Sunday, June 30, 2019

3 Lesser-Known Swedish Inventions

Sweden may be known for IKEA and their Swedish meatballs, but more so than that, it is a land of innovation. Medical devices like pacemakers and ultrasounds were invented in Sweden, as well as safety devices such as the standard 3-point seatbelt. Great inventions have come out of Sweden, including a few items that may surprise you.

Electric Candolier

The first item on this list has recently been gaining popularity outside of Nordic countries, despite being invented in 1934. The Swedish advent candelabra was originally a German tradition but became popular in Sweden in the early 1800s. Oskar Andersson invented the first electric candolier to prevent fires that started due to candles burning all night. His creation was so popular that even today around Christmastime, windows around the world are lit up by his invention.

Adjustable Spanner

Next is the adjustable spanner, more commonly known in the United States as the crescent wrench. Its invention was originally attributed to an Englishman in 1842, but the modern design was invented by a Swedish man named Johan Petter Johansson. This wrench has gone through several iterations but the “skiftnyckel,” as the Swedes call it, has maintained its particular design featuring a moveable jaw controlled by a nut or a bolt.

The Walker

Third, the walker was invented by a Swedish woman named Aina Wifalk. In her 20s, Wifalk contracted Polio which left her struggling to walk. In 1978, Wifalk displayed her first example of what would later become a walker which included a stronger frame, a seat and larger wheels. She invented the walker so that others like her would be able to move around more freely. On top of that, she refused to patent the design so that it would remain inexpensive for those who needed it.

To learn more about Sweden’s contribution to the modern world, take some time to search the internet for more inventions. Take note, in particular, of the zipper and the safety match (the matches we use today).

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Bringing Healthcare Home

Going to the doctor can be unpleasant. It's very public, involves a lot of waiting and can feel impersonal at times. There's also a lot more to a person's well-being than just medicine. There are options to bring the healthcare you need to where you are instead and receive treatment in the comfort of your own home.

If You Are Elderly

Geriatric care is dynamic and unique to each individual. It expands well beyond health care to encompass legal advice, counseling, family communication and the tasks of daily life. It's a good idea to seek out a service that can coordinate all these aspects for you, rather than trying to keep track of a different phone number for each one. Such a service may even help you organize contacts like these!

If You Have a Special Condition

Certain diagnoses require a higher and more consistent level of care than the average person, like Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Receiving at home health care bethesda md can alleviate the stress of excessive medical outings by coordinating a personalized care plan with qualified nurses who may become familiar enough to be comforting. These plans can range from occasional visits to your own live-in caregiver.

If You Require Daily Assistance

If the care you require is not so much medical, but personal, you are still in luck. Caregivers also exist to provide for the elderly and those that struggle with mobility. Services can include running errands, meal preparation, bathing assistance, chores and companionship. The presence of such assistance can also be tailored to your life; they are there for you as often as you need it.

No matter the situation, resources exist to help you through it. Even if you have friends and family at your side, sometimes outside assistance can make everyone's life easier. Asking for help can be hard, but well worth it.

Friday, June 21, 2019

Do You Need To Use Heat Protectant?

Heat and hair don't play well together, and that is why you need to find a product that will protect your hair when it is styled. That product is a heat protectant, a concoction of oils and other ingredients to moisturize your hair and reduce heat damage. Here are some tips on how to find and use the best heat protectant for relaxed hair.

What Do Heat Protectants Do?

Heat protectants provide extra moisture to help your hair withstand the high temperatures necessary for styling, particularly from straightening irons. Hair strands are made of keratin, with an inner layer filled with water and an outer layer made of overlapping cuticles. When heat is applied, the water in the core of the hair strand evaporates, drying the hair and making it brittle. Choose the best heat protectant for relaxed hair to keep it shiny and healthy.

What Do Heat Protectants Contain?

It might seem counter-intuitive, but the best heat protectants contain oils. Argon oil is a popular ingredient, as are avocado and grapeseed oils. These oils coat the hair shafts forming a protective barrier to keep moisture in during styling. Other ingredients, such as silicone, essential oils, and vitamins help protect hair during styling. Some products are available that are vegan and cruelty-free.

How Do You Use Heat Protectants?

Heat protectants help your hair retain moisture during styling, and you can boost that process with a leave-in conditioner. After washing and toweling your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner and blow your hair dry. Then spray on the heat protectant and style with a straightener or hot rollers. The combination of the two products goes a long way toward keeping your hair shiny and strong. If your hair is already damaged, taking a break from styling and using an extra strong conditioner for several days is a good idea.

The right heat protectant spray can go a long way to giving you the smooth, shiny hair you are looking for. Look for rich oils and use the product together with moisturizers for strong, healthy hair.