Muscle cramps are sudden spasms of the muscles that cause pain. And while they are not usually harmful, they cause an uncomfortable feeling due to the severe contraction of the muscles.
The cramps can last from a few seconds to ten minutes and can affect the calf muscle and the muscles on the feet or the tights (the latter doesn’t happen as often.)
The reasons why cramps happen can be various.
The most common, however, are as follows:
1. Dehydration
Sometimes, leg cramps that happen during the night are caused by the lack of hydration as this condition leads to an electrolyte imbalance.
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2. Mineral Deficiencies
Muscle cramps can also happen due to the shortage of certain minerals within the body, such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
3. Overexertion
Although exercises is good for the body, overexertion can sometimes overwork the muscles, leading to cramps.
In order to function properly, muscles need to be stretched from time to time, which is something we often forget about when our job requires too much sitting throughout the day.
5.Improper sitting position
It’s easy for muscles to get strained in case of poor posture and prolonged sitting or standing.
Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disorders, and peripheral artery disease can also lead to muscle cramps.
Some of the standard treatments than can help prevent and relieve the immediate discomfort as per Healthlineare: massaging the legs, stretching, walking on your heels, applying heat (such as hot towel, hot bottles, or heating pad on the affected area), drink pickle juice, and take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
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Mark Carney, former governor of the Canadian central bank and Bank of England, won the race to become Canada’s new Prime Minister.
He will succeed Justin Trudeau at a time when the country is at a trade war with their long-time alley, the USA.
The trade war started following Trump’s decision to impose 25 percent import tariffs on Canada and Mexico as part of his agenda of making America great again.
Also, he brought 10 percent on goods from China and energy imported from Canada.
Many dub this decision hostile towards the neighboring countries.
At the same time, it would affect the US citizens in terms of experiencing increased cost of groceries and gas.
On the social media Truth Social, Trump wrote, “WILL THERE BE SOME PAIN? YES, MAYBE (AND MAYBE NOT!). BUT WE WILL MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, AND IT WILL ALL BE WORTH THE PRICE THAT MUST BE PAID.”
Trump said the “only solution” for Canada to dodge the tariffs would be it to become the 51st state of America.
He accused Canada of failing to “halt the flood of poisonous drugs into the US.”
Canada and Mexico took a stand regarding the hiked tariffs, saying they would respond in the same manner to US goods being imported.
Mark Carney wasted no time to slam president Trump.
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In his speech, he said, “America is not Canada. And Canada never, ever, will be part of America in any way, shape or form.
“We didn’t ask for this fight, but Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves. The Americans want our resources, our water, our land, our country.
“Think about it. If they succeed, they will destroy our way of life.”
Mark Carney added: “I know these are dark days. Dark days brought on by a country we can no longer trust.”
“We’re getting over the shock, but let us never forget the lessons: we have to look after ourselves and we have to look out for each other. We need to pull together in the tough days ahead.”
Carney won on the first ballot on Sunday evening, taking 85.9% of the vote within the Liberal Party to beat his nearest rival, former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
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A video of a runner being “attacked” with a baton during 4×200 meter relay at Liberty University in Virginia has gone viral, causing outrage against the “attacker,” Alaila Everett.
Following the comments under the video, Alaila finally decided to speak up of the incident and tell her side of the story.
The competitor who suffered the injuries, Kaelen Tucker, was running the second leg of the race when Alaila appeared to have hit her on the head, causing her to fall on the ground. Tucker sustained a concussion and a potential skull fracture.
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Speaking to to WAVYTV10, Alaila explained what really happened.
“Everybody has feelings, so you’re physically hurt but you are not thinking about my mental, right. They are going off of one angle. After a couple times of hitting her with my baton, I got stuck behind her back like this and it rolled up her back. I lost my balance, and when I pumped my arms again, she got hit. I know my intentions and I would never hit somebody on purpose.”
Ever since the video has gone viral, she received threats and was called names.
Her parents believe her side of the story. They claim their daughter would never hurt anyone on purpose.
The family of the runner attacked with a baton are mad at the Everetts for not offering an apology after the incident.
“They were beside us at the event. They were watching the video at the event. But no one apologised or came to check on her. Even if it was a fluke or freak accident, you still would check on her,” they said.
Alaila on the other hand said she wanted to apologize but couldn’t reach Kaelen who blocked her on the social media.
The Tuckers have informed the sport’s governing body about the incident leading to an investigation to be launched.
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When I was still just a child, my mother taught me to use a code word if I ever felt uncomfortable around someone or felt like I was in some sort of danger but couldn’t say it outright. When I had daughter on my own, I decided to do the same with her. I explained how that worked and we came up with our secret word together.
However, I had no idea she’d use it that soon.
Namely, my girl, Amy, splits time between me and her dad, my ex-husband Dave. In fact, she’s staying with me but visits him often.
Despite our differences and everything that had happened between us over the years, I know that Dave is a good dad who’d never harm our daughter. That’s is the reason I got extremely scared when Amy used the code word while staying at her dad’s one day.
Dave called me on the phone, saying, “Hey, Amy was eager to talk to you.”
When she got on the phone and I asked her about her day, Amy said, “It’s fun. I was at the park yesterday, and I drew some pictures this morning. I drew a dog, a tree, and… But I wish I could have a blue marker so I could draw blueberries.”
At that moment, my heart sank, “blueberries” was our secret word.
Was Amy in some sort of trouble?
“Don’t worry baby, I’m on my way, and don’t say anything to your dad.”
I got into my car right away and headed to Dave’s place. When he saw me at the door, he was surprised. “Claire, I wasn’t expecting you,” he said.
“Well, I hope you don’t mind picking up Amy a bit early this time,” I said.
It looked like he wanted to protest, but he decided it would be better if he didn’t make a big deal out of it, so he agreed.
I could notice Dave was distant. It was as though something bothered him, but I was quick to leave the house and learn what scared my daughter that much.
She gave her dad a goodbye kiss and entered the car. But the moment she shut the door, she started crying.
“Mom, dad wasn’t acting as usual. He was talking to someone on the phone and he was yelling so much. Then he slammed the door. I got scared, mom.”
“It’s okay, baby” I told her. “Daddy probably had a bad day, that’s it.”
That evening Dave called me on the phone asking about Amy. It was then that I told him why I picked her up. I explained that she had used our code word, that’s how scared she was of his yelling.
“A code word? What’s that?” Dave wanted to know. I explained everything to him and it was obvious he was very sorry for scarring our daughter.
“Things have been hard at work right now,” he said.
I was proud that Amy found our code word handy when she felt uncomfortable and used it.
At that moment, I felt a profound gratitude for that small piece of parenting advice my own mom had given me so many years ago. The code word started as “just in case” thing, but I realized it truly worked well in a real life situation.
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The rise of the social media led to plenty of trends, especially among the younger population. Recently, a so called “Never Broke a Bone” theory has flooded one of the most popular and most used social media app, TikTok.
This theory, that has gone viral, explains why some people never broke a bone in their life, and some of the reasons users provide are crazy.
The trend started in December 2024, when TikTok user @obviously_makenzie posted a selfie video captioned, “I just found out what it means if you never broken a bone and it makes so much sense I can’t stop crying.” In no time, the video received thousands of reactions and comments with a number of people resonating deeply with the concept.
Another TikTok video explaining the actual meaning of the theory of never breaking a bone has also gone viral gathering five million views in just five days.
In it, user @becomingmemo interprets the spiritual reason why some people have never broken a bone in their life. According to him, these people were born to face many mental burdens and emotions, as well as difficulties and traumas in the physical world, so their guardian angels protect their bones and bodies.
One TikTok user alluded to a Bible verse as the origin of the theory.
Namely, Psalm 34:19-20 says, “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.”
Another user wrote: “mfs when they realise that the ‘never broke a bone’ theory is actually so scary like something is behind you EVERY DAY,” suggesting that the idea of a spirit constantly protecting you is frightening.
It’s interesting that a bunch of these videos discussing the “Never broke a bone” theory are spreading on the social media like a wildfire.
Scientists on the other hand believe that not breaking a bone might be due to genetics, good luck, and good nutrition rather than supernatural forces.
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My sister Erin became a mom of a baby boy, Noah, and the entire family traveled few states away where she lived to celebrate the much-anticipated arrival of their bundle of joy.
Excited to meet my nephew, I bought a bunch of baby stuff and a teddy bear for Lily, my beautiful goddaughter whom my sister adopted some two years prior.
However, when we arrived at Erin’s suburban home, I noticed that Lily’s plastic slide wasn’t in the yard. The little garden she and I planted that summer was also gone. Puzzled, I knocked on Erin’s door, and the moment I got inside together with our mom and dad, Erin appeared at the door, holding her son in her arms.
“Everyone, meet Noah!” she said excitedly, turning the baby towards us.
As I looked around the place, I noticed all of Lily’s toys were missing, including her drawings and the photos of her that were proudly placed all around the living room the last time I visited.
Finally, I asked, “Erin, where’s Lily!?” still smiling and holding her gift.
With all the indifference I’ve ever seen in a person, my sister said, “Oh, I gave her back!”
Being certain I misheard her, I asked for clarification. “What do you mean you gave her back?”
I could see our parents’ faces went stone cold as they too wondered what was actually going on.
Midjourney
“Well, I always dreamed of becoming a mother, and now that I have Noah, why would I need a daughter?” Erin said, “Lily’s going to be just find, they’ll find another family for her.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
“Erin, are you mad? That girl called you Mom for two years. She’s not a toy to return her, she was your daughter.”
My sister, obviously, didn’t think the decision to abandon her adopted daughter was a big deal.
“Relax, sis,” she said to me. “She wasn’t mine anyway. It’s not like I gave up my own child. Lily was just… temporary.”
Her words crushed my heard. How could my own sister be so cruel. What was she even thinking when she made such a crazy decision?
Midjourney
At that moment, all the memories I had with Lily flashed in front of my eyes. She was my sweet little girl, my greatest comfort through my miscarriages, my goddaughter, and now my sister gave her away… just like that!
Apparently, Erin and her husband didn’t want to split their love between Lily and their biological son. The worst thing of all was that they believed that the decision to abandon her adopted daughter wasn’t a big deal. She even accused me for blowing the situation out of proportion.
As we argued, someone knocked on the door. To Erin’s surprise, it was karma coming to get her.
Two people from Child Protective Services asked to speak to Erin. Apparently, her neighbor, the one they always argued with, alerted the services of Erin’s decision to abandon her adopted daughter the moment she welcomed a biological child in her life.
Midjourney
“We have some questions regarding your adoption process and your ability to provide a stable home for your son,” the woman, who introduced herself as Vanessa, said.
“We have grounds to believe that you rushed the adoption termination and skipped essential counseling before giving up custody of your daughter, Lily.”
Erin and her husband, David, claimed they followed legal procedures but Vanessa said they were alerted they returned the legally adopted child with no apparent transition plan, and that made them question their judgement as parents.
Erin broke into tears, but I didn’t feel sorry for her, not even a bit.
I simply couldn’t be around Erin a second longer, so I left.
Midjourney
All I could think of was Lily. I wanted to know where she was and how she felt. But learning all that wasn’t easy. The information regarding her whereabouts were not public.
Thankfully, thanks to my lawyer, we managed to track Lily down. She was placed in a foster home. My heart broke. She changed a couple of foster homes before my sister adopted her, and now she was going through the same once again.
Luckily, I got the right to visitation, and it didn’t take long before I filed adoption papers myself. Lily was a huge part of my life, and unlike my sister, I couldn’t turn my back to her.
It took a lot of time, patience, and a bunch of paperwork, but Lily was finally where she belonged, by my side.
Once the adoption process was final, my husband, Aaron, hugged me and said, “We finally did it.”
Midjourney
His support and his love for Lily meant the world to me.
Last week, Lily turned six. She had a beautiful birthday party.
She sometimes hoards food, afraid it would be taken away, and has nightmares, but over time, she will be a lot better. And yes, she was convinced for a long time that she did something wrong and that’s why my sister abandoned her.
Lily, my sister’s adopted daughter whom she didn’t like any longer became my world.
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You wouldn’t think abandoned puppy becomes old man’s miracle would be the backbone of a real-life story, but that’s exactly what happened to 91-year-old Burt. After losing his wife and son, he felt like his world had ended—until a tiny pup showed up in a cardboard box and turned his solitary existence into something worth living again. Two years later, when that same dog disappeared, Burt’s quest to find him sparked a turn of events that proved miracles can come at any age.
A Chance Encounter in the Autumn Wind
It began on a crisp fall morning. Burt, weighed down by sorrow and his cane, was on his usual walk to church when he heard a faint whimper. There, inside a soggy cardboard box on the roadside, cowered a trembling black-and-white puppy. A handwritten note read: “Take care of him!” The old man’s heart, hardened by the deaths of his wife Martha and their son James, melted at the sight. For a moment, he felt a warmth he thought had left him forever. Without a second thought, he scooped up the pup, whispering, “Sometimes you show up just in time,” not knowing this abandoned puppy becomes old man’s miracle he desperately needed.
A New Reason to Smile
Burt christened the puppy “Sebastian,” the name Martha once said she’d give a second child if life had been kinder. Day by day, Sebastian grew healthier, filling the silent house with playful barks and unconditional love. Whether bringing Burt’s slippers at dawn or greeting him with a full-body tail wag after a grocery run, Sebastian lifted Burt’s gloom and drew him back into the world. Neighbors often caught glimpses of the pair slowly making their way through the streets each evening—an old man and his loyal dog, each leaning on the other for companionship.
The Thursday That Changed Everything
Two years later, on a restless Thursday in October, Sebastian vanished. He seemed agitated all morning, barking at distant howls from the park, presumably triggered by a female dog in heat. When Burt let him into the fenced yard, the dog slipped out through an accidentally unlatched gate. That quiet house was no stranger to loneliness, but this emptiness cut deeper than any wound Burt had felt since losing family. He placed missing-dog posters around town, offering a meager reward—just his famous pot roast and a heartfelt thanks. Days stretched on, with no sign of the pup. The spark in Burt’s eyes began to fade, proving how quickly an abandoned puppy becomes old man’s miracle can vanish from your life.
Desperation and a Helping Hand
At the police station, Burt’s plea fell on largely dismissive ears. Yet among the chuckles, a young officer named Charlie stepped up, promising to watch for Sebastian during his off-duty hours. Burt clung to that sliver of hope, continuing to search empty lots and calling the dog’s name until his voice cracked. Then, out of nowhere, Officer Charlie phoned him, urging Burt to come to an abandoned well near the old Miller property. Charlie had heard frantic barking echoing from below, and when he shined a light into the darkness, he glimpsed a star-shaped patch of fur on a dog’s chest—Sebastian’s unmistakable marking.
A Miraculous Reunion
Firefighters lowered themselves into the dried-up well, eventually pulling Sebastian to safety. Exhausted, filthy, but alive, he rushed into Burt’s arms as if to say, “I’m still here.” Witnessing that emotional moment was half the neighborhood, moved by the loyalty between a man and his dog. In that instant, nobody could deny how this abandoned puppy becomes old man’s miracle truly shaped Burt’s life. Sobbing into the dog’s muddy coat, the old man realized he wasn’t alone after all. Kindness from strangers and unwavering devotion from a four-legged friend had shattered his walls of despair. By evening, Burt had an entire team—firefighters, neighbors, even the once-skeptical officers—pledged to celebrate the dog’s safe return.
That night, Sebastian lay curled at Burt’s feet while the old man gently stroked his fur, tears of gratitude warming his cheeks. He recalled how Martha used to say that love sometimes arrives in the most unexpected forms. Sitting in his small living room, Burt whispered, “You truly saved me, Sebastian.” The dog’s gentle gaze seemed to reply, “No, we saved each other.” If that’s not the perfect testament to how an abandoned puppy becomes old man’s miracle, nothing else could be.
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Loneliness had become Emma Richards’ constant companion – until a series of anonymous parcels began arriving daily. Little did she know, my long-lost son found me would soon become the twist that changed her life in ways she never expected.
An Old House, an Old Heartache
Emma’s world felt impossibly quiet ever since her husband John passed away seven years ago. With no children to fill the silence, she kept to her routine in a small, somewhat rundown house. Days blurred into weeks, and her contact with the outside world dwindled to the occasional polite chat with neighbors who moved on quickly, busy with their own lives. But one cold morning, she heard the doorbell ring. When she opened the door, a masked delivery man handed her two large boxes. Confusion warred with curiosity as she signed for them. “Ma’am, these are anonymous,” he said. “But rest assured, they’ve been cleared for safety.” Emma had no clue who would spend money on her—a lonely widow with no family in sight.
Surprising Packages Pile Up
From that day forward, the mystery deliveries never ceased. Every box contained thoughtful items: groceries, clothing in her size, even some shiny kitchen gadgets. At first, she assumed it might be an old friend playing a prank or a local charity mixing up addresses. But when she asked the delivery man—who introduced himself as Ted—he smiled warmly, saying someone clearly held her dear in their heart. Soon, Emma found herself waiting for Ted each afternoon, offering him tea or cookies and chatting about trivial things. He was kind, always brushing off her questions about the sender with a gentle shrug. After a few weeks, she received a sealed note that read: “Tell me what else you need, and I will provide it.” Bemused, she wrote a short list, not wanting to burden anyone. Although she appreciated the help, she couldn’t shake the feeling that these gifts carried a deeper meaning. Could it be that my long-lost son found me, or was she simply daydreaming?
A Vanishing Delivery Man
Then came the day when Ted didn’t show up. Worried something might have happened, Emma hurried to the local post office to look for him. But to her dismay, no one by the name of Ted worked there. Each explanation left her more confused, her mind racing. She returned home to find a small package by the door. Inside was a single key on a ring and a typed letter. Reading the words made her hands tremble:
“Mrs. Richards, I found out one month ago why I always felt like something was missing. My long-lost son found me might sound like a dream, but in reality, I discovered I was adopted. I hired a private investigator, and after digging through old files, I discovered you are my birth mother. I know you and Dad had no means to raise me back then. Please don’t feel guilty. I’m grateful for the life I had—but now, I want you in my life. I bought a new home and would love if you’d move in with me. Use this key if you decide to come. With love, your ‘delivery man,’ Ted.”
A History of Heartache Revealed
Emma’s tears blurred her vision. The truth she’d guarded for decades—that she and John once had a baby they were too poor to raise—now collided with this hopeful confession. They had left their infant at an orphanage with a note expressing regret and love. She’d never seen him again. Yet here he was, the kind stranger who’d spent weeks making sure she had everything she needed. Indeed, my long-lost son found me, and he’d chosen compassion over resentment. Eager to confirm this miracle, Emma prepared to leave her house to search for Ted. But before she could step outside, a gentle knock sounded at the door. She opened it to find him standing there, mask-free, a mixture of nervousness and relief in his eyes.
Reunited at Last
“Mom,” Ted whispered, voice thick with emotion. Emma’s heart clenched at the unfamiliar yet intimate word. She let out a sob, pulling him into a shaky hug. “I’m sorry, dear boy,” she murmured. “I thought I’d never see you again.” Ted gently rubbed her back. “I’m not angry, Mom. You did what you thought was best. The question is… can we start fresh, together?” Emma nodded through tears. The day was surreal, like she’d wandered into someone else’s life story, but the warmth in her chest told her it was real. No more secrets, no more regrets. She locked up her old home for good and hopped into Ted’s car, resting her hand on his. If she was truly honest with herself, she’d dreamt for years that my long-lost son found me one day—and that day had finally arrived.
A New Home, a Renewed Heart
Ted’s house was bright and lively, filled with the sound of children’s laughter—his kids, Emma’s grandkids. They greeted Emma with wide smiles, ready to show her around. That night, after the excitement calmed, she and Ted sat by a window, sipping tea, talking about everything from recipes to their shared love of old jazz records. It took a while for Emma to fully let go of her guilt, but Ted’s unwavering kindness chipped away at her fears. He wanted her to be a grandmother to his kids. “We have years to catch up on,” he said. Emma nodded, tears brimming again, but this time they were tears of joy. She found herself thinking, “Life might just be generous enough to give second chances.”
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