Life’s Lessons

The house was vacant for more than 4 years. Before we moved, we requested for a reconnection of the water and power line. People from the water district suggested we hire a plumber to check on the water pipes for possible leaks before they will reconnect the line. Are they serious? How could we check for leaks when we have no water supply? So they re-opened the line. True enough, there is a leak. We requested our mason to send us a plumber to check on the pipes but the latter is not available. We just turn off the water meter at night to save water while the leaking pipe isn’t fixed yet.

In this part of the world, while we are dealing with leaking pipes, people from the other side of the world probably deal with frozen pipes during winter. It’s probably worse than having leaked pipes. But there are ways to prevent pipes from freezing. Probably it could help to do the following:

1. Apply electrically powered heat tape; this will ensure protection against frozen pipes in the coldest weather as long as the utilities are on. Apply the tape in a spiral pattern following the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the distance between individual coils.

2. Warm the area with a heat lamp if all the pipes are concentrated in one small space.

3. Use foam rubber or fiberglass insulation to cover all exposed lengths and joints of the pipe if electrical solutions are inappropriate.

4. Secure the sections of insulation with tape as needed.

5. Prevent drafts of frigid winter air. Secure all crawl space openings or windows and insulate and caulk any cracks in the structure’s foundation.

I’ll try to keep those tips in mind. But for now I need the immediate services of a good plumber to check on our leaking pipes.

There are many new products that are being introduced in the market. Some are stuffs that I don’t really appreciate because my interests are not in line with it. But since I find it useful, let me write about it for those who are working out in gyms and athletes too. I am talking about the muscle stimulator. This helps for optimizing muscle potential before a workout or competition. Use it 10 minutes prior to activity and is especially effective for sports requiring speed and velocity. Many write their testimonies proving that the tagline of the company is true that is: Train smarter. Get stronger. Finish quicker. Recover faster.

This is the second part of  Cool energy-boosting moves posted here.

1. Yogurt Buzz. If you’re looking for a high-energy snack that’s all-natural, go for yogurt. It contains the amino acid tyrosine, which also helps perk you up. You see, the body converts tyrosine to dopamine and adrenaline. A cup of yogurt is sure to jumpstart your day.
2. Go natural. The substances in processed food- such as  nitrates in luncheon meat and monosodium glutamate and some ready-to-eat food items – can trigger a migraine and lethargy. To make sure that a headache doesn’t bog you down when you least expect it, grab a piece of fruit when you feel hungry. Make an effort to significantly lessen your consumption of processed food. If possible, strike them out of your menu completely.
3. Pose well. Make sure that you sit or stand up straight with your shoulders down and back. The primary sensory nerve in your forehead is rooted at the base of your neck. That’s why muscle tension in that particular spot can lead to head pain. You also compromise your circulation when you have iffy posture.
4. Breathing therapy. Tension headaches arise when you’re stressed. That’s when your cortisol and adrenaline levels surge. When this happens, your body is forced to pump out sugar. Unfortunately, the quick change in glucose levels can set you up for pain. As such, you should not let your stress levels rise. You can do simple breathing exercises when you feel anxious.
5. Walk off. Taking a 15-minute walk can reduce stress and improve your mood for the rest of the day. Walking, as other forms exercise, prompts the brain to release endorphins, which help alleviate pain and stimulate relaxation. Make a decision to pencil in this quick exercise even on your busiest days.