Three Common Mistakes Runners Make In Injury Rehabilitation

One of the most excruciating parts of being injured often isn’t the pain itself; it’s the limitation of not being able to do the things you love. As runners, we are champions of endurance and of transcending the limits of what the body can do.

We are primed to go further and run harder through rain or shine. Although, when it comes to injury, this isn’t always the healthiest approach. Here are three common mistakes to avoid in the rehabilitation process to ensure longevity and a healthy recovery.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, about sixty percent of runners confront injuries that are severe enough to put them on the sidelines. Running injuries are generally on a spectrum. Aches and pains, sore muscles, and fatigued joints often come with the territory, leaving many runners to wonder when it’s time to seek professional help. Acute injuries are the most obvious case. This category includes those sudden injuries such as broken bones and sprains resulting in immediate swelling, ongoing pain, and impaired mobility of the injured body part.

Chronic injuries, also recognized as overuse injuries can be a bit trickier to gauge. These pains are caused by contributing forces that wreak havoc on the body over repeated activity and prolonged periods of time. Risk factors can include the type of terrain you’ve been running on, the quality and support of the shoes you wear, and the level of training you’ve completed (yes, there is such thing as overtraining). Other contributing factors can include improper form and changes in both strength and flexibility.

What Are Common Running Injuries?

Shin splints are a common and incredibly painful ‘side effect’ of wear and tear. When the muscles and tendons covering the shinbones become inflamed, runners will experience a stabbing pain that often extends from the knees to the ankles. Runners with tight calf muscles may also become vulnerable to Achilles Tendinitis, causing the Achilles to swell. Of course, the most obvious of runner’s injuries would have to be ‘Runners Knee.’ More formally known as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), Runners Knee causes a great deal of pain around the kneecap. Some runners may even hear an alarming popping sound as they continue to move through the pain. There a range of vulnerabilities we may face as runners, but the benefits far outweigh the risks. The key is to approach prevention and rehabilitation smarter.

1. Running Through Injury

We get it, no pain, no gain, but in the process of rehabilitation, this attitude is quite counterintuitive. While some injuries may get better and feel less painful as you keep going, you have to be mindful of your long-term well-being. According to Runner’s World, there is a fine line between a ‘niggle’ and a full-blown injury.  Generally, if the ache keeps you up at night or begins to interfere with your day-to-day life, this can be the sign of a larger issue at hand (or foot or knee). If you have had at least two weeks of rest and the trusty old RICE method, (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), and the problem persists, it may be time to see a physiotherapist.

2. Neglecting the Root Cause

We’ve all fallen privy to the dark hole of WebMD and Google searches. There is a lot of information available to us, but when it comes down to it, each of our bodies are different. While a fancy name like Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome can bring some clarity to your situation, it won’t necessarily keep the issue from happening again in the future. Our bodies are complex systems and the intricacies of our biomechanics hold the greatest insight into the reason why an issue happened in the first place. Visiting a physiotherapist can help you to delve into the root cause of injury and derive personalized insights that no Google search can achieve.

3. Thinking Subjectively

There is no “one size fits all” solution to injury. It’s a complex process that requires an objective approach and path to recovery. This is where many runners are behind, as they lack the tools and objective insights to make the right choices for their bodies. This is where dorsaVi comes in.

DorsaVi is a motion sensory wearable that is a cost-effective and objective solution to rehabilitation. The wearable delivers lab-quality data, combining complex algorithms with biomechanical instruments and different sensors that measure both muscle activity and body movement. DorsaVi’s Professional Suite captures movement analytics from three core modules, Low Back, Run, and Knee to identify injury risk and guide proper rehabilitation.

“The dorsaVi wearable sensor solutions allow many aspects of detailed human movement and position to be acutely captured, quantified, with the same level of accuracy as a biomechanics lab – but with the benefit of it being simple to use, low cost and accessible for use in real situations in real-time,” says Megan Connell, Chief Marketing Officer at dorsaVi.

When it comes to injury, objectivity is the smartest of all medicines. By listening to your body, learning more about it, and taking the introspective route, your road to recovery will put you right back on your feet.

Telehealth Services: How it is Influencing the Job Ratio in the Health Sector

In an era where technology development has transformed the way we connect and communicate, an efficient system of healthcare has become possible to be altered. Nowadays, it is possible for a doctor or a physician to provide consultation and healthcare without being in the same room or even in the same region, and one of the forms of a system that makes this happen is telehealth. Telehealth or also known as telemedicine is a term for a telecommunication technology system that allows healthcare professionals such as doctors and physician to have an online consultation and engage in a long distance monitoring. The data of the patients also can be accessed by any authorized users regardless of their regions, making collaboration between specialist can be done remotely. But with its digital platform, how can telehealth influence the job ratio in the health sector? The question will be answered below.

The System

Telehealth might be a healthcare system but it cannot work without a specialist or a real human behind it. That’s why recruiting credible healthcare professionals are needed to fulfil the demands of remote healthcare services. It is reported from The U.S. Department of Education that the demand of the careers in telehealth has been invested by the government. It is ensured that the government will give adequate training for any individuals that would be accepted into the programs to increase the operation of telemedicine networks industry.

According to NEJM, telemedicine also allows specialist at universities to expand their work and offerings in underserved rural areas. By having this program, many junior apprentices who are qualified can get more experience in their field. It is including the rural and remote communities as well that maybe lack of medical infrastructure.

In these communities, many new jobs are available at clinics and many smaller institutions can connect patients with doctors through the telehealth system. It is true that a professional clinician is necessary to manage this system but a support staff such as IT staffs will also be required so that the system will run smoothly. That’s why telehealth could increase the job ratio and influence the change in the recruitment system.

The use of telehealth digital health system has made digital employment for healthcare professions a thing. It is an employment opportunity using technology and equipment management that is also adopted by the telemedicine technology. This helps many clinics to hire an individual that is qualified for administrative operation and healthcare services from others area. It can also filters individual based on their special skills and makes the process of recruitment more efficient.

In Missouri times, it is stated that telemedicine technologies has expanded globally around the world and brings the same employment opportunities. It is stated that over 22.000 jobs have been created in Colombia after using this digital telemedicine initiative. The effect of digital telemedicine initiative is not only affecting the improvement of health care capabilities but also creating new opportunities for the community of healthcare professional as well. So does it increase the job ratio? It does, with a digital futuristic system, telehealth brings health care as well as healthcare associate closer with no barriers.

Treatment Options For PAD Offered By Metro Vascular Centers

Metro Vascular Centers offers patient care through effective, save, and minimally invasive arterial procedures. The services that the organization offers are designed for patients who are suffering from PAD or other endovascular conditions. The trained vascular surgeons at Metro Vascular Centers and the state of the art equipment that the organization has enable the organization to take care of patient needs that revolve around PAD. Currently, the organization has 2 locations in the United States, one in West Bloomfield, Michigan and one in Queens, New York – with patients having the options to schedule an appointment online.

What is PAD?

The organization’s website offers detailed information about the vascular system and its problems. PAD (or Peripheral Artery Disease) is a common problem and it occurs when narrowed arteries are reducing blood flow to the limbs. There are more than 3 million cases of PAD diagnosed in the United States every year, and often times people will experience no symptoms. When symptoms are present, patients will experience cramping or pain in the limbs, which gets caused by physical activity and will dissipate after resting for a few minutes. Early on, the disease could cause difficulty walking, but there are also more sever forms which can cause infections, painful foot ulcers, or gangrene. PAD affects up to 20% of people who are 65 and older, and 8 to 12 millions of people suffer from it in the United States.

At Metro Vascular Centers treatment options are offered using the latest technology. The overall goals when it comes to treating PAD is reducing the symptoms, improving the quality of life, and preventing strokes, heart attacks, and amputation. PAD is caused by cholesterol deposits and the buildup of fat in the walls of the arteries, and over time, this narrows the artery and is causing circulatory issues within the arms and legs. Those who suffer from PAD are 3 times more likely to die of strokes or heart attacks. When it comes to treating PAD there are 3 main approaches: making lifestyle changes, medication, and in certain cases, having a special procedure or surgery.

The doctors at the Metro Vascular Centers will evaluate each patient in order to design an individualized treatment plan, the procedures that the organization offers for treating PAD being angioplasty, stenting, and atherectomy. Stenting involves a metal or plastic tube which gets inserted into the blood vessel or duct in order to keep the passageway open and the blood flow continuous. Additionally, the doctors at the Metro Vascular Centers also offer deep vein thrombosis treatment and AV fistula procedures. Patients can schedule a free consultation, and the team of doctors can perform a number of non-surgical diagnostic procedures in order to determine the best treatment options for those who suffer from PAD.

Hosting a Charity Event on a Budget

Many nonprofits make money as a result of their business activities. For example, Red Cross makes money by charging for training courses and products, but they also accept donations. Other nonprofits have to rely largely on fundraising efforts to pay their expenses. And fundraising can be grueling. Making phone calls, handing out flyers on sidewalks, and going door-to-door can make you feel a little like a used car salesman. But for most nonprofit companies, it’s one of the necessities of the business. In fact, without a certain amount of donations every year, these companies would have to close their doors almost immediately. And one of the classier ways they do this is by hosting charity events. They can be auctions, balls, sporting events, and more. If you’re hosting these events to raise money, the last thing you want to do is spend a fortune on putting them on. If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to host a great event without breaking the bank.

Use a free venue

If you run a nonprofit, you may already have access to a free space to host an event. But even if you don’t, there are probably plenty of businesses in town who would love to help out. One example would be the local country club. You may be able to use their golf course free or for a portion of the proceeds to host a charity golf tournament. Other places you could check into are community centers, Boy Scout buildings, or hospital event rooms. And rather than buying everything you need for a one-time use, consider renting. For example, if you’re hosting a children’s charity event in New York, you can check into a throne chair rental NYC. You can use a throne as a photo booth opportunity, a “queen or king for a day” event, or even a place for Santa to sit at a Christmas party.

Use free entertainment

Rising talent and area bands are often willing to perform for charity events at no cost for the chance to be heard. But that’s not the only type of entertainment you can use. Another idea is a silent disco. Attendees wear headphones and dance to tunes on their smartphones. You either have them all tune into the same song or they can listen to their own. You can also hire a DJ to pipe music into their headphones if you wish. The point is that anyone not wearing headphones can’t hear a thing. But as an alternative to music, you can use magicians, comedians, or motivational speakers. The best entertainment might be the ones who will volunteer their services for free.

Host a cook-off

A cook-off can include one type of food or several categories. For example, you might host a barbecue cook-off on one side and a bake-off for desserts on the other. The participants can be charged a small fee to enter and then you can combine those fees for the prize. If it’s local businesses participating, however, they are sometimes happy with a newspaper write-up in lieu of a cash prize. And you make money from the fees you charge patrons at the door. This is a great way to offer food and fun for little out-of-pocket cost for you.

Find inexpensive decorations

The decor you use for charity events doesn’t have to be expensive. Keep your eyes open all year for bargains and sales. For example, you might find a Target liquidation sale where you can purchase a pallet of regularly used items, such as chairs and tables. Or you might find a going-out-of-business sale at a local party supply store. Just try to collect things over the course of the year that you can use again and again.

 

How to Choose a Diet That Helps Animals

There are a lot of ways that you can help animals. You could, for example, volunteer at an animal shelter, foster pets who are waiting to be adopted, or donate to a non-profit. But one of the most impactful ways – as well as one of the easiest ways – to help animals around the world is by making smarter and kinder eating choices.

Royalty Free Photo

Consider Going Plant-Based

By now, with all of the studies on nutrition, and all of the news about climate change, you’ve undoubtedly heard about the plant-based diet. This is a diet that eliminates all animal products, and it’s easier than ever to follow this healthy way of eating. Of course, there are loads of resources and forums online that you can turn to, but you can also get valuable advice from a licensed dietitian and nutritionist.

There are many benefits associated with eliminating meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, and any other products that come from animals. For example, a plant-based diet can help reduce your risk of developing a range of diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart problems. It can also help you slim down if you’re overweight, and it’s a great way to increase your intake of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that support overall health. And, don’t worry, there is plenty of protein to be had when you consume a plant-based diet!

How a Plant-Based Diet Helps Animals

By following a diet that’s focused on plants, rather than animals, it’s obvious that you’ll be saving animals. Because you won’t be consuming meat, you won’t be contributing to inhumane farming practices, and you won’t be contributing to animals being sent to the slaughterhouse. All you have to do to discover the horrors that farm animals go through is a simple internet search. Many undercover investigations at farms and slaughterhouses have proven for many years that what is most common in animal agriculture, is horrific conditions and abuse.

By changing the way that you eat and following a whole-foods, plant-based diet, you can get all of the nutrition that you need while indulging in a wide range of flavors. At the same time, you’ll be reducing the demand for animal products, so producers will need to turn to other modes of making money, such as investing in plant-based meat and dairy alternatives – something that many brands have already done in order to keep up with consumer demand around the globe.

The Plant-Based Diet Also Helps Wildlife

Following a plant-based diet does even more to help animals because it can also support wildlife. When you consider the immense amount of space required for factory farms and slaughterhouses, as well as the land that’s cleared for grazing free-range animals, and the pollution that’s caused by animal agriculture, you begin to understand the environmental impact that an animal-based diet has. Ranchers even go so far as to kill wildlife to protect their farm animals. And let’s not forget about overfishing, which is taking its toll on the oceans.

It’s clear to see that there are many great reasons to choose a compassionate diet to help animals every day, so go ahead and give it try.  

5 Humane Ways to Rid your Home of Mice

Nothing is worse than the irritating sound of mice in the attic, and nothing shames a host during a party like guests spotting a mouse in the living room. It’s unfortunate that mice don’t discriminate where they choose to live, so even homes that are more expensive are not immune to getting invaded by mice. They are unhygienic, carry diseases, gnaw electricity and internet cables, and damage walls and get into the food in your pantry.


If you have been trying to get rid of mice, you must have established that this isn’t the easiest thing to do since they are small enough to squeeze through the tiniest of openings, and can climb and make nests in areas that you can’t even access, not to mention they are prolific breeders. Some people hate mice so much that all they think of is poisoning and killing them without considering how inhumane it is to kill them in such a horrible way. If you can’t imagine yourself doing such a thing, then you must then find alternative ways of getting them out of your home, and keeping them from returning. This can involve hiring rodent control exterminators that will remove the mice in a humane way, or you can try these alternatives:


  1.  Smart Mouse Traps

    Smart trapping, or live trapping, is a technique that enables homeowners to catch mice without killing or injuring them. It involves mice holding cells that are built like small houses with doors the size of an adult mouse. All you do is place cheese or peanut butter inside of them as bait, and once the mouse enters it and eats the bait, the door snaps shut trapping the rodent inside. You can then set it free at a location away from your home, wash the trap, and then reuse it. Just don’t make the mistake of freeing them near a dumpster where they can multiply and come back to your home.

    Note: Some smart traps are spacious enough to trap and hold more than 30 mice at once.

    2. Ultrasonic Noises

    If you don’t want to trap then release the mice, why not irritate them with weird noises until they run away? There are mice repelling devices which make noises that are only audible to rodents so you’ll never hear a thing. You can buy one for less than $20 and plug it near the area where you suspect the mice are nesting.

  2. Repulsive Predator Smells

    Mice, just like other rodents, have a strong sense of smell which they use to detect the presence of predators within their space. You can use this against them by placing used kitty litter strategically around the home, giving them a false alarm that there are predators everywhere. If you don’t own a cat, then don’t worry because there are many chemicals out there which imitate the scent of cats. These include mothballs, ammonia solution, and peppermint, all of which will scare mice away when placed near their nests. You will, however, need to replace them regularly as the scent fades away with time.
  3. Rodent Strobe Lights

    Most rodents hate when high-intensity lights flash around their nests. Rodent strobe lights build on this concept and make the home very uncomfortable for the mice. You will need to install several of these devices around their favorite hiding areas such as the attic, dark rooms, and food storage locations, and keep them on for both day and night until you are sure the mice are gone. While you’re at it, ensure that all rooms in the home are well organized to eliminate the chance of the mice relocating their nests from the attic, for example, to another area within the home.

  4.  Sealing Up their Entry Points

    Once the rodents are out of your home then you need to make sure they don’t return by sealing up any suspected entry points. You probably have tried this method already, but did you do it the right way? If you sealed everywhere but left an opening as small as half an inch, then you didn’t completely prevent them from finding a way back in. It could be the space under your exterior doors, plumbing spaces, or where cables from the exterior enter the house. You will achieve better results by closing all the doors and windows, switching off the lights to make the interior completely dark, and then noting all the light openings. Seal them with wire mesh or, in the case of door openings, replace the weather-strip material.

    While there are many ways to rid your home of mice, the five that we have discussed are both effective and humane. They are proof that you don’t have to be cruel to animals in order to keep them under control. One last tip: keep your home interiors and exteriors tidy at all times as this will significantly reduce the breeding areas for rodents.

    Sources:


https://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/blogs/5-humane-critter-catchers
https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/01/realestate/your-home-eliminating-hospitality-for-rodents.html
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/property/966699/how-to-get-rid-of-mice-in-the-home-pest-control
https://www.humanepestcontroltips.com/rodent-strobe.shtml

Different Humane Ways to Remove Wildlife from your Attic

If you have ever had to deal with an unwanted animal in your attic, you know that simply shooing them away is hardly enough to get them to leave without coming back. Even if you are an animal lover, having a raccoon or rats in your attic can be annoying and even dangerous. You constantly have to deal with strange noises and if they decide to chew their way through your attic, you could be looking at thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.

Calling a wildlife removal expert may help you get rid of the problem, but make sure whoever you call only removes them in a humane fashion. If however you are a DIY kind of person that thinks they can tackle the job themselves, then here are a few suggestions that will help you eliminate the unwanted guests without harming them:

1. Know your enemy

Different animals will require different methods to get rid of. The first step is to determine the species of the animal inhabiting the attic. The easiest way to know which animal is in your attic is by the noises it makes. Scampering or scurrying noises coupled with gnawing and squeaking at night shows the presence of rodents like rats or squirrels. Purrs, whimpers, growls, screams, and hisses indicate that you might have a raccoon problem. You can also check the openings where the animals are getting in and out to get an idea of the size of the animal.

2. Make them know they are not welcome

Once you know what you’re dealing with, it’s time to show them that they are not welcome. When animals inhabit your attic, they are usually looking for a safe, warm, and dark place to stay especially if they want to have babies. As such, your job is to transform your attic into the worst place possible for the animals to call home. Here are some effective tactics to convince your furry visitors that they moved to the wrong place:

a) Predator smell – Nothing will have pests running faster than the thought of being trapped with a dangerous animal out to kill them. Place a used dog or cat blanket as close as possible to the area where the animals are living in your attic. The smellier the blanket the better. You can even soak it in dog or cat urine, or purchase fox urine for even better results.

b) Make a lot of noise – You can’t afford to leave the animals alone. If they get comfortable, they could multiply easily so you need to keep them on their paws. Periodically, go into your attic and make some noise. Blow whistles, clang pots and pans, honk air horns and create as much chaos as possible. You can even have a wireless stereo up there playing loud rock music whenever you suspect they’re there. Make sure you are making the noise during the sleeping times of the animals, but be careful when setting this up since some of the animals, like raccoons, can be aggressive when provoked.

c) Turn on the lights – The next step is to make sure the attic is well-lit at all times, day and night.

3. The wait

Once you’ve utilized all these scare tactics, it’s time to give the animals some time to move out. This should happen within 48 hours. If the animal had babies, you need to give her time to get her babies moved to a new location. If you don’t, they will never leave and will force their way back into your attic just to get their babies.

4. Use traps

If you’ve tried the above tactics and the animal still refuses to leave, you may need to use a trap. There are currently many types of traps available for purchase that will work on different animals without harming them. However, trapping should only be used as a last resort particularly for raccoons or squirrels that have babies. Also make sure you check the traps daily just so you don’t starve them to death by trapping them to where they can’t get food or water.

5. Ensure they don’t get back

Once you’ve gotten rid of all the unwanted guests, you need to ensure they never find a way to get back into the attic. Block all possible entryways with strong netting or thick boards, and trim back tree branches that the animals may have used to jump onto the roof.

Sources

http://www.wildlifehotline.com/welcome/mammals/raccoons/evicting-raccoons/

http://www.ftwl.org/node/28

https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/04/160424-raccoons-animals-science-washington-wildlife/

Humane Methods of Wildlife Control

If you’ve had a problem with wildlife invading in your property, then you know how frustrating it is to deal with them. They like sneaking into homes with hollow spaces beneath porches, attics, basements, wall insulations, and other warm pockets. Some animals can scratch through weak walls and even erect nests around your property. The worst you can imagine is when they begin to chew your property and also dig up your lawn. Trying to remove or control them on your own is not easy, so whether they are rats, mice, squirrels, raccoons, bats, opossums or other dangerous animals, it is vital to contact a wildlife control professional for help.

Even though wildlife invasion is a nuisance and can deprive you of your comfort and safety, it is recommended to remove them through humane ways. For instance, certain states cannot allow you to trap and locate animals without proper legal permits. Below are some of the suggested humane methods for wildlife removal from around homes.

Exclusion by Net-Proofing

It involves the use of a gnaw-proof netting that helps to exclude animals from entering a home. It doesn’t include any trapping whatsoever. A mesh can also be installed by burying it underneath the soil to help bar burrowing animals from finding their way in. This method is excellent if you’re planning to prevent damage such animals cause to gardens. A vinyl-coated mesh is stronger and preferable.

Use of Frightening Devices

This is a non-chemical way of eradicating animals from invading your home. Frightening devices come in different types including visual, audio, audio-visual and biological. Visual devices are things like effigies or plastic owls. These devices have scary eyes that control unwanted animals like raccoons and squirrels. Devices that move are very effective. A spotlight with laser pointer or pistol can also be used to drive away animals at night. When using these devices, it is advisable to use them in safe and humane ways. They should not point directly to the eyes. The beams should point parallel to the ground.

The use of audio-visual devices that use both sight and sound are excellent for rural settings. They can disperse birds from living on building tops and erecting nests.

Use of Sonic Net Technology

This is a new method of deterring animals and birds. It involves the use of directional speakers that scare away problematic birds that are prone to building nests on the property. The sound doesn’t have to be so loud. It uses a combination of waveforms that is commonly called colored noise. It also helps to reduce losses caused in agricultural fields and gardens.

Use of All-Natural Repellents

Use of harsh chemicals to kill wildlife isn’t good either. With the introduction of organic repellents, you can flush out and control animals around your home safely and naturally. However, you need to understand the type of animals on your property. If it is birds, then ensure that the state or federal government do not protect them before you remove them. To control unprotected birds, you can use methods such as propane noisemakers, plastic bird spikes, liquid repellents, reflective bird tapes and more. The materials you use should be EPA-registered.

Repellents contain ingredients that aren’t pleasant, and birds cannot tolerate although they are eco-friendly. Avian Migrate is the best since it is eco-friendly and non-lethal. A portable spray can be used to disperse the solution in the habitat where birds live.

Propane noisemakers aren’t harmful to birds. However, they can be a bit pricier and need proper maintenance. Bird spikes are excellent and can be used around building ledges. Unlike steel counterparts, plastic spikes are very safe.

Habitat Modification Method

Modifying the habitat of these animals can also help flush them out for good. Habitat modification can limit the access of these animals to requirements such as shelter, food, and water. Seeds and pet food should be kept in well-sealed containers to help remove their sources of food.

Cracks and holes can be sealed to prevent animals from gaining access to the property. It helps to control animals such as bats and rodents. Firewood, garden debris, and other building supplies should be kept above the ground to limit hiding grounds.

Bottom Line

Animal invasion can be a severe annoyance. Apart from posing a danger to your health, they also damage your property. In case you’ve identified wild animals in your property, then the above are the humane ways that are recommended for safe removal. You can also get a consultation from a professional.

References:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuisance_wildlife_management#Control_methods

http://wildlifecontroltraining.com/training/wildlife-control-methods/

 

Security in Public Spaces Made Easy

Nowadays, people view public spaces very differently than the countless generations before them. Why is that important? Because the relationships that individuals forge with the spaces around them are critical to daily life. But as important as public spaces and commons may be, many urban spaces in this country are neglected, which can lead to decay. Even so, that’s not the only issue. Many arguments about public spaces revolve around institutional disregard and completely omit the impact of latent cultural anxiety.

There’s a major link between terrorism and public anxiety. As attacks in public spaces continue to hold a place in the public consciousness, these impact how Americans view their spaces. According to Pacific Standard: “As these threats endanger public spaces, they also have serious implications on the private, innermost workings of everyday citizens’ psyches.” The consequences of such horrific events aren’t limited to Americans, either.

A catalogue of three years worth of terrorist attacks which unfolded exclusively on European soil (and only those that involved vehicles) highlights premeditated strikes from London and Paris to Barcelona and Berlin. Worst of all is the fact that very little can be done to prevent them without totally reconceptualizing public security. Unfortunately, that typically means comprises have to be made and the right mindset must be deliberately cultivated.

Fortunately, there are practical guides to situational awareness. Reviewing them is likely to be a sound strategy for anyone intent on developing an appropriate mindset. As one such guide explains, “people practicing situational awareness can detect attack steps, avoid danger themselves, and alert the authorities to protect others.” In other words, universally practiced situational awareness sets the stage for more robust public security.

Of course, we can’t place all of our trust and confidence in human factors. That’s because people are inherently fallible — they make mistakes and misinterpret behaviors. What’s threatening to one person might be considered tolerable by another. How can the authorities address that limitation? The answer is through technology. A poll suggests that Americans overwhelmingly support increased public surveillance to help mitigate growing threats, and that’s relatively unsurprising given the frequency and severity of planned terrorist attacks.

Despite the fear-mongering media headlines, authorities have never been better at thwarting terrorism, whether it be foreign or domestic. Many governments can now turn to industry experts to implement safeguards and security countermeasures. The same enterprise security risk management solutions that shield Fortune 500 brands can also be utilized by cities. Though implementations can look very different, the expected outcomes and goals are identical. Polls already indicate that citizens are willing to compromise privacy in exchange for greater peace of mind. It’s likely they would also be willing to direct taxes to such initiatives, especially if research can demonstrate that these activities would yield meaningful results.

Suffice it to say that anxiety in public spaces is definitely well-justified. Recent history has done nothing to convince us that unexpected terrorism is about to go by the wayside. In fact, evidence suggests that things could probably get much worse before they get perceivably better. That isn’t to say that paranoia should take hold, but rather to further stress the centrality of what’s been introduced. Never underestimate how vital it is to feel safe and secure in public.

Signs That You Are Ready To Have a Pet and Care For It Appropriately

A pet can help make a family complete as pets truly become a part of the family over the course of time. The loss of a pet can be more devastating than anything as we often look to our pets for comfort. Pets of all kinds can tell the emotions that you are having so many do actually try to console you if you are upset for some reason. The truth is that not all people are ready for a pet or deserve a pet as animal abuse is much more rampant than many people think. The following are signs that you and your family can have a pet that will be cared for appropriately.

It Won’t Be A Strain Financially

Themoneyalert.com notes that if you are going to have a pet that you need to be able to take care of it health wise and this costs money. Vet bills can be enormous for even some of the most routine of procedures if they are invasive. There are going to be some pets like dogs that are going to eat quite a bit. This gets expensive when the dog needs a special type of food due to having a sensitive stomach. For those families that are living paycheck to paycheck, a pet it just not right for you at this time.

Your Kids Are Good With Animals

The last thing that you want is to have to put your pet down due to it attacking your child. Certain children and animals simply do not mesh as there are kids that do not understand how to handle pets. If you have children that often times abuse animals you need to avoid getting a pet as a pet cannot tell you when it is being abused. After this you need to get your child mental help as abuse towards animals is caused by an underlying mental issue.

You Have Enough Room

There are going to be certain breeds of dogs that are just too large to live in an apartment. Even if they can live there they could tear the entire apartment up due to boredom or excess energy. This does not mean that you cannot have a dog in an apartment but you need to make sure that they get their daily exercise no matter what. If you are living in a studio do not opt for a Husky or Great Dane, but rather get a smaller dog that thinks the studio is their palace.

You Have Knowledge Or Are Willing To Learn About The Pet

Getting a pet that you know nothing about is fine as long as you are willing to learn how to care and train the pet. The internet allows people to learn things that would have taken firsthand experience in the past. You can learn to housetrain your dog through YouTube videos rather than having to send them to an obedience class. Utilize these resources that technology has given you if you need to learn a bit more about your pet.

A pet can change a family dynamic so make sure this is understood. Pets are valuable to emotional health and this is something to keep in mind as well.