Year: 2018

Top 7 Videography Tips For Beginners

Videography is a work of art. In today’s scenario, with many budding YouTubers coming up with their unique ideas, videography is seeing its breakthrough.

 

Whether it is shooting a short movie, an ad film or simply shooting a wedding, people always prefer hiring a professional videographer.

 

Videography is similar to photography except for the fact that the former is ten folds difficult. The similarity lies in the fact that both require you to have a creative mind.

Unlike photography, in videography, you have to take care of everything from the frame to the sound and to the sequence of the scenes. So, videography is not a cake walk just as many people perceive it to be.

 

Many people will not be having a clear idea about videography. One reason is that they are not well equipped with everything it takes to shoot a video.

 

But, not to worry because we have compiled the best videography tips for people who are just about to kick-start their career in videography. As a beginner, these tips would be your lifesaver!

 

Let’s have a look:

 

  1. Get yourself a good quality professional camera!

Needless to say that the quality of entire video you’re shooting depends greatly on the camera that you’re shooting it with. Invest in a good quality professional camera, a DSLR or Mirrorless camera for instance.

 

You may go for Canon EOS 80D DSLR that allows superb autofocus with high-resolution video.

If you’re on a budget, go for Nikon DSLRs. Consider Nikon D3400 which is best suited for beginners because it is easy to work with.

This DSLR translates superior quality even in low light. It will prove to be your ideal companion if you’re just starting with videography.

 

  1. Be well equipped with the best audio tech

Hear it very loud and clear, because this tip is extremely important!.

Don’t just rely on the built-in mic of your camera but choose a good quality separate mic instead.

 

For shooting with DSLR cameras, Lavalier microphones are good to go.

Imagine how unpleasant it would be for the viewer if the quality of the video is great but the sound is not clear enough.

 

Don’t worry if you’re on a budget and cannot buy these, we’ll tell you just how you can improve the sound quality of your videos.

 

  • Keep the mic as close as possible to the sound you’re trying to record.
  • If you’re capturing someone who’s talking, make sure to have the camera very close to that person.
  • Do not overlook the sound quality of your video. If you feel that people will have to strain their ears in order to understand what the person in the video is trying to convey, re-shoot it. You cannot compromise with the quality of the sound!
  • Get rid of the background noises! Background noises are a hindrance to what you’re actually trying to capture. Make sure that there is no background noise so that what you’re trying to capture is loud and clear.

 

  1. Avoid zooming in

Zooming in just because you’re too lazy to walk up to a subject that is far away from you is a bad idea.

 

No matter how superior your camera quality may be, it will never be able to match the quality of video that you get, when you actually shoot the subject by keeping the camera close to it.

 

So, remember that zooming in is not the way out for shooting close up shots.

 

  1. Take care of the background

A videographer has already picturized what he wants to capture in his mind. Make sure that the background matches what you have imagined. Keep it subtle and don’t go too overboard with it.

 

  1. Make sure that the lighting is proper

Just as lighting plays an important role in clicking the perfect picture, it plays an important role in capturing videos too. The right amount of light will give your videos an edge over the others.

 

Don’t confuse ‘right amount of light’ with ‘excessive amount of light’. Too much light can ruin your video as badly as dim light does.

 

  1. Keep a steady hand

Shaking the camera too much while shooting will give you unpleasant output. Make sure to have a steady hand.

If you don’t have a control over that, use a tripod. For best results, a tripod is a must.

 

  1. Keep hard wires away from the frame

Rewatch your video, again and again, to make sure that there isn’t any sign of hard wires or any unwanted thing in that video. Critics would easily be able to catch hold of your videography flaws.!

Conclusion

So these are great handful tips that every beginner should swear by. Having acquainted you with these tips, we would like to introduce you to the final and the most important step i.e. editing your video.

 

While you do that, try to stay as innovative as possible. We hope that these tips are of great help to you. Go ahead and let your creativity tell a story.

 

South Asian Association for Gastronomy Concluded Food for Thought Fest 2018 With A Lot Of Pomp & Show

The Fourth Edition of the Food for Thought Fest concluded in the capital city with celebrating the diverse culinary heritage of the South Asian region. The festival was organized at The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, with countries participating from different parts of South Asia. A one of its kind initiative that focused on the common heritage and history of the region, as well as the unique influences that make up a part of it, it has set a benchmark as a forum for conversations, cuisines and the exchange of ideas and philosophies. The participating countries were India, Indonesia, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. The guest of honor for the event was HE Mr. Sidharto R Suryodipuro, Ambassador for the Republic of Indonesia.

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I had a chance to interact with his excellency and he shared some behind the scene facts about the event and how it was conceptualized.

This year’s edition of the Food for Thought Fest brought in the exciting components that made this a truly unique event. There were talks and discussions around culture, health, and cuisine in the “Thought Fest” by the expert, while the “Food Fest” offered cookery workshops with celebrity chefs from the participating countries and television celebrities Puja Talwar, Advaita Kala and Imam Siddique, had food stalls from some of the most superlative restaurants from the South Asia region like Soda Bottle Openerwala, Atara Catering, Chaat Chowk and Orza. This year the Bazaar Section was beautifully curated.

Many celebrity chefs graced the occasion and showcased their culinary skills in preparing wonderful dishes. I happened to meet and interact with a few of them. Here is chef Ruchira Hoon speaking about her experience at the event

The dishes that she prepared were simply wonderful especially the aubergines.

Well, next I interacted with our very own Khurafati Nitin who never fails to amaze me with his abundance of energy and the ability to make laugh. He shared the stage with singer turned chef Anaida and they both literally rocked the stage together.

From bringing out the benefits and correct way to use saffron, Anaida’s preparation and insights both were valuable. Her traditional Irani dish of rice was simply delicious.

The MC of the day was none other than Fashion Stylist, TV Actor & Bigg Boss fame Celebrity Imam Siddique. He held the audience’s interest all through the event and kept them entertained. His association with the event has been a long one and here is he sharing his thoughts on the event and more

During the festival, I thoroughly enjoyed learning from the greatest chefs in the region, explored some fascinating topics related to food and, of course, and tasted some splendid flavors of the subcontinents.

About the founders of S.A.A.G

Mr. Maneesh Baheti, alumni of The Oberoi School of Hotel Management, is a seasoned hotelier with over 16 years in senior positions at leading brands such as The Oberoi Group and Hyatt International, before branching out as a hospitality industry consultant with a diverse projects portfolio. His love for cuisines has taken him on extensive travels, including the SAARC region of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Ms. Sonali Anand, a Masters in Tourism Management from Bournemouth University, U.K, she has spent over a decade in senior positions with multinational companies including, The Oberoi Group. She went for a second Masters Degree in Social Development from Euromed, Marseille, France, which equips her with an insight into international cultural relations and dynamics.

SAAG also has an eminent Advisory Board with PADMA BHUSHAN Mr. Shashi Kant Misra as the Chairman and comprises of experts such as Michelin Star Chef AtulKocchar from The, Master Chef Abhijit Saha, Chef Michael Swamy and renowned hotelier Mr.Gautam Anand to name a few.

5 tips to recovering from stress after a recent breakup

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Relationships require commitment and effort. Imagine putting a lot of both into a relationship only to have it come to an end. In that case, it doesn’t matter if the relationship lasted for four weeks or four years. We come out of a breakup with residual emotions and feelings. At times, breakups leave us so stressed out that we can even become physically ill. In fact, this study showed that our sense of self could get muddled after a breakup. The deeper your connection with your now-ex may have been, the more complicated things can get.

Moreover, each relationship is different, which is why there is no well-defined protocol that we can follow to heal. However, as more time passes and with the use of healthy coping mechanisms, it is possible to speed up the healing process. If you are recovering from a recent breakup, then you may need help alleviating the stress associated with it. The following tips might be useful in such a situation:

Sharing your feelings

Studies show that by sharing our negative feelings with someone, we can calm down the pain centers of the brain. It doesn’t matter who you talk to as long as it is someone whom you trust. Don’t try to go through it alone. Instead, share your feelings, and you will find it can soothe you. Not only will this make you feel good, but it will also stimulate your brain to release opiates. With nature’s painkillers on your side, you will do a better job of managing the emotions and dampening the pain associated with your breakup.

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Mourn the loss

What may surprise you is that you can’t judge how much pain you will endure based on the longevity or duration of a relationship. You have experienced a loss, and you are likely to go through most of the five stages of grief. If you allow yourself enough time to mourn this loss, you will be on your way to a better mental and physical state. Some breakups we can see coming, so we may be better prepared for them. In the event of a breakup that takes you by surprise, you may find yourself denying that it happened! Denial is one-step away from isolation, and we use it as a defense mechanism to overcome the shock. Don’t let your thoughts go into a circuitous mode by revisiting the breakup! Instead, try to relax and try this next step.

Get a massage

If you didn’t already know, massages are linked with many mental benefits, including boosting our concentration levels and reducing tension. The physical advantages of massage therapy include relieving muscle soreness, boosting the immune system and helping you rest. Studies like this one show massage therapy could bring down the levels of cortisol – the stress hormone – by 53%! If you are feeling anxious or depressed after your breakup, it is your brain’s way of telling you to relax and take care of yourself. Getting a massage can be a good way to start the process of healing.

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Do things you love

Take a break after a bad breakup and revisit the things that you used to love doing. Often, being in a relationship can mean that we give up on things that we individually enjoy and look for pastimes that we enjoy as a couple. But since you are on a break, it might be time to start getting excited over things that you enjoyed before. Go out for coffee with your friends or invite them over if you don’t feel like going out just yet. Reading, exercising, and gardening are all good viable options too. We’d recommend the first one because being in the company of people who make you laugh is therapy in itself. In fact, you can feel yourself get a mood boost when you smile and laugh with people who care about you. It will also help lessen the anxiety and feelings of isolation that arises after a breakup.

Avoid any kind of contact with your ex

This might not always be possible. You may be sharing a place with your ex or the custody of kids with them. That would mean you’d see them often if not every day. But if you can break all ties with them, it can help you heal faster. You might think it is a good idea to meet up and talk about all the happy times you two had. Or the thought of being lonely can be scary or painful, which has you reaching for your phone to call them. That is never a good idea! Take what measures you can, such as deleting your ex from your social media accounts, avoiding places you know they might frequent, distance yourselffrom them. If your work or education brings you together often, then avoid physical contact and making small talk with them.

Why is it so important for you to distance yourself? Because it can lead to stress. A breakup is considered one of the many stressful life experiences a person can face. Such experiences may make your brain age 1.5 years! An aging brain is at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Know someone who is showing early signs of Alzheimer’s? Have them take a dementia test immediately!

You might have to put some work into it, but it can be useful to reprogram your brain about breakups. Instead of thinking of them as rejections, think of them as a new beginning. Sure, it will be difficult to think optimistically in the beginning. You might feel heartbroken and getting back on your feet could take some time. Give yourself that time to heal. Just keep in mind that it isn’t just your heart that needs healing, your mind, and your body will need care and consideration to recover as well. Focus on the positive things that you have going for you. Look at the qualities that make you the beautiful, vibrant, and strong person. You’re still that person!

 

 

Jack & Jill – The Wonder Years held at National Railway Museum

The proliferation of games for children in recent years is shifting towards technology due to which Indian games have become almost extinct. Board games like Snakes and Ladders, strategy games like Chess or even card games like Patience that helps develop a child’s brain by testing memory and cognitive skills have become a novelty. Giving the traditional games a new enthusiasm- Jack & Jill, a kids Edutainment expo happened in capital over the weekend.

Celebrating its 4th edition, Jack & Jill, the wonder year’s expo made this possible once again for children to relive old memories by participating in various activities at the exhibition which had multiple stalls and fun games for the little ones at the National Railway Museum where the exhibition was held. The main attraction of the museum was the train models stationed everywhere; there were other treasures as well at the expo.

The expo witnessed the presence of chief guest Mr. Ashwani Lohani, the Chairman & MD Railway Board. Redhat Communications, the leading experiential marketing company in partnership with National Rail Museum New Delhi organized the Expo.

Speaking on the success Mr. Ashwani Lohani, Chairman and MD Railway Board, said “A great event for the kids, a unique one that lets them enjoy and learn at the same time, as the children today have forgotten what outdoor fun is, the expo will inspire them to have fun and learn away from technology & gadgets.”

The edutainment concept that combines education and entertainment rendering real experiences that empower, inspire and educate children, covered 4 important aspects i.e. wellness, education, tourism and entertainment that are crucial to a child’s development for age group from 0-14 years.

Talking about “Jack & Jill’ –Jyoti Mayal, Chief Executive of Red Hat Communications avers ”With Jack & Jill, the wonder years expo, we believe in Explore, Educate, Entertain & Enjoy both with children and parents at one platform. The aim of the exhibition was to expand kids’ creative thinking while offering them and their families a great time full of fun and excitement”

 

The event entails kids’ activities along with Educational Tourism, Health, and Knowledge & Experiences – From storytelling to science shows, educational tourism to health & knowledge experiences, fancy dress competition to a magic show, painting competition to wall painting the expo has a rich experience for both parents and children.

While parents discovered value in products for their children, the interactive zone created hosted unique experiences and interactions while encouraging “Save the Girl Child” as the tagline.

Buyers Guide – Construction Workwear

Wearing the right workwear is essential for safety, especially in environments that are naturally dangerous, such as the construction industry. With regulations to adhere to and the general comfort of your employees to bear in mind, it can be difficult to know where to start. But, there is no need to fret, as we have everything covered for you below.

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SAFETY FOOTWEAR

Let’s start at the bottom – footwear! Ask yourself the following…

• Is there any risk of nails, or any other type of sharp object, penetrating the sole of the shoe?
• Is there any risk of materials being dropped on employees’ feet?

If you answered yes to either question, specialist footwear is a must. Boots with mid-soles and steel toecaps are needed as a standard. If there is the risk of burns from wet cement or concrete, it’s essential to wear wellington boots. Otherwise, employees could suffer severe burns, as cement content becomes extremely corrosive when mixed with water.

TIP: Look for footwear with slip-resistant soles for extra protection.

EYE PROTECTION

There are numerous scenarios whereby eye protection is required, including to protect against:

• Chemical splashes
• Ultraviolet radiation from welding
• Sparks, for example, when disc-cutting
• Flying objects

It is important for an employer to have an additional supply of safety goggles and spectacles so that they are readily replaced if any become defective or lost. Derrick Law Firm’s team of injury lawyers can help you to make a claim if you have been injured because such safety equipment has not been provided. It may be necessary to invest in a visor for full-face protection if you are safeguarding from corrosive splashes but remember this is your employer’s responsibility.

HARD HATS

The risk of falling materials is one that is present on virtually all sites, which is why a hard hat is a must for construction workers. Of course, there are other tactics that need to be deployed, but effective head protection is a necessity. In short, if there is any chance of someone hitting his or her head or being injured by falling materials, a hard hat is a must.

Some examples of hazards you are protecting yourself from:

• A scaffolder dropping a fitting while dismantling or erecting a scaffold.
• Materials falling off goods being carried via a truck or site dumper.
• Materials falling off a load being lifted by a crane.
• Materials falling from a scaffold platform.
• A loose material being kicked into an excavation.

There are many hard hats to choose from nowadays, some of which come with extra features, including a soft harness or a sweatband for the forehand. While these hard hats may cost a little bit more, they are worth it if they will enhance the comfort and consequent safety of the user.

TIP: Make sure hard hats are inspected on a routine basis for deterioration, cracks, or dents, and replace if necessary.

GLOVES

Safety gloves can protect against a whole host of hazards, including:

• Splinters and gloves when handling wood, steel, and bricks.
• Solvents, wet concrete, and dust – such as cement, which can cause dermatitis.

There are different types of hand protection available to suit a variety of jobs and workers. For example, there are insulated gloves and sleeves for workers exposed to electrical hazards, welding gloves for welding, and heavy-duty rubber gloves for concrete work.

HIGH VISIBILITY CLOTHING


If someone cannot be seen, an accident is waiting to happen. When there is poor lighting or bad conditions, high visibility clothing is a necessity. Ask yourself the following…

• Do workers need to be seen by others to ensure safe operation? For example, a crane driver needs to any signallers assisting in the operation.
• Could a vehicle run down an employee?

If so, Hi-Vis garments are required.

Not only does this clothing need to be worn, but also it needs to be kept in good condition too, ensuring it’s effective.

OUTDOOR CLOTHING



Last but not least, we have outdoor clothing, which, of course, is a concern for construction workers. Construction workers often work outside, and thus they need clothing that can shelter them from the weather. The sun can cause significant damage. Protection from ultraviolet rays is a necessity. If you are working outside for an extended period of time, make sure you do the following:

• Keep a close eye on the condition of your skin
• Cover your legs and arms

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the workwear that is required in the construction industry. It is important to choose with care. Unfortunately, there are a lot of fake helmets and footwear, for example, on the market, which is why you need to buy from a reputable supplier that meets the applicable safety standards.

Preparing Your Nearly-Grown Child For Life Success

Many parents have a skewed understanding of what it takes to be a success in life, especially if they came into adulthood in the seventies, eighties, and nineties. Back then, jobs were plentiful and secure, housing was affordable, and there were less “global issues” to think about. There’s a reason why many teenagers are suffering from mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. If you have a child who will soon be in adulthood, then one of the best things you can do for them is to prepare them real-world success. We take a look at a number of ways you can do this below.

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Stop Babying Them

In the olden days, children were the employees of their parents. Now, they’re the bosses. However, it’s just a fact of life that out there in the real world, there are no bosses, and if there are, it’s unlikely to be your son or daughter. As such, it’s a good idea to prepare them for life by nudging them towards adulthood in your own way. You can give them more responsibilities, and make sure they’re accountable for their actions. It’s what they’ll have to face when they’re out there trying to make it. There won’t be anyone to clean up after them when they’re living on their own.

Put Away Funds

As we said at the beginning of the article, it’s not easy for young people out there. There aren’t that many jobs, and for the ones that are, competition can be fierce. People are often forced into taking unpaid internships if they want to have any hope of making it in the most desirable industries. To ensure your child doesn’t need to turn down these opportunities due to money issues, look at putting a little bit of cash away each month. If the time comes when they need to take an internship – or pursue another option that requires startup cash – then you’ll be on hand to help them out. It’s not a gift though; they can pay you back when they finally land that job.

Setting Them Up

Many young people have to deal with debt, be it because of education or the high cost of living. As such, many young aren’t thriving and being the best version of themselves: they’re just trying to get by. And that means that the basics of life, such as property or a case, can be impossible to come by. Here’s where you come in. Consider buying a piece of real estate, and letting your child live there rent-free (or they can pay a discounted rent). If you have a car that you were thinking of replacing, hand the keys down to your son or daughter when you buy your new vehicle. Both of these will make a dramatic difference to your child’s life and will have a minimal impact on your own. You were going to buy a new car anyway, and the property will still be in your name and part of your financial portfolio.

Handling Finances

The most common grievance people have about school is that they learned a lot about useless topics, and not enough about the things that really matter, such as how to handle finances. But schools can’t be responsible for everything. As such, look at filling in the blanks, and educating your child about the best approach to money. It’s much easier to avoid debt altogether rather than try to get out of later on down the line. Learning good practices as early as possible will set them up for a financially healthy life.

Set Expectations

There’s no such thing as a self-driven person. Those entrepreneurs who pushed through their dreams weren’t self-driven; they were simply responding to the expectations that were set for them. Humans have a phenomenal capacity, every single one of us, but sometimes we need to be nudged in the right direction to reach our full potential. If you maintain high standards in your personal life and let your child know what you expect of them, then you’ll be setting a bar for them to reach. The people who are a success often look back at the discipline and atmosphere of hard work in their family as the reason why they were successful.

…But No Pressure

It’s worth remembering, however, that there’s a fine line between expectations and pressure. Expectations reflect a standard of output (as in “if you’re going to do something, do it well”). Pressure pushes people into doing something that they don’t really want to do. Your son or daughter will be more likely to be successful (also happier) if they feel the freedom to go in any direction they want (within reason, of course). We’re all different, including your child, so let them find their own path.

Helping with the Career

Because competition is so fierce for jobs, it usually takes more than just a cover letter and resumes to land a position. Indeed, somewhere in the region of 80% of jobs aren’t even advertised. When your child is just reaching adulthood, they won’t have any of the contacts that can help grease the wheels when it comes to finding employment. But you might. Talk to your friends, colleagues, and so on to see if anybody knows of a job that’s available. You’d be surprised just how many jobs are filled this way.

Dealing with Setbacks

Life isn’t easy, no matter what circumstances we’re in. Even if everything seems like it’s going swimmingly, it can all become undone pretty quickly! It’s not what happens to us that matters, however, but how we respond. Teach your children the art of resilience and overcoming setbacks. It’ll be one of the best tools in their arsenal as they navigate their way through life.

Be Open

Finally, remember to be open. If they feel like they can talk with you about what’s going on in their life, you’ll be providing a mightily useful service in their life. Just because they’re an adult, you’re still their parent!

Saroj Khan’s Journey In Bollywood

In its Endeavour to provide high-quality 21st-century education, Rishihood aims to continuously create and recreate its curriculum under the guidance and support of the experts from diverse fields. The inputs and insights from seasoned professionals direct the team to make specifically tailored courses and programs.

Big Shots, Rishihood’s flagship event, is a series of conversations with inspiring doers, creators, entrepreneurs, and big shots to learn from their wisdom, life journeys, and ideas. It is a manifestation of the University’s idea of associating with the best to deliver the best.

The recent event of Big Shots witnessed an enriching conversation with the choreography maestro, Ms. Saroj Khan. Hosted at the Indian International Center, Max Mueller Marg, Mrs. Saumya Aggarwal, a Board Member of Rishihood Varsity and the moderator for the evening welcomed the chief guest and the audience. Mr. Mahesh Agarwal, radiologist, and a Board Member thanked Ms. Khan and congratulated the team for the association with her.

Saroj Khan shared about her humble beginning in Bollywood 61 years ago when industry and especially dancing was male-centric. With the responsibility of running the family, she started as a child artist in the movie Nazrana and became an assistant dance choreographer at the tender age of 12. She retraces her journey with ‘Geeta Mera Naam’ when director Sadhana offered her the first break. She gratefully recalls Subhash Ghai who was impressed by her commitment to work offered her work in the movie Hero.

She fondly retells about the making of the super hit number ‘ek do teen..’ with Madhuri Dixit which remains very close to her heart and vivid in her memories. Her relentless dedicated work pushed the Filmfare awards to include Choreography as a separate category for nominations. She not only bagged the first one but completed a hat-trick.

She asserts that the time she joined was a golden period for the industry because everyone worked for the love of art and not the business. She also expresses her hopes of Indian style of dancing to remain on the screens for a long run as she puts ‘our art never dies’. She proudly tells how the next gen actresses have expressed interest to learn Indian dance form from her in the recent times. Choreography, she believes, manifests craving for creation. She keeps her creative process simple where she visualizes the situation of the song in the narrative, considers the dancing ability of the artists and then follows her heart to create the magic.

She has formally entered into a partnership with the School of Creativity, Rishihood to guide the team for School of Creativity. The Varsity seeks to reach exemplary heights in creativity and service society with this partnership. She appreciated Rishihood for initiating the much-needed effort of bringing the novel course of formalizing dance education in India. She also expressed the concern that the path would not be easy enough as a visual performing art like dance is difficult to be taught through traditional means but with concerted efforts of the team, it would be great service for the art and the artists.

The event was witnessed by eminent Entrepreneurs, Journalists, Industry experts, and academicians.

4 Signs Your Home Needs Urgent Roof Repair

Simply because it’s hard to reach and inspect on a regular basis, the roof of a home tends to be neglected even by the most observant homeowners. No part of a home’s exterior suffers as much damage from changing weather as does the roof, for it is constantly exposed to sunlight, rain, wind, snow, hail, bird droppings and so on.

Over time, your home’s roof loses structural strength and needs regular repair and maintenance to preserve its longevity and reverse damage from the elements.

To keep your roofing in top shape, be proactive and check regularly for the following signs of deterioration.

Your roof has started to sag at some places

If your roof is sagging, it is a tell-tale sign of impending trouble. A roof would usually sag because it has turned old and weak and has suffered continuous damage over time. Poor installation is also a common cause of sagging and faulty alignment.

Ideally, regular upkeep and repair would help you avoid reaching such a situation. However, if for some reason you have not been able to care for your roof(for instance, if you live in a different location or if your home suffered unprecedented damage from a natural event), take a slumping roof as a warning sign that it could collapse any time if not repaired or replaced urgently.

The shingles on your roof are falling apart

Remember that even a couple of loose, broken or damaged shingles should be enough to consider a professional roof inspection followed by necessary repairs. Loose or missing shingles is an indication that your roof is not as robust and strong as before. This could be due to aging or damage from hail or dust storm.

Similarly, if you notice cracks (caused by excessive dryness) or blisters (caused by excessive moisture) on the shingles or find some of them curled, it is time to consider getting a professional opinion on whether you should have your roof repaired or replaced.

Rainwater is leaking into your home

Leakage is the most obvious sign that there are cracks in your roof or in its supporting elements such as the flashing or the underlayment. While inspecting for leakage, don’t forget to check the attic and hard-to-reach areas around the house.

Faulty ventilation, broken flashing or sealing, and aged shingles can all cause water to leak through the cracks and damage your possessions. To preserve your roof in time and avoid costly repairs and replacement, get a free roof inspection by a local Boise roofing expert.

Your power bills have shot up

One of the common causes of high electricity bills is damaged, poorly maintained roofing. Damage to any of the components of a roofing system can cause cool or warm air to escape your home, causing your HVAC to work harder. If you’re wondering why your energy bills have shot up in the recent past, have your roof and ventilation checked for deterioration by a licensed roof technician.

You May Need Professional Help to Overcome Your Opiate Addiction

Opiate addiction has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and its deadly effects make this an especially tragic problem. Every day, there are 115 deaths attributed to opiate overdoses in this country and that number continues to rise. In 2016, Florida reported 2,798 deaths resulting from opiate-related overdoses. Put in other terms, there were 14.4 deaths per 100,000 people in Florida, while the rate for opiate overdose deaths across the country is at 13.3 deaths per 100,000. This indicates that opiate addiction is more widespread in Florida than in most other states in the U.S.

The reason that there are so many opiate-related deaths nationwide and in Florida is that these types of drugs are especially powerful. Even when addicts realize they need to get clean, they often find that they’re physically unable to quit by themselves. When they try, their cravings cause a severe relapse that puts the individual in danger of a fatal overdose. This is why addicts are urged to reach out to an opiate rehab center in Florida, when they’re ready to quit.

When you enter a rehab facility, your first step will be to get clean and you’ll receive the help you need through a medical detox. By using prescribed drugs to gradually wean you away from your opiate addiction, you’ll be better able to handle your cravings as well as the intense withdrawal symptoms you would otherwise experience. These symptoms can include any of the following:

  • Depression or anxiety
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea, which may be accompanied by vomiting
  • Agitation
  • Mood swings

Once you’re clean and no longer depend on medication to help you control your cravings, you can move forward. The next phase of your treatment will involve structured schedules designed to keep you occupied, while also helping you confront your addiction. You’ll attend one on one therapy sessions with a counselor to help you identify the triggers that led to your drug addiction. These sessions will give you an opportunity to discuss anything that’s troubling you, so you can identify areas of your life that need improvement.

You’ll also participate in group peer support meetings, which will cover a variety of topics. Together, you will discuss how to spot the signs of opiate addiction in others and how to help those in need. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to mentor those who are newer to the program or you’ll be able to meet the mentor you may need. The goal of group support meetings is to help you build a supportive network of sober-minded people, so you won’t drift back into destructive practices.

Your family members may also be asked to participate in your recovery on their visits with you. This will give you an opportunity to mend relationships and build a strong support system outside of the treatment center. Once you leave the facility, you’ll be able to rely on your family for the support you’ll need to move forward with your recovery. Building a strong network inside and outside the facility will increase your chances of continuing your recovery over time.

An opiate addiction treatment program isn’t just about counseling, though that is a big part of any successful program. You’ll also be able to participate in activities that teach you new ways of living healthy. Your physical and mental health will be benefited by learning meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques. These activities work to reduce the stress that plays a big role in the relapses that derail some recovering addicts.

You’ll also have an opportunity to take up physical activities and learn about healthy eating habits. By taking a more holistic approach to your life, you’ll be more focused on healthy habits and that will reduce your risk of a relapse. While these practices aren’t required in your rehab program, they do help many recovering addicts in learning to better cope with stress.

By the time you graduate from your recovery program, you’ll be better equipped to deal with the triggers that caused your addiction. You’ll have learned useful coping skills that will help you resist the urge of using again and you’ll be ready to start a new chapter in your life. This is an opportunity to chase dreams that your addiction caused you to forget or you may find that you have new interests. Either way, this is an opportunity for you to start your life fresh, clean, and healthier.

Self Care Tips We Forget About

Self-care is a big thing in the modern world, considering how much stress and tension is going around, and how the news rarely has good things to say to us. Because of this, more and more people are having to take a step back to recollect themselves, which is quite a healthy thing to do, when you actually know how to.

Self-care can be done in many different ways, and it’s something everyone has their own opinions on. But sometimes we can forget what activities are truly relaxing, or we can forget how much time we should truly dedicate to taking care of ourselves. And honestly? We could all do with a reintroduction on what we should do for ourselves! So here’s a couple of ideas to hopefully inspire you.

Even just taking a few deep breaths can relax you in moments. (Source)

You’re Allowed to Live in the Moment

A lot of people hear the term ‘mindfulness’ and immediately turn up their nose; it’s something quite a few don’t put stock in or don’t let themselves properly try or enjoy, and as a result, they can miss out on a lot of benefits. So if you’re trying to give yourself a break from very serious things like negotiating with debt collectors or dealing with the loss of a beloved pet, be sure to let yourself breathe and feel in the moment.

It really can knock the stress and tension of life away, and let you feel like nothing exists outside of this little bubble you’ve created for yourself. And that’s something that could work for everyone – if you live a fast-paced, high demanding job, or you haven’t had any free time this week and next week is shaping up to be the same way, use this as your sign to try out some mindfulness techniques.

There Are Good Things in the World

And you can and should indulge in them! If what other people think means a lot to you, now’s your chance to shed their influence in a little way that still matters! So no matter what a critic said about a recent movie, or what your friends think of that reality TV show you like to binge on – if you enjoy something in media, no matter how ‘trash’ it seems to other people, you’re allowed to indulge in it.

Never let yourself feel guilty for having fun in harmless ways like this. As humans, we like to think of ourselves as people of the world, who are very cultured and intelligent, and we trick ourselves into turning away from harmless pursuits we can very much enjoy. Don’t let yourself fall into this kind of trap!

Self-care is something we take for granted, or we push aside as a silly thing that won’t do anything real for us. But it can do a lot for both your mind and body, so be sure to give it a try if you’ve had a bad day.