Mix this with a bowl of rice, and mice will quickly disappear from your house

By
Bryan Seal
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0

When you see a mouse skittering around the floor of your kitchen tiles at midnight, your heart will definitely drop because there’s no way it could be an isolated incident. Sadly, it’s never just one. Spotting a single mouse is usually the “tip of the iceberg” moment and a signal that your home’s defenses have been breached, and you’ve likely got some uninvited roommates moving into your walls, chewing on your wires, and eyeing your pantry.

For generations, families and DIY enthusiasts have passed down a bit of “homestead wisdom” known as the “rice trick.”

Yes, I’m aware that this trick sounds too good to be true, but trust me, all you need is some rice along with a couple of household ingredients to get rid of the mice wandering around your home. So, despite seeming like something that your grandfather could have sworn was true, there is some very interesting science behind this process.

Given the concerns about the harmful substances present in many industrial rat poisons, the effectiveness of this technique in ensuring that your house is rodent-free without turning it into an unhealthy place for your pets and children has made it extremely popular. In this essay, we will learn more about the mechanics behind this effective and healthy alternative to poisons, its unique way of acting on a mouse’s physiology, and the tactics that work well here.

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The Science of the Bait: Why Rice?

Rodents, specifically Mus musculus (the common house mouse), are characterized by high metabolic activity. Thus, they need to consume 10-15 percent of their body weight per day to survive. As foragers, rodents have a predisposition towards carbohydrate-rich food sources.

There are two reasons why rice is an ideal “carrier” for the bait.

Firstly, mice are very fond of rice; therefore, it makes it easier for the animals to either chew the substance on-site or transport it back to the nesting place to be shared with other members of the colony.

Secondly, dry rice acts as a substrate which helps to absorb any powdered materials such as baking soda or plaster.

The Chemical Mechanism: Baking Soda and Rodent Physiology

The most widely used form of this remedy uses a mixture of half dry rice and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). In order to understand how this works, it is important to know about the biological peculiarities of a mouse’s body.

The “No-Burp” Biological Defect

Unlike humans, mice and rats have an anatomical limitation that prevents them from regurgitating anything they ingest. They lack an effective gag reflex and cannot vomit. In addition, a mouse’s stomach is divided in a way that restricts the movement of air or solid contents back into the esophagus.

When the mouse eats baking soda, it begins to interact with the hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the mouse’s stomach. This chemical reaction is identical to the one you see in a school science volcano.

In a human, the resulting carbon dioxide is simply expelled, while in mice, it accumulates in the digestive tract. Due to the inability to release the gas, the pressure mounts to the point where the insides are damaged or fatally blocked. It is a fast process but occurs out of sight of the baits as it takes some time for maximum pressure to be attained.

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The Alternatives: Plaster of Paris and Salt

Whereas baking soda is the “kindest” of these homemade methods, another variation involves the use of Plaster of Paris or salt.

Plaster of Paris: When dried grains of rice are mixed with this material, nothing happens until the mouse drinks water. Once it does so, there is an interaction between the Plaster of Paris and the water present in the animal’s stomach, causing it to harden. As a result, the mouse cannot digest it.

Dehydration from Salt: Rice is mixed with a large quantity of salt, thus creating very strong osmotic pressure. It causes dehydration in mice and can lead to organ failure. However, it is not as effective as baking soda, since mice often avoid it and stop eating the food.

Reasons Why Homeowners Are Switching From Using Commercial Poisons

The move to “Rice Trick” techniques isn’t just economical, but also a matter of health and environmental awareness. Rodenticides, which are anticoagulants, work by disrupting the blood-clotting process, causing internal bleeding. Though effective, the risks involved are substantial:

Secondary Poisoning: This is a major issue for pet owners and wildlife. When a mouse consumes commercial poison and is then eaten by a hawk, owl, or stray cat, the toxin can be passed on to the predator. Every year, thousands of raptors die due to this “trickle-up” effect.

Danger to Children and Animals: The brightly colored pellets can attract children, who may mistake them for sweets, and pets, who may think they are food. However, baking soda and rice are generally considered to pose less risk to humans and larger animals in typical household amounts.

The “Dead in the Wall” Syndrome: Old-fashioned toxins might need several days to kill the mouse, and in the meantime, it may move back into the deeper portions of the wall cavity. In consequence, the unpleasant odor of the decomposing corpse may persist for many days. However, natural solutions tend to act more quickly.

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How to Make It Work

Just leaving a bowl of rice in the middle of your kitchen floor will likely not get the job done. You need to think like a hunter.

Step One: Hunting and Reconnaissance

Prior to setting up the bait, determine the “High-Traffic Zones” in your home. Look for:

Droppings: These are small, dark pellets shaped like grains of rice that typically appear in cupboards or along the baseboards.

Staining: These are marks created by the mouse’s oily coat as it moves along the wall.

Gnawing: Inspect food containers and wooden trimmings.

Step Two: The “Pre-Bait”

As mentioned above, mice are neophobic, which means they fear unfamiliar things. In this case, the bait. Therefore, the first two nights, place small amounts of plain rice. This helps with “bait acceptance.” When they are comfortable eating the bait, then introduce the baking soda.

Step Three: Placement

Mice dislike open areas because of their poor eyesight and dependence on their whiskers to move around vertically (thigmotaxis). You should place your dishes:

Near large appliances such as refrigerators and stoves.

In “dead corners” of cabinets.

Upstairs in the attic and in crawl spaces.

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Bigger Than the Hook: The Three-Pillar Strategy for Mouse Management

Getting rid of the mice currently in your house is merely the tip of the iceberg. Without changing the environment, they will simply be replaced by new ones.

1. Exclusion (Block the Perimeter)

The space a mouse needs to fit through is approximately the width of a dime (about 1.8 cm). Using steel wool and caulking, plug any holes found at the following locations:

  • Pipes entering the house
  • Door sweeps
  • Window screens
  • Foundations and roof vents

2. Sanitation (Take Away the Motivation)

Your house can be compared to a five-star restaurant; even rice will not divert them from their path if food sources remain available.
All cereal, grain, and pet food should be stored in sealed plastic or glass containers.
Remove crumbs from under toasters and sweep behind ovens.
Fix any leaks, as mice require access to water.

3. Deterrents

Once the population is controlled, natural deterrents can help prevent mice from returning. Peppermint oil, red pepper, and ultrasonic repellents can make the environment less attractive, but this strategy works best alongside exclusion measures.

Conclusion

“The Rice Trick” serves as a reminder of how effective and efficient a bit of chemistry and biology can be. Using a simple bowl of rice mixed with baking soda, you are using an environmentally friendly and pet-friendly solution.

But keep in mind that rodent prevention requires constant maintenance. Although a bowl of rice can help, it is still important that your house stays sealed, sanitized, and dry. If pests continue to return despite your efforts, it may be best to seek the assistance of a professional to identify possible flaws in the structure of your home.

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Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

A teacher returned from vacation to find ‘concerned’ emails from parents

By
Monica Pop
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0

Forget the “World’s Best Teacher” mugs, Ms. B now knows the real measure of what being an awesome educator really means, and to her surprise, it comes in the form of requests for vanilla-related products of dubious legality and an international network of second-cousin-once-removes.

When Minnesota teacher Ms. B flew off to Mexico for a short weekend vacation, she anticipated coming back to a pile of grading and her normal “Is there homework?” emails. What she got instead was an inbox turned upside down into a heartwarming (and rather hilarious) community support hub.

From students’ parents seeking the “good stuff” from the local markets to others offering up relatives’ spare rooms to save her from a travel booking blunder, these messages prove that when you pour into your students, their parents might just try to pour a little homemade sunburn remedy back into you.

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Here’s the story behind how an innocent holiday video turned into a viral sensation, all because it captured the experience of being part of a school that truly has your back, even if they’re just “using” you for your proximity to authentic Mexican extract.

So, once her trip to Mexico was over, Ms. B, 42, got back to her usual routine of checking her email. And yes, she did in fact expect mails from parents, but probably not in the form she received them. What’s more, she decided to read each and every one of them out loud in a video that has since caught the attention of over 2 million people, and ours too!

Ms. B posted the video on her Instagram page, @tlcwithmsb.

The first message opened on a friendly note, “I hope you are having a great time relaxing, you deserve it,” before quickly shifting to the main point. The parent had heard Ms. B was in Mexico and had one request: real vanilla. Not the kind you get in Minnesota. The good stuff. She even offered to Venmo her for the trouble.

Sadly, Ms. B wasn’t able to fulfill the request since her school district had blocked her email access during the vacation, so she didn’t see the message until she had already returned home.

The second email was from a parent worried about sunburns. She mentioned having a homemade remedy she could prepare herself, and said Ms. B only needed to come pick it up. “That’s seriously so sweet… I might actually try it,” Ms. B said in her video.

The third email arrived after Ms. B posted a separate video in mild panic. She had mistakenly booked her return flight for Monday instead of Sunday and couldn’t afford an easy rebooking. A parent saw the video and quickly offered a fix: Ms. B could stay at her second cousin’s uncle’s house.

At the end of the day, Ms. B might have come home with an empty suitcase (and zero bottles of vanilla), but she returned to something much more valuable: a community that actually has her back. It turns out that when parents are just as invested in the teacher as they are in the report card, the “school family” stops being a cliché and starts being a literal safety net.

So cheers to those parents who view teachers as the rock stars they are and cheers to Ms. B and teachers like her who make it impossible for a community to not be rooting for them!

Do you believe that this level of “investment” will become the norm, or is Ms. B simply fortunate to have stumbled upon a unicorn school district?

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Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

Hospice chef reveals the one comfort food most people ask for before they die

By
Monica Pop
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0

In a world where high-end chefs often chase Michelin stars and the approval of harsh critics, chef Spencer Richards is chasing something more profound, smiles from people who don’t really have many more smiles left. At the Oxfordshire hospice where he works, cooking is about so much more than sustenance; it’s about dignity, about reminiscence, about compassion.

To this incredible chef, each dish he cooks is a subtle act of defiance against the sterile nature of illness. He knows that once the world starts to shrink, there is something to be gained from relishing a taste that feels like home. This is not merely about nutrition but the “much love” that goes into every dish. For him, feeding people at their end is not a responsibility but a holy mission.

From recreating the excitement of street food for someone who has been bored to tears with hospital meals, to preparing a “last meal” that will taste just like home, Spencer takes each request with the gravity it deserves. It is a touching acknowledgment that even at the end of our lives, we are allowed moments of luxury and comfort – all from a chef who sees great meaning in a deliciously prepared meal.

Speaking to the Mirror, chef Richards revealed there is no greater privilege than making the last days of the patients a little bit better with his comforting food.

“My own philosophy is that there can be no greater privilege as a chef than serving someone their final meal. Recently a 21-year-old patient didn’t connect with anything on the standard menu. He was young and didn’t like the usual options, so we talked and he liked street food, so we made that happen,” he shared with the publication.

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He recalled making a birthday cake for a 93-year-old patient who spent her entire life in a traditional home where birthday celebrations weren’t common.

“When we surprised her with one, she was in tears. She was absolutely over the moon.”

Actually, a birthday cake is the most common thing the patients at Sobell House Hospice ask for as their days on earth are slowly coming to an end.

“They’re small things, but especially for people who’ve been isolated or are feeling lonely, they mean a lot,” chef Richards said.

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Further, he explained that adapting the dishes he prepares is of great importance since most of the patients who are at palliative care lose the ability to swallow. Their taste buds also change, and due to the medications and the treatments they receive.

One thing this hospice chef has noticed, however, is that patients with cancer “get a sweet tooth.”

Also, most of the patients are sensitive to salt.

“Food is a powerfully emotive medium – it can summon childhood memories and create new lasting ones. That’s what we do here.”

In a hospice setting, food and meals take on a greater meaning than mere sustenance. The research and personal experiences of experts, such as Spencer Richards, indicate that when the body is preparing itself for the great transition, there occurs an odd yet poignant change to the palate.

While every patient is different, studies conducted on palliative care bring to light numerous interesting phenomena regarding the desires patients have before death:

The “sweet tooth” phenomenon: As described by Chef Richards, patients at hospice, especially those suffering from cancer, tend to develop a craving for sweet food. The reason behind this lies in the fact that sweet is a taste that lasts the longest even after other tastes are distorted by medicine. While everything else may taste metallic or bitter to the dying patient, the taste buds responsible for “sweet” usually continue working.

The high-salt threshold:On the other hand, sensitivity to salt can reduce. The patients might experience normal food as bland or “tasteless” since their threshold for salt sensitivity has increased. They may have cravings for salty or umami foods, especially those found outside of home-cooked food.

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Nostalgia on a plate: From a psychological perspective, those in hospice don’t request luxuries such as lobster and caviar. Rather, they yearn for nostalgia food – that is, the dishes that their mothers used to make or the food that they loved as children. These foods are like biological time machines, which release dopamine from the limbic system, creating a feeling of home and safety in a clinical environment.

The texture shift: Many patients suffer from a condition known as dysphagia or difficulty swallowing. In this context, the task of a hospice chef becomes that of presenting “pureed” or “soft” food as if it were the normal food. Modified versions of popular dishes, such as shredded chicken cooked in thick broth rather than hard steak, enable patients to eat.

In the end, the efforts of individuals like Spencer Richards reveal the value of the kitchen in the healthcare community. In the case of a 21-year-old wanting street food, it is not only about tacos and sliders, but also about a connection to their younger self, who was able to enjoy such things without being labeled a “patient.”

Finally, what we can deduce from this experience is that what is truly essential in hospice care is not a culinary recipe or any kind of seasoning, but human dignity. It does not matter whether a patient needs an extra helping of sugar or salt, but that their last days on earth are filled with moments of pure joy through food.

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Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

What sets apart people who return the shopping cart from those who don’t?

By
Monica Pop
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0

It’s kind of funny how these small, thoughtless actions that we perform on a daily basis have the potential to reveal so much about ourselves without us realizing it. For instance, something as insignificant as returning a shopping cart is causing quite an uproar on social media platforms. Through social media posts and in-depth opinion pieces, the “shopping cart theory” has become a measure of whether you’re a good person or not.

All of this started with an anonymous post on the website 4chan asserting that putting back your shopping cart is the supreme test of character. In explaining this notion, the sites argues that “The shopping cart is the ultimate litmus test for whether a person is capable of self-governing,” because the task is easy, everyone knows it’s the right move, but there’s no “cart police” to force you to do it.

Since you won’t get arrested for leaving it in the middle of a parking spot, doing it becomes a purely selfless act.

The logic behind this “shopping cart theory” is that, unless there’s some massive emergency, returning the cart is always the right call. As the original poster put it, “Therefore, the shopping cart presents itself as the apex example of whether the person will do the right thing or not without being forced to do it.” Basically, if you do it, you’ve got internal discipline; if you don’t, you might be the type of person who only behaves when there’s a law or a fine involved. The theory’s wildest conclusion? “The shopping cart is what determines if the person is a good or a bad member of the society.”

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This statement sounds quite audacious, yet people are drawn to it due to the fact that it’s black and white, really. Real life is generally complicated, with plenty of “gray areas,” and so having a definitive test to determine one’s character is gratifying. Most of us have witnessed an abandoned shopping cart crashing into a person’s vehicle or taking up space in a parking spot, and so we understand that storing the cart benefits all parties involved.

However, as far as people are concerned, the matter is not as simple as that. There may well be some people who do not act out of goodwill; on the contrary, it is because they fear negative perception from others. As mentioned in previous discussions through sources such as Bolde, many people will simply push that shopping cart back just to prevent themselves from being known as the “jerk” of the parking lot.

This aligns perfectly with how psychologists explain the presence of scripts inside our minds. According to anthropologist Krystal D’Costa in her article for Scientific American, there are two types of social pressures which dictate every step we take. The first is the injunctive norm – what we believe society expects from us (“should”). The other is the descriptive norm – what we observe people around us do (“is”). While observing a parking lot strewn with stray carts, it is the descriptive norm that signals our brain that there’s nothing wrong with slacking off. On seeing a parking lot that is absolutely spotless, it is the injunctive norm that puts pressure on us.

Then there are the “non-returners,” who come up with an endless list of reasons why they can’t return their carts. They might say that the corrals feel like a mile apart, they have sleeping children in the car they can’t leave unattended, or it’s raining cats and dogs. Some may even be philosophical about it, claiming they’re “creating jobs” by leaving work for the employees. That’s a very generous way of being lazy, but the logic falls flat quickly. Ask any sales associate what they think about having to look for carts while being soaked to the bone, and they’ll let you know that’s not a job they enjoy doing.

If you go down the rabbit hole on Reddit, you’ll see the internet is completely polarized. While one side of the debate defends leaving carts wherever they please—sometimes dismissing the expectation as “elitist”—the other views a stray shopping cart as a sign of moral decline. On one hand, some argue that returning a cart amounts to “free labor” that ultimately benefits large retailers. On the other, critics point out that an abandoned cart can damage someone’s vehicle or block access to spaces like disabled ramps, creating real inconvenience or harm.

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From a philosophical perspective, this idea touches on self-regulation, a concept explored extensively by Aristotle. It refers to the capacity to govern one’s own behavior without relying on either reward or punishment. In the modern world, much of what we do is shaped by rules, incentives, or social expectations; voluntarily returning a shopping cart, however, stands out as a simple act of doing the right thing purely because it is right.

However, there are those who feel the theory is extremely judgmental and fails to ask the question of why. We are not all physically capable. For example, if you are elderly, disabled, or trying to manage three toddlers, going to the corral is not a small feat. Judging the whole moral integrity of a person on whether they can physically push an object is a slippery slope.

In her criticism of the theory, D’Costa urges us to be careful before rushing into judging and punishing others. She states that we must consider certain fact:

“That guy who didn’t return his cart may not be a complete jerk. He may just be using the example set by others so he can get home a little more quickly.”

However, she does sound an alarm about the “broken windows” effect. If laziness becomes the new standard, the social fabric starts to fray. As she puts it:

“But if everyone does that, then we’re shifting the balance of what is acceptable, which may have greater ramifications to the social order.”

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Research has even categorized us into specific “cart personas,” to illustrate just how strange our behavior can be, a concoction of morality, attitude, and surroundings:

Always Returners: They would feel bad for a whole week if they didn’t.

Never Returners: They think someone else should, end of story.

Convenience Returners: They will only do it if it’s conveniently located.

Pressure Returners: Only if people are watching.

Child-Driven Returners: Parents who teach their children by doing it or making it a “drive.”

Ultimately, all this focus on the theory may actually have more to do with the intense need that we seem to have to “rank” and put people into categories. There’s a clear desire to have something simple and easy that can help us figure out which ones are “good,” but the shopping cart is a terrible measure to use. According to social worker Meg Rowley, we should start looking at things beyond such a simple dichotomy of “good versus bad.”

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Conclusion

In the end, the debate isn’t about carts, it’s about how we treat shared spaces and whether we care about the person who comes after us.

The shopping cart philosophy may very well be an overstatement, but it certainly reveals the fact that the seemingly insignificant actions we perform daily contribute greatly to the formation of our culture.

It should be noted that the situation is quite complex. Certainly, putting back your shopping cart is a courteous action that you can take to help others, protect property, and ease the job for the staff member who collects those carts. At the same time, it is not a defining factor for your soul, since there are many other aspects in life that define who we are, making people much more complex than just their actions. In this regard, one should view the shopping cart theory as an individual’s self-reflection tool instead of judging others.

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Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

Don’t use ginger if you belong to any of these 5 groups of people

By
Monica Pop
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0

Ginger is a flowering plant that’s been used around the world for centuries, both in cooking and in traditional remedies. While it is native to Southeast Asia, ginger has found its way across the globe. Today, this incredibly powerful plant can be found in countless dishes across various cuisines ranging from spicy curries to stir-fried foods, beverages, desserts, and tea. Ginger may be best known for its pungent, slightly spicy flavor, but it is the underground stem of the plant, often called the root, that has made it so versatile.

Ginger has long been a part of holistic and herbal medicine traditions, including Ayurveda and Chinese herbalism. People have relied on it for centuries to support healthy digestion and alleviate problems associated with bloating, flatulence, or indigestion. Also, many turn to ginger as a natural way to ease nausea, whether it’s related to motion sickness or minor stomach upsets. Its soothing properties make it a popular choice in teas and tonics designed to calm the stomach and promote overall digestive balance.

Other than promoting proper digestion, there is another important reason why people use ginger – its anti-inflammatory effects. Ginger has been found to contain certain substances that may aid in reducing bodily inflammation, thus serving as an excellent treatment for minor physical pain, such as muscle aches and pains in joints. For this reason, people tend to consume ginger in different forms, whether it is freshly sliced, powdered, capsules, or even in beverages infused with it.

It would also be helpful to note another important factor behind the long-term popularity of ginger. The fact is that people find ginger to be very convenient to use since it may be easily added to one’s daily menu in order to get its beneficial effects on one’s well-being. It is consumed in a variety of forms, including fresh slices, powdered spice, capsules, or infused beverages.

Another factor behind ginger’s long-lasting popularity is its convenience. This spice can easily be used in daily meals, thus making it available to everyone. Ginger can be included in prepared foods, used to make tea, added to smoothies, and included in soups or sauces. The combination of ease and the health benefits that ginger provides helps keep it popular even today.

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However, not everyone should use it.

1. People with heart conditions

Ginger is associated with a number of possible advantages for the heart, such as low blood pressure, improved blood flow, and balanced cholesterol. All these qualities can help reduce the risks of heart problems and inflammatory disorders, making ginger a common ingredient in a healthy diet. Ginger’s components are thought to facilitate proper vessel functioning and reduce oxidative stress.

However, it isn’t risk-free for everyone.

Ginger can interact with some medicines, such as blood thinning and anti-platelet drugs, leading to bleeding issues. Additionally, it may cause irregular heartbeats in some people, depending on how sensitive they are to the chemicals in ginger. While consuming small amounts in food or tea is generally considered safe for most people, caution is still advised.

Anyone with an existing heart condition or those taking related medications should consult a healthcare professional before using ginger regularly, especially in higher doses or supplement form.

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2. People with gallstones

As mentioned above, ginger is believed to facilitate digestive processes because it stimulates the formation of bile that plays an important role in fat metabolism. However, this mechanism of action does not benefit all patients because some people suffer from gallstones or experience other gallbladder problems. Since the use of ginger increases the formation of bile, it puts additional pressure on this organ, thus causing discomfort in the patients with pre-existing disorders.

In case the gallbladder cannot discharge bile into the duodenum owing to some complications such as blockage or inflammation, this process may cause pain, cramping, or other uncomfortable sensations during and after eating. Hence, people with gallbladder disease should consume ginger only with caution. It is recommended to consult a doctor prior to taking ginger supplements or eating large amounts of this food product.

3. People with diabetes

Consuming ginger can possibly result in reduced blood sugar levels. This outcome can be advantageous to diabetics since the herb can boost glucose tolerance and enhance insulin sensitivity. However, it can be a cause for concern for people taking prescription drugs that lower their blood sugar levels.

People using blood-sugar-reducing medication can suffer from hypoglycemia when consuming ginger because of its possible effects on glucose levels in the body. People can experience dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, fatigue, and fainting if there is a drop in blood sugar. It is thus advisable to use ginger carefully when on blood-sugar medication.

It would be best to seek medical advice before using ginger regularly when taking blood sugar-regulating drugs. One should do so especially if taking other types of medicine, such as warfarin, antiplatelet medication, and blood pressure medication.

Rahaf Al Bochi, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics stated, “We know that ginger can affect your insulin levels. If you’re taking ginger supplements and you are on diabetes medication, that can cause low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.”

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4. Anyone experiencing severe side effects

Just like any other food product available, there are certain individuals who might suffer from side effects while consuming ginger. The side effects may vary from one individual to another, ranging from allergic reactions such as hives, rash, or breathing difficulties, which may indicate that a particular individual is allergic to the food product. Others may suffer from digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain due to excessive intake of ginger.

There is also a possibility that the consumer may suffer mouth and throat irritation when they consume fresh ginger, while others may suffer heartburn. Such reactions are rare for most individuals, but there are instances where a person can experience them. For example, a particular patient suffering from a medical disorder may experience certain side effects after consuming ginger due to the medication he or she is taking.

In case of severe side effects after consuming ginger, it is advisable to discontinue its use immediately and consult a physician at once.

5. Possibly if You’re Pregnant

Guidance on ginger during pregnancy is mixed since the side effects might vary depending on the dosage and one’s physical state. The small dosages of ginger are usually recommended as a way to treat morning sickness naturally, especially in the first trimester. People use ginger in different natural ways, like making ginger tea, putting it into dishes, or using small pieces of grating in their cooking process. However, it is quite safe when used in moderate dosages.

The problem with the use of ginger arises when it is consumed in larger quantities. Ginger consumed in large amounts or taken as concentrated supplements might have adverse effects on the body. The concern is that consumption of large quantities might pose a risk of bleeding, especially during advanced stages of pregnancy, and particularly around childbirth.

Due to these potential risks, it may be advisable for pregnant women – especially those with previous miscarriages or bleeding problems, or with high-risk pregnancies – to be careful. For these women, it may be best to avoid large amounts of ginger and use moderate amounts through food consumption only.

Pregnant women should consult a healthcare professional before using ginger regularly or in higher quantities to ensure it is appropriate for their specific situation.

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Conclusion

Ginger is a widely used plant that provides different health benefits, such as improvement of digestion, relief from nausea, and support in the fight against inflammation. The reasons for its popularity include its widespread use in culinary practice and traditional medicine.

Nevertheless, due to various side effects, ginger is not appropriate for everyone in every condition. It may be associated with different adverse reactions in individuals with certain diseases or those taking specific medications. Therefore, one needs to be careful about using ginger when having diabetes, heart disease, gallstones, or when taking medication that affects blood clotting. Ginger should also be used with caution during pregnancy due to possible risks in high amounts.

Therefore, it is generally recommended to include ginger in the diet in moderate quantities.

*Disclaimer: This information is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or healthcare provider with any questions about your health or medications. Do not disregard professional advice based on this information.

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Bored Daddy

Love and Peace



Can you tell someone will die months before it happens? End-of-life nurse explains the subtle clues

By
Monica Pop
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0

Julie McFadden is a hospice nurse who has witnessed a number of deaths throughout her life. Very often, she speaks of the reality of dying in an attempt to help people understand the process of leaving this world through the behaviors seen in those nearing death.

It is her mission to “alleviate the fear and stigma around death.”

She has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families navigate the final stages of life. Alongside her professional work, Julie has authored a book and built a significant social media presence. She’s focusing on themes of death and dying.

In the videos she posts on the social media, she shares insights of the last moments of life of her patients – from their last words and their biggest regrets, to certain behaviors they display.

TikTok/@hospicenursejulie

Speaking of some of the most disturbing moments the loved ones of the dying person experience are the changes in breathing at the person who is about to live the world.

This is known as Cheyne–Stokes breathing, happening as a result of metabolic changes in the body.

These changes are normal, and even if they take place, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the patient is suffering. However, their loved ones understand it as a suffering and most of them say it’s something they “wished they would have known about.”

“You can see that chest rapidly breathing, and then a long pause […] and then rapid breathing again,” she explained.

TikTok/@hospicenursejulie

Another of the behaviors seen in those nearing death, as explained by Julie is the “death rattle.”

This happens when the mouth creates saliva but the brain doesn’t communicate to the body to teel it to swallow it, leading to a strange gurgling noise.

@hospicenursejulie #hospicenursejulie #PrimeDayDreamDeals #deathrattle #terminal #learnontiktok #itsokay #youdidgood ♬ Almost Idyllic – Sleeping At Last

“People hear it, they don’t understand it, they automatically assume it’s coming from their lungs. That is not happening. It’s truly just a little bit of saliva,” Julie explained.

“This is not making them feel that they are suffocating, and we know this because the body is showing that it is relaxed,” she added.

According to her, human bodies are built to know how to prepare themselves for dying.

Further, Julie described how she can detect initial signs that someone is likely to die a natural death approximately six months beforehand, allowing her to recognize when a person may be in their final half year of life, even if others do not yet see it.

So, what are the signs a person is dying at the 6-month mark?

According to Nurse Julie, patients are often placed in hospice care once these signs start to show.

“You will have very generalized symptoms. Those symptoms will usually be, one, you will be less social. So you’ll be more introverted than extroverted,” she said. “Two, you will be sleeping a lot more. And three, you will be eating and drinking a lot less. Literally, everyone on hospice, I see this happen to.”

What are the signs a person is dying at the 3-month mark?

“You are going to notice more debility,” she continues. “They will be staying in their house most of the time. It’s going to be difficult getting up and just going to the bathroom. Again, sleeping a lot more and eating and drinking a lot less.”

What are the signs a person is dying at the 1-month mark?

During the final month of a person’s life, they may begin to believe they are in contact with deceased relatives or friends. These experiences are often described as comforting and may help them become more accepting of their final transition.

“Usually around the one month mark is when people will start seeing ‘the unseen’, they have the visioning. They’ll be seeing dead relatives, dead loved ones, dead pets, old friends who have died,” Julie said in one of her videos. “Again, not everyone — but many, many people will start seeing these things at around one month.”

@hospicenursejulie Replying to @Mariah educating yourself about scary topics will help decrease fear. ✨Nothing to Fear ✨- my book- out june 11th #hospicenursejulie #hospicenurse #caregiversoftiktok #medicaltiktok #learnontiktok #nothingtofearbook ♬ original sound – 💕 Hospice nurse Julie 💕

Other people who have been working in hospice also share the same things happening with those who are nearing their life. Among them is Angela Morrow, a registered nurse at Verywell Health, who also agrees that people in the final stage of life often report sensing or hearing from those who have already passed away.

In her view, caregivers and relatives should not confront patients while discussing their encounters with the spirits of deceased persons or animals. Rather, they should listen patiently and answer with empathy, despite the strangeness of the situation. This way, they will ensure a feeling of security among patients instead of making them confused, upset, or uncomfortable.

“You might feel frustrated because you can’t know for sure whether they’re hallucinating, having a spiritual experience, or simply confused. The uncertainty can be unsettling, but it’s part of the process,” Morrow writes.

In the final part of the video, Nurse Julie discusses the indicators used by nurses working in the area of palliative care for determining the stage of dying. According to her, the important aspects considered include eating, drinking, and sleeping habits. In fact, she mentions that before a person dies, usually a couple of weeks before death, they sleep much more than they are awake.“Most people, a few weeks out from death, will be sleeping more than they are awake. And they will be barely eating and barely drinking,” she said.

According to her, hospice care typically entails “allowing the body to be the guide” because the nurse watches all these changes very closely and guides the patient during the last phase of life. The nurse does not impose anything on the patient but only comforts and guides them.

Nurse Julie’s work has resonated deeply with many people online, especially those going through end-of-life experiences with loved ones. Her videos have offered reassurance during emotionally difficult moments. “My mom is in hospice right now and she’s currently, I think, hours or days from death. Your TikToks have helped me out tremendously,” Deb wrote. Others have shared similar feelings of comfort and understanding. “My grandma passed away in February, and she experienced all of this. this page brings me peace knowing everything she went through was natural,” Jaida added.

Healthcare workers have also expressed appreciation for her educational content. “Thanks, Julie. I volunteer in a hospice end-of-life facility, and this helps educate the families. Your posts are wonderful,” Grandma Nita wrote.

Ultimately, death is a subject that is so hard to deal with partly because of its unpredictable nature. Through her open discussion of what she had been through, Julie McFadden brings some understanding to this topic by demonstrating that the process of dying is usually a normal process rather than an unexpected event. The message brought out by her is that hospice care is not about giving up but supporting the process.

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Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

5 signs of aging: subtle warnings you shouldn’t overlook

By
Bryan Seal
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Aging is not always marked by sudden and noticeable changes like your hair turning white overnight or having to use a cane out of the blue. Instead, aging tends to occur quietly in the corners of our lives through small changes that we may miss unless we pay close attention.

To recognize these changes doesn’t mean to be “on watch” or bracing for the worst case scenario. This is more of an effort to develop a different literacy, one that involves recognizing the language that the body and mind may be using as they transition into a new phase.

The following are five such signs that indicate a loved one is struggling with the issues that come with aging.

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Changes in Appetite or Noticeable Weight Loss

The very first change may reveal itself in the kitchen. You may see that there is less food stored in the refrigerator, or people around you say, “I’m just not really that hungry,” all too casually. This is important because nutrition gives strength to other processes that take place in the body.

There are multiple explanations behind this phenomenon. Physiologically, the process of aging dulls the senses of smell and taste so that food starts tasting like cardboard to older people. As noted by the researchers of Mayo Clinic, “reduced appetite in older adults” may also stem from side effects of hypertension or cholesterol-reducing medications that older people commonly use. Additionally, problems with teeth or poor digestion also make a meal an unpleasant experience.

However, we shouldn’t forget about the social aspect. Consider your favorite food; most likely, you enjoy it even more when dining with someone else. Preparing a full course for oneself might seem pointless to a lonely elderly individual who lives alone. Loneliness has a way of diminishing hunger.

Rather than constantly reminding them to “eat their greens,” try reintroducing food into their social life. Drop by with some food that can be shared. Alternatively, set up a “food preparation date” with the goal of creating smaller, quick meals together.

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Ongoing Fatigue or a “Heavy” Loss of Energy

Everyone experiences fatigue, but this is something else entirely. This chronic, debilitating fatigue cannot be alleviated by a quick nap. Perhaps they no longer take their morning stroll, or maybe they have been lounging in their favorite recliner, watching the television all afternoon without much interest.

Physiologically, the heart and lungs require more effort to circulate oxygen throughout the body as we grow older. Chronic fatigue may also be the “silent” indication of ailments such as anemia or even depression, according to a study featured in The Lancet. Social isolation has even been linked to physical weariness; with fewer reasons to look forward to, the body’s “engine” idles.

Think about a grandfather who previously spent hours tending to his garden. Today, all he does when he sees the weeds is let out a sigh. This is not because he is being “lazy”; rather, it is because the effort involved is like scaling a mountain.

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Emotional Withdrawal or “The Fog” of Memory

Undoubtedly, this is one of the most challenging signs to observe. You may realize that your family member is increasingly quiet at dinner time, or maybe they do not call their friends anymore. It seems like they are gradually withdrawing the curtains from their life.

It should be remembered that memory issues usually coincide with emotional withdrawal. It is not only about searching for lost things, such as keys; rather, it involves losing track of what they used to say for years, or even asking the same questions again after ten minutes have passed. Sometimes, such behaviors can be the first signs of cognitive impairment, but at the same time, they may indicate another medical condition called pseudo-dementia, in which depression causes similar memory issues.

According to the findings of National Institute on Aging researchers, forgetfulness is a common symptom among older adults, yet if it interferes with health and wellbeing, it is important to act.

Your most powerful weapon is patience. If they tell you a story twice, act like you’ve never heard it before. If they forget a word, allow them the chance to figure out what it was rather than completing the sentence for them. Dignity usually correlates with the ability to converse.

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Slower Healing and “Linger-on” Illnesses

Don’t you think it’s strange that when they get a small scratch from something on their arm while gardening, it persists after several weeks? Or even that a common cold leaves them completely bedridden for up to a month?

One of the changes the body experiences when aging is known as “immunosenescence.” In essence, the immune system fails to react as quickly to infections as it used to. Not only do the “first responders” slow down in reaching a site of injury, but also the skin itself becomes thin and less well-supplied with blood, thus making any wounds heal slower.

This trend is also indicative of a person’s general lifestyle: slower healing can lead to a fear of falling or getting hurt, which in turn leads to less movement and more isolation. It’s a cycle that feeds itself.

Monitor the medicine cabinet. Make sure they have everything required to care for their injuries and that they remain well-hydrated. Being dehydrated is a big cause, and easy one to rectify, of delayed healing and skin problems among older individuals.

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Changes in Circulation and the Rhythm of Breath

Finally, the last symptom is often the least apparent but can be the most serious. This would be the well-known “cold hands” problem. You may see your loved one wearing a sweater on an otherwise warm day or always wanting a blanket. This could mean that there are some changes in their circulatory system. The heart may not be pumping quite as vigorously to the extremities.

Another sign that you may see is the way that they breathe. Their breath may get very shallow or even exhibit a “sighing” rhythm. Although this is common with the elderly, it becomes more important to be aware of if there are any blue nails or if they suddenly feel dizzy.

These subtle alterations in temperature control and respiration can be addressed by having better body movements and ensuring that the environment remains “draft-free,” as recommended by the American Heart Association. This is because the aim is to stay within the “thermal comfort zone,” which will ensure that the energy of the body is used effectively.

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Conclusion

Looking at this list, do not see these five warning signs as “problems needing solutions,” but rather as markers showing you what your loved one is experiencing right now.

Age is not a disease, nor an illness. It is merely another phase of life that becomes more challenging when done in isolation. And the best support you can give to an older person does not necessarily mean a solution, or even a professional intervention—it means your presence.

Your elderly relative may not need someone to solve all their problems, but they will certainly need someone who understands that their life is no longer the same.

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Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

Our surrogate had our baby—but when my husband bathed her, he said, ‘We cant keep this child’

By
Monica Pop
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Here is my story, and I’m still shivering with fear while recalling those moments. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve had more than several hours of sleep since last Thursday. You know how long we’ve waited for Sophia. Ten years! And those were ten years of injections, of crying my heart out at every negative test which felt like I was a failure every single time, of being frustrated with my “broken” body.

Now that we finally brought her home, I couldn’t help but feel as if I were holding my breath. I did not dare to make any noise or express excitement out of fear that the cosmos might notice the error and reclaim her. Yet, there she was, our baby girl, asleep in our crib.

And then came her first bath.

We were in the bathroom, and this was to be our core memory, yes? The ‘perfect parents’ experience? Well, Daniel was being so incredibly sweet – you know what he’s like, such a perfectionist! He was holding her delicate head up with one hand while pouring hot water from this little plastic cup over her. She looked like fragile china to him.

But then…

He suddenly just stopped!

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The cup tipped over, water began sloshing out into the bath again and he just stood there frozen. “Daniel,” I called out to him, but he didn’t so much as blink. His face was fixed on the area of her back above her shoulder blades in sheer terror. “No,” he murmured. “Not possible.”

Before I had a chance to question him, he blurted out, “We can’t keep her!”

My heart dropped not just down, but to my feet. My mind raced with all sorts of scenarios – did he have second thoughts? Was she ill? Was she not ours?

But he wanted me to look closer. As I leaned down, I saw it. It wasn’t a mark from birth or a scratch from the crib. It was a scar, a line perfectly straight from a surgical cut. She had been operated on without us ever knowing.

Words cannot describe how frantic and panicked I felt at that point. Daniel bundled her up in a towel, still trembling, and we were out the door. I was trying desperately to get ahold of Kendra, our surrogate, but it went straight to her voice mail. Again and again and again.

I don’t even remember how we got to the hospital. I couldn’t stop looking at my baby girl, questioning what was inside her and what they had done to her. Finally when we arrived at pediatrics, this doctor approached with total calmness, which actually made me scream internally, and said “the procedure was successfully performed.”

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He explained that she had a slight risk of infection at birth and required “immediate intervention.” I asked him as to who gave consent as this surely wasn’t from our side, and then the door opened and in came Kendra.

Her face was so pale that it looked like she had seen a ghost. Once inside the doctor’s office, she explained that the doctors had informed her that the procedure was urgent. She said that the doctors had attempted to contact us, but were unable to do so. So, she had to sign the forms and make the decision for our child.

There I stood, looking into the eyes of this person who had been entrusted with everything, only to look into those of another doctor who had never even heard my name before, and come to understand that they had seen me as an outsider in my own daughter’s life. There had been just a single phone call from the hospital. Only one. And because we didn’t answer immediately, they assumed that we weren’t available.

I felt insignificant. Like just another faceless woman paying the bills.

I was honest with Kendra and explained that even though she meant no harm, I was angry at her; I told her that she made a decision which was mine to make. I also demanded from the doctor every document, all the logs of the conversation on the phone, and an an explanation on why I was not been seen as a parent when the situation became complicated.

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On the way back home, there was absolute silence in the car; Daniel was blaming himself for not having insisted to remain by her side throughout the delivery, or for not having checked her body after we went out of the hospital. I did not allow him to say those words because we cannot write history.

Upon our return, the bathroom was still messy. The water in the tub remained the same. It seemed that while away from this life, we had returned into another life. It became difficult for Daniel to continue the process, which I ended up finishing myself.

I put her back in that warm water and began washing her. While doing so, I remembered that scar mark on her back, and suddenly, it dawned on me that she is indeed a fighter. She endured surgery in the absence of her mother and father by her side, yet emerged from it perfectly.

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I’m still angry. I’m going to spend the next month making sure that hospital never ignores a mother again. But when I held her in that towel and she made this little annoyed squeak because she was cold, Daniel actually laughed. A real laugh.

They made efforts to make me just an afterthought. They think that being a mother begins when the paperwork is simple, but they are mistaken. I am her mother because it is me who is there, and it is me who will never let go.

Finally, I know that she belongs to me. It hasn’t been a flawless process, but it is now when the world tried to push me aside that I found myself back by her side. Everything will be all right from now on. She is asleep, and for the first time in ten years, I believe that I can sleep too.

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Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

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