotrophin-releasing hormone or CRH) to release oil from the sebaceous glands. These tiny glands are found alongside hair follicles and emit oily sebum to keep skin hydrated naturally. Excess sebum production mixes with dead skin cells deep within the pore to create a clog, leading to buildup, irritation, bacterial growth and, you guessed it, acne.
Understanding The Mind-Body Connection
The mind and body are inextricably connected, which you notice through sensations like flushing when embarrassed, sweating when nervous or feeling itchy when stressed. As much as we notice the state of our skin when stressed, studies have shown that skin cells and hair follicles can create their own stress signals that get delivered to the brain!
The Brain-Skin Axis
In a simplified explanation, the brain-skin axis is a pathway that relays stress messages from the skin to the brain and from the brain to the skin. As we’ve already learned, stressful experiences and environments cause a release of hormones like cortisol into the body, leading to issues like irritation, dry skin and acne. However, exposing skin to specific stressors (ultraviolet rays from excessive sun exposure, for example) can cause stress signals to be sent from the skin to the brain, leading to an increased chance of psychological stress.
A Vicious Cycle: Stress Triggers and Skin Health
Both short and long-term stress can impact your skin health and show up as dry skin, prominent lines, wrinkles, baggy undereyes and inflammation. Plus, just seeing how stress impacts your skin adds another layer of stress to manage!
Whether you work or live in a stressful environment, or you’re simply going through a period of stress, there are things you can do to alleviate symptoms internally and externally, as well as manage how your body responds to various situations.
Creating a Skin Care Routine During Stressful Cycles
Getting your skin care routine back to basics is recommended when going through stressful periods and your skin is reactive. Using soothing ingredients and gentle care can help keep skin looking healthy without irritating the skin barrier. A simple routine is often best to help you manage the stress that is showing up on your skin.
Start by cleansing skin with a gentle formula, such as Calm Skin Chamomile Cleanser, which contains revitalizing ingredients like rosemary, chamomile and grape leaf extract. The Echinacea Recovery Cream is filled with nourishing ingredients like evening primrose oil, echinacea and yarrow, making it an ideal moisturizer to calm and hydrate skin after cleansing.
If acne is present due to stress, consider deep cleansing masks to absorb excess oil and clear pores to prevent clogging. The Clear Skin Probiotic Masque features soothing yogurt, cucumber and kaolin clay to cleanse, soften and calm inflamed skin. Customer, Veronika, reviewed the mask online saying: “I have never used a face mask that actually yielded such results. I have been using it whenever I am breaking out or feel like I’m about to break out and it really saves my skin. LOVE!!!”
Look and Feel Better Using Stress Management Strategies
Though not ideal, stress is a part of everyday life. The best way to keep it at bay and reduce excess stress hormone production is to practice stress management strategies in a way that feels right for your situation or lifestyle. Learning how to cope with stress can give you a better handle on whatever comes your way and keep your skin and body in good condition.
Meditation, Mindfulness And Relaxation
There is so much noise in our lives, both literally and figuratively. The best way to balance that out and calm the body is by practicing mindfulness or meditation each day. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can train you to be more aware of your surroundings and feelings, which can be grounding and calming during stressful times. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated — anything that allows you to tune out distractions and let your body and mind calm down and relax. Some good options include taking a walk, listening to a guided meditation or engaging in solo activities like painting or reading.
Exercise
Exercise is good for the body in more ways than one. As well as lowering stress hormone levels and reducing anxiety, it also boosts sleep quality. Something as simple as cleaning the house, gardening, joining a workout class or lifting weights can be a beneficial activity to add to a daily routine for stress management. Deep breathing exercises are another powerful tool to use as a way to reduce stress, as they lower cortisol and activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the restful counterpart to the fight or flight sympathetic nervous system).
Eating Healthy (And Staying Hydrated!)
Drinking enough water and eating a diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants helps your body manage the effects of daily stress. Nutrients repair damaged cells, boost the immune system, regulate stress hormone levels and give the body the necessary energy to get through daily stressors. Studies suggest that fiber-rich vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids are especially helpful in balancing stress hormones. Plus, a healthy diet is good for skin health in general.
Quality Sleep
Sleep is a prime opportunity for the body to repair and reset. A good night’s sleep also improves cognitive performance and mood, which are crucial to managing stress. To improve sleep hygiene, keep the bedroom free of electronics and distractions, avoid sugary foods and drinks before bed and create (and stick to) a consistent sleep schedule.
Other Relaxation Tips And Techniques
Need more tips to help relax and reduce stress? Consider some of the following relaxation techniques in addition to the practices mentioned above:
- Aromatherapy
- Massage and other spa treatments
- Deep breathing
- Yoga
- Visualization
- Hydrotherapy
Stress is unavoidable, but that doesn’t mean it needs to impact your skin health. By engaging in daily stress management techniques and using skin care ingredients that address concerns, you’ll be better able to navigate life’s curveballs without seeing acne, wrinkles or baggy undereyes creep up.
Are you looking to reduce stress in your life? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you to learn how to minimize stress and get your glow back.
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The best wireless gaming mouse in 2023
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After testing several different options, we found these five mice to be the best wireless gaming mice. Sarah Saril/Insider
A great mouse can enhance your gaming experience, and wireless models can deliver an extra level of convenience and mobility free from the pesky constraints of cables. To find the best wireless gaming mouse, we spent dozens of hours testing over 20 different mice. And after our extensive search, we've narrowed our recommendations down to five that are really worth considering.
Our top pick, the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro, is a powerful option equipped with several customizable features and smooth performance that can't be beat. If you're looking for something more affordable and beginner-friendly, our budget pick is the Logitech G305 Lightspeed, which is a simple yet reliable option.
You can find full details on all of our picks for the best wireless gaming mouse below. We've broken down what makes them so special and what kind of gamer they're each suited for.
Our top picks for best wireless gaming mouse
Best overall: Razer Basilisk V3 Pro – See at Amazon
The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro stands above other wireless gaming mice with its incredibly smooth performance and high-quality build that feels great in-hand.Best runner-up: Logitech G502 Lightspeed – See at Amazon
A cult-favorite beloved by many, the Logitech G502 Lightspeed is ideal for users with firmer grips, as it offers all of the powerful features of our top pick, but with heftier clicks that require more force.Best symmetrical: Razer Cobra Pro – See at Amazon
For those in search of top-tier performance without extra bells and whistles, the Razer Cobra Pro is the best wireless gaming mouse you can get with a simple symmetrical build that doesn't compromise on quality.Best budget: Logitech G305 Lightspeed – See at Amazon
Though it forgoes some premium features in exchange for its low price, the Logitech G305 is an affordable wireless gaming mouse with a charming aesthetic and unbeatable price tag.Best ultralight: Glorious O 2 Wireless – See at Amazon
The Glorious O 2 Wireless offers the most comfortable ultralight design we've ever tested, while still giving smooth performance that's noticeable in quick-reaction games like first-person shooters.The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro has an ergonomic design and is packed with features. Sarah Saril/Insider
The Logitech G502 Lightspeed has a huge following across gamers online, and for good reason. Sarah Saril/Insider
Though it looks simple, the Razer Cobra Pro is one of the best wireless gaming mice you can use — if you don't mind forgoing some features. Sarah Saril/Insider
The Logitech G305 Lightspeed is one of the few gaming mice to come in colors other than just black and white. Sarah Saril/Insider
The Glorious Model O2 Wireless is the best ultralight gaming mouse we've tested. Sarah Saril/Insider
We test wireless gaming mice using a series of key evaluation points. Sarah Saril/Insider
RGB lighting is a cool extra feature that some wireless gaming mice include. Amazon
Some wireless gaming mice can be charged wirelessly as well using charging docks. Amazon
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Gensler and Sterling Bay design Chicago laboratory to resemble a hotel
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Light-filled spaces, neutral-toned furniture and a sculptural spiral staircase bring a hospitality feeling to this life sciences building in Chicago, designed by architecture studio Gensler and developer Sterling Bay.
The eight-storey 1229 W Concord Place building is located at the Lincoln Yards development, northwest of Downtown Chicago and beside the north branch of the Chicago River.
The building’s double-height lobby features comfy lounge areas Intended to bring much-needed lab spaces to this part of the city, which has a growing scientific community, the building’s developer Sterling Bay hopes it will foster collaborative research and new medical breakthroughs.
“The new lab space will house world-class innovators and industry-leading companies that seek to develop groundbreaking medical solutions in Chicago and create a sense of community within their workplace,” said the project team.
A spiral staircase connects the lobby with the floor above Gensler’s Chicago office worked with Sterling Bay’s in-house design studio on both the architecture and interiors, with a focus on natural light and “bright, airy, open spaces”.
The building is clad almost entirely in glass, which wraps around its curved corners, while terraces are cut into the side facing the river and the skyline.
Neutral-toned wood panelling and furniture create a hospitality-style aesthetic In the double-height lobby, the stark white interiors are warmed by brass accents and soft, neutral-toned furniture.
Several seating areas comprising comfy sofas and accent chairs are arranged on large textured rugs, and dotted with planting.
The warm material palette continues in the elevator bank Panels of vertical wooden louvres and shelving provide a backdrop to these lounges, creating a scene that looks more like a hotel lobby than a science centre.
A sculptural spiral staircase connecting the ground and first floors is loosely based on a DNA helix.
Open floor plans and dedicated conference rooms are filled with natural light This feature provides another focal point in the lobby, which also doubles as a large meeting space and a reception area for events.
“With warm hospitality-inspired interiors, sophisticated communal spaces, and a robust amenity selection centred around wellness, the design provides future tenants the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in a space that prioritises the wellbeing of scientists,” Steph Geronimo Smothers, vice president of design at Sterling Bay, told Dezeen.
The amenities offered to tenants include a fitness centre, a cafe and conference spaces, while flexible floor plans allow tenants to customise their workspaces to suit their needs.
The building also features Circadian rhythm lighting, which mimics changing daylight conditions to improve mood and sleep cycles.
Staff can utilise the expansive terraces accessible from each of the building’s eight storeys Staff are encouraged to spill out onto the large outdoor terraces, accessible from every floor, and make the most of the fresh air.
“1229 West Concord’s panoramic city views and expansive riverside terraces create a deep connection to nature, bringing in natural light and fresh air and pushing the boundaries of modern lab space to encourage blue-sky thinking and collaboration,” said Geronimo Smothers.
The glass-wrapped building overlooks the Chicago River and the city skyline beyond Other laboratory buildings with unconventional architecture and interiors include the Walton Center of Planetary Health at Arizona State University, which Grimshaw and Architekton based on natural elements such as rocks and saguaro cacti.
Gensler’s Chicago office also recently completed a series of renovations to the city’s sprawling 1930s The Merchandise Mart.
The photography is by Hal + Merick + McCaugherty.
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Palestinians Cannot Fight Hamas While Under Israeli Attack
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- Israeli President Isaac Herzog this week said Palestinians should have overthrown Hamas.
- But anti-Hamas activist Rami Aran, who was tortured by the group, said that’s not possible now.
- No one will “make any kind of revolution against Hamas under the Israeli missile,” he said.
Rami Aran knows what it’s like to stand up to Hamas, while living under its rule in Gaza, and to seek peace with Israeli civilians: doing so got him tortured and pushed into exile.
In 2020, Aran, a leader of the Gaza Youth Committee who now lives in Cairo, was thrown into a jail in Gaza City for organizing a cross-border video call. “Skype With Your Enemy,” it was called — an effort to bypass hostile political leaders on both sides and build relationships between regular people in Israel and Palestine. Aran, jailed, was blindfolded and placed in stress positions for weeks at a time and ultimately coerced into leaving the Palestinian territory.
So when Israeli President Isaac Herzog this week chided residents of Gaza for not overthrowing Hamas — “They could have risen up, they could have fought against that evil regime,” he said — Aran took umbrage. Not only did he do just that, at great personal cost, but thousands of other Palestinians defied the militant group, protesting Hamas’ rule and its bungling of basic governance; as the Associated Press reported, “Hamas’ security forces quickly dispersed the gathering.”
Amid an Israeli attack, the most intensive in the history of Gaza, such protests are an impossibility.
No one will “make any kind of revolution against Hamas under the Israeli missile,” Aran told Insider in an interview. It will have the opposite effect. “They are creating more Hamas, more Hamas, more Hamas,” he said — an entire new “generation” of people radicalized by Israeli bombardment and the propaganda of armed extremists claiming to defend them.
As The Times of Israel noted this past week, there had been — until the massacre of more than 1,300 Israelis, the vast majority civilians — something of a symbiotic relationship between the terrorist organization and the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long opposed the creation of a Palestinian state. So long as Hamas remained in control of the Gaza Strip, while their rival Fatah ruled parts of the West Bank, statehood would simply not be viable. The conventional wisdom was that Hamas’ misdeeds would generally be inflicted on those over whom it ruled, since coming to power in a 2006 election; an extremist group operating next to southern Israel would also weaken voices within the country calling for a negotiated settlement with the Palestinians.
“Most of the people in Gaza do not support Hamas,” Aman said, characterizing the 2006 election as a protest vote against corruption and the failure of the peace process. Indeed, a recent poll by the Washington Institute found that a large majority wanted Gaza’s day-to-day governance to be led by the Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank, and for Hamas to maintain its ceasefire with Israel — knowing they would pay the price for breaking it, not the leadership of Hamas in Qatar.
“I believe that what is happening now, it will not destroy Hamas,” Aran said. “It will destroy the people and all the people in the Gaza Strip,” he continued, arguing that the terrorist group and the Israel Defense Forces each only know violence and that their respective sponsors should instead be working to negotiate prisoner exchange (Hamas abducted over a hundred Israeli civilians, including women, children, and an elderly Holocaust survivor, while over a thousand Palestinians are currently being held without charge within Israel, according to Israeli human rights group B’Tselem).
“We need to stop this war, now, and start thinking about how we can release all women and kids and babies and civilians who are arrested and kidnapped, not just from last Saturday,” Aran said.
Instead of viewing the majority of Gaza’s residents with suspicion over a massacre carried out by the armed extremists who oppress them, Aran said they should be seen as men, women, and children who have little power over their own fate but desire the same life.
And outside powers should be encouraging all sides to deescalate, another cycle of violence seeding more death and destruction down the line.
Gazans “are now looking at America and [see] that they are targeting them,” Aran said. “American sends many things, many weapons — a battleship — to Israel. For what? We don’t need more missiles. We need America to send water, to send food — to build.”
Diplomacy, he argued, should be the United States’ export to the region.
“We need America to host an initiative, for both people, not to ‘stand’ with anyone,” he continued. “And we don’t need Russia to ‘stand’ with the Palestinians. No, I need a country to stand with humans. I’m very upset. I’m very sad and the situation is very bad. But I believe that there are Israelis and there are Palestinians — they are talking, not just fighting, and believe that we can live in a good future.”
“Israeli and Palestinian, in this conflict? Both of them are losers. No need to blame each other. Both of us are killers, and both of us are paying the price,” he said. “This war must end now.”
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