Month: September 2017

Making Long Distance Traveling On Business Less Hectic

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

When you know you’re going to be traveling a long distance, a certain amount of dread can set in. You’re going to be lugging around your suitcase, trying to keep your professional clothes from getting creased, and above all else, replacing the need for comfort with saving time. It’s a busy lifestyle albeit even if it is only temporary. It can start to feel quite stressful when you’re trying to cram in a couple of hours of sleep, but then find yourself running to your airport gateway in the next minute. But it doesn’t have to be like this. Being prepared takes all the worry out of the situation, and minimizes the hassle you’ll be facing if you try to make things happen purely on a whim.

Pack casual clothes

If you know you’re going to be away on business to somewhere far from your location, it’s best to pack different sets of clothes. Your professional clothes like a suit and tie should only be worn when you’re heading into the meeting. This way you don’t ruin it by sweating in it when you’re going to and fro from the airport and hotels. Dress comfortably because you’re going to be sitting in uncomfortable chairs at the airport waiting to take off. Many modern airports require their passengers to check in well ahead of take off; sometimes a couple of hours before. Airports and their restaurants mostly have upright metal and wooden chairs, so put on something that will give you warmth and cushioning.

Source – Pixabay

Find a decent place to rest

Many people don’t plan on resting properly when they’re on long distance travels. Bear in mind; you’re not on holiday, you’re on business. Work is often times stressful, and the last thing you need to be is unprepared. Since you’re traveling far, who really knows when your meeting or presentation will be over, as most of the time, there is no guarantee. This is especially true if you’re negotiating a deal, which might last long into the night. A brilliant overnight stay at a place like Quality Inn & Suites Cleburne is ideal for a business trip. They have spacious accommodation, free WiFi for you to get some extra work done, a relaxing jacuzzi, and an exercise. On top of all that, you can extend your stay and still get a competitive weekly rate if you need to stay a little longer.

Image by – Jonathan Pincas

Have an onboard routine

When you’re on long-distance flights, you have an opportunity to get some rest. It may not seem like it because there are other people on the plane, eating, talking, and sometimes there’s a baby crying. Don’t lose hope, however, because, with calming routine, you’ll learn to shut the world out and close your eyes until you drift to sleep. The key is to relax as soon as you’ve sat down. Nevermind everyone else, let them put their bags in the overhead storage, starting talking and doing whatever. Take onboard with you something of interest, but that you’ve never experienced before. An audiobook, or an album that you’ve never heard, is great for grabbing your attention and getting lost in a world of your own.

Long distance traveling is dreaded by most people. Especially when you’re on business, because you have a time schedule to keep to, and you might be going somewhere unfamiliar. If you prepare in advance a good inn to spend the night, comfortable clothes, and a way to sleep on the flight, your stress levels will fade.

 

 

 

Are These Unhealthy Habits Ruling Your Life?

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Everyone has unhealthy habits. Some of us eat a bit too much junk food, while others aren’t so good at keeping their home clean. While it’s important to try and kick bad habits, most of them don’t have too big of an impact on your life. But there are some unhealthy habits that can take over your life, and you might end up planning everything around them. Sometimes, it’s not even possible to make plans, because your unhealthy habit rules over all your time. It’s important to be aware of when something unhealthy has become more than that, and how you can get your life back.

By Pixabay

Smoking

Smoking is a pretty common habit, and it can be difficult to stop. It’s important to remember that it’s addictive, and kicking any addiction is tough. Many smokers probably think smoking doesn’t rule their life, but from an outside perspective, things can look a little different. If you smoke so much that you need to plan a journey with smoke breaks or you have to remove yourself from situations so you can go and smoke, it could be affecting your life more than you think. It’s also very bad for your body. If you want to quit, it’s always useful to access resources and support. You can speak to your doctor and find plenty of help online.

Drinking Too Much

Drinking alcohol is another thing that many people do but, unlike smoking, most people don’t get addicted. However, even those who might not technically be described as an alcoholic can still have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. There are responsible ways to drink and less responsible ways, and there is a danger of it affecting your life. If your drinking habits are having a negative impact on your life, you might need to reassess them. A resource like alcoholrehab.me can help with anyone who thinks they might have an addiction or drinking problem. In some situations, you can take control of the problem yourself and change your habits.

Working Too Much

You might not see yourself as a workaholic, but it might be a different story if you ask anyone you know. Working can be addictive for a few reasons, ranging from money to feeling like you have a purpose or ignoring other things in your life. But if you work all the time, you could exhaust yourself and have no time to do anything else. There’s no point working if you don’t have the time or energy to use the money you make. It could be time to start reorganizing your priorities and your schedule.

Running Away from Problems

Avoiding your problems can be an easier habit to fall into than you might think. Even though it doesn’t make your problem go away, it can make you feel like they have. But the longer you ignore a problem, the bigger it could become. If you’re always running away from your problems, only you can make a change. It might be helpful, however, to get support from friends and family or from a therapist.

The unhealthy habits could be ruling your life, and you shouldn’t let them. Maybe it’s time to make a change.

Which Optional Insurance Types Are Actually Worth Having?

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

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Insurance can help to pay for those unexpected out-of-pocket life costs. Some insurance schemes are compulsory such as motor insurance if you’re a driver. Others are optional. It’s possible to take a gamble and forgo insurance altogether in the hope that you never run into a disaster. It’s also possible to spend a fortune insuring everything from your phone to your new pet hamster. When it comes to getting your money’s worth, here are some of the optional insurance schemes that you should be considering.

Medical insurance

Getting medical treatment is expensive. If you do fall ill or have an injury, you don’t want to be in a position where you cannot pay for surgery or medication. Medical insurance can help to pay for such a situation. If you’re not in and out of the hospital on a regular basis, it’s likely you’ll pay lower rates. You can also save money on family bundle rates and by upping your deductible (many people are able to use a savings account called an FSA to pay for this deductible). Sites like CompareMedicalPlans.net can help you shop for the best rate.

Property insurance

Property insurance can help to cover the costs of theft or damage to your home. This is worth having as such costs can be huge and unpredictable. Property insurance is more expensive in risk-prone zones (such as a flood zone or an area with a high burglary rate). In such cases, you may need to take a specialist scheme out from a specialist insurer as some may outright refuse to insure you. In many areas where it isn’t a risk it can be very cheap. Just make sure you always read the small-print and keep on top of policy changes (some property insurance companies have recently started rejecting claims from property owners without a burglar alarm).

Life insurance

Taking out life insurance can be a great way of ensuring that those left behind don’t have to financially suffer. It can help to pay for funeral costs as well as giving your loved ones something to keep them going if you were the main breadwinner. There are two types of life insurance – term insurance and whole life insurance – which a site such as TermLifeInsurance.co can offer more information on. Those that are in a dangerous career should be wary as life insurance rates could be much higher to cover the risk.

Travel insurance

When going on holiday abroad, it can often be worth getting insured, mainly in case you get ill and need medical attention. Travel insurance schemes can also cover loss of baggage as well as flight cancellations. You can take them out on an individual basis as and when you travel and they are generally very cheap, unless you’re going to an extreme location and taking part in an extreme activity. Sometimes you can buy these schemes with a holiday package, although it could be cheaper to buy them separately.

What’s The Right Computer For You?

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

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There are various different types of computers that you can purchase for personal and business use. Some have different power levels, processing capabilities, and storage space. It’s important that you make the right choice when you buy a computer as it is an expensive investment. A top computer could cost you well over a thousand dollars, plus any extras that you might need to purchase such as word processing software. So, let’s look at some of the different computer systems that you can get your hands on.

Desktop

Picture Via Flickr

There are various types of desktops that you can get on the market right now. The benefit of having a desktop is that they tend to be more powerful. They also usually have faster processing speeds and larger memory storage capacities. As such, you can store TBs of your data on a desktop making it the perfect home computer system. As well as this, a desktop often has a large enough screen to be used as another device for video entertainment in your home. Expect to pay a few thousand at least for a decent desktop.

The best desktops can connect wirelessly to another device in your home. This means that you will be able to play your music, watch shows that you might have downloaded on your desktop on your TV and forward search results directly to any smart system in your home.

It’s worth pointing out that desktops also tend to have disk drive systems, something that tends to be quite rare on your typical laptop.

Laptop

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Laptops come in all shapes and sizes and the type you choose will depend on what you’re going to use it for. A gaming laptop isn’t just for gaming. Gaming laptops often have seriously fast processors, crystal clear displays and avoid lagging issues when online. As such, they are very powerful machines but can be pricey with costs often reaching beyond five thousand.

An all in one laptop covers all the bases and may or may not have a disc drive. It will, however, be fast enough to stream shows online and have at least 2TBs of data. According to laptop.review, most modern laptops now have at least 4tbs for storage with a much smaller memory.

Finally, there is the notebook. Used mainly for surfing the web and word processing, this laptop is a fantastic choice for basic uses, and typically, they are considerably cheaper. A few hundred will be enough to pick up a typical laptop, perfect for surfing the web, watching videos and working.

Hybrid

Picture Via Pixabay

Last but not least, you may want to consider purchasing a hybrid. Exactly as it sounds, a hybrid is a mixture of a tablet and a laptop often with a keyboard that does disconnect. The benefit of this type of setup is that you can use the device in multiple ways whether you just want the screen or a full laptop. However, you should be careful buying these as they are often nowhere near as powerful as your typical fully functional laptop.

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How to Talk to Elderly About Handing Over The Car Keys

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Image source: Pexels

 

Driving is a sensitive topic when we’re young as well as old. To a teenager, being able to get their license and own their own car means independence and freedom – two of the keywords that most people appreciate today. To an older person, keeping their driver’s license and continuing to transport themselves around means exactly the same.

 

So how do we approach a relative or neighbor tactfully when we suspect it’s time for them to hand over the keys? Realizing how difficult it can be to give this up is just the first step; here is how you can address the issue and eliminate your worries without sparking resentment.

 

Understanding their situation

 

Empathy is the way to success in this case, and the more you have of it, the easier it will be to understand why a relative or friend will be reluctant to give up on driving. The older we get, the more losses we tend to experience in life, and many elderly will rigidly hold onto whatever they can to avoid losing even more control of their lives.

 

When so much has been taken away already, how can one give up on the only thing that enables us in seeing who we want, going where we’d like to go, and pursuing the same activities? In the eyes of many seniors, this is just not going to happen.

 

This is why it’s so important that you plan ahead and approach the topic tactfully. Take some time to consider your own role in all of this – is it really up to you to decide if they can drive or not, and do you even have any recent experience with not being able to drive?

 

Talking by listening

 

While you’re still in the process of planning the talk, it’s a good idea to challenge yourself. By not driving for a week or two, you can approach the conversation with some first-hand experience and a fresh layer of empathy.

 

Whatever you choose, make sure you find a quiet time of the day to mention your concerns. Remember that this is a gradual process and you’re not going to triumphantly end the conversation with their keys in your hand.

 

The truth is that if you’ve noticed that their driving is a bit more reckless than it was, they’ve probably noticed it themselves. We all need a nudge in the right direction, especially with regards to our health, and asking them about a recent parking ticket can be an effective way of starting the conversation.

 

Just like the presence of medicalert.systems is a way to keep them safe and your own worries at bay, a conversation like this should be built around ensuring their health. How do they feel about driving lately? Try to listen rather than finding solutions to their problems with being unable to drive – sure, somebody may be happy to drive them around, but it’s not what they need to hear right now.

 

Reflective listening is a term in psychology and especially helpful with such a sensitive topic. It should be a long talk, encouraged by a type of listening where you reflect some of his worries by repeating them. Read more about it at caring.com for a detailed guide on how to approach the talk.

 

No matter how much you dread it, you’re not doing anyone any favors by procrastinating. Spend some time on thinking about your own role and try to understand their feelings before attempting to talk about it; although it may not be resolved by the end of the day, you’ll be well on your way.

5 Common Mistakes When Looking After Teeth

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

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There are many obvious ways to mistreat our teeth such as eating the wrong foods and failing to brush enough. However, many of us could be neglecting our gnashers without even realising. Here are a few all too common – but not obvious – mistakes when looking after teeth.

Relying on tooth whitening products

Whitening chewing gums and special whitening toothpastes and whitening strips can help to brighten our teeth. In fact, some premium products as supplied by http://www.iwhiteinstant.com/en/iwhite-instant could help brighten your teeth in a matter of days. However, they won’t stop tooth decay caused by bad habits like eating too much sugar and smoking. To fully protect the health of our teeth, we ought to all cut down on these unhealthy habits first and then start using the tooth whitening products.

Rinsing your mouth after brushing teeth

This is something a lot of us are guilty of – especially those that don’t like the taste of toothpaste. However, rising your mouth out with water after brushing your teeth could be undoing all your tooth-brushing work. You should spit out any excess toothpaste, but keep some on your teeth, as it will allow the fluoride to sit on the enamel and break away at any plaque that was missed whilst brushing.

Brushing too hard

It’s possible to brush too hard and start stripping off the enamel from your teeth. If your bristles on your brush get easily damaged after only a few weeks, this is clear sign that you’re brushing too hard. Brush in light circles with the toothbrush tilted up towards the root, rather than scrubbing back and forward vigorously – this will have a much healthier impact.

Ignoring a tooth-ache

You should see a doctor or dentist as soon as a toothache sets in. If it’s an infection, it could spread to other teeth if left untreated causing more pain and causing more damage. Some people may be afraid to go to the dentist due to a bad experience or costs. However, treatments like root canal procedures have come a long way making them far more precise, whilst getting these treatments early can deter extra costs of having to get more work dental done. Sites such as https://www.southviewdentistrycharlotte.com/service/root-canal/ can offer more information on such procedures. It’s worth always booking an appointment for advice – you may find such treatment isn’t needed if you catch the problem early and anti-biotics may suffice.

Opening things with your teeth

If you often open packaging with your teeth, or worse have a party trick of opening bottles with your mouth, you may want to stop now. This could be causing your enamel to chip as your teeth aren’t supposed to be dealing with such tough materials. Start using scissors and bottle openers and save your teeth.

 

Hot Topic: Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

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To an average person, this isn’t a topic which keeps them up at night. To a traveler, it’s enough to make or break the trip. You see, conventional wisdom says every person who goes abroad needs coverage. However, travel insurance policies are pricey, and travelers only have a small budget. Plus, the majority of individuals who travel never visit a hospital. It seems like a lot of money to waste, but is it worth the risk? After all, should the worst happen, a policy becomes a lifesaver.

Here’s how to find out whether you need insurance or not.

What Are The Laws Of The Country?

People from countries such as America are surprised when they go to Britain and the healthcare is free. But, to Brits, a NHS-style system is the norm. The moral of the story is that every country is unique and has different rules. Cnn.com says there are places with universal health care, such as Germany and France, where treatment is free. In this case, there is no reason to splash out on a policy. However, a place such as the US requires you to have an insurance plan by law if you want treatment. Before you set off, make sure you understand the fine print.

Is There A Special Arrangement?

Politics is a funny game. At the moment, with Trump and Brexit, it seems as if the politicians have lost their minds. The truth is they try to do the best for their constituents wherever possible. As such, there are arrangements with foreign countries which cover health care and other vital areas for non-nationals. Take Europe as an example. Any European citizen whose country is part of the EU is liable for treatment within the block. Again, if this is the case for you, a private plan is not a sound investment.

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Will It Cost More Or Less?

Travelers think that an insurance policy is bound to cost the more, but it isn’t always the case. Let’s say you need protection. A single policy, such as a travel plan, is cheaper than three or four different plans. By searching healthinsurancequotes.co you can see how the cost of healthcare alone fluctuates. With extras such as contents insurance and airline coverage, the price will skyrocket. At least all of the major features are included in travel insurance, and that keeps the cost low. When a policy is cheaper, it is well worth the investment.

What Are The Odds?

People will say travel insurance is essential regardless. Why? It’s because the odds of something going wrong are high. Are you flying with an airline which has punctuality problems? Or, are you going to a country where there is a high risk of injury? If the answer to these questions is yes, then travel insurance is a savvy investment. So, before you jet set to Florida or hit up Asia, think about your itinerary. If there is a high percentage of danger in any sense, you need a contingency plan.

Do you need travel insurance? Only you can answer that question.

Into The Wild In The Modern Age: The Importance Of Keeping Lines Of Communication Open

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Flickr Image

 

Ever since the release of Cheryl Strayed’s ‘Wild,’ many of us have fancied an isolated camping trip. Strayed’s fallout in the face of mourning for her mother was heartbreaking, and her subsequent time on the Pacific Crest Trail turned her life around.

It’s no wonder, then, that many of us decide to follow a similar path whenever life gets us down. And, Cheryl wasn’t the first person to start this trend. There’s something cleansing about the idea of spending time alone in the wild. Sometimes, it seems like the best and only way to hit the reset button.

But, far from the romantic depictions in literature, it’s important to consider the practicalities of such an experience. While a completely isolated camping trip will work wonders for your soul, there are clear downfalls. For one, it’s not always safe. There are so many risks in the world today that our loved ones are sure to want to stay in touch. Plus, complete isolation is such a rarity in the modern age that you may find it harder that you’re anticipating. So, small levels of communication could actually help, rather than hinder, your experience.

But, how do can you insert communication into your trip without ruining the process?

Write letters

Your first port of call should be letter writing. Sending letters as you go is sure to ease the loneliness. It’ll also put your loved one’s minds at rest. Plus, letter writing can be incredibly therapeutic. During face to face/phone conversations, we rarely stop and think about what we’re saying. But, when writing a letter, you have to think about every word. You have time to consider each before committing them to paper. Hence, you may find communication like this helps you come to terms with more demons.

Pixabay Image

Why not use wifi?

Wifi may not be what you had in mind, but inviting it into your trip could make all the difference. As long as you set boundaries, there’s no reason this needs to have any impact on your journey. Of course, wifi in the middle of nowhere isn’t easy to come by. But, you’re sure to pass through towns on your route with free wifi hotspots. Make the most of these by posting pictures of your trip on Instagram. You could even send postcards via app services like those offered by My Postcard. This is a fast way to update loved ones with a quick message. If you’re taking your phone with you, download the app before you head off and make use of it whenever you get the chance.

Pexels Image

Find a spot for a daily phone call

You may be doing this to get away, but a five-minute phone call each day will make the experience much easier for you. Plus, this can work as a fantastic security backup. Aim to reach a pay phone at some point during the same hour each day. Then, if you don’t ring, your loved ones will know straight away that there’s a problem.

 

Quiet and Relaxing Holidays in Florida

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Holidays don’t always have to be about walking around, exploring a new country or indulging in nightlife. Sometimes, a holiday is just a weekend break; some time to relax after finishing up a busy project at work or to unwind after a stressful period in your life. We should all go on a relaxing break at some point in our lives, and it’s something that doesn’t have to cost much nor does it need to be an effort to plan. All you really need is a flight and a booked hotel and you’ll soon be relaxing in a spa or lounging on a beach.

One of the best places in the world to relax and unwind is Florida. This cosy state offers some of the most enjoyable entertainment you can find and it’s the perfect spot for quiet and peaceful weekend break. In this article, we’ll go through some of the most common and interesting places to visit when you’re on a break in Florida.

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Kendall

Located away from the hustle and bustle of the beaches, Kendall offers some fantastic culinary gems that are just waiting to be uncovered by you. The Kendall Ice Arena (although not technically in Kendall) is an iconic location for all locals and it’s a great spot to do a bit of ice skating no matter what the weather’s like outside. If you’re an avid gamer and love arcades, then Arcade Odyssey offers over 100 classics that range from video games to pinball machines. Be sure to look at accommodation such as Best Western Plus Kendall Airport Hotel and Suites before you travel so you can do a little planning before you head out. With so many sights to see, you’ll want a little bit of direction to help you make the most of your quiet weekend break.

Bahia Honda State Park

If you love beaches but not the usual partying culture that comes with it on most of Florida’s beaches, then Bahia Honda State Park is the place for you. It’s actually made up of three different beaches, each with their own unique qualities. The water is warm and refreshing, and there are plenty of activities that go on throughout the entire day. Since it’s far enough from the city, the night sky isn’t polluted with light, giving you a clear view for some relaxing stargazing. This is one of the most relaxing destinations in Florida and you absolutely have to come here at least once.

Pine Island

Pine Island is a secluded yet laid-back and exciting location to take a weekend break. If you enjoy lush environments mixed with a spot of fishing, then you’ll feel right at home here. There are long stretches of tropical plants, a unique atmosphere, opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, and it’s even noted as a haven for birdwatchers. Being surrounded by nature and small pleasures are the keys to a relaxing and quiet break, and you’ll find them both in abundance at Pine Island.

 

Healthy For Life: Medical Checks You Need To Be Having as You Age

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

It is inevitable that we are all going to age. But how well we age will be dependant on a number of things. Some things in our life we have inherited and may or may happen as a result. Other things can happen through incidents in our life, or how we treat our body. But there are some things that can occur as we get older than can be dealt with pretty quickly. We just need to be getting them checked in time. So has never been more important to have regular doctor’s appointments as we age. Throughout our life we should aim for at least a yearly physical unless we have any conditions that need to be seen to. But what are some checks we should be having as we get older? Here are a few suggestions. If you have yet to have one of these and are reaching a certain point in your life, then it might be time to schedule an appointment. I hope this helps!

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Hearing Test

Hearing tests should be done from a young age. But unlike eyesight, it doesn’t need to be done too often. Once every five years or so should suffice, as long as you aren’t noticing any problems in the meantime, of course. But as we get older, our hearing can deteriorate quite quickly. So more often than not is recommended for hearing tests. But don’t worry, if there are any issues, it can be easily dealt with. Just take a look at a site like hearingaidbuyertoday.com, and you’ll see the variety of hearing aids that are available. There are many that look like you’re not even wearing one, so you don’t have to make it obvious, if that is something that you’re worried about.

Eye Tests

Throughout our lives, our eyes should be tested around every two years. Again, this should be done sooner if you are noticing problems with the quality of your vision. The number of people, especially women, that wear glasses later in their lives is quite high. So you might want to consider having eye tests annually, rather than every two years. Having good vision can impact your health and life in general greatly, so it is worth looking into.

Stepping on the Scales

Knowing how much we weigh is important for weight maintenance. As we get older, our metabolism can slow down; we tend to be a little less active than we have been before, so weight gain can be quite likely if we’re not careful. So keep an eye on how much you weigh. Being overweight can lead to many issues later in life, but being a reasonable weight can reduce your chances quite significantly.

Cholesterol Testing

Do you know what levels of cholesterol are in your blood? It isn’t something that we tend to know. But having it checked every so often can be really important for our overall health. If you have high cholesterol, it can lead to problems with your heart, and even problems with your blood pressure. So having it checked regularly is important. This can be done with your doctor, especially if you are concerned about it or are overweight. Then you can adjust your lifestyle accordingly, to help improve the results.

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Blood Pressure

Similar to cholesterol levels, our blood pressure can have a big impact on our health, but it isn’t something that we get checked all that often. Untreated high blood pressure can be a killer, as it can lead to things like heart attacks or stroke. So don’t let it sneak up on you. You could check out symptoms at webmd.com if you’re unsure. Get your blood pressure checked regularly and then you can make some changes, as well as take prescribed medication, to help with it.

Mammogram

For women over a certain age, and some men, a mammogram regularly is a great way to detect something like breast cancer before it happens. As well as an annual check, you should look for changes in your body, especially your breasts, and have any changes checked. Yes, it isn’t ideal and can be uncomfortable. But staying on top of it all will help you to deal with anything that might arise, prolonging your health and your life.

Checking Shots

Things like the flu vaccine are available for many of us, especially when the winter months roll around. So if you think you would like one or want to know about it, then speak to your doctor. It can be a lifesaver in winter months when the flu is doing the rounds!