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Fit From The Neck Up: 6 Stretches To Soothe A Stiff, Sore Neck

Fit From The Neck Up: 6 Stretches To Relieve A Tight, Sore Neck New study tells veggie lovers to eat their share and meat lovers not to despair. TWhether you slept in a funky position last night or you have been sitting and staring tensely at your computer for hours on end, neck pain happens. […]

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Whether work or play strains your neck, these stretches bring real relief.

 

Whether you slept through the night in an odd position or you spent most of the day slouching over your computer keyboard, neck pain is likely to eventually visit you. Neck soreness or stiffness is not just aggravating, but a pain in the neck can also contribute to headaches and upper-back pain. If you want to help reduce the aches and pains associated with a lack of neck flexibility, add these satisfying stretches to your repertoire. After a relaxing bath or shower to help loosen your muscles, try these instant-relief-inducing movements. Not only will you feel better overall, you’ll also hold your head a little higher

1 … Seated Neck Release

This gentle stretch targets the sides of your neck.

Sit on the floor in a cross-legged position or in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Extend your right arm next to your right knee or along the right side of the chair. Place your left hand on the top of your head and slowly tilt your head to the left. Apply gentle pressure with your hand to increase the stretch. To feel a deeper stretch, you can hold onto your right knee or the seat of the chair. This stabilizes the torso and allows you to isolate the stretch on the side of your neck. Hold on this side for 30 seconds, then slowly lift your head up and repeat this stretch on the other side.

2 … Seated Clasping Neck Stretch

Use your hands to offer a deep stretch for the back of your neck and your upper back.

Sit comfortably in a chair or on the floor. Clasp your hands and bring both palms to the back of your head. Sitting with a tall spine, ground your hips firmly into your seat. From here, begin to gently press your hands down toward your thighs, tucking your chin into your chest. As you press down, use the heels of your palms to pull your head away from your shoulders. This will intensify the stretch even more. Hold here for at least 30 seconds, and then slowly lift your head up and release your hands.

3 … Behind the Back Neck Stretch

This standing stretch can be done anywhere, and will offer a deep stretch in the sides of your neck.

Stand with your feet hip distance apart, arms by your sides. Reach both hands behind your backside, and hold onto your left wrist with your right hand. Use your right hand to gently straighten your left arm and pull it away from you slightly. To increase the stretch in your neck, slowly lower your right ear toward your shoulder. Stay here for 30 seconds and then switch sides.

4 … Grounded Tipover Tuck

Here’s a relaxing stretch for your neck and shoulders that can also help relieve headaches and drowsiness.

Come into Child’s Pose with your shins and forehead on the floor. Stay here for a few breaths, working on lengthening your spine as you relax your chest to your thighs. When you’re ready, interlace your hands behind you in a double fist. If you can, press the heels of your palms together to increase the stretch in your shoulders. Then lift your hands as high as you can. Inhale to shift your weight forward and lift your hips off your heels. Come to rest on the top of your head and extend your hands as close to the floor as you can. Stay here for 10 seconds and then lower your hips back to your heels. Stay here for 10 seconds, and then lift your hips up again. Continue this cycle five or more times, then release into Child’s Pose with your arms on either side of your legs.

5 … Seated Heart Opener

Stretch through the front of your neck, chest, and shoulders with this relaxing heart opener.

Begin sitting on the heels as if coming into Reclining Hero pose. Lean back and place your palms flat on the floor about eight to 10 inches behind you so your fingertips are pointing away. Press your hands firmly into the ground to lift the chest high, arching your back and pushing your hips into your heels. To increase the stretch, lower your head behind you, stretching through your throat and the front of your chest even more. Stay for 30 seconds, then lift your head and torso up.

6 … Bridge

Here’s a classic yoga pose that allows you to control how much you stretch the back of your neck by how high the hips are lifted.

Begin lying flat on your back with your arms along the sides of your body, with your palms facing down. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. Walk your heels as close as you can to your bum, keeping them hip-width apart. Make sure both feet are parallel. With your palms and feet pressing firmly into the ground, lift your hips off the floor. Stay here, or clasp your hands together below your pelvis, extending through your arms. Rock your weight from side to side to bring the shoulder blades closer together. Stay here for 30 seconds, continuing to lift the hips high. To release this stretch, gently lower your booty back to the ground. Then stretch through your lower back by hugging your knees into your chest.”

 
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Beauty

Harmonizing Nature’s Influence: Bionassay’s Biotechnological Innovations for Skincare

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In the skincare domain, the fusion of botanicals and scientific advancements has led to groundbreaking discoveries, revolutionizing the quest for healthy and sustainable skin solutions. Bionassay, a skincare brand dedicated to excellence, stands as a pioneer in this movement, harnessing biotechnology’s potential to craft products that foster skin health while minimizing environmental impact.

Biotechnology’s role in skincare extends far beyond mere product effectiveness; it holds promise for sustainability. By employing innovative methods, biotechnology offers a more eco-friendly approach to ingredient production, reducing waste and conserving natural resources. At Bionassay, we deeply value sustainability and strive to integrate it into every facet of our operations.

Our commitment to sustainability resonates in our ingredient selection. Through the synergy of nature and cutting-edge biotechnological processes, we formulate potent and environmentally conscious skincare solutions. Consider salicylic acid, a potent compound traditionally sourced from aspirin. Thanks to biotechnological advancements, we can now sustainably synthesize salicylic acid from Wintergreen. This compound not only exfoliates the skin, removing dead cells, but also boasts antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In our Neige Éternelle cream, Wintergreen extract revitalizes the epidermis and unclogs pores, revealing a clearer, more radiant complexion.

Likewise, hyaluronic acid, renowned for its skin-plumping properties, is sustainably sourced from chicory root. Found in our Perle D’Eau and Éclat de Lait formulations, chicory root extract serves as a biomimetic activator of hyaluronic acid synthesis. Post-application, it aids the skin in producing hyaluronic acid beneath the surface, ensuring optimal hydration and a rejuvenated appearance.

At Bionassay, transparency and accountability are paramount. Our products bear the Leaping Bunny certification, and we refrain from testing on animals. Moreover, all our ingredients are traceable to their source, guaranteeing fair working conditions and the efficacy of our formulations.

In essence, the integration of biotechnology in skincare signifies a significant stride towards sustainability. By embracing nature’s bounty and cutting-edge science, Bionassay is steadfast in providing skincare solutions that not only deliver remarkable results but also contribute to a greener future for our planet.

Discover Bionassay’s array of sustainable skincare products here.

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Business

Is Cloud Storage Secure? Your Guide to Cloud Security

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Cloud storage has emerged as a backbone for data management, providing users with accessible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. However, as reliance on cloud services grows, so does concern over the security of data stored in the cloud. This brings us to the crucial question: Is cloud storage secure?

To demystify cloud security, it’s essential to understand that cloud storage security is a shared responsibility between the cloud service provider (CSP) and the user. Leading CSPs, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), invest heavily in securing their infrastructure. They deploy advanced security measures like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and redundant data storage. However, users also play a key role in implementing security best practices to safeguard their data.

The Reality of Cloud Security

The good news is that cloud storage can be incredibly secure, often more so than traditional on-premise data storage solutions. CSPs leverage economies of scale to implement comprehensive security measures that individual organizations may find cost-prohibitive. These include continuous security monitoring, regular security assessments, and the deployment of cutting-edge technologies to detect and mitigate threats.

Encryption is one of the fundamental security features offered by CSPs, ensuring that data is unreadable to unauthorized individuals. Data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, which means that whether your data is being uploaded to or stored in the cloud, it remains protected. Furthermore, many CSPs utilize encryption keys that give users control over who can decode and access their information.

Addressing Common Cloud Security Concerns

Despite the robust security measures in place, skepticism about cloud security persists, primarily due to high-profile data breaches. However, it’s crucial to note that breaches often result from compromised user credentials or poorly configured cloud resources rather than failures in the CSPs’ security measures.

To address these vulnerabilities, cloud providers offer tools and best practices for users to enhance their security posture. These include:

  • Multi-factor Authentication (MFA): An additional layer of security that requires more than just a password to access your cloud account.
  • Access Management: Tools that allow you to define who has access to specific data within your cloud environment.
  • Regular Security Audits: Features that help you identify security risks in your cloud configuration and take corrective action.

Best Practices for Cloud Storage Security

Users can adopt several best practices to maximize the security of their cloud storage:

  1. Implement Strong Password Policies: Use complex passwords and change them regularly.
  2. Enable MFA: Always activate MFA for an added layer of security.
  3. Educate Users: Train employees on security risks and safe online practices.
  4. Regularly Backup Data: Ensure you have backups of important data, not just in the cloud but also offline.
  5. Stay Informed: Keep up to date with your CSP’s latest security features and recommendations.

Secure Your Data

Is cloud storage secure? Absolutely, but with a caveat. The security of your data in the cloud relies on a partnership between you and your CSP. By choosing a reputable provider and adhering to best practices for data security, you can confidently leverage cloud storage solutions with peace of mind, knowing your data is well-protected. Like any aspect of cybersecurity, vigilance and continuous improvement are key to staying ahead of potential threats.

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Health

3 Asbestos Risks to Know About Before Tackling a DIY Home Reno

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home renovation

While warm weather seasons might be a good time to tackle DIY home improvement projects, you must consider more than the scope of the renovation and the anticipated expense.

Depending on the age of your home, there are potential health risks to be mindful of before getting behind walls, handling insulation, ripping out floor tiles, or doing other things.

Asbestos risks are real. While there wasn’t a total asbestos ban until recently, the Environmental Protection Agency prohibited asbestos use in some new products after 1989. So, a home built before then might have materials containing asbestos. And if the asbestos fibers get into the air and are inhaled by you, your family, or visitors, the long-term consequences could be severe. 

For example, asbestos exposure can lead to a severe form of cancer known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is rare and aggressive. By the time it’s diagnosed — it can take decades before it develops and causes problems — the cancer is typically at an advanced stage.

So, it makes sense to hire a professional contractor if your home may contain asbestos.

Consider these three things you must know about asbestos. You’ll see why caution is vital when contemplating a DIY home renovation project.

1. All Asbestos Is Dangerous

While some believe that some asbestos is less harmful than others, it’s best to treat all asbestos as detrimental to one’s well-being. And the more asbestos fibers you breathe in, the higher your odds of getting asbestos-related ailments. The problem with undertaking DIY home renovations is that products containing asbestos can, if the products are removed carelessly, release asbestos fibers into the air. So, if you’re ripping out flooring tiles with asbestos and damage the tiles in the process, that’s all it’ll take to potentially release asbestos fibers.

2. You Won’t Immediately Know You’ve Been Exposed

One of the problems with asbestos exposure is that you won’t necessarily know you have been exposed. If working in an environment with materials containing asbestos, you might suspect possible exposure. But if you breathe in asbestos fibers, you won’t experience tell-tale signs. So, your lungs won’t feel irritated, your throat won’t itch, and you won’t cough. 

Asbestos fibers are too small to see with the naked eye, which means you won’t see it in the air. 

Considering that it can take decades between exposure and symptoms, you can appreciate why people with asbestos-related ailments are often surprised by a diagnosis later in life.

If you renovate your basement, bathroom, or some other space without taking proper precautions to prevent asbestos fibers from getting into the air, you could endanger the health of anyone in your home. It’s just that they may not know it until decades later if they get mesothelioma.

3. Asbestos Exposure Can Lead to Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and Other Diseases

Lung cancer and asbestosis, a chronic lung ailment caused by breathing in asbestos fibers, are known as dose-related ailments. This means the more asbestos fibers you inhale, the more probable you’ll get one of these two diseases. 

What makes mesothelioma different from lung cancer and asbestosis is that even a relatively small exposure can cause mesothelioma. And exposure can come in different ways. If your loved one works in an environment with asbestos, you might breathe in the fibers if they come home after work and have asbestos fibers on their clothes. So, second-hand exposure is possible.

These are three things to know about asbestos exposure before tackling any home improvement project. While you likely have nothing to worry about if your home was built after 1989, you should exercise caution if you have an older home. It’s a good idea to contact a professional who can give your home a once-over to let you know if there are any asbestos risks.

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