Tone/Voice:

Conversational, 2nd person (some of the examples show 1st person, but for this first trial order just do 2nd person until we get feedback)

Topic/Title Creation:

• In column D of the sheet, you will see the Category name. In column F, you’ll find additional information (if any) on other topics related to the category that would fit. Take that information to create a unique title for your article.
• Another helpful tool in coming up with titles/topics for the articles is to use the tool answerthepublic.com.  Here, you’ll just put in a keyword or the category and it will generate tons of topic ideas you could use to create a title for the article.

Keywords:

• In the keyword column, there will be a link to a “Master” keyword list for that category on their site. Open up the document and select 3-5 keywords to use in your article.

Format:

• Simply put the three keywords at the top of the page, followed by the title, followed by the article.
• Use headers and numbered lists frequently in the articles – as was stated in the “Background” section, they’ve found that articles with numbered lists seem to do well, e.g. “8 Amazing Games to Play with the Grandkids”.

• Save the article as the Category Name (column C) followed by the title.
• i.e. “Grandkids – 8 Amazing Games to Play with the Grandkids”
• Send to [email protected]
• Put “Monday Monday Network” in the subject line of your email

safety tips for your dog, pool safety tips, swimming pools for dogs

7 Backyard Pool Safety Tips That May Save Your Dog’s Life

As summer approaches, homes around the US are getting into the swing of the warm weather. This includes opening up swimming pools for everyone to cool off during the hot summer months. However, as many people realize, while we love our swimming pools, they do present a danger. Although we think of kids with this danger, swimming pools present a danger to dogs as well. That is the reason why I am going to give you 7 safety tips for your dog and backyard pool.

Pool safety is very important when it comes to dog and backyard pool ownership. Statistics have proven that pools can be as dangerous to pets as they are for kids. In fact, every year, over 5000 dogs in the US alone die from accidentally drowning.

1) Make Your Backyard Pool Dog Friendly

Whether your dog will be swimming in the pool or not, you want to make it as dog-friendly as possible. After all, dogs can easily fall into the pool when they are running around it, or trying to see what you are doing.

First, if it is possible, fence off your pool area so your dog can only have access to it when you allow him to. This will help prevent him from falling in if you aren’t able to be outside with him.

Second, install stairs instead of ladders in the shallow end of your pool. This means that your dog will be able to exit the pool if he happens to fall into it. Which is very important to prevent your dog from drowning as the sides of the pool can make it difficult for your dog to climb out.

Finally, if you have an above ground pool; place a gate on the stairs to the pool if you have a deck around it. This will keep your dog from climbing up it if you are not home and falling in.

2) Make Sure Your Dog Always Has Access to Fresh Water

It can be very easy for a dog to get sick from drinking pool water. In addition, they will drink while they are swimming, which can mean them having stomach upset and even diarrhea.

To prevent this, make sure you offer fresh water to your dog while you are outside in the pool. Keep it in a spot your dog can access. This will help prevent him from drinking pool water and will keep him hydrated on hot days.

If you see your dog drinking the pool water, correct him and take him over to his fresh water. It might take a few repeats but, eventually, he will learn that the pool is not for drinking.

3) Always Supervise Your Pet Around Your Backyard Pool

I’ve already mentioned this but it bears repeating. Never leave your dog unattended by the backyard pool. As mentioned, dogs can fall into the pool and lose their bearings. If this happens, they can easily tire out while swimming, which leads to drowning.

If you can’t be outside with your pet, take him in or lock him out of the pool area. This will ensure that he stays safe at all times.

4) Teach Your Dog to Swim

It is not a universal rule that if you own a Golden Retriever, he will know how to swim… or even enjoy water. That lack of rule is actually the same regardless of the breed. If your dog loves water and can swim is really an individual basis.

I had a Labrador Retriever who knew how to swim from the moment he was 8 weeks old and first introduced to water. However, a friend had a Labrador Retriever that would sink the moment he entered any type of water.

Same breed, two different results. So regardless of breed, make sure that your dog can swim before you give him free access to the backyard pool.

If he can’t, you can teach a dog to swim by bringing him into the pool with you. Hold him until he starts paddling and gently lower him into the water. As he gains strength and confidence, you can let him swim on his own.

Never throw a dog into the water as an introduction because you could end up hurting the dog severely and/or causing a lifelong fear of water.

5) Teach Your Dog The Exits of Your Backyard Pool

Although many dogs will naturally find the exit to the pool, it is important to teach him where they are as well. The reason for this is that a dog that falls into the pool may panic, especially if he is fearful of water or a poor swimmer.

If he doesn’t know where the stairs are to get out of the pool, he may circle into the deep end until he is exhausted. The sides of most pools are too deep for a dog to climb out of and this can be deadly for your dog.

To teach your dog where the exit is is actually quite simple. While you won’t really be training, you will be conditioning. First, always bring your dog into the pool and out of the pool at the same spot when he is first being introduced to the pool.

Second, give him a reward and lots of praise when he exits the pool in that spot. This should be done every time until he heads for the proper exit every time he tries to get out of the pool.

Once he knows where to get out, you can let your dog jump into the backyard pool; however, he wants but until he does, always use the stairs.

6) Hose Him Off After Every Swim

While chlorine and salt-water pools are okay for a dog to swim in for short periods, they can be drying to the coat and skin. In addition, after the water dries, the chemicals can become an irritant to the skin, which can lead to problems such as itchy skin or dandruff.
To help prevent this from happening, always hose your dog off after he is done swimming. If you are spending the day in and out of the pool, hose him off a few times in between swims. This will help remove the chemicals or salt that is in the water and it will keep his skin from being irritated.

Be aware that you don’t need to shampoo the dog after every swim. However, if your dog is swimming a lot throughout the week, I would give him a good bath about once a week to get rid of any chlorine build up.

As a side note, never let your dog swim when chlorine levels are high due to shocking the pool. You want an average chlorine level to help reduce irritation to his eyes, ears, and skin.

7) Use Life Vests When Swimming

I know that sporty breeds known for swimming usually do fine without a life vest but it is still a good recommendation to have one for your dog. This will help keep him safe when you are in the pool but not close to him.

If you have a dog that is not a great swimmer, always use a life vest. It is very easy for poor swimmers to be fatigued and this can lead to them inhaling water. In addition, some breeds love water but don’t have the bodies for swimming such as Bulldogs. Life vests are a must with this breed to make sure your dog is safe when he is in the water.

Finally, if you are spending the day by the pool with your dog, I would throw on his life vest. That way he can play around the pool with you. If he falls in at any time, the life vest will keep him from being injured.

Even your dog can enjoy the backyard pool. All you need to do is follow the safety tips above and always be present when your dog is near the pool. Of course, even by following the tips, there is still a lot of fun you can have with your dog in your backyard pool, which makes all the extra effort you put in worth it.

top country songs, country songs for a wedding, wedding dance country music

Top 10 Country Songs For Your Wedding Dance

10. John Michael Montgomery: “I Swear”

One of his 7 No. 1 hits, “I Swear” is a fantastic choice for your wedding dance (though he has other amazing country songs that would also be great choices). Gary Baker and Frank J. Myers wrote the love ballad “I Swear”, and when Montgomery released it in 1993, it was a smash hit. With lyrics like, “I swear by the moon and the stars in the sky / I’ll be there,” it became the promise of lovers everywhere as they pledged their hearts to one another.

Interestingly, the song had success on multiple fronts. Montgomery achieved success with it on the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Tracks, where it went to No. 1. But it was so popular that he also achieved a top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart. Then later that same year, the pop group All-4-One recorded “I Swear” as a pop hit, and they also garnered international success with the track. This means you actually have two versions of the song from which to choose, in case you want a less countrified version of the love song.

9. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit: “If We Were Vampires”

This song is for those who want a slightly less traditional love song for their wedding dance. However, it is a really beautiful ballad that has some incredibly poignant lines.

Part of what makes the song so painfully beautiful is its recognition of our mortality. “It’s knowing that this can’t go on forever / Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone / Maybe we’ll get 40 years together / But one day I’ll be gone and one day you’ll be gone.” What really makes the song is that it is this recognition of our mortality that gives us the appreciation for what we have now. Because he also sings, “Maybe time running out is a gift / I’ll work hard to the end of my shift and give you every second I can find.”

Besides the raw honesty and emotions of the lyrics, Jason Isbell has a gorgeous voice that does a wonderful job selling the emotion of the song. So if you’re looking for something beautiful and a little bittersweet in its honesty, this just might be your favorite of the country songs.

8. Sammy Kershaw: “Love of My Life”

Surprisingly, “Love Of My Life” didn’t hit the top spot when it released in 1997. The ballad went to No. 2. But that didn’t stop Kershaw from having an instant classic. Despite it slightly missing the mark on the charts, country music fans have loved this song since it first hit the airwaves. In 2012, Taste of Countrylisted it among their Top 100 Country Love Songs of all time. And with good reason.

Kershaw sings from the perceptive of a man who is expressing his undying love for the woman who saved him. And with lines such as, “As we stand together / I promise forever / Til the day I die,” who wouldn’t want to have this as the soundtrack for their wedding song?

7. Alabama: “Forever’s As Far As I’ll Go”

One of the biggest bands of the 1980s and 1990s, Alabama scored big again with “Forever’s As Far As I’ll Go.” Though they had 28 other country songs that hit No. 1 before this, this 29th No. 1 has had some serious staying power. The song released in 1990 as the third single from their Pass It On Down and spent 20 weeks at the top spot.

It’s easy to see why. The lyrics of the song are gorgeous, with lines such as ” I will give you my heart / Faithful and true / And all the love it can hold / That’s all I can do.” And with the last line of the chorus as “Forever’s as far as I’ll go,” it’s a wonderful choice for your wedding dance.

6. Chris Stapleton: “Millionaire”

A love ballad from his From A Room: Volume II, there are a few reasons why this is such a solid choice for your wedding dance.
Though he writes much of his own music, he actually didn’t write this particular song. Even so, it doesn’t matter because Chris Stapleton is one of the best singers of country songs around. Besides that, you also get to hear Stapleton’s wife, Morgane, on the song. Chris and Morgane are happily married, which seems like it makes it a good omen for a wedding song.

Beyond that, it also looks at love as being the most treasured item you can have: “‘Cause love is more precious than gold / It can’t be bought, no, never could be sold / I got love enough to share / That makes me a millionaire.”

5. Sara Evans: “No Place That Far”

If you want a song that truly aspires to the notion of love conquers all, “No Place That Far” just may be your wedding dance song. With the gorgeous backup vocals by country singer Vince Gill, “No Place That Far” took Evans to the top spot on US Country Chart.
The song is from the woman’s perspective, telling the man how much she will fight for him and their relationship. It’s unusual in the sense that it is generally the man who takes that position. But in this song, she tells him, “If I had to run / If I had to crawl / If I had to swim a hundred rivers / Just to climb a thousand walls / Always know that I would find a way / To get to where you are / There’s no place that far.”

4. Alison Krauss: “When You Say Nothing At All”

Keith Whitley originally recorded “When You Say Nothing At All.” His 1988 release took him to the top of the charts. When Alison Krauss released her cover version in 1995, it didn’t perform as well (though it was her first song to take her to the Top 10). However, there is something about her version that just makes it feel more like a wedding song.

Whitley’s version is just as beautiful, but there is something almost mournful in it. When Krauss’ soft voice sings, “The smile on your face lets me know that you need me / There’s a truth in your eyes saying you’ll never leave me / A touch of your hand says you’ll catch me if ever I fall / Now you say it best when you say nothing at all,” it feels hopeful.

3. Tracy Byrd: “The Keeper of The Stars”

If you want one of the great country love songs and a bit of a religious element, “The Keeper of The Stars” is your wedding dance soundtrack.

Byrd released the song in 1994 as the 4th and final single from his No Ordinary Man album. Though it ended up in second place on the charts, it was still named Song of the Year by the Country Music Association.

“The Keeper of The Stars” brings the idea of God (or Providence, your choice) into the picture, with love as the object of divine destiny. “It was no accident me finding you / Someone had a hand in it / Long before we ever knew.” That someone is the “keeper of the stars.” It’s quite a romantic track.

2. George Strait: “I Cross My Heart”

This was such a big hit for King George that most any country music fan recognizes those first few chords. Though writers wrote the song for the movie Pure Country, “I Cross My Heart” is tailor-made for a wedding dance.

Just hearing the lyrics brings to mind a couple on the dance floor, longingly gazing at each other. And the lyrics almost perfectly echo wedding vows: “I cross my heart and promise to give all I’ve got to give to make all your dreams come true.” Besides that, it’s set to Strait’s phenomenal country voice. What else could you want from a country song?

1. Shania Twain: “From This Moment On”

Speaking of tailor-made wedding songs, one assumes that a wedding dance song was exactly what Shania Twain had in mind when she released “From This Moment On.” The 1998 song is literally about the moment of marriage.

“I give my hand to you with all my heart / I can’t wait to live my life with you I can’t wait to start / You and I will never be apart / My dreams came true because of you / From this moment, as long as I live. /I will love you, I promise you this.”

Of all the country songs you could play for your wedding dance, this is the one that was most obviously written for and about marriage.

stress and depression, acute stress, stress management

Warning: Chronic Stress Affects Your Brain

We all must deal with stress every day of our lives and you may think you are thriving against the pressures of work or home life, but are you really? Chronic stress is dangerous but did you know that it seriously affects the brain? You could be at risk.

Chronic and Acute Stress

We all love the idea of being stress-free in life but sadly, unless you are going to live the life of a hermit and half-way up a mountain, that’s not really possible. Even then, there would be a new set of stressors to deal with. Learning to manage the problems of life is paramount. Of course, it’s important to note that not all stress is bad for you. Acute stress provides you with an all-important response to a dangerous situation. If a car was hurtling towards you, it may be possible to get out of the way due to your stress response. You think more quickly, you move more efficiently and this could save your life. Although most of us do not find ourselves in life-threatening situations, acute stress still occurs. Once any pressured situation has dissipated, the stress hormones disappear too. There is usually no long-lasting effect from this.

Acute stress can be useful in multiple ways. Think of a time in the past when you needed to be mentally alert and prepared for an exam. You were under pressure and nervous but had great mental clarity. After the exam, you breathed a sigh of relief and your stress response returned to normal.

By contrast, the stress hormone cortisol is often called public enemy number one. When you feel stressed, it rages throughout your body and if not checked, can lead to many health problems including hormonal imbalances, weight gain, digestive problems, headaches, IBS, diabetes, and even heart disease. When stress levels are consistent, cortisol has a field day streaming through your system and this places a heavy toll on your adrenal glands, so you may feel as if you are constantly on the edge. Fatigue is overwhelming. But cortisol also impacts your brain function. Here’s how.

Stress and Your Brain

If you are suffering from chronic stress or have been in the past, you’ll know when you feel under pressure but, there are some side effects that occur without your knowledge and these are dangerous. Did you know that stress can change the function of your brain and even alter the structure right down to DNA level?

Chronic Stress and Your Memory

Your memory is easily affected during times of chronic stress. You suddenly recall that you are about to miss an important appointment and stress levels rise as you hurry to make it on time. Misplacing items are a common symptom because you are feeling distracted or perhaps you have forgotten crucial details of a conversation. But chronic stress can also make you feel more emotional. This is because electrical signals in your brain associated with real memories will weaken while emotional parts of the brain strengthen.

Stress and Anxiety

Within the brain, there is an area called the amygdala and this is known as your brain’s fear center. When stress infiltrates the mind and body, and you feel overwhelmed, it increases the neural connections in this part of the brain. Therefore, the amygdala increases in size and its activity levels increase. It becomes a vicious cycle because you then become more anxious and fearful.

Stress Puts You at Risk

Stress is still misunderstood. Ongoing research discovers very real physical differences in those who have stress disorders. Left unresolved, stress leads to the development of various mental illnesses including anxiety, panic disorders, and depression. But it can also lead to addictive behaviors too and it is very easy to develop a dependency on drug or alcohol without realizing. Using alcohol as an emotional and mental crutch is common.

Stress Affects Your Intelligence

While short-term stress (acute) can cause your body and the mind to sharpen at just the right time, chronic stress can make your brain freeze. Think about it, you go into an all-important job interview and your brain just won’t function. You can’t think straight. Your head is like cotton wool. Stress affects your memory levels and impacts decision making. In fact, it negatively affects every cognitive function.

Stress and Depression

Your brain cells communicate through neurotransmitters. Chronic stress has the power to reduce these neurotransmitters, i.e. dopamine and serotonin. Lower levels can impact you negatively. You feel differently. You may need support or feel lost in life. This is often where addictive behaviors can form. Low moods can be severe.

Serotonin is known as the happy molecule. It plays a significant role in good sleep patterns, appetite control, enhance mood, and learning. Research indicates that men who have reduced levels of serotonin are more prone to impulsive control disorders or alcoholism whereas women are more likely to indulge in binge eating, have greater anxiety levels and suffer from depression.

By contrast, dopamine is known as the motivation molecule. It governs pleasure and where there are too low levels, lethargy, feelings of depression, lack of motivation or focus is likely. If you are low in this brain chemical, it is easy to become dependent on substances. If you are low in dopamine, happiness will be elusive. It will seem impossible to truly enjoy life. There are tell-tale signs of low serotonin levels and if depression is present, it is usually accompanied by irritability and anxiousness.

How to Nurture Your Stressed-Out Brain

Increase your levels of BDNF by exercising. It is not necessary for strenuous exercise or to go to the gym, but even a good walk each day would be useful. You could also try yoga or tai chi. This will help to boost health. Ultimately, yoga can be practiced at home so is easy to incorporate into your life after a busy day. Immerse yourself in the postures and gain clarity of mind and greater equilibrium in life. Yoga is similar to a moving meditation. You focus and you connect with the postures and you learn. This is not a distraction method but it does help to clear your mind.

Meditate

Meditation has proven time and time again that it helps to lower stress levels. When you consider that much of the stress comes because of your thoughts and subsequent actions, meditation can be a useful way to calm those thoughts and to identify a truer response. So, if your immediate reactions are negative or you view the situation with a tainted perception, it’s wise to try to master how you respond to difficult situations. This is not easy at all. You must keep your thoughts positive and your mind clear. This then provides greater clarity so you can react to stress differently. Meditation is also a wonderful way to keep the telomeres healthy.

Sleep

Stress plays havoc with sleep levels. You can’t stop the multitude of thoughts from bombarding your mind, from the moment you lie down and so sleep becomes sporadic. Meditating at night is highly beneficial as is practicing progressive relaxation techniques. Develop a positive sleep routine- go to bed at the same time each night, use aromatherapy essential oils to help increase relaxation or run a hot bath. Creating a positive routine makes it easier to go to sleep and this is important. As you slumber, your brain repairs itself, it forms new brain cells, and helps consolidate your memories. When sleep is erratic, you lose out on the healing process.

Summary

There is no doubt that chronic stress levels impact every aspect of your life. It has a very real negative impact on physical, emotional, and mental health. If left unresolved, it’s easy to develop addictive or unhealthy behaviors. It affects the structure of your brain but also greatly accelerates brain aging. It enlarges the brain’s fear center and stops new brain cells being produced. Chronic stress increases the potential for neurodegenerative diseases or psychiatric conditions. But even on a day-to-day basis, stress prevents you from functioning at an optimum level.

Therefore, one of the most important things you must do in life is to be able to utilize stress management techniques. It is of the utmost importance that you lower your stress levels as quickly as is possible. Your brain is dependent on it.