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Top Car Safety Features Of 2020

4/30/2020

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Image Source: Pexels
According to the NSC, ‘In 2019, an estimated 38,800 people (in the USA) lost their lives to car crashes.’ While these stats are tragic and concerning, the number of car accident fatalities has declined by 2% since 2018 and by 4% since 2017. 

Modern cars have many safety features available, and so when you’re looking for your next motor, it’s useful to be aware of the ​best features to look out for.
1 . Lane Departure Warning 
A LDW alerts the driver if the car is moving away from the correct lane. Certain lane departure settings will respond to the problem by steering, or by helping to center your vehicle. A Lane Departure Warning works with a camera that is positioned close to the rearview mirror. This camera monitors the lane markings on the road and helps you to remain in the right position.

 2. Forward Collision Alert 
A Forward Collision Alert functions by monitoring a potential accident and then alerting the driver. The FCA tracks the speed of the vehicle in front and the speed of your own vehicle. The system can measure the distance between the vehicles and alert the driver if necessary. This technology uses sensors which track cars that are stationary or moving. The driver is provided a warning using an audio or visual alert. Some FCA monitors can also monitor the presence of pedestrians.

3. Blind-spot warning
A Blind Spot Warning works by using cameras or a radar. The BSW system warns the driver when a car is approaching in the blind spot. Some systems have an audio alert if the driver continues to move over, or indicates. The most advanced Blind Spot Warning Systems can steer or brake automatically, to keep the car in the centre of the lane.

4. Automatic Emergency Brakes
 Automatic emergency brakes work by turning on the brakes when the vehicle detects that a collision is imminent. The AE brake system provides an alert, and if the driver does not intervene the auto brakes step in. Automatic braking systems combine both a camera and radar sensors. To improve your safety while driving, an AE brake system is the way to go.

5. Tire-Pressure Monitors
It’s important to have a tire pressure monitor for your vehicle, many cars will already have these features and you can also buy tire pressure apps. When your tires are underinflated this can be unsafe. It can also mean that you use up more fuel than necessary. Apps for tire pressure include SensAiry or FOBO Tire. For an extra safety boost it’s also a good move to use a dash cam in your car. A dash cam can help you provide evidence in the event of a collision. It’s not nice to think about being in an accident but the fact is it’s a possibility. There is a collision every 3.7 minutes in South Carolina alone.

As technology becomes more advanced car safety features are improving all the time. To improve your safety on the roads it can be beneficial to take a defensive drivers course. These courses help you to anticipate the actions of other drivers in order to keep yourself safe.

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by Iconic Chica Mag Contributors

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Quarantine Descripted: Katherine's Story

4/29/2020

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The Quarantine Diary

I believe things happen for a reason, but there are some instances, where I want to question the universe for doing certain things. Like the time my fifth-grade teacher made a comment in front of the whole class, on how similar my laugh was to the Disney character Goofy. I can still remember the feeling of wanting my desk to have a mouth and swallow me whole—to escape from the explosion of laughter that erupted from my classmates. Instead, I had to kindly play along like it was funny. What did I gain from that? I don’t know—I’m still waiting for a reply. 
COVID-19 has made headlines that have spread rapidly around the globe and decided to stop by and pay a visit to New Jersey. You may ask, “Katherine, where are you going with this?” Well initially, I was supposed to go on my first overnight trip, all expenses paid by the college, to represent my PTK chapter, Alpha Eta Chi, at the annual middle states regional convention. I was counting the days for this trip, practicing the parody song that my team was going to sing for a competition that is held at the convention between other chapters. I had my little blue suitcase ready to go three weeks prior—only to receive a notification that it was “postponed” to prevent the further spread of the virus. 
In my gut, I knew it was going to happen, but I still had my fingers crossed that it wouldn’t be canceled. 

Again, things happen for a reason and again, I’m still waiting for a reply. To make things better, New Jersey was ordered to follow a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. I also have an online interview today at 4 p.m. with Rutgers HLLC Program.
I woke up at 7:30 a.m. to remind my mom to take me to a friend’s house for this online interview. She was in the kitchen fixing my sister's lunch, packing a container filled with soup and baby carrots in the bag. 
“You’re up early,” she said with a tired tone in her voice.
She had on her blue robe and her hair up in a messy bun.
“Remember that you have to take me to my friend Ashely’s house before 1, please.”
She nodded and I went back to my room to sleep two more hours. I didn’t think much of it until I was fixing my hair before heading out later that day when my mom decided to say something about it. ​
“I don’t know why you have to go to your friend’s house for some interview that’s online. Doesn’t make sense, you could do that here,” she said, before grabbing her purse, waiting for me to finally finish getting ready. ​
We already had this conversation before and it always ended up in a fight. 
“I could do that here, but you know why I don’t want to risk it—I don’t trust you guys, especially with an alcoholic...” I replied, which I regret saying because my mother's anger blew up in a split second once those words left my mouth. ​
“Alcoholic! Alcoholic! that all you can say about your father! He never did anything to you!” ​
​That was a lie. 

​​There are two sides of Hernan Avila, 
one is sober and one is not. ​

While the sober part of him is a good provider and a hard-working man, the alcoholic dependent side of him is verbally and emotionally abusive towards us—his own family. ​​
If I do the interview here at home, I know I would be either interrupted by one of the five other people in the apartment, not to mention two yapping dogs on the side. With my luck, I wouldn’t get two words in without someone yelling out something like, “Someone take out the gremlins!” Or “It’s my turn to play with the PS4!”. There are also surprise visits from my older cousins, stopping by for a free hot meal and giving us a free slap of criticism on how much we need to work on our apartment and our family, before heading home to their wives and children. 

My mother doesn’t see that. She is refusing to see that there’s anything wrong with this or the situation we live in. So I rather keep my mouth shut and let her yell out all her frustrations on to me. 
I think my mom is still in love with my dad’s sweeter side. The man that used to hold her hand and write love poems to her. Every time she mentions stories of them together back in Colombia, I can see why she is on the defensive when I talk about his “one” major flaw. She misses him. ​

After she was done scolding me, she eventually let out a sigh and took me to Ashely’s house. I got out of the green van and the last thing she said was, “I’ll pick you up at 6 on the dot, better not bring any coronavirus home, love you.”
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I miss school. I would sometimes wake up in the morning and fantasize about my daily routine on campus. I had three online classes and one in person. The sole purpose of that was to have more time focusing on the LGBTQ+Allies club, PTK, and tutoring. On Mondays, I would get up at eight and get ready for my tutoring job as an English tutor, which starts at 10:30 a.m. I would then edit and talk to people on how to write a basic five-paragraph essay and how to take the CWE, a college writing exam, which is required for the students to graduate and receive their associate degree. 

One thing I enjoy at my job is people’s reaction, that light bulb moment, where their face brightens up and gives out a nod, in which they usually respond, “Oh I get it now!”. Many people that I tutor are mostly grown adults that decide to come back and further their education—those students are the ones I respect the most. There are two types of students, in my opinion, ones’ who are naturally smart and another who works hard to attain that knowledge. Yes, it’s great to be a naturally bright individual, but if you don’t work hard to further grow yourself and only rely on your natural capability, there’s a limit on how much your talent takes you. ​

After I’m done tutoring, I clock out and prepare to run an LGBTQ+ Allies meeting. As the president of the club, I would do a presentation with my e-board, regarding topics such as how the LGBTQ+ Allies came to be and if the college was still open, our next topic would be about mental health and how it plays a role in the LGBTQ+ community.  

Thinking back, I’m extremely proud of my e-board. I would brag about my e-board on the daily for the hard work and dedication they put in each meeting and bake sale.

Even though I am the president of the club, being president was nothing more than a title.

I never felt the need to overlook every little thing with my e-board, because I trust them and I trust their work. Each and every one of them are their own leader and boss. We are a good team and I would never trade that for anything. ​

​My last e-board succeeded in getting neutral bathroom signs put up on campus, so that was really exciting. This year, my new e-board was focusing on raising enough money for our annual pride prom, that we host every year for the students and staff. Our mission was to bring and unite Passaic County Community College students and staff to a festive event, where everyone celebrates and has fun, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, religion, and nationality. Every year it was a hit and as the president this year, I was ready to make 2020 pride prom bigger than before. We had the date set, which was April 17th, the forms were in order, the venue was reserved, the food was all paid for and we were in the process of paying for a photo booth company in advance for their service at the event. Too bad we can never see our hard work pay off. Thanks Coronavirus. 

After leading the LGBTQ+Allies meeting, I head to the library, where the Phi Theta Kappa and Honors room resides, the CLE, which stands for the Center of Learning and Excellence. I would do my homework and crack jokes to anyone who was in the room at the time. If the PTK e-board needed help, I would be the first to give a hand, whether it was putting up flyers or being an action coordinator for the PTK honors in action committee. 

I gained many skills and opportunities being a full member of Phi Theta Kappa, like getting my mural design approved to be published for the college, but that doesn’t compare to the one thing I gained the most out of this organization, which is meeting and being surrounded by beautiful and inspiring individuals, who aim for the same goal as I do, which is to help and change our environment and community, whether it’s big or small, for the better. 

Having online classes doesn’t compare or simulate this kind of support and love given at a college. There are so many things I’m going to miss about going to PCCC and even though I’m sad this journey came to an end so abruptly, I’m hopeful of finding another one soon. 

I still believe everything happens for a reason.


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by Katherine Avila
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Curacao and the Curacao Foundation is Helping Immigrant Families Affected by COVID-19

4/25/2020

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Curacao’s Emergency Fund Will Ensure Struggling Families Will Make Ends Meet

In light of the unprecedented health, social and economic crisis that the world is currently facing, Curacao stores and its Curacao Foundation – a non-profit organization founded in 2002 – has just created a Neighbor Support Fund that will distribute $400 cash directly into the pockets of hundreds of immigrant families across multiple states, who are affected by COVID-19. ​

​Until Wednesday May 6, Curacao will be accepting applicationson their website www.icuracao.com/help or www.icuracao/ayuda on a rolling basis.
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Immigration status will not be a factor to determine eligibility.
Qualifying families will have to provide medical proof that there is a confirmed COVID-19 case in the household before receiving any supplemental income checks. Once approved, each affected family will receive a $100 weekly check for four weeks.  

“Never in modern history has the world experienced a situation where so many families are in desperate need for food, health care and shelter. A large portion of our customers are immigrant families who won’t be able to receive any financial support from the government and we want all immigrants to know we have their back in these extremely difficult and uncertain times,” said Ariela Nerubay, Curacao’s CMO.  

“No one should have to decide between putting food on the plate or receiving health care, and we are here to help close that gap,” she added. 


Building on their commitment to help COVID-19 patients and their families, Curacao and its Foundation as partnered with the Red Cross and donated 5,000 face masks. 
In addition, together they are deploying a fundraiser starting April 13 where donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar for up to $10,000. Furthermore, Curacao has been selected by the Red Cross to become an official blood drive host at their stores from late May through the Summer.  
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Curacao’s Neighbor Support Fund is one of the multiple community support initiatives and charity programs created by the Curacao Foundation. Some of the most recent efforts include a $50,000 donation to El Rescate in support of children separated at the border, a 10,000 tree planting initiative to support California forests post-fires, and multiple donations to non-profit organizations including Susan G Komen Foundation and the  P.S. I Love You Foundation. 
About Curacao: 
Curacao is a multi-channel retailer and lender dedicated to extending credit options to hardworking, low-to-moderate income individuals in need of quality home and tech products, travel, export and money transfer services at low monthly payments. With Curacao’s Price and Interest Beat Guarantees, customers’ purchases are price protected for up to 15 days after the purchase date and interest rates are guaranteed at the lowest qualifying rate*. A percentage of every purchase made at Curacao supports the advancement of local communities through the Curacao Foundation. Curacao serves customers online, over the phone, and in-person in English and Spanish in Arizona, California and Nevada. For more information, visit https://icuracao.com,  *https://icuracao.com/beat and http://foundation.icuracao.com

The Curacao Foundation was established in 2002. It is a private foundation dedicated to building a future in which communities are financially strong, socially empowered, respected and included. The Curacao Foundation supports a broad range of community partner organizations through general operation and program grants. Much of the grant making focus of the Foundation is on organizations and institutions within a 10-mile radius surrounding each Curacao retail location and in organizations focusing in health/well-being, education and immigration.
​For more information: https://icuracao.com/foundation

by IC mag Editors
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Revealed: 5 Essential Must-Do Things To Stay Fit & Healthy

4/24/2020

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It doesn’t matter how old you are. What matters is that you are taking care of your body. After all, if you’re not in full health, you’ll struggle to do all of your everyday things in life. The good news is that you can take a few simple steps to stay fit and healthy.

With that in mind, you’ll find a checklist of five essential must-do things here on this page. 

Here’s what you need to know (and do):

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Photo Credit
1. Do some daily exercise
Okay, no-one is saying that you need to pay for a gym pass and spend most of your free time on cross-trainers. However, what you should do is some form of daily exercise, even if it’s just taking your dog for a walk around the block twice a day!

You should also do some pelvic floor muscle exercises to help prevent problems such as incontinence or constipation in later life, especially after childbirth. Take a look at Pelvic Floor Pro for some inspiration and advice on that subject.

2. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
Even if you’re a meat-eater, you should still be consuming plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. There’s a stack of scientific evidence to prove how beneficial they are to your health. Plus, they are useful at helping you to keep your weight down to a manageable level.

And are you someone that often snacks on things a lot to keep yourself going through the day? If so, consider swapping those unhealthy snacks for fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, and pears. Check out this article from Healthline about the best fruits to eat!

3. Kick the negativity out of your life
The trouble with being around people that have a negative impact on your life is that you’ll soon feel negative about everything too. Negativity can also have a direct influence on the state of your physical well-being and mental health.

Here are some ways to kick the negativity out of your life:

  • Disassociate yourself from “toxic” people;
  • Find a job in a happier place of work;
  • Don’t focus so much on what the media is telling you.

4. Be thankful for what you’ve got
All too often, people focus on the things they haven’t got and seldom think about what they already have in their possession. For example, someone might feel down about not having the latest trendy shoes. But, they aren’t thankful they have a wardrobe full of clothing.

Those same people might seemingly forget about other things they should be grateful for in their lives, such as having a roof over their heads or a loving and supportive family. Being thankful for what you’ve got will help you lead a more fulfilling and happy life.

5. Have an annual medical exam
Last but not least, it’s important you make an appointment with your doctor each year to check the state of your health. That way you can tackle any hidden or concerning health issues at an early stage before they get any worse.

Thanks for reading today’s blog post. Stay safe!​

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by Iconic Chica Mag Contributors

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Quarantine Descripted: Windy's Story

4/24/2020

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​​My Days During Quarantine

At first, I wasn't so worried because I was going to be in my house with water and electricity, unlike my experience after Hurricane Maria where my main worry was ensuring my kids had enough food. After my first trip to the supermarket I thought, okay, I am ready. But, the days passed and I was running out of food. So I had to go out again during the peak of the pandemic. It is the most horrible sensation because I didn't want anyone near me or even looking at me for fear of getting infected. After wrapping up at the market, I got to my car and felt like I had battled a monster. 
​As I bathed in alcohol and disinfecting spray, the most disturbing thought came to mind: Did I get infected? I saw so many unprotected people during an event like this; that can be mortal. I felt that all my energies were left behind at the supermarket. ​It drains me to go out and to think that I can get sick and pass it on to my kids. 
But that is not the least of my worries, my husband is a Police Officer and is provided with very few protective equipment.
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Puerto Rico, Photography by Abimael Linares
​He is exposed every day and disinfecting him and his work equipment is a protocol. As soon as he gets out of the car I fumigate him with disinfecting spray and alcohol. He takes his shoes off before entering the house and goes directly to the bathroom. While he takes a shower I disinfect all of his ​​work equipment. He spends his free time resting on the couch trying to recharge his energies ​before 
returning to work ​ for another week of 12-hour shifts. I know he is very exhausted, I can see it in his expression.

​Even though we follow protocol, there is always anguish and fear. Like so many, we only want this to end soon.

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​by Windy Galarza
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What To Do When It's Not All In Your Head : A Comprehensive Guide To Dealing With Lyme Disease

4/24/2020

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Tragically, many that suffer from Lyme are used to being told that their problems are ‘all in their head.’ Of course, this can be a very frustrating and devaluing experience, especially when, in fact, Lyme disease is a physical condition that comes with a clinical diagnosis. The good news is that getting educated on the subject can really help. Both in terms of getting a diagnosis and proper treatment. Therefore if you suspect you or someone you love may be suffering from Lyme disease, keep reading for a comprehensive guide on the condition.
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Image located at Pexels - License CC0
Contracting Lyme Disease 
People get Lyme by being bitten by ticks. These ticks will have fed off other wild animals, such as deer. Which are known to have the bacteria that carry Lyme in their blood. The bacterium is then transferred to humans through the tick bite. 
 
However, not all ticks carry Lyme, so even if you have been bitten, you may not contract the disease. Additionally, the likelihood of getting Lyme from a tick increases the longer that it is attached to your body. That means if you can safely remove the tick as quickly as possible, you can significantly reduce your chances of getting this often debilitating condition. 
 
Symptoms 
One of the first things you need to know about Lyme disease are the symptoms. Unfortunately, even at this initial stage, sufferers can run into some significant problems. The reason being there are so many symptoms that can present when someone has this disease. A situation that occurs because the bacteria Lyme Borreliosis impacts on the immune system of the sufferer so much, it can seem as if they have an autoimmune disease. Both to the untrained and the professional eye. 
 
In fact, over the long term, symptoms of Lyme may range from severe neurological conditions such as inflammation of the nerves, cranial nerves, or brain. (Meningitis) To less critical but still life-impacting issues such as incontinence, fatigue, tinnitus, and vertigo. 
Joint inflammation and arthritis type symptoms, particularly in the knees, are also very typical of Lyme. Especially if it has gone untreated for a long time. Additionally, nervous system symptoms are also common with Lyme disease. These can include things such as poor focus, dyslexia, and memory loss. Along with headaches, seizures, and neuralgia. 
 
Psychological symptoms are also often present, including depression and anxiety. Still also more specific conditions such as ADHS, OCD, and mood lability as well as many others. Of course, not every patient will present all these symptoms at one time. There are also many more that can be attributed to Lyme, which you can read about in more detail here.
 
However, while there are a vast range of symptoms that sufferers can struggle with, there are a few acute signs that often point medical professionals in the direction of Lyme. 
 
One of these is a rash, which is quite distinctive in many cases. It is often known as a bull's eye rash, one that has a raised red welt at the center surrounded by paler skin with a red circumference. This is the rash that is created on the site of the tick bite. The latter being the critical course of transmission of the Lyme bacteria into the human body. 
 
Along with the rash, sufferers also report flu-like symptoms such as headaches, fevers. Some people in the early stages of Lyme disease will also have facial palsy. This is when one side of the face drops and becomes paralyzed for a few days. 
 
Diagnosis 
The sad thing about suffering from Lyme disease is that while the symptoms can be hugely debilitating, patients are not always taken seriously. This is because the symptoms may look like many other diseases. Also, in some cases, when investigations are performed, and no biological reason is found, patients can be accused of hypochondria. That it is all in their heads! 
This is because currently, there is no single test that can be used to detect Lyme disease in a person's system. Although it is worth noting that if you have the rash described above, heading to the doctors, or taking a picture of this to show as evidence can be very helpful indeed. 
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Picture found at Pexels - License CC0 ​
Other factors that medical professionals will look for when considering this diagnosis include a patient's history. It is also likely that they will ask you about the likelihood of exposure to ticks, as well as the other symptoms you have experienced. Additionally, your medical provider will question you about how you have responded to treatment like antibiotics in the past. 
 
Also, do bear in mind that some blood tests can be helpful when diagnosing Lyme disease. However, on their own, they are not a reliable indicator of the condition. Therefore, they should only ever be used as part of a more holistic approach. 
Treatment
A more standard approach to treating Lyme disease is to prescribe a high dose antibiotic. However, the results of this treatment are variable. In fact, there has been some research that shows things like biofilms can shelter the disease in the body. Something that makes any antibiotic treatment much less effective. 
 
The good news is that there are now clinics that offer biofilm eradication for those suffering from Lyme disease. Something that may help to make any further antibiotic treatment you receive much more long-lasting and productive. 
 
What to do if you suspect you have Lyme?
The first thing to do is to seek help immediately. In fact, where possible, get to the doctors while you are showing the initial symptoms. Such as the rash, fever, and palsy. Something that can make it much easier to get a diagnosis and, therefore, the treatments you will need. 
 
However, even if you are not showing the acute symptoms of a tick bite, getting to see a medical professional can make all the difference. 
 
Where possible, ask to be referred to an infectious disease or immunotherapy specialist to discuss your particular symptoms with them. 
 
In fact, professionals working within this specialism will be used to dealing with cases of suspected Lyme. Therefore they are the best people to guide you through the diagnosis and treatment process. 

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By Iconic Chica Mag Contributors
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The Pre-Degree Questions You Can't Afford To Skip

4/23/2020

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For many of us, going to college can feel like the ultimate relief. Like you're finally there.  

Forget classes you can’t stand; college means you can finally focus on your passions. Or at least, it does if you take your time deciding on the right degree for you. 
Sadly, as many as 30% of students drop out in their first year alone. Why? Well, there's a range of reasons, but you can bet that many jump into the wrong course without thought. That’s a problem and, not only can it be expensive, but it means taking even more time out to settle on your career at last. 

Luckily, there are ways around this. 
For instance, even if you think you know what you want to study, you’re guaranteed to settle on a better course if you first ask yourself these pre-degree questions.
Is there a career path to follow?

via GIPHY

It’s incredible how many of us overlook the career paths we stand to pursue after attaining a degree. Of course, college education in itself can help to secure many roles, but some degrees are still more useful than others. Notably, options like general business degrees always come in handy, while more specific choices like master of engineering management courses are now among the top 7% or so for career options. By comparison, something like an English degree doesn’t always lead to a clear career path. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take this route if it appeals. But, you should always consider where you’ll go after you finish studying. 

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Are you applying for the right reasons?
We choose our degrees for all manner of reasons, and not all of them are good. Ultimately, given that you’ll be the one taking this life path/sitting in those lectures, the only valid reason for choosing a course is because you want to. If perhaps you’re taking something because your parents want you to or your friends are, then you should think again. After all, this is the time to come into your own. Don’t let other people’s reasoning sway you off-course. 

Are you really ready?
Ask yourself, too, whether you’re truly ready. Often, we treat college as just another of those milestones to tick off the list, but the truth is that you can return to higher-education at any time. Think, then, whether you’re truly ready to commit to four or more years of study straight after high school, or whether you’d prefer to get an in-between job. You can always tackle college in a year or longer if you wanted. And, taking this breather could be just the thing to see you standing the test of college life better than if you signed straight up.

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​by Iconic Chica Mag Contributors
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5 Milestones and The Stress That Comes with Them

4/22/2020

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Photo by Moose Photos from Pexels
Growing older can be both fun and difficult – and yes, it’s something everyone goes through. Adulthood comes with a range of different challenges, no matter where you’re located in the world. 

Of course, everyone is different. But there are typical milestones that tend to occur as you come to the end of high school and the years following it. 

Which is why it’s good to be prepared and to think about them. 

Completing High School Exams
High school is an amazing period in most people’s lives. A time when you make lifelong friends and learn invaluable skills, it’s a milestone that many people look back on fondly. However, there’s one big stress that comes with it – exams. 

Exams are never fun – no matter what year you’re in or how old you are. But they are particularly stressful when the prospect of university, college or an apprenticeship is in sight, but you first have to get the grades. 

Although it won’t combat the stress altogether, it’s good to try and seek support from your teachers, friends and other additional help if you need it throughout this time. Ensuring that your mental health is as good as it can possibly be, you’ll go into the exams feeling confident and have the self-belief to succeed. 

College/University 
Once you graduate from high school, you might want to head to college or university. And while this is a very exciting time – it’s also a daunting one. Not only will you want to make new friends, but you have to get comfortable within a new environment and try to get good grades so that you can graduate successfully with your degree.

Luckily, within many institutions, there are resources available to help with your stress. This isn’t only in the form of a professional Guidance Counsellor, but can be in a more casual way – such as having days in which they have puppies or other animals that you can go and pet to help take your mind off of exam stress.

Getting a New Job
Whether you’ve gone to university or not, you will aim to get a job. An extraordinary milestone in your life, your first job will help you to learn new skills and, most importantly, earn your own money. 
But the process of getting a job and continuing to excel within it is very scary to many. Firstly, you’ll need to ace the interview – and when it’s your first interview, you might go in feeling the most anxious you ever have.

To help combat this, you should try and sit down and prepare for it. Writing down information about the employer, yourself and answering typical interview questions, you’ll feel more organized and ready for whatever question they throw your way.

​Finding A Property 
Once you have a job, you might want to consider moving out and finding your own place. Whether this is a condo, apartment or a house, the process of finding the right place for your budget and your taste can be challenging. 

Unfortunately, there is no magic spell for fixing this stress, but there are ways in which you can make it simpler – such as comparing and contrasting different properties with the help of a family member or asking the advice of your realtor – just keep in mind that they might be biased!
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Having a Child
Although not everyone, of course, wants children, for some it’s a milestone that they have been looking forward to since they were younger. But before having a child, you first need to decide if you’re ready. This will involve looking into your finances (babies aren’t cheap to have!), live in a secure environment, considering the support you have etc. 

As well as this, you’ll also want to ensure that you can have children, before getting your hopes up. Unfortunately, not everyone can have children naturally. Which is why many seek additional help, either through a male infertility clinic, IVF or adoption.

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By Iconic Chica Mag Contributors

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5 Misconceptions About Pregnancy You Need To Know

4/22/2020

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Have you recently found out you are pregnant? If so, then you are probably already researching a lot of information online on what to expect when you’re expecting. While you will  undoubtedly find a lot of helpful resources, there’s a lot of fiction within the facts. Some of these seem to come from reputable sources or even people we know. 

Here are some of the myths surrounding pregnancy that you definitely should not buy into. 

Terminations Are Always Intrusive 
Before you start to think about what lies ahead as you proceed through your pregnancy, there is a key decision that you may need to make. You might need or want to decide whether you want to proceed or now. For some people, this won’t be the right decision because the pregnancy was unplanned or they are not in the right stage in their life. A common misconception here is that termination is always going to be intrusive and unpleasant. However, this is not the case and there are actually various abortion options. The right option will depend on the stage you are at in your pregnancy. For some, it could be as simple as taking a pill. It's okay to say no. It's okay to not be ready. Your body. Your choice.
You’re Eating For Two 
This is a big one. In fact, you will often see that exact phrase present in a lot of media. However, it’s not quite accurate. The phrase suggests that when you are pregnant you should essentially double your food intake and that’s not true. Instead, you should make sure that you follow a slightly subdued approach. Furthermore, the extra intake of food will change depending on the point you are at in your pregnancy. As you proceed towards the end, you will be eating more. But in the beginning, you probably won’t notice your diet increase that much at all. Indeed, some pregnant women find that they lose their diet completely for the first few weeks of their pregnancy. This can be disconcerting but it’s actually far more common than most people realize. Usually, your appetite will return around week 18 to 20 if this does happen and it can be a case of simply finding out what your new little one wants to eat. It’s probably not going to be what you expect. 
Exercise Is Bad For You 
This is based on old research from between the eighties to the nineties. It was once presumed and indeed expected that too much exercise would lead to an increased chance of miscarriages. In the past women were encouraged to do as little as possible during their pregnancy. However, we now know that this is not the case. Instead, pregnant women are encouraged to engage in light forms of exercise. Yoga is a great example of this, as is a ninety-second workout session. You shouldn’t push yourself too hard but you also don’t want to remain stagnant, lying in bed throughout your pregnancy (unless advised to do so by doctor's because of complications of course).

Babies Kick Less Towards The End 
Some women believe that babies kick less towards the end of a pregnancy. However, this is another fallacy and it’s actually quite a dangerous one. Instead, you need to understand the typical behavior of your baby. You can do this with the tech available on the market that will allow you to track your baby's kicks. You’ll then be able to determine exactly what’s normal and what might be a cause for concern. You'll know if something's wrong. 

There’s a Set Path 
Finally, it’s important to be aware that every pregnancy is different. One of the biggest misconceptions is that every mother is going to experience the same thing the same way. This isn’t the case at all. The reality is that everyone follows a different path that depends on a massive range of variables. As such, there’s no way to fully prepare for pregnancy and what to expect. You can, however, get the basics down and ensure that you are in the right frame of mind. ​​
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We hope this helps you understand some of the key fallacies around pregnancy. Remember, it’s easy to assume that everyone is going to experience the same thing as they pass through the stages of pregnancy, but this is not the case. There will be significant differences and an experience like this can be completely unique for the person. Your first decision will always be whether you want to proceed and once you have made this decision you can look forward to a truly incredible nine months before the rest of your life begins.

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by Iconic Chica Mag Contributors
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Quarantine Descripted:  Jacqueline's Story

4/18/2020

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Isabela, Puerto Rico
​When I heard the news about a virus spreading all over the world I knew that any time soon it was going to reach the island where I lived. The inevitable had happened and we were put under quarantine on March 15, with just five positive cases of COVID-19. I wasn't prepared. 

​I only had a bottle of alcohol and a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer.

​I had some food but not enough.

A week later, I needed to buy food and I have to admit, I was very afraid. I didn't have a mask or gloves. So I took my bottle of alcohol and some tissues and went to the supermarket. 
I grabbed a cart and while I waited in line, I cleaned it. 

​​I seized everything I needed as quickly as possible. When I finally put everything in the trunk, I got in my car, cleaned my hands and started crying. I had mixed feelings. I was sad, worried, stressed, afraid. Everyone is a potential carrier. That's the way I see it, and I don't want to carry this sickness into my home. Fortunately I didn't get sick.

Now I have masks and gloves, which help protect me if I need to go out. As a non-essential worker, my only task is to stay home and keep safe and even though staying home is not easy and makes me anxious it is my safe haven.
​
This is why I must express my respect and gratitude to all those essential workers who risk their health and lives every single day. ​​

​To everyone else, please stay home and if you need to go out, protect yourself.
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Four hours in line to enter supermarket. I was at the end of the line, which bordered all of the parking lot and out to the street.
We can only stop this together.
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​
By Jacqueline Hernandez
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Distraction or Life Support? The Role of Entertainment in Battling The COVID-19 Blues

4/15/2020

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The Coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdown are taking a toll on all of us in one way or another. We’re all grappling with the huge social and economic changes that the lockdown has brought into our lives. Many of us will be doing our best to work from home despite needing to potentially take a pay cut. Others may have been placed on furlough or been let go from work altogether.
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Image by Lucie Liz via Pexels
While this free time may seem like a gift to many, if can be anathema for those of us who have struggled with our mental health prior to the pandemic. 

​There are many across the world for whom self-isolation as a result of a global pandemic may exacerbate their existing issues with anxiety, depression and a wide array of other mental health disorders. Indeed, the World
Health Organization has already admitted that in defending the public health, the lockdown could have a catastrophic impact on the world’s mental health. ​

​Some who are trying to put a brave face on these events might argue that the lockdown presents opportunities as well as restrictions. The chance to catch up on those books we’ve been promising ourselves that we’d read. Or to watch those movies and TV shows that have been slowly building up both in our physical media collections and our streaming service watchlists. Or perhaps to dedicate some serious time to losing ourselves in the wonderful world of video games. 

Yet while such thoughts may provoke a sense of excitement and opportunity that takes the edge off our woes, we’re faced with an interesting question. Is the entertainment media we consume while on lockdown merely a distraction? Or could it be integral to getting through this once-in-a generation crisis with our wellbeing intact? Perhaps it might even help us to emerge on the other side of this as better people?

Let’s take a look.  

Distraction is perfectly fine… in small doses
First of all, it bears mentioning that a distraction isn’t in and of itself a bad thing. Since the 1970s the Hollywood blockbuster has been a precision engineered to distract us from our woes. Heck, it’s arguable that the reason the first Star Wars was so successful is because it created a welcome distraction from the politically tumultuous landscape of that time. Successful movies of the time prior to George Lucas’ space opera had mostly been gritty cop dramas or disaster flicks which leaned into the inequity and uncertainty of life in contemporary America. Star Wars offered audiences a chance to escape from their woes in a galaxy far, far away.

With this in mind, we can see the value of distraction in small doses. Movies and TV shows can give us a narrative vacation that allows us to escape our problems both internal and external. Star Wars alone has saved more than its share of lives. However, we need to consider distraction the lifestyle equivalent of a delicious chocolate cake. It should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet of activities. 

Just how chill is Netflix and chill?
The streaming age has brought huge volumes of content to our homes. We now have access to more movies and TV shows than we can shake a remote control at. In the current climate, it’s clear to see how such services might seem like the answer to our prayers. 

However, going back to the chocolate cake analogy, it’s easy to see why a diet that consists only of large quantities of chocolate cake might not be conducive to our mental health. Netflix and chill might actually leave us feeling less than chilled in the long term.

Psychologists and health professionals of all kinds have warned against the dangers of binge watching media. It has been linked to lack of sleep and / or poor quality of sleep, insomnia and potential exacerbation of existing issues like depression and anxiety. Thus, our savior in these uncertain times might prove harmful to us if we don’t monitor our relationship with it.

Furthermore, too much streaming can put more stress on your home network and create bandwidth issues for spouses or family members working from home. Perhaps relying more on physical media will allow us to find a happy medium. When we rely on physical discs for our media, it’s much easier to track our consumption as we move from one disc to another. We also have a reason to get up and out of our seats to change discs. We can also use this as the impetus to take a stretch, go for a walk, make a drink or fix a snack for our loved ones. The picture quality’s better too!

You bet your bottom dollar
In an era where you can bet on everything from the outcome of “virtual sports” to which are the most arrested celebrities online, online casinos and gaming sites can be a fun outlet. So long as we treat them responsibly, of course. Put in its proper context, using a gambling site can be the fun equivalent of treating yourself to a night at a casino after a hard day’s work. Some even have a social networking element so you can make new friends and meet existing friends online as you try your luck at different games together. And who can deny the thrill of a win at a time when every single penny helps. 

Of course, it’s also vital that you gamble responsibly online. The euphoria you feel after a win can be a high that you continue to chase. As such, gambling can become addictive, and online gaming combined with a coronavirus lockdown can make it easier to become the new norm. Ensure that you have a network who you trust to ensure that you enjoy all the fun of online gaming while maintaining a healthy relationship with it.
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Image by Freestocks.org via Pexels
Gaming the algorithm
Speaking of unorthodox ways to make money in the digital realm, let’s not forget that there are lots of ways in which you can make money by playing video games. With the world on lockdown, there has been a colossal boom in the video gaming industry. Indeed, games have become such an endemic part of our response to the lockdown that developers have even begun posting Coronavirus safety messages within their games, encouraging gamers to stay indoors and save lives. 

It seems as though the world has fallen in love with video games again and this brings with it new opportunities for the savvy. From reinventing yourself as a games journalist to building an audience to make money as a streamer, with a renewed interest in the medium, they have the potential to create life changing outcomes.

Of course, getting to the point where you can make money from games (whether playing or developing them) is far from easy. Still, weighing up your options can help you to see the sheet breadth and scope of opportunities out there. In the digital age, the traditional career path is becoming increasingly anachronistic. If you’re currently struggling because you’ve lost your job or your income as a result of the pandemic, it’s important to remember that with enough hard work and dedication you can get a job doing what you love. And that should be an encouragement to all of us!

Crossing a Bridge
If there’s one game that’s been credited with single handedly rescuing the mental health of the world during the lockdown it’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This adorable game has not only provided a wholesome distraction to enjoy in our free time, it’s also given us an opportunity to spend quality time with friends through the game. There’s nothing quite like meeting up with cute cartoon facsimiles of your friends and exploring the island homes you’ve made for yourselves together. Heck, it’s even made Twitter a nicer place.  The positive and wholesome tone of the game coupled with the emphasis on building, growing and forging friendships makes it more than just a welcome distraction. It’s genuinely helped a lot of people with their mental health in this difficult time.

Remember who your real friends are
Speaking of social media, it’s important to focus your time on positive interactions with your real friends. Social media can be a fun way to stay in touch with friends, or kill a few minutes while you’re waiting for your morning coffee to brew. Just be wary of the toxicity of strangers. The pseudo anonymity of social platforms like Twitter can cause people to be way meaner than they would ever be in real life. Especially when it comes to things like politics. 

You need to curate your social experience, building it around the friends who will give you the social support that you need… as well as sharing fun pictures and memes that will make you smile.

The final analysis
Entertainment will no doubt be an important factor in helping us to emerge from the COVID-19 lockdown with our wellbeing intact. It can be a ray of hope in a bleak moment in history. However, it’s up to us to define our relationship with our entertainment media and decide whether we want it to distract us, or elevate us. 

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by IC Mag Contributors
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The Best Ways To Manage Your Health

4/13/2020

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It’s easy to get caught up in thinking about things like your career and your friendships, but it’s important that you don’t lose sight of the most important thing in your life, which is your health. If you’re healthy, then you’ll always be able to live well and make your dreams come true. It’s when you have health problems that things become complicated. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at a few tried and tested methods for managing your health. 

Take these tips, and you’ll find it much easier to stay in tip-top condition.

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Look After Yourself
There are normally warning signs that your health isn’t all that it could be; it’s just that we don’t listen to our bodies. Instead of waiting to have a health problem before doing something, take a proactive stance instead. If you look after your body as just a matter of routine, then you’ll find that you’re in better control of your health. Or, at the very least, it won’t be a mystery. Things like resting when you’re feeling tired, meditating, working up a sweat, and other good-for-you activities will all help.

Get Educated
Knowledge is power. The more you know about health-related matters, the better you’ll be able to keep them at bay. This will include learning about the big things, such as what is cancer, and also reading up about the foods and activities that can lead to poor health. For example, did you know that sitting down too much can cause a whole host of health problems? It’s not about spending all of your time reading about what can go wrong with your health, but more about having a general understanding of the top health risks and potential problems.
What Are The Risks? 
And talking of potential problems, while it’s recommended to have a general understanding of health issues, it’s also important to think about the risks that are specific to you. If your parents suffer from a condition that can be passed on genetically, then this is something you’ll want to research before you’re showing any symptoms. You can often keep conditions from materializing just by managing your health beforehand.

Reviewing Your Lifestyle
While we all want to manage our health all of the time, the truth is that life can often get in the way. Sometimes, without even realizing it, we can find that we’ve lowered our health and fitness standards. It’s always worthwhile looking at your lifestyle and identifying those things that may be causing you health problems (or which could do in the future). 

Regular Checkups 
Finally, while you can do some things to manage your health yourself, there’ll be times when you should visit a healthcare practice and be seen by a professional. Getting a checkup can help to flag up any potential problems early on, and in any case your doctor will be able to make suggestions about how you can be fitter and healthier. Schedule it in for at least once a year. ​

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by Iconic Chica Mag Contributors

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Self-Repair: Are You Ready To Have A Child?

4/12/2020

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There is a huge degree of flexibility when it comes to choosing when to have a child. While many places have laws in place which stop people from being able to do this when they are still young, these rules will usually dip into a time when most people wouldn’t want to have children anyway.

Without a standard to live by, many people find it hard to know whether or not they are ready to have a child, and this choice is only made harder when you see the struggles which other people have when they pick (or it just happens!) the wrong time for a life changing moment like this.

To help you out, this post will be encouraging you to ask yourself some questions about your current lifestyle, and whether or not the time is right to to have a child around.

Can You Look After Yourself?
This first question may sound a little patronising, but it is crucial to your chances of success, and is something which a lot of people ignore. For example, if you struggle to eat a healthy diet, pay bills on time, or have other things in your life which you can’t keep up with, it could be worth working to improve yourself a little before having a little one.

Can You Afford It?
Most people can afford to look after a child, but this will often mean sacrificing a lot from your normal lifestyle to be able to do it. It isn’t a good idea to do this if it will make you unhappy, as even the most dutiful of parents needs to have elements in their lives which are separate from their children. Of course, some people will even struggle to afford a child if they spend nothing on themselves, and this usually isn’t a good place to be.
Are You Secure?
Security in life is a funny thing, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to own your own home, have a triple-figure salary, or have loads of savings behind you. If you have family members who will be able to help you in times of strife, you can consider yourself secure. Many people don’t benefit from this in their lives, though, and this can make it very difficult to raise a child.

Do You Want A Child?
Society puts a lot of pressure on normal people to follow the same route as others. This often makes people feel like they have to have a child, even if they don’t want one. This is especially true when a couple find themselves pregnant, with many people struggling to find adoption for my baby when they are being pushed by those around them to keep the little one. Making the right decision can be hard, but it will usually be much better for the child if they are with a family which wants children, and this is never a reflection of you or your character.​​
It makes sense that you study and consider the probability of becoming a parent. Having a child is not easy and it is definitely life altering. You are biologically hardwired to pursue this element of life, but modern life often doesn’t make much room to have a little one with you all the time. Whatever decision you make, it’s crucial that you remember that you aren’t doing anything wrong, and you don’t have to listen to the pressure which comes from other people.

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​by Iconic Chica Mag Contributors
2 Comments

Here are some Top Secrets that will Help you to Look Way Younger

4/9/2020

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Finding out how to look younger doesn’t need to be a big secret. In fact, here are some tips that will help you to get that youthful look without having to worry about a thing.
Focus on Warm Tones
It’s highly recommended that you focus on warm tones where possible. Varying shades will really bring out your skin tone and it will make you look more youthful too. You should try and avoid ash tones though, as this can resemble grey which can make you look way older than you actually are. If you need some additional help with this then a beauty specialist should be able to give you the service that you are looking for.
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Source: Pexels (CC0 License)
Fuller Lips
It’s so important that you find a lip liner that actually matches the tone of your natural lips. Go over the bottom line of the lip if you want a fuller pout. When you have done this, top the liner with some lip gloss. This will give you way more hydration and it will also add some glimmer too.  If you want to take things to that next level, then why not look into smokeypointskin.com as well?

Wear Sunscreen
A lot of people forget to wear sunscreen. Even when they do remember to put it on, they don’t put it on their neck. If you want to have youthful skin then you need to try and make sure that you always put sunscreen under your eyes, on your neck and any other areas that might have exposed skin. It also helps to choose an SPF factor of 25 or above. If you are able to do this then you will soon find that you can reduce the signs of ageing.

Use an Acid Peel
Another thing that you can do is wear a good acid peel. If you choose one that has glycolic and salicylic acid then this will give you a huge number of benefits. The main bonus of doing this is that the more you do it, the younger your skin will look. It’s highly recommended that you do this once a week if you have dry skin. The bonus of doing this is that it will help you to build collagen and it will also erase fine lines.

Thick Brows
Bolder and more defined brows give the impression of a much younger face. You will want to invest in a product which will give you the chance to fill in any gaps that you have in your brows. Try and find a formula that is a cross between a pencil and a powder. When you do this, you will be able to get the soft and natural texture you want without having to worry about a thing. Castor oil is also great, as it will stimulate the growth of your brows while also making it easier than ever for you to really ensure a positive result. Things like this can work wonders if you want to reverse aging.

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by Iconic Chica Mag Contributors

1 Comment

Getting The Best Life For The Ones You Love

4/9/2020

1 Comment

 
In this life, most of us tend to prioritize those around us than we do ourselves. While this is a great thing, it is also something that can be quite tasking if we really don't  know where to begin. 

Whether we are preparing things for our children or our elderly relatives, we can often find that we are left stumped and confused at times. Where does this confusion come from? Well, generally, it comes from the array of options we have available and not knowing which is best.
In this post, we are going to be taking you through some of the things you may want to be looking at for your elderly relatives, whether it’s your parents or grandparents, and how you can help them enjoy their later years in the best possible ways.

Before we get into the post, we should say that while sometimes it may be tempting, you shouldn’t write off people because of their age, and you should communicate with them to find out what they want and need. 
A lot of the time, you may find yourself surprised at how small and effortless their needs really are.
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Accommodation
The first thing you should be looking at, especially if you are trying to look after people with mobility issues, is the accommodation that they live in. 

While they may have worked all of their lives and put everything they have into their home, now may be a good time for them to consider senior assisted living, you may find that many people of a certain age are all for the idea. 

People with mobility issues generally find that with assisted living, they are granted a new lease of life, and they also find a new path of independence.

On top of this, if they have managed to release the money held in their home, they will now have a huge amount of opportunity placed in their laps for new things to do and see.
Keep Their Minds Active
The final thing we are going to look at is how you can keep them on their toes. It seems that much of the time when people enter retirement, they find themselves growing bored, and this leads to feeling old, rather than being old.

If you want to really give the people you care about something incredible, make sure they are getting out there, keeping active, and getting their brains in gear. 

A lot of the time, something simple like a hobby can really give a lot of enjoyment, after all, hobbies are something that keeps the brains of many active, so encouraging a hobby in somebody you love is an incredible idea to keep them happy and mentally healthy.
Conclusion
In truth, there are so many things you can do to help the people you care about, and this is just two of those things. Hopefully, these two things will help you at the beginning of your journey to not only improves the lives of those that you care about as they get older, maybe you could even apply them as you enter retirement age.

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By Iconic Chica Mag Contributors
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