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Is Bickering a bad thing?

Bickering and boredom are the main enemies of the couple. To awaken desire, better to learn how to manage it than to buy sex toys

Ogni coppia vive un momento specifico
Impazienza e noia sono i principali nemici della coppia
Meglio gestire bene i conflitti che comprare sex toys

"How to keep your sex life active over the years?": this is one of the answers I receive most often in the vagina post (a column I keep on Instagram). If I had an effective answer, I would probably be a billionaire

What are moments in relationship?

The truth is that answering this question universally is impossible. Every relationship, every couple, every individual has his or her own experience, fantasies, and private events that condition his or her desire (trivially, all the box-breaking of adulthood, from bureaucracy to work, via the MRI report to the squabble with the upstairs neighbor). Each case, in short, should be contextualized in the historical moment that the couple is experiencing (or rather, that the two people in it are experiencing).

How does boredom affect relationships?

However, there is something useful to be said on the subject. The best-known and most common enemies of the navigated couple that is accusing of desire fatigue are two. The first is exacerbated conflict: we get on each other's nerves about everything and, every other day, question the relationship, wondering whether it's worth continuing or whether it's better to break up (although then you know what a flutter it is to share books, dishes, affections...).

The second, pneumatic boredom, that mysterious anthropological phenomenon by virtue of which two human beings, kept in close contact for a sufficiently prolonged period of time, turn into worn-out slippers, which no longer have any seductive ambitions and, when necessary, emit thunderous flatulence.

Better to manage conflict well than to buy sex toys

Managing conflict in an adult and constructive way and not giving in to the lure of the couch while trying to keep oneself attractive could be key exercises in improving the couple's well-being, of which sex life is a faithful indicator. Much more useful than renewing the park of underwear outfits, disturbing laces and sex toys!

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Are you in love with a softboy? Here's how to figure it out

Sei innamorata di un softboy? Ecco come capirlo

You are tired of the "beautiful and damned" who break your heart and never commit. Luckily, you've found a nice, sweet partner. Are you sure he's not a softboy? Here's what he is and why you shouldn't trust him

What is a softboy
He criticizes his ex
The softboy tells you he is an artist
He makes you feel like a monster if you get mad at him
The softboy is a pseudo-romantic
He tells you he is seeing someone else
The softboy is not a real knight

It's hard to imagine a guy more irritating and painful than the classic "handsome and damned." But believe it or not, there is one out there. He is known as the softboy, and he seems to be the exact opposite of the jerk who broke your heart. He is kind, he seems so in love and sweet. But he will rip your heart out, sleep with all your girlfriends and make you want to wring his neck.

What is a softboy

The softboy is the tender boy that usually few of us considered. In school he was the typical loser in love, because no one wanted him as he was too sweet and not too "damned." But when we take a disappointment from the handsome guy on duty, who do we run to? Of course, from the softboy we have treated as a friend for years. Because he is sweet, he can understand and listen to us, he spurs us on intellectually. The problem with softboys is that they seem so adorably approachable, respectful and sweet. They seem so ready to commit, and that's why they're so obnoxiously brutal when you're dealing with them. Not sure if the guy you're dating is a softboy? Look for these warning signs the next time you see him.

Criticizes his ex

He will often tell you about the terrible, horrible, bad heartache his ex gave him right after meeting him. He might even talk about how committed he was to her, only then she left him and broke his heart into many little pieces. In general, a guy who talks about his ex in this way is often harmful to you. Softboys do this so they can show how sensitive they are. Also, they hope you will console them. Too bad they then disappear. If you get upset about this, he will not call you a psychopath. Rather, he will give you puppy-dog eyes and say he is so sorry. Then he will disappear again. And again. And again. Until you realize that he is not a softboy at all.

The softboy tells you that he is an artist.

The softboy is educated, intelligent, loves art. He may even be an artist-for-hire. However, he will often use this role of his as an excuse when he realizes that you would like him to engage with you. Most of the time he will tell you that he needs to "focus on his art."

He makes you feel like a monster if you get mad at him

You find yourself feeling bad for yelling at him, even when he just backed down for no reason. You can't get mad at him. He makes you feel like a monster because of it. The softboy is a master at handling guilt and may even be better at it than your mother.

The softboy is a pseudo-romantic

The softboy is the kind of man who will send you clips of your favorite movie, videos of romantic songs, but will be quick to tell you that the two of you are "just friends." He will cook for you and hold you all night long, but he will insist that there is no way you two will end up together forever. After all, you are just friends. Maybe friends in bed.

He tells you he is seeing someone else

Unlike the beautiful and damned, the softboy is honest about the fact that he is seeing someone else. But that doesn't mean he won't tie you down. In fact, he will usually tell you that "it will never work out with her" or that "it's really not serious yet." He may even introduce you to each other and try to turn you against each other. He may be doing this to upset you, and if you try to discuss it with him, he will tell you that you are being unreasonable. He will apologize, maybe complain, and then tell you that it is "so hard to choose."

The softboy is not a real gentleman

He will regularly talk about how important it is to treat a girl well or how chivalrous he is. He will tell you how hard his mother worked to teach him right from wrong, but it is not hard to see that his words do not really match his actions. Although he is not completely rude, he is strangely indifferent to women who clearly like him. If you then ask him if he is going to commit to you, he will hesitate and then say, "Yes...eventually." In other words, he keeps telling you that a committed relationship is in the very distant future. Strangely, he never bothers to tell you that it will be just "with you."

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What does a man relationship with his mother mean?

6 things you can learn from a man's relationship with his mother

Does the man you are seeing hate his mother or does he consider her his best friend? Pay attention to the relationship between them; you might learn a lot about him. And even if your relationship is meant to last....

He avoids his mother altogether
He does everything she says
He openly hates his mother
He is afraid of disappointing her
His mother is his best friend

You have met a guy you like, you have been seeing each other for some time, and you would like to know if he is really the ideal man for you. Look at his relationship with his mother. She is the first person with whom he had a close and connected relationship; she is the one who shaped his values and worldview. Paying attention to the kind of relationship he has with her will reveal quite a bit about what kind of person the man you are dating is, and also how he relates to the women he falls in love with. The way he treats his mother says a lot about him. Here are six examples of mother-son relationship dynamics and the conclusions you can draw from them.

He avoids his mother altogether

The man you like spends a lot of time avoiding his mother. At first you thought he did this because he forgets to call her. Now, however, you have realized that he does it because she creates anxiety or distress for him. If she upsets him, he will not be a confident man. He is afraid that if he were to tell her how he feels, his mother would be angry and he might get even more criticism from her. He has a reputation of being a "good guy," he is liked by others, but underneath he does not put much effort into social activities. If you are an outgoing woman, you will not last long with such a man. If, on the other hand, you like to stay at home and go out very little, this guy is the one for you. Remember: he's a man who doesn't tackle problems head-on. So, expect deep conversations and fights with him to be more complicated.

She does everything she says

The man you date does not do or say anything without Mother's approval, even if he is forty years old or older. One word: get away! Yes, this man will adore and spoil you. He believes that women are essential and should be appreciated. The problem is that there can only be one queen bee in his world. And that is not you: it is her. Whatever important decisions he makes will be based on what she wants and not on what you two want as a couple. He is loving and affectionate; he is everyone's best friend. No one has anything to say about him. He is generous in spirit and loyal as a puppy, but in the end his view of you will always be shaped by that visible or invisible force: his dearest mother.

He openly hates his mother

You have realized that the man you are dating hates his mother. You may not have realized it, but such men have the bite of a rattlesnake. Be careful. Often a woman's bond with her mother can also be difficult, but in the case of men the consequences are different. If he has a tumultuous relationship with his mother, this is not a nice thing. Maybe they had a fight, maybe she is disappointed in him for some reason or vice versa, the fact is that he holds a grudge against her. He is the classic "broken bad boy." He loves women, but up to a point. He loves them when they behave as they should and not when they behave as they should not. The reality is that he is afraid of the power a woman might have over him, so he has a lot of girlfriends, and somehow none of them are his match. He is also prone to complain about his mother and garner sympathy for his broken childhood. Are you thinking of dating a guy like this? Don't!

He is afraid of disappointing her

His mother is not at all one of those women who wants to dictate in her children's lives. Too bad he is so afraid of disappointing her and tends to do everything in secret. Such a man tends to be a sneaky, cunning person who takes all kinds of risks to get what he wants and usually succeeds. But, if you are involved with him, you will have to be involved in his little escapades as well. If you protest, maybe he tries to humor you because he hates confrontation, but he says "yes" to you and then does what he wants. It's kind of annoying, isn't it?

His mother is his best friend

If he considers his mother his best friend, and openly tells her everything he thinks, even standing up to her if appropriate, you have a confident man on your hands. He is not threatened by women, but stimulated by them. He likes romantic relationships and loves the thrill of an argument. So if you are not confident, he will not be the right person for you. He has a lot of girlfriends, which might make you jealous, and he is not one to commit quickly. But, when he does, it's pretty much forever.

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What are ways for LGBT to have kids?

What changes for children of Lgbt couples

Here's what changes in practice after the Senate's "no" vote on the recognition of children of Lgbt couples

Why the "no" to the recognition of children born to Lgbt couples
Today there is a lack of a law to protect the children of Lgbt couples
What specifically changes for children of Lgbt couples
What is "adoption in special cases"
The limits: "half" parents?
The jungle of bureaucracy
How it works in Europe

As of today, Lgbt couples have one more problem. Indeed, the rejection by the Senate European Policy Committee of the recognition of children of Lgbt couples has immediate practical consequences.

The majority voted "no" to a Brussels proposal that seeks to equalize the rights of children of heterosexual couples with those born within families with two mothers or two fathers. It effectively represents a stop to the equalization of so-called "social parenting" with biological parenting. Recently, moreover, the Ministry of the Interior urged of prefects to stop the "de facto recognition" that some municipalities (such as Milan and Turin) had been implementing for some time. But what actually changes?

Why the "no" to the recognition of children born to Lgbt couples

The Senate resolution rejected what is currently a proposal of the European Commission "in particular the obligation of recognition (and consequent transcription) of a judicial decision or public act, issued by another member state." Basically, it said "no" to "the obligation to recognize the European certificate of filiation." What does this mean? "The EU regulation that was intended to be approved would not need implementing laws: it means that, unlike European directives, if it had been approved it would have come into force immediately," explains attorney Lorenzo Puglisi, of Family Legal, a firm specializing in Family Law. "It is clearly a political choice. Italy today is the third last country not to have a law on filiation for same-sex couples. Until now there had been autonomous and differentiated initiatives by mayors, who had intervened administratively by establishing specific registers where to transcribe the births of children of same-sex couples. Now the Senate wanted to block this distortion, which is the result of a loophole: a specific law would be needed," the lawyer continued.

Today there is a lack of a law to protect children of Lgbt couples.

To understand the consequences of the decision, it is necessary to recall that to date Italy lacks an organic law regulating the matter. That is why already two years ago, in January 2021, the Constitutional Court had urged Parliament to recognize "social parenting," in order to fill "as soon as possible the reported void of protection, in the face of incompressible rights of minors. It is hoped for a regulation of the matter that, in an organic manner, identifies the most congruous ways of recognizing the stable affective ties of the child, born from medically assisted procreation practiced by same-sex couples, towards the intentional mother as well." In short, children born to same-sex couples through medically assisted fertilization (in the case of two women), or surrogacy (in the case of two fathers), to date are not equated with those born to heterosexual couples, so they have fewer rights.

What specifically changes for children of Lgbt couples

The situation, which until now was already complex, has become even more complicated. Until now, in fact, many same-sex couples who had resorted to heterologous assisted fertilization abroad or surrogacy (both of which are not allowed in Italy) proceeded with the transcription of the birth certificate obtained in the foreign country, at their Italian municipality. This was not possible everywhere, but in cities such as Turin and Milan, for example, many transcriptions have been made so far. Last December, however, the Court of Cassation in United Sections ruled that this route was not legitimate, pointing to "adoption in special cases" as the only possibility. In January 2023, moreover, the Interior Ministry urged prefects to enforce the ruling, annulling any municipal recognitions. Milan was also ordered to proceed with "adoptions in special cases" for children born to two mothers in Italy.

What is "adoption in special cases"

"Meanwhile, it should be clarified that Law No. 184 on adoption dates back to 1983 and is absolutely anachronistic compared to the current situation. It was provided for the benefit of relatives or third-party strangers, in the case of children with infirmity or disability, thus handicapped, or for adoption in cases of impossibility of pre-adoptive fostering. These are all very limited cases that make it unlikely that an application for adoption for special cases, for a homosexual father, will be granted," Puglisi explains. "Different is pre-adoptive foster care or fostering: since there are many communities for minors that have situations that need immediate foster care, this is also granted to singles or homosexuals, albeit subject to revocability. Often foster care, if they are willing and diligent parents, is repeated even until the children come of age. This is why I urge not to be discouraged: it is true that only adoption provides for the equalization of natural rights, but if one has a deep sense of parenthood and wants to take care and charge of a child, let us not forget this institution either," Puglisi clarifies.

The limits: "Half" parents?

Many point out the limitations of adoption in particular cases, especially in the rights of the nonbiological parent, who is often a "half-parent": for example, the intentional mother, as the one who has not physically given birth is called, in order to have her role recognized, must petition the Juvenile Court (which, moreover, is expected to disappear soon due to the short divorce reform), despite the fact that she has already given her consent to heterologous fertilization together with her partner. The court itself can check his parental eligibility through social workers and asset requirements to ascertain his economic soundness. The biological mother's consent is also needed for the adoption to go through, and the time frame is generally very long. In the meantime, the intentional mother must be delegated in any child care tasks, such as pick-up from school, medical appointments, field trip approvals, sports registration, etc. As a matter of fact, the intentional mother until she obtains adoption (however revocable in case of offenses committed by the child against the adoptive parent) has no rights over the child, who is deemed to be the child of the sole partner, neither in case of the latter's death, nor in case of separation, when the biological parent - as has already happened - can ask for the termination of the relationship between the child and the ex. "On the other hand, again in the case of separation, the non-biological mother is not even required to support the child she had been taking care of up to that point," notes Family Legal's expert.

The jungle of bureaucracy

Even before the "stop" imposed by the Senate and the Ministry of the Interior, there were still complications at the bureaucratic level. Meanwhile, it was necessary for the municipality of residence to be among those that had decided to proceed with the recognition of children of same-sex couples (such as precisely Milan or Turin). As Corriere della Sera recalls, moreover, many public offices still do not have forms that include the wording of same-sex parents, but only those of mother/father. Even Inps digital files do not allow the indication of two mothers or two fathers, but it is necessary to go to the counters on the territory.

How it works in Europe

If the situation in Italy is complicated, there is also no uniformity at the European level. As is the case here, not even in Greece is there recognition for same-sex marriages or the children that may be born to them. Where, however, there is, there are still some differences, even between two-woman couples and two-man couples. For example, while for lesbian couples there are near-automatic procedures that equalize both women as standing parents, in France the non-biological father is necessarily adoptive. "In Spain it works similarly with Stepchild Adoption, which in Italy has never become law, while "in Germany and Austria the transcription of the administrative act of birth through surrogacy equalizes the parents," Puglisi confirms.

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Family bonus 2023: how the rebates in the bill work

The rebate on electricity bills remains, while a bonus on gas will arrive in the fall in case of price increases. How it works

The new measures for households
The measures against high energy prices
How the 2023 family bonus works
When it will arrive
The change in the Isee ceiling
The beneficiaries
The current amounts

Fears of a new increase in energy bills, starting April 1, have been "averted." The Council of Ministers has given the green light to a measure containing measures to support families and businesses against high energy prices. In fact, the family bonus, provided for households with Isee up to 15,000 euros, was extended with regard to electricity bills, while for gas, the reduction of VAT to 5 percent and the zeroing of system charges was confirmed for the second quarter of 2023. But there is also a novelty: an incentive for energy savings will start from autumn for all citizens, so regardless of income.

The new measures for households

The first good news is that the social bonus or Family bonus, the discount on electricity and gas bills for families with Isee up to 15,000 euros, has been extended until June 30. The news, however, mainly concerns the gas bill front. The decree just signed by the executive, in fact, provides for the arrival of an incentive for energy savings, without income limits, that is, obtainable by all citizens.

It will start on October 1 and continue until December 31, 2023: everyone, therefore, will be able to receive a contribution to offset heating expenses. The criteria, which will be specifically defined in an implementing decree by the Minister of the Environment together with the Minister of the Economy, should follow the same principle adopted at the European level for the winter that has just ended: it should be triggered automatically if the price of gas exceeds a certain threshold. It will not, therefore, be necessary to apply for it. Arera, the sector's regulatory authority, will indicate the application modalities, and the subsidy will be disbursed with a fixed fee, but different according to climate zones. In general, therefore, the line of support for households on the energy front is confirmed.

Measures against high energy prices

If the price of gas has gradually fallen after the negative records reached in recent months, in fact, bills continue to be a not inconsiderable burden on family budgets. That is why with the Financial Maneuver 2023 it was already thought of "tweaking" the Energy Bills Bonus. Therefore, a Family Bonus was envisioned to support citizens with households with electricity and gas expenses, while at the same time incentivizing the reduction of energy consumption.

How the Family Bonus 2023 works

Announcing the arrival of the Family Bonus was Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti. In particular, confirming the anticipations, a "discount" on gas bills is now announced, they should be divided into two parts, with a fixed and a variable share to which a "discount" would be applied. In addition, there would also be a second goal, namely to incentivize energy saving, rewarding those who consume less. Hence the skepticism of consumer associations: "It is abundantly clear that if the rebates would remain only for those who consume less than this year, it would be a ploy and an excuse not to renew the tax cut on bills. Since this year has been the warmest winter ever, Italians have turned on the heaters for 15 days less and an hour a day less because of Cingolani's measures," comments Massimiliano Dona, president of the National Consumers Union. "No family will be able to save on gas consumption this heating season. Not to mention that, given the heart attack bills, everyone has already performed miracles to save on both electricity and gas."

When it will arrive

In terms of timing, the go-ahead is awaited from Arera regarding affordability. The idea is to provide a threshold price for gas and electricity, above which the right to support will be triggered. Another aspect to be defined then concerns the Isee thresholds to access the Bonus. At the moment, however, the Energy Bonus remains in place, with Isee limits modified for 2023.

The modification of the Isee ceiling

With the financial maneuver, in fact, a first novelty has already arrived and it is the raising to 15 thousand euros of the Isee value to receive the social bonus for electricity and gas bills and to 9,530 euros for water supply. This is a change introduced for 2023 and therefore already in effect, which increased the Isee from the previous 12 thousand euros, thus expanding the pool of potential beneficiaries. For families with at least four dependent children, however, the limit remained at 20 thousand euros. It should be recalled that for social "energy" bonuses, no application needs to be submitted: it is sufficient to have the Isee certifying the income situation, and the Inps notifies the eligible beneficiaries to the energy managers who can apply the "discount" automatically.

Beneficiaries

At the moment, all households up to 15 thousand euros of income, or up to 20 thousand if with at least 4 dependent children, are eligible for the energy bonus for electricity, gas and water, but also holders of the citizenship income (which should soon become Mia, the active inclusion measure.

One parameter that should continue to be used for the Family Bonus, however, will be that one of the members of the ISEE household must be the holder of an electricity and/or natural gas supply contract (the same applies to the water bonus); alternatively, one of the members of the ISEE household must use, in premises used as family dwellings, a condominium (centralized) supply of natural gas and/or water for civil and active use.

Current amounts

The household bonus is thus expected to supplement and replace the previous utility bill bonus, which provided different amounts based on household status. For electricity, for example, until the end of 2022 it was 264.10 euros for a family with 1 or 2 components (per month 86.1 euros); 321.42 euros for a family up to 4 components (per month 104.7 euros); 378.57 euros for a family with more than 4 components (per month 123.3 euros). For gas, on the other hand, it ranges from 276.92 euros per quarter for areas such as Sicily and Reggio Calabria, up to a maximum of 1,436.12 euros quarterly (i.e., 478.71 euros per month in areas such as Veneto and Piedmont, in both cases with households of 4 people and up. For larger households it can go up to 2,058.96 euros for Veneto and Piedmont. The parameters also include consideration of the climatic zone to which the supply point belongs (for gas only, as it binds

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Mother's Day, the cutest ideas to celebrate it even from a distance

From a beauty moment to share, to a virtual challenge at the stove. But also the classic bouquet of flowers or favorite bottle of wine. Distant but close with alternative ideas for Mother's Day

A classic: send them flowers
Dinner and wine delivery for the evening together
Arrange distant experience

Moments of relaxation
TV series and movie night
Live from the kitchen for cooking challenge
Gardening session

Spa-like, but with remote mom
A trip to plan together

Mother's Day is the holiday that no one ever forgets. A moment that, even when you live miles apart or cannot spend this day together, should be experienced with intensity. Don't be discouraged: there are endless ideas for long-distance Mother's Day.

Maybe you are forced to live far away from her and cannot see her right now, or maybe you are just used to spending Mother's Day long distance and have found an alternative and fun way to make it unique anyway. The distance can sometimes be bridged and shortened by home gifts, dinner deliveries, and small experiences to enjoy together, even through the screen of a PC or cell phone, connected between the two homes.

Sharpening your wits and imagination, putting in a little effort, will make Mother's Day unique even from a distance. Find out our tips for doing it right now.

A classic: send her flowers

One of the ideas for Mother's Day at a distance is a great classic: say it with flowers. If we know our moms' tastes, all we have to do is open any online flower shop that does home delivery and shipping-FloraQueen, Flowers, ItalFlora, FaxiFlora, and Colvin-and in a few minutes we choose the bouquet or plant, and schedule the delivery. If, on the other hand, we are groping in the dark, we can always get advice directly from the florist in the city where mom lives, who will then take care of the delivery directly. One of the Mother's Day gifts that is a true evergreen.

Dinner and wine delivery for the evening together

If you just can't indulge in a real time together, sitting at a patio table, then date online (via phone or pc) as if you were really at a restaurant. Agree on the menu, which should be the same, not necessarily in the dishes but in the type of cuisine: Japanese, Thai, Greek, Mexican, seafood from your favorite place. That shared dinner is one of the ideas for Mother's Day at a distance.

The toast also has its importance. Wish each other a hug soon, and do it with the same wine. Your favorite bottle, be it champagne or a robust, intense red--to be paired with dinner, of course--must be uncorked together at the same time. Glasses should be filled during video calls, of the virtual party.

Among the most popular services are Winelivery and Tannico, which deliver wine throughout Italy (to be sure, check on the site or via app that your city is covered by the delivery service).

Organize remote experiences

Small moments of pleasure to spend together, beauty rituals, challenges in the kitchen, or an evening on the couch choosing a movie to watch on Netflix. Long-distance Mother's Day ideas include experiences to enjoy together, even if dozens of miles separate you. You can arrange time for just yourselves or, why not, even with a friend and her mom.

Moments of relaxation

A parenthesis of relaxation, after the hectic week between work and chores. Chat, a nice face mask and an herbal tea or a glass of wine. Set up your wellness corner, and invite mom to do it too, It can be the terrace, the garden, but also the corner of the house. Have her deliver a personalized bottle, a beauty experience box set, and share a rejuvenating spa moment with her from a distance.

TV series and movie night.

Pack your popcorn, order a pizza or sushi, and share a Netflix subscription. A movie night, or TV series (if you watch the same ones and are at the same point in the marathon!) then that's what you need.

Among the long-distance Mother's Day ideas, the movie night idea is undoubtedly appreciated. You can surprise mom by having her deliver a personalized mug with a picture of the two of you together or a blanket, to be fully in the mood.

Live from the kitchen for the cooking challenge

Share a passion for cooking but can't cook yourself a delicious meal? Virtual reunions are at it again. All it takes is a little organization, a cell phone holder, and a shared shopping list to schedule a mom-and-daughter cooking challenge and cook your favorite dish from a distance, to be enjoyed together once it's ready.

If you want to make an impression, consider sending her a recipe preparation kit, with a box containing all the ingredients, and, perhaps, even a personalized apron with a special phrase representing her.

Gardening session

Which one of you has the greenest green thumb? A mother-daughter gardening class might be an idea. Get together online in the garden, terrace or vegetable garden and take care of yourself and flowers and plants. You can simply decorate your available space, or go straight to planting fruits and vegetables. One of the long-distance Mother's Day ideas, perfect for this kind of green moment to share, is to have her deliver flowers for repotting, potting soil and a small gardening kit.

Like at the spa, but with mom from a distance

Why not engage in body care together? At least virtually. Long-distance Mother's Day ideas definitely include a few hours of spa time, just mom and daughter. Green light to homemade scrubs and all-natural face or hair masks.

A trip to plan together

Have you been planning a trip or weekend getaway for some time? Mother's Day is a good time to plan it together. Or, why not, to send mom tickets to the destination she wants to discover. If you are a family traveler, then take a moment to open apps, consult maps and guides, and plan your itinerary.

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What to do for Father's Day when far away?

How to celebrate Father's Day at a distance, during the Pandemic

Celebrating Father's Day in Pandemic from Covid-19 is difficult: we miss the hugs, the affection, arranging a dinner at a restaurant or at home. In any case, however, there are many ideas for surprising your fathers, even from a distance.

How to celebrate Father's Day from a distance
Father's Day gift ideas
A dinner on a call
Flowers for dad? Absolutely
How to make a personalized card?

A year ago, many of us believed that 2021 would be different and that Father's Day could be celebrated as usual. Restrictions from Covid-19 dictate that we keep our distance from our loved ones to prevent contagion. But our love for Dad, fortunately, can be manifested in many ways. Tips and hints on how to celebrate Father's Day during the Pandemic.

We are immediately reminded of video calls, which proved extremely valuable during the first lockdown. Why not arrange a call with Dad? He would get together just the same. Don't pass up the gift and, why not, a bouquet of flowers. It's 2021: men can receive them, too, and they will be just as welcome, especially as given by their daughters.

How to celebrate Father's Day from a distance

In spite of everything, we miss the feverish rush to choose a gift for dad, the greeting card, the organization of a delicious dinner. These are customary gestures, which we can hardly give up. But we have to, we are compelled to. So how to celebrate Father's Day without making him miss our affection?

By ordering, perhaps, a tray of pastries, a cake, a bouquet of flowers or by having a gift delivered to him. In such a technological world as we currently live in, it is difficult not to be able to fulfill even the smallest of wishes, without even, then, spending a lot.

For those who cannot see themselves and their dad, we have come up with some tips for manifesting the love we feel. Let's start with the bakery: have you booked a cake for dad? Choose a super yummy one: for once, don't mind the calories at all. Chocolate, cream, custard - consider his tastes, of course.

Father's Day gift ideas.

If you do not have the opportunity to spend this holiday together with dad, you should not give up the gift: mind you, a personalized thought is very often much more welcome than an expensive gift. Especially in these times, when we have rediscovered the joy of a hug, the meaning of a word.

In the case of little boys or girls, crafts and little thoughts will be greatly appreciated. And for girls or adult women? How to celebrate Father's Day with a nice gift? Technology comes to our rescue: just book a gift, harnessing the power of online stores.

Many e-commerce stores deliver gifts same-day, allowing you to have a small but welcome surprise. For this year, personalized gifts are very fashionable: a keychain, a picture with a photo, an album, a bottle of her favorite wine.

A dinner call

This year unfortunately skips the classic family dinner. Thanks to modern technology, however, we can still organize a dinner with dad and the rest of the family. It takes some planning: try to choose a small menu dedicated to dad, having mom help you, or possibly order a pizza.

You can also decide to play a board game at a distance, such as the classic "name, things, city" or watch a movie in sync. Yes, they do not offer the same satisfaction as being able to hug dad. But at least you will have a chance to spend precious time with him.

Flowers for dad? Absolutely.

It's time to break the mold: flowers can also be given to dad. In fact, giving flowers is a gesture that has been going on since ancient times and is extremely welcome. An affectionate thought that can show closeness and, depending on the meaning of the flowers chosen, an important and sincere gesture.

But what are the flowers to give to dad? You can choose gardenia, a plant that has always inspired trust and loyalty, perfect for dads who work in offices, as its scent is intoxicating. Also very nice is the red carnation, which symbolizes liveliness and, above all, admiration-especially suitable, therefore, for the father figure. Finally, a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers, the flowers of the "sun" par excellence, magnificent and fragrant.

How to make a personalized card?

Looking for greetings for Father's Day? For those who are late and can no longer send a card with the postal services, once again we have a valuable medium at our disposal: e-mail. You can structure your Father's Day greeting card as you see fit: personal photos, of your happy childhood, of a special moment spent with the man in your life.

In any case, you can also choose Father's Day pictures for a super personalized card. Add sentences, write your feelings, open your heart. At such a difficult time in history, we believe that talking openly about your emotions has never been more important. Let him feel that you are there, that you know he is missed, but also that you love him and that, despite the passing years, he is still your superhero, like when he used to pick you up when you were little.

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Which things can be harmful for kids?

5 little things that could harm your children

When it comes to your children, are you always apprehensive? Being a mom is by no means easy, but beware of some behaviors: even small gestures could harm your children

Answering questions
Hiring a tutor could harm children
Homework time
Harm your children? Watch out for excessive caring
School stress: what to do

That being a parent is the most difficult job is now well established. One always wants to do the best for one's children, but running into some mistakes is inevitable. As always, experience is the best teacher. It takes time and patience, but for moms it is not always easy. A baby is not only joy: there is no shortage of thoughts and worries, doubts and fears. When a baby is born, the woman also discovers herself as a mother for the first time, and everything is new to her: needs, routines, attention. Everything changes and everything is experienced for the first time. Sometimes it happens that we make mistakes with our children, and we should not blame ourselves: watch out, however, for 5 small gestures that can harm your children.

Answering questions

What you have always believed to be right about eduction may instead turn out to be counterproductive. Small, seemingly obvious gestures may on the contrary be unhelpful for your children. For example, is it really true that you always have to satisfy your child's curiosity? Little ones often go wild with countless questions. With them it is a succession of "how, what and why." And you are always on the alert, ready to carefully choose the simplest and most appropriate words to make sense of their doubts. But is that really what you need to do?

Don't go crazy hoping to find the best answer: resist the temptation and return the question to the sender, stimulating his or her problem solving skills. If necessary, compliment him on the observation made and, above all, ask him what his thoughts are on that particular topic. What does he think about it? What is his hypothesis and why did he come to a certain conclusion? This is the right opportunity to stimulate your child's mind, helping him to reason. This is how you will help little ones think. Teach them how to look for evidence and how to test their ideas, while understanding that failing is not a mistake. If your child needs support, guide them through the process.

Hiring a tutor could harm children

How many moms think they need to pair a tutor with their children? If it is not really necessary, you can do without it. The risk is that your child will lose confidence in himself. Teach him, on the contrary, to become independent. Failure is part of life and not something to be ashamed of. Not always getting high grades in school, for example, is not dishonorable. Your child may lose confidence and implicitly receive a very troubling message, "I don't believe in you." Clearly, moms act with the best of intentions in order to help their children, but sometimes moderation is needed. Do you really believe that your child cannot cope on his own?

It happens that the nagging presence of a tutor can harm children, preventing them from learning valuable life skills, from organizing their own routine to time management to autonomy and responsibility. Younger children may not believe in themselves and their abilities, but also experience little satisfaction when faced with a job well done. "After all, I didn't do it myself." And so, if you really want to do good toward your child, show willingness to support him if he asks you for extra help. In that case, the presence of a tutor could be important. But give him time: "I'll let you work on your own first, because I know you can do it."

Homework time

If placing your child side by side with a private teacher is likely to cause him to lose confidence and self-assurance, a mom (or dad) should also avoid standing next to him when he is doing homework. In fact, the constant presence of parents may prove to be of little use. If the child needs confrontation, it is okay to be there and help him. But let him do it himself first. Not only that: support his passions and stimulate him with questions and activities. There are many interactive ways to do this. You can ask your child what he is learning in school, what his favorite subject is, and how he gets along with the teachers. Look for games, books, sports or museum visits to indulge his passions and encourage learning.

Harming your children? Beware of excessive care

Are you always careful that your child does not run into any danger? Do you never let him out of your sight and always have a watchful eye on him? Are you afraid that he might get hurt at any moment? It's time for a change. At the park you recommend that he not pick up a branch from the ground, when he is playing you urge him not to run, and at every opportunity you recommend that you pay attention. If there is really no danger nearby, for example a road that your child might suddenly cross, there is no need to nag him. Caring about your children is essential, but don't go overboard with your caring spirit. Childhood injuries are beneficial for the growth and mental health of young children. If you want to prevent your children from suffering from anxiety problems or experiencing separation from their parents badly, let them experiment freely. Exploration, even individual exploration, is important.

Certain injuries done as children help them gain confidence in themselves, know their limits, and have body awareness, preventing them from getting hurt again in the future. Not only that, if you give your child the right spaces, you will avoid creating a symbiotic and dependent relationship. You will help him to be autonomous and to stand up when he is alone. Remember that your child will grow up and cannot always be dependent on you.

School stress: what to do

If your child is sick, leave him or her home from school. It is essential so that he gets well as soon as possible and avoids infecting his classmates as well. Sometimes, however, illness is not the only reason why absence from the classroom might be justified. If you are presented with an extracurricular learning opportunity, why pass it up? A trip to discover a city, with its history, art, museums, and traditions, can prove to be a unique and unrepeatable experience, capable of leaving little ones with a lesson they will never be able to find in books or textbooks. So try your hand at a new adventure, even if it means skipping a few days of school. Travel, for example, can be the right opportunity for children to learn about dedication, commitment, love, perseverance, overcoming obstacles, civic pride, patriotism, history, culinary traditions, customs and physical education.

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Henna, the natural alternative to hair dye: how to use it?

Henna is a great alternative for those who want to dye their hair without resorting to overly harsh chemical treatments. Here's how to do it at home

Henna dyeing: what to do before you start
Henna dye: how to prepare it
Henna dyeing: how to apply it
Rinsing and post coloring treatment
How to cover gray hair

Henna is a natural coloring powder popular with those who want to change the look of their hair without using harsh products. Its scientific name, Lawsonia Inermis, comes from the leaves and branches of a shrub native to northern Africa and western Asia from which it is derived. Used, it seems, since Egyptian times, as well as coloring, it nourishes and shines hair.

The original one gives a reddish color with different shades depending on the starting hair color and the time of application. However, there is also blond henna, made from Cassia Obovata or Senna Italica and mixed with rhubarb and chamomile powders, brown henna made from Katam or Buxus Dioica, and black henna, made from Indigofera Tinctoria leaves.

If you've gotten the urge to experiment, know that dyeing your hair at home with henna is super easy, just follow a few simple rules.

Dyeing with henna: what to do before you start

Before proceeding with coloring, you need to wash your hair to remove dirt and excess oil. You can use your usual shampoo, but do not apply conditioner, even if you are used to doing so. At the end of washing, pat your hair dry with a towel to remove as much water as possible, wear a gown or put a towel over your shoulders.

If this is your first time doing this, test the dye first on just one strand to check the result. This step is useful both to ward off any, albeit very rare, allergic reactions and to actually see the color and see if you like it, before applying it to the whole hair.

Henna dye: how to prepare it

Get a medium-sized bowl and a spoon. Before starting, cover all surfaces that might inadvertently get stained.

Pour the powder into the bowl. Usually one package is enough to color shoulder-length hair, but check the proportions on the one you purchased.

Add lukewarm water to the powder a little at a time and stir the mixture until it is a suitable consistency for even distribution. Divide the hair into four sections: front, left, right and back.

Henna dye: how to apply it

Apply the henna hair coloring compound directly with your hands to towel-dried hair, remembering to use gloves to avoid staining.

Start by treating the back section and work evenly through to the front section, from root to ends. Take your time and massage your hair and scalp well.

When finished, cover your head with a shower cap or some clear kitchen paper. Leave on for one to two hours, never for less time because the treatments peak in color after 60 minutes and intensify in the remaining time.

Rinsing and post coloring treatment

After the setting time has passed, rinse thoroughly with water but without using shampoo until all the product is removed. Then apply conditioner to soften the hair and rinse again. Removing all the dye may take some time; be patient.

Blow-dry your hair for 10 to 15 minutes to speed up the natural color change process. If you smell an earthy scent at this stage, don't worry, it's perfectly normal and will fade after drying completely.

At this point your hair should shine with a new color. To keep it that way avoid shampooing for 24 hours and oil-based conditioners for the first week. Henna-based dyes take up to 48 hours to fully express true colors and shades, so you may notice slight changes in the first couple of days.

You can reapply the dye as often as you like because they are all-natural, safe and gentle pigments.

How to cover gray hair

If the roots of your hair are gray, but you would still like to apply color to the entire hair and fear that the result may not be uniform, fear not: all it takes is a little extra patience, but success is assured.

Mix enough product in water to cover only the gray roots, usually a couple of tablespoons is enough. When the mixture is ready, apply it directly only to the gray area, massaging it from the root to the beginning of the nongray part. Wait an hour, then rinse completely with water only.

Now prepare a new mixture with the remaining powder and apply it all over the head, including the roots, following the normal instructions described above.

The results should be satisfactory from the first dyeing, but on gray hair they improve with each passing application and usually peak after three treatments.

If after the first treatment you do not want to re-dye the entire hair but limit yourself only to the regrowth, simply carry out the processes indicated in the previous paragraph related only to the gray part. Again, remember to wash and rinse the hair only with conditioner, without shampoo.

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Can hypothyroidism cause cellulite?

Do anti-cellulite products affect the thyroid gland? We discuss this with the expert

Clinical studies show that they can be used without any fear of altering thyroid hormone levels or triggering dysfunction on the gland. We discuss this with the expert

Concerns have been hovering around anti-cellulite products for a few years now about their alleged interference with thyroid functioning. The misgivings concern, in particular, anti-cellulite creams containing thyroid hormones, which are feared to alter the amounts of said hormones both in women with normal levels and in those taking hormone replacement therapy to treat hypothyroidism.

In fact, the most recent studies confirm that thyroid hormone-based anti-cellulite creams do not affect thyroid function in any way or alter physiological or orally taken amounts.

To shed light on this controversial subject, we asked Professor Enzo Berardesca, director of the Department of Inflammatory and Immunoinfectious Dermatology at the S. Maria and S. Gallicano Dermatological Institute in Rome, for clarification.

"First of all, it should be specified that anti-cellulite creams containing the thyroid hormone are to all intents and purposes drugs that should be distinguished, therefore, from cosmetics," the dermatologist explains. "It is no coincidence that they bear the label of self-medication on the packaging, as they are medical devices authorized by the Ministry of Health.

"Topical drugs (i.e., which are applied locally, ed.) treat cellulite, acting on the causes; cosmetics, on the other hand, treat skin imperfections by improving the appearance of the skin, including through the action of massage," - clarifies the expert. The difference between the two anti-cellulite products lies in the fact that drugs block the mechanism that establishes the formation of cellulite, namely primarily the accumulation of interstitial fluid in the dermis due to a slowdown in microcirculation. "This results in an inflammatory state that induces adipocytes (the fat cells of the subcutaneous fat) to increase in volume and number," - Berardesca continues.

Thus the skin begins to deform into the typical orange peel appearance. "In addition, in more advanced states of cellulite inflammation, collagen is produced in greater quantities to the point of creating nodules and fibrous tissue." We are in the case of so-called mattress skin. Here the anti-cellulite drug must prevent this, in particular dissolve fats, inhibit the excessive production of collagen, which is responsible (only for cellulite) for fibrous states, and reduce the formation of hyaluronic acid (in the treated areas), which instead contributes to fluid stagnation.

For the moment, the main pharmacological active ingredient capable of acting on the causes of cellulite is levothyroxine (not to be confused with tyrosine, which is an enzyme instead). For fairness of information, we specify that this is the same thyroid hormone that is taken orally, with the difference that in anti-cellulite creams it is included in the form of a sodium salt.

Are thyroid hormone-containing creams safe?

"Yes, because topically used levothyroxine acts only locally, not 'making time' to enter the capillaries in the active form. In other words, research from the University of Pisa* published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that the skin has its own metabolism that transforms thyroid hormone into an inactive molecule (i.e., one that does not interfere with thyroid mechanisms) once it has performed its function against the causes of cellulite. Thus, it is as if the skin acts as a "filter" against the body's absorption of thyroid hormone: meanwhile, however, it has acted in the dermis where it is needed."

And how do we eliminate this inactive hormone? "Through urine, where no traces of active thyroid hormone have been detected."

Further evidence for the safety of the thyroid hormone contained in anti-cellulite creams? "Scientific studies were conducted at the Universities of Milan** comparing the results on women who had been given placebo creams and other anti-cellulite drugs. Well, the evidence not only found the efficacy of topical cellulite drugs, but documented no alteration of FT3 and FT4 hormone levels in the blood, i.e., those indicating thyroid malfunction. Nor is the value of TSH, that is, the hormone produced by the pituitary gland related to thyroid hormone secretion, affected."

The conclusion is that local applications of levothyroxine creams do not interfere with the eventual therapy for hypothyroidism, which instead is absorbed to via completely different mechanisms, i.e., systemic.

*Santini F. et al Role for inner ring deiodination prevented transcutaneous passage of Thyroxine. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

**Galbiati G. et al - Clinical, double-blind study of a topical preparation versus placebo in women with edematofibrous panniculopathy localized to the thighs, Italian Journal of Dermatology and Venereology

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What is a Sleepcation?

Pack only the desire to rest and go on a sleepcation, the sleep vacation to recharge your batteries

Recharge your energy and enjoy maximum rest, but on vacation. It is called sleepcation is and the new frontier of vacation. Not suitable for adventurous spirits eager to discover the world, of course, but perfect for a weekend or a few days after long periods of stress and fatigue. With this type of travel comes benefits for body and mind.

Organizing a sleepcation today is quite simple. One carves out a few days from work, nice weekend, but also during the week, and sets off for a destination decided in time. It can be a place surrounded by nature, as well as a metropolis: the important thing is to balance the time spent visiting the place, and the time spent on a comfortable mattress and the pillow of our dreams. Obviously -otherwise where would the novelty lie?- rest is preferred over touring with a map in hand.

Nowadays, it is well known that the hectic and busy daily life often negatively affects rest. Especially the way we sleep and the amount of hours we devote to restorative sleep. It is no wonder that, every statistic on the subject, delivers a picture in increasingly often people are getting few hours of sleep (going to bed later, despite having the alarm clock set at the same time) and resting decidedly poorly. Sleep, clearly, heavily affects several conditions of our lives, and, not least, physical and mental well-being. A few days of sleepcation, perhaps in idyllic facilities or regeneration spas, and you can regain some lost energy.

Sleepcation vacation

The goal of this sleep vacation is to unplug from everything and everyone, to regenerate body and mind, and better face the days ahead. It can also be understood as a preparatory trip ahead of a particularly full period from a work or family perspective. Having free time to rest seems almost like a utopia, a real dream, which with sleepcation is possible to fulfill.

From the need to recharge your batteries came the concept of sleepcation, a true wellness ritual: all you have to do, for most of the time on this mini vacation, is essentially sleep, whenever you feel the need. Without answering phone calls, texts, and emails. Work, thorny issues, unavoidable commitments, are not part of the vocabulary of this kind of relaxing trip.

What are the ideal accommodations?

Where to go to travel while sleeping? In Italy, there are still no real sleeping hotels, but facilities that have set up soundproof rooms, equipped with every comfort -starting with the comfort of the bed- in which to sleep soundly again. From Milan to New York, from India to the Alps, the essential thing is to have pajamas in your suitcase, and few distractions. A vacation idea certainly not for everyone, but one that is well suited to a few days off.

The advice is to choose facilities immersed in nature, such as a forest-where glamping, lodge tents and mini chalets spaced out and perfect for sleepcation, or hotels by the lake, the sea, houseboats on the river are becoming increasingly popular. Many hotels, precisely because of this growing phenomenon, are adapting to the demands: in some establishments-usually high-end-even a pillow menu exists. Like a restaurant, but instead of courses there are shape, hardness, memory foam of pillows.

In fact, there is a steady increase in the number of accommodations and large hotel chains that are expanding their services precisely with a view to the conception of vacation as not necessarily a way to explore an area, but to enjoy well-deserved rest. And to indulge in a few hours on the go. It seems, but this is quite subjective, that museums, exhibitions and monuments, knowing they have time to rest, are appreciated even more

The fundamentals of this vacation

After choosing the ideal facility, planning the vacation will be very easy. No packed itinerary of destinations to reach and visit, but only the unmissable (or even nothing at all!); and a fairly light suitcase, in which to put only the necessities for the night and little more. Electronic devices, so pcs, tablets, etc. will have to stay at home. The cell phone, on the other hand, is best used the bare minimum. Combining a digital detox with a sleep vacation will make sleepcation truly rejuvenating.

Benefits of sleepcation

Being able to indulge in a mini Sleepcation vacation, then, would have significant benefits, even in the long run. When you return from this restful trip, in fact, your normal sleep routine will benefit as well: you will be able to sleep several hours a night thanks to the new rhythm acquired on "vacation," giving your body and mind the true luxury of regenerating for real. After a few days, the body will have regained its biorhythm. This has positive influences on both mood and physical condition: less fatigue, responsiveness, less muscle aches, and even blood pressure and weight regulation.

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What are some signs of bad sleep?

Bad sleep: if you notice these 7 signs it's happening to you

Difficult nights are common among adults. But sometimes it can become pathological. Poor sleep can have health consequences. Here's how to find out if you're not resting as you should at night

You delay your alarm clock every 5 minutes
You don't fall asleep at night and wake up too early in the morning
Bad sleep makes you feel tired all the time
You can't concentrate
Do you get sick often? Maybe you are sleeping badly
Consequences of sleeping badly: you struggle to digest
Are you gaining weight? Maybe you're sleeping poorly
Poor sleep: tips for taking action
Create the conditions for not sleeping badly

Insomnia, night awakenings, difficulty falling asleep. Lying down on the bed to fall immediately into the arms of Morpheus is not always easy. Often when you succeed, you end up sleeping badly. Among adult people, difficult nights are a common problem. There are many reasons for not getting a good night's sleep: it can be due to poor habits, stress, worries, even the bed and pillow. Poor quality sleep significantly affects our health. But how can we tell that we are sleeping poorly? Here are some signs not to be underestimated.

Delay waking up every 5 minutes

Every morning the same story: the alarm clock goes off and you delay it for five minutes. Just enough time to finish the dream you were having. Then, another five minutes, and so on. Result: you are late and stressed. If you can't wake up on time, it's probably because you couldn't get into deep sleep. So, you are sleeping badly.

You don't fall asleep at night and wake up too early in the morning

When you sleep poorly, your sleep-wake rhythm is altered. Falling asleep becomes more difficult, while you wake up with great ease well in advance of your scheduled time to get up. Pay attention to this: do you manage to fall asleep easily or do you spend a long time tossing and turning in bed before you manage to do so? Do you always wake up earlier in the morning and then get so nervous that you can't get back to sleep?

Does poor sleep make you feel tired all the time

You always feel like sleeping. In the morning you have a hard time not falling asleep in front of the computer. After the lunch break, same thing. Your eyes are heavy and close on their own. Poor quality sleep leads to drowsiness during the day because you are not fully rested.

You can't concentrate

You forget things, struggle to concentrate, even have mood disorders. Without a doubt, lack of sleep is the culprit. Sleep, in fact, plays an essential role in the proper functioning of the brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for cognitive functions such as language, reasoning and even memory. If the accumulated hours of sleep are of poor quality, the consequences on the brain will be irrevocable.

Do you get sick often? Maybe you're sleeping poorly

Poor sleep can lead to dangerous consequences for our health. The immune system suffers, reducing its activity. Thus you have a greater propensity to contract illnesses, especially those caused by viruses and bacteria such as the flu. We don't think about it, but if we are often sick it could be the consequence of poor sleep.

Consequences of poor sleep: you struggle to digest.

One of the consequences, and therefore also a symptom that helps us know that we are sleeping poorly, is often suffering from intestinal discomfort. This problem affects women in particular. Poor sleep, in fact, can affect the digestive system, can alter its regular functioning. The consequence is that one often feels heaviness in the stomach, digests poorly after eating, and even begins to suffer from colitis or gastritis.

Are you gaining weight? Maybe you sleep badly

Not everyone knows, but sleeping badly can also make us gain weight. In fact, our bodies are unable to regenerate from the labors of the day. Because of the lack of energy, we feel a greater need to consume sweets and foods high in sugar. Better to run for cover.

Poor sleep: tips for taking action

When we sleep badly, the sleep-wake cycle is altered, and it often happens that we wake up during the night or in the early morning hours. The first thing we do in such cases is to check the time. We become anxious because we cannot fall asleep, our body produces cortisol, a hormone that increases agitation to the point that resuming sleep becomes impossible. In such cases, any electronic device should be avoided. No to TV and smartphones: the light from these devices is not conducive to sleep. Better to get up and distract yourself, perhaps reading until drowsiness returns.

Create the conditions for not sleeping badly

Stress and worries can take away our sleep at night. Better to leave them out of bed, perhaps by trying to relax before bedtime, or by meditation. But the place where we sleep also needs to be sleep-proof. An old mattress, an inadequate pillow, too many blankets or too few can affect the quality of sleep and cause us to wake up with headaches, backaches, irritability, red and puffy eyes. Better run for cover. Bedding should be changed and washed regularly, so irritation from dust mites and other allergens is avoided. The climate of the room should also be appropriate: make sure it is not too hot or too cold.

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Can menopause cause loss of speech?

Do you lose your speech or your keys? It's menopause

Losing words or keys more and more often: if you are between 45 and 55 years old, don't be alarmed. It's not the first signs of dementia or Alzheimer's (except in rare cases) but it may be one of the cognitive disorders typical of menopause. It is called "brain in the fog," is related to hot flashes, and can be treated

Memory loss: symptom of menopause or dementia?
Can menopause cause cognitive disorders?
Are cognitive disorders in menopause a telltale sign of early dementia?
Are hot flashes dangerous for cognitive disorders?
How often should hot flashes occur to worry us?
How can hot flashes be treated?
Can cognitive disorders in menopause be improved?
Is it true that hormone replacement therapy causes cancer?
Is hormone replacement therapy for everyone?
When to start dealing with menopause?
Can the onset of dementia be prevented or delayed?
What is the link between weight gain and cognitive disorders?
Do hot flashes in addition to brain damage make you fat?

Memory loss: a symptom of menopause or dementia?

Difficulty remembering words and numbers, losing objects such as keys or forgetting where you left your car, difficulty concentrating (getting lost in your own thoughts, losing the thread of reasoning, getting distracted more easily), difficulty switching from one activity to another, forgetting the reason why you are doing something (for example, why you went to a room), and forgetting events or appointments. If these memory stumbles are accompanied by sleep disturbances, mood changes, and hot flashes, and you are in the 45-55 age group, then they may be caused by menopause.

Can menopause cause cognitive disorders?

Scientific studies in fact show that memory with menopause also undergoes some changes related to hormonal fluctuations. These cognitive disorders, the so-called "brain in the fog," are real and not figments of the imagination. On the occasion of World Menopause Day-October 18-the International Menopause Society wants precisely to emphasize the "brain in the fog" , a normal and frequent phenomenon in women between the ages of 45 and 55. A physiological phase of life, on which the stigma is slowly falling, thanks to scientific studies on the one hand and, on the other, to many women of the star system who are exposing themselves in first person (for example, Monica Bellucci, Heather Parisi, Maria Grazia Cucinotta, Naomi Watts and Gwyneth Paltrow), with the aim of pushing women to seek concrete solutions to feel better, stripping away the prejudices that still weigh on this condition.

Are cognitive disorders in menopause a telltale sign of early dementia?

The discomforts that appear at menopause are all closely related, so the brain is also involved. But these cognitive deficits in most cases are transient and are not the first signs of a form of dementia. This is how Rossella Nappi, full professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Pavia, a gynecologist at Policlinico San Matteo in Pavia and New President-elect of the International Menopause Society, reassures us. "Often women are concerned about whether these memory problems may be an early manifestation of a cognitive disorder such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease. But based on studies, we can say that if all women are destined to go through menopause, most of them will not develop a picture of dementia. At this stage of life, cases of dementia are very rare, unless there is a family history of early-onset Alzheimer's disease."

Are hot flashes dangerous for cognitive disorders?

The "brain in the fog" is closely linked to hot flashes and improves once menopause passes, as the expert explains. "A latest study published in the journal Neurology shows that hot flashes typical of menopause are not just a momentary discomfort, but over time cause damage to the white matter of the brain. Having lots of hot flashes therefore is not good for the heart, but neither is it good for the central nervous system. These are small events that, repeated over time, put the heart's vessels and neurons in check."

How often should hot flashes occur to worry us?

"These episodes," the expert continues, "are really impactful when they reach 35 per week, an average of seven between day and night. Situations that create anxiety, confusion, stress and discomfort especially in the work environment because they can affect our performance and relationships. Drop by drop, they are able to create a deep malaise that also affects mood and self-esteem."

How do you treat hot flashes?

Reducing hot flashes is therefore important both to preserve our brains from decay-partly temporary-and to make us feel better at work, with family, and with others. For some time, as Professor Nappi explains, work has been underway on a non-hormonal drug that can turn off the hot flash mechanism. "It would be ideal for all those women who cannot follow HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) because they have had breast or ovarian cancer or have a high risk of thrombosis. There are two strands of research at the moment, and the data are increasingly encouraging. The new pill will serve to modulate NKB, a specific receptor in the brain, causing it to turn off the hot flash: in essence, the drug would act as an intermediary between estrogen and the mechanism of the hot flash itself. For now, two drugs are at an advanced stage of study, but they are not yet available in Europe, and we will get there soon."

Can cognitive disorders in menopause be improved?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective treatment of all menopause-related disorders, including cognitive disorders. Explains Professor Nappi: "Until a certain time, it was thought that this therapy could increase the risk of dementia. However, scientific data tell us that if you are healthy and start HRT close to menopause, there are no risks on the cognitive side. What's more, taking estrogen-only therapy seems to be safe in terms of cognitive risk, even if taken in the late postmenopausal phase."

Is it true that hormone replacement therapy causes cancers?

Until recently, estradiol- and progesterone-based hormone replacement therapy was demonized, but now it is known that the benefits far outweigh the risks. "This is shown by all the latest studies and even the analysis of case histories that had created so much fear in the past: today we can say that HRT gives huge benefits on the osteoporosis and cardiovascular risk front, even reduces the risk of diabetes by 13 percent. Beware of diabetes in menopause because it is the worst cardiovascular killer there is: if a woman gets diabetes in the menopausal years and is not treated, the probability of heart attack or stroke is very high."

Is hormone replacement therapy for everyone?

HRT should be given at a certain time and in certain cases: "HRT is indicated for women who have overt symptoms and are in the so-called window of opportunity, that is, around or during menopause. Unfortunately, very often still today women are treated late, in the mistaken belief that a year must pass since their last menstruation. This is not the case." Professor Nappi has dedicated her life and her studies to spreading the culture of menopause: "We need to prepare for the change: menopause should be recognized earlier, in the so-called perimenopause phase, when the first signs of cycle change, hot flashes and mood changes arrive. That is the right time to see a gynecologist experienced in this issue and understand what is going on. Major gynecologic cancers, such as those affecting the breast and endometrium, depend on irregularities in the balance of estrogen and progesterone leading to tissue proliferation."

When to start dealing with menopause?

Many women begin to enter menopause simply with a sense of bloating, headache or pressure swings, "That's where you can already take action with a targeted diet and active lifestyle. The right food and movement prevent precisely the metabolic syndrome that underlies so many decompensations. The latest studies show that the damage can be reduced even seven years before the actual menopause, that is, starting with the first cycle changes."

Can the onset of dementia be prevented or delayed?

It should not be assumed that estrogen and progesterone can generally solve cognitive disorders or decrease the future risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, as the professor tells us. "HRT is a therapy that should be modulated on the individual person, especially in the presence of disorders and as soon as possible." More simply, if you suffer from cognitive impairment in menopause and are concerned about the risk of developing a dementia framework in the future, you can strive to stay healthy to delay or even prevent the onset of dementia. Some dementia risk factors cannot be changed, such as age, female gender and genetics, but many habits can, as the expert lists: "Doing at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, following the Mediterranean diet, avoiding sugary foods, controlling heart, diabetes and hypertension, avoiding smoking, having a social life and exercising the brain: these are0 golden rules to protect our brains in menopause."

What is the link between weight gain and cognitive disorders?

It is normal to gain weight during menopause, and not only because with age comes a reduction in basal metabolism, that is, the amount of energy each cell uses to run the body. At this stage, fat gain is a compensatory mechanism that the body puts in place. "Menopause, with the drop in female hormones, drives fat storage because fat mass produces estrogen. And the body knows they can help. But precisely because estrogen is gone, the accumulation happens on the abdomen, where there is a prevalence of androgens, the male hormones. And in fact, men gain weight mainly there. From age 45 to 55, women's waist can grow as much as 5 centimeters and weight 4 to 6 kilos if nothing is done to reduce it."

Do hot flashes besides damaging the brain make you fat?

The problem is not just cosmetic but general health. "This type of fat is insulin resistant: difficult to get rid of, but especially related to increased cholesterol and blood sugar, factors that worsen if you are stressed. Stress, which then interferes with fat mass, turns on flushing, which in turn increases fat accumulation. A dangerous vicious cycle that can be broken with targeted diet and physical activity."

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