​The window between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. is connected to your endocrine and lymphatic systems, the Chinese say. These systems are more active during this time. If they’re out of balance, you might feel depressed and have bad sleep during this window.

Also, among these symptoms, you can experience mania, feelings of guilt, a hormone imbalance, and a thyroid disorder. You need a better bedtime routine, and remember that 10:30 p.m. is the latest time you should be in bed to ensure you’re asleep by 11 p.m.

​This window is responsible for the gall bladder. The wrong functioning of this organ leads to imbalanced feelings of uncertainty, poor judgment, difficulty making decisions, shyness, timidity, and high cholesterol. Experts suggest you avoid consuming unhealthy drinks and trans fats.

​During this period of time, the liver is more active. It tries to detoxify your body and process the emotions of the day. You might feel angry and experience moodiness and headaches when awake.

If you keep waking up at this time, you may have too many bad habits, including consuming unhealthy drinks and unhealthy food, especially if you do so at night.

​The lungs are active during these hours. If you have problems with this organ, you may experience sadness, shallow breathing, sweating, and chest pain. Try doing breathing exercises before bed, or talk to a friend or a psychologist.

​The large intestine works actively this time. If it has a disorder, you may feel defensive or stuck in a situation. Each time you wake up from your alarm clock, you may feel frustrated. The Chinese suggest you include more fiber or water in your diet.

Chances are that during the summer holidays your kid was not following their typical bedtime and waking up routine. In order to ease going back into their schedule, it may be a good idea to gradually prepare them for the new routine. For example, you may want to start sending your kids to bed earlier and waking them up at the time needed to get to school on time a few days before school starts.

To make waking up on time less stressful, you may try stress-free waking up gadgets, for example, a light-up alarm clock. There is a great variety of such alarm clocks on the market now, and their main advantage is that they use gentle light instead of loud sounds to wake you up. Your kids may like it!

Instead of stressing your kid out of their bed with a loud buzz, this alarm clock will simulate a sunrise in their room. The light of this alarm clock will gradually increase from 10% to 100% over the span of 10 to 60 minutes, making getting up in the morning easier and more comfortable.

​Back-to-school anxiety is normal, and openly talking about their feelings can help your kids relieve the stress. You can ask your child about what they are expecting of the coming school year and what worries or fears they have.

It would also be nice to boost your kid’s curiosity and excitement around the learning process. Experts suggest that you can encourage your child to take up a “passion project” in the coming year and focus on a particular subject that excites them the most.

Kids carry backpacks many hours a week, and it’s very important to choose a backpack that won’t hurt your kid’s back and won’t make them feel tired. There are several things that experts recommend taking into account when choosing a backpack, and here they are:

• Chest and waist buckles and straps will help keep the load centered on your kid’s body, evenly distributing the load they are carrying.
• Padded back and straps will protect your kid’s back from getting hurt by sharp objects in the bag and prevent flat straps from digging into your kid’s shoulders.
• Lots of pockets and compartments will allow your child to put different items into different places and prevent the load from shifting into one place.
• Lightweight and durable material will be perfect for your kid’s backpack.

​Seeing the school and the playground in a relaxed and stress-free atmosphere can help your child better adjust to the new environment when the actual studies begin. Visiting school in advance may be especially important for those children who are returning to offline studies after long periods of online learning.

According to experts, a “healthy” lunchbox of a school kid should include the following ingredients:

• Fruit. It’s better to choose fresh rather than dried fruit, because dried fruit may contain a lot of sugar.
• Vegetables. You can choose crunchy vegetable sticks with dip, for example.
• Dairy products. These can include milk, cheese, or yogurt.
• Meat or meat alternatives. You can try chicken strips or hard-boiled eggs, for example.
• Grain or cereal foods.

​Plan fun family activities during the time when your kid is not learning, for example on evenings and weekends. This way you can provide your child with the necessary relaxation and give them the feeling of connection and family support, separating family life from schooling and its stressors. It’s important for kids to realize that whatever challenges they face at school, they are going to overcome those challenges together with their loving families.

Before the new school year starts, make sure your child knows what study tools (offline and online) they will need this year. Try to create the working environment where your child can feel the most productive and organized. For example, their workspace can be a separate quiet room, or, if this is not possible, you can think of noise cancelling headphones that will help them focus.

​The popping sound when we crack our knuckles might happen for varying reasons, including relaxation, but the rumor surrounding it is based loosely on fact. Although frequent cracking and popping of your knuckles might cause injury, scientists say this doesn’t increase your risk of getting arthritis.

Eating late at night might be related to gaining weight. It’s somewhat true, especially when talking about munching on an extra meal after dinner. However, missing a meal and making up for it by eating hours later after supper time is an exception.

It turns out that it’s more important to be aware of how much you eat rather than when you eat, as your calorie intake matters more when maintaining a healthy weight.

​Skincare wouldn’t be complete without facial regimens and other tried-and-tested practices to achieve fresh and glowing skin. One typical food “no-no” when it comes to maintaining a smooth face is chocolate.

Chocolate is often associated with oily skin and heavy breakouts, especially on the face. That’s why face-conscious people steer clear of the sweet delicacy. Even so, there is no scientific evidence that this claim is true, as there are mixed results in the studies.

​Hair removal has become increasingly trendy over the past years. Getting rid of body hair in unwanted areas opened new doors to various techniques. But there is one method people usually avoid: shaving, especially on delicate parts.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but shaving isn’t actually a bad way to get rid of hair. The effect after shaving might make the growing hair appear darker and rounder, but it’s actually because of the coarser base, its thickness, and not being exposed to some elements (like sun and soap, for instance).

​Almost all advertisements we see have models that flash pearly whites. That’s why we’re so eager to whiten our smiles in different ways. However, the opposite is actually an indicator of a good set of teeth.

Having a bright smile can be tempting, and a yellowish one, quite embarrassing, but some light yellow on our teeth is actually from something called dentin, which protects the inner layer of the teeth.

​As we age, fine lines, which we also call “smile lines” and “crow’s feet,” become more visible. We often associate these wrinkles with smiling, which is not entirely wrong. These appear more and more whenever we squint and grin.

Flashing a pretty smile is one thing, but the main culprit here is the loss of skin elasticity and collagen. Getting older, as well as environmental factors, such as harmful sunlight, are also behind those lines.

​The promise of stretching our muscles and breathing is enough for us to try yoga and experience the benefits it brings. We might be inclined to seek its help when things go wrong with our bodies, but some promises are made to be broken.

If we experience some conditions, such as asthma, yoga might not be an ideal solution. But don’t let that bring your hopes down. Yoga still helps in relieving unbearable chronic pain — you just need to consider it a complementary therapy and always remember that it shouldn’t hurt you.

​High heels truly put the “high” in high fashion. That’s why they’ve been a staple in dressing up over the past centuries. But we don’t typically believe that heels make us too happy. Maybe because we’re still scared they can give us bunions eventually.

Contrary to that popular belief, bunions are not caused by wearing heels, although they worsen the condition. Bunions are, in fact, caused by genetics and underlying diseases that make your joints swell, such as arthritis. Shoes are only dangerous if they cramp your toes.

​Fads, such as detox diets, cleansing smoothies, vitamin drips, and more, make us believe that our body needs a lot of help from various healthy foods in order to stay clean and in tip-top shape. They sound promising, but we don’t really want all of that.

In fact, our bodies actually have an inner cleansing machine and don’t need help from a bunch of “cleansers.” The liver already filters all of what we ingest, and all we have to do is take care of it. Moreover, experimenting with diets and programs without a health professional’s supervision can ultimately harm your liver.

​Snoring might be an annoying part of our everyday routine, but it’s actually something to watch out for. In fact, you can spot several hidden conditions when snoring gets excessively heavier over time. These include blocked nasal airways, sleep deprivation, and sleep apnea.

​It may appear as common knowledge when we talk about our fingerprints and how they are uniquely personal. We even see this kind of uniqueness in spy films or cartoons where they scan the tips of their fingers.

However fascinating this may seem, this information may not be precisely accurate, as fingerprints may not be that reliable anymore when it comes to solving crime. Some patterns may come off as similar to others.

​Anger, mood swings, or sudden overwhelming fear for no reason — sometimes accompanied by a racing heart or fast breathing — can be a sign of mental illness. Yes, tantrums are common in young children, but most outgrow this by kindergarten. It’s not okay for a child younger than 4 to have more than 9 tantrums per week.

​If your child stops taking care of their appearance and lacks cleanliness, it’s not normal. Don’t let it go if you see your kid ignoring being tidy and looking messy. Of course, children don’t always like to get clean, but it’s more about a constant or very pronounced manifestation.

​Avoiding any social interaction, including family, can be a sign that something is going on. If you notice that your child has started to ignore school and even their best friends, it’s best to consult with a specialist who can help with finding a reason for this and helping them get back to normal.

​One more emotional sign is if your kid used to like to play certain games or loved certain foods but then suddenly stopped enjoying them. Of course, they can change tastes, but be more attentive, as your kid may have other symptoms as well.

​Fighting, engaging in extreme sports, and skipping school are symptoms of risk-taking behavior. It’s more about ignoring the consequences of their behavior. Risk-taking behavior often peaks in the teen years and then decreases with age. Please don’t ignore these signs and ask for professional help.

​Physical signs can be expressed in real physical pain, even if there is no clear medical cause. Your kid may often experience headaches, stomachaches, nausea or other physical pain. Researchers have noticed that headaches in childhood are associated with several psychopathological states, like depression and anxiety.

​Physically, mental illness can cause trouble with eating and sleeping. If patterns change for the worse and stay negative for a long time, you shouldn’t ignore this. Up to 40% of children experience a sleep problem at some point during their development, researchers say. Anxiety disorders occur in up to 20% of children.

​Most people like eating bacon and eggs for breakfast, but they aren’t fully aware of its health risks. They are healthy to eat separately since they are both high in protein, but when mixed together, it can result in digestion problems.

Once you eat 2 high-protein foods at once, it can take a while for your body to digest it all, especially since protein is the hardest to break down. Not only that, but there are many saturated fats in both of these foods, and bacon contains a lot of sodium, especially if eaten in large portions. Try to replace bacon with carbs like whole grain toast and fruit with your eggs, or keep your bacon and replace your eggs with avocados and tomatoes.

​Fruits are healthiest when eaten by themselves. When mixed together with other foods like yogurt, it can cause a sour and indigestible feeling in your stomach.

If you want to add sweetness to your yogurt, try adding cinnamon, as it has many health benefits for your heart, lowers cholesterol, and can relieve your throat. It can also relieve symptoms of a UTI for females. If you have digestion issues after a meal, try to blend a fourth cup yogurt with 2 pinches of ginger and cumin powder in 1 cup water.

​Drinking both milk and orange juice for breakfast may cause an upset stomach because oranges have acids that can coagulate the milk, making it look like a cheesy substance. This discomfort can last for 2 to 6 hours, depending on your acid levels. It also can result in bloating because it takes longer for milk to digest, and mixing it with citrus fruits like oranges can solidify the milk — leading to heartburn.

​The usual combo, a burger with fries, actually isn’t considered an ideal meal. Nutritionists say it’s much healthier to order 2 burgers instead of one with fries. It can make you feel fuller longer because you are taking in more protein, you may take in fewer calories, and you will reduce the number of carbs. By ordering 2 burgers, you can keep your blood sugar levels in check as well.

Although it may seem normal to have a cup of water next to your food, it can have many health risks if you drink it while you eat. First, it can reduce the amount of saliva you produce, which is the main factor participating in digestion. It gets diluted, which can stop the breakdown of food in your mouth. It can also result in weight gain, cause acidity, and increase insulin in your body.

​Known as dragon gates, these peculiar holes in the center of skyscrapers have a very special meaning. And no, they are not related to an architectural motif. The answer lies in the traditional practice of Feng Shui. These holes in the middle of the buildings are meant so that positive energy can flow through the skyscrapers.

And according to Feng Shui, dragons, which represent wisdom, can fly from the mountains to the ocean, and pass through buildings, creating a good flow of energy around them.

​Most of us know this popular dish as “French fries,” but the truth is that we could start calling it “Belgian fries.” History claims that French fries originated in Belgium on the Meuse River, where villagers used to eat fried fish traditionally. And when it was winter and the river froze over, the villagers exchanged the fried fish for potatoes.

The French denomination arose after some Americans found out about this dish. Since the denominator language in the south of Belgium is French, they immediately gave this tasty dish the name “French fries” without actually being French. But as much as we want to change its name, we will keep the French fries’ name in our hearts.

​Sometimes, especially in very cold countries, getting rid of snow can be a problem. And it is very crucial when we’re talking about transportation and commuting. But Norway and Finland have shown us that snow is not a big problem for them. They have installed electric elements on the sidewalks to keep them free of snow.

Their sidewalk heating system has proven to be a more economical option and has decreased the number of slip and fall accidents on icy streets.

​When we think of the Sahara desert, most likely the first thing that comes to mind is a very sunny and dry desert. And it’s hard to imagine it covered in snow. Well, strange as it may seem, in 2018 there was a snowfall in the Sahara desert, covering it with a soft layer of snow.

Although it only lasted one day, this was the second time an event like this had happened there. In 1979, another snowfall was recorded. This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime event that we would like to witness!

​If there was any doubt that this New Zealand street is the steepest in the world, the Guinness Book of Records has already given it the title. Baldwin Street is the name of this famous residential street. So if driving up steep hills isn’t your thing, chances are you’ll find alternatives to not crossing here.

​No, this is not part of a fairytale. Unicorns are officially the national animal of Scotland and the story behind this decision is fascinating. Unicorns represent an important part of their ancient mythological culture, from the Babylonians and the Indus civilization.

These mystical creatures represent purity and, at the same time, power. The Scots felt so connected to what these fictional animals represented that they decided to make them their symbol.

​If you ever find yourself skiing in the mountains of Sweden, a stop at the McSki drive-thru is a must. Open in 1996, this interesting fast food restaurant only caters to hungry skiers and snowboarders.

​Back in time, around the 10th century, people realized that feet would stand more firmly in stirrups (when horseback riding) if the shoe had a raised heel. So heels quickly became popular among men who rode horses. During the 17th century, these high-heeled shoes became a trend in Europe, especially for the upper class, both men and women. Years passed until it became more of a women’s fashion trend.

​This food, that we usually eat in various preparations and dishes, is the oldest food that we still eat today. Humans began cultivating rice about 12,000 — 15,000 years ago. The second food that may be as old as rice is corn, which was grown in Mexico between 7,500 and 12,000 years ago.

​In recent years, the chemical industry has reached a new level of development, and this progress has made our lives easier. But many cosmetics and personal care products contain elements that can negatively affect our bodies.

According to research, some chemicals mimic estrogen and may speed up puberty. The main culprits are elements that are used as preservatives in cosmetics, scented products, and personal care products. Children exposed to these chemicals before birth may hit puberty earlier. Growing kids may also be especially vulnerable, as they’re exposed to such everyday care products.

​A high-fat diet in childhood can lead to early puberty. The culture of nutrition in modern kids leaves much to be desired. Fast food is typically high in sugar, salt, and saturated or trans fats. This, in turn, leads to obesity. Recent studies show that childhood obesity and precocious puberty are inseparable.

​The new generation consumes vast amounts of information every day through social media. Modern influencers, music, fashion, and media culture force kids to grow up faster. For this reason, children start worrying about their appearance and weight at an early age.

​Scientists are starting to see the connection between early puberty, mass pollution, and sedentary lifestyles, which is the result of climate change. A harsher climate can cause children to spend much more time inside instead of being active outside. That lifestyle reduces the amount of melatonin, which then triggers the body to move into puberty.

​Nowadays, kids spend much more time inside, mostly thanks to technology. The Internet became a research area for them instead of active free play. Isolation and lack of active free play contribute to increased levels of stress. Stress in early childhood leads to faster maturation of certain brain regions during adolescence.

​Early puberty may increase the risk of problematic behavior in young adolescents. The risk might be related to friendships because those who mature early appear to be more vulnerable to peer influences than non-early maturers. But parents might be able to step in and prevent such problems, according to what researchers say.

​1. “Used a leaf blower and a funnel to quickly inflate a pool.”

​2. “The top of a terrarium doubles as a protector for my thawing prime rib. He wants it so bad.”

​3. “I made a sliding word-changing sign for my dishwasher.”

​4. “My girlfriend came up with a crazy good microwave life hack for multiple plates. It heats up evenly this way.”

5. “This is how I cleaned my keyboard today.”

​6. “I use birth control stickers as nail vinyls.”

7. “This makes all my lunch breaks very entertaining.”

​8. “Put the ice cream in ziplock bags or grocery bags to avoid freezer burn. It also makes the ice cream easier to scoop.”

​9. “My father amazes me sometimes.”

10. “I put a motion-sensing light in my bathroom to avoid getting blinded when I have to go in the middle of the night.”

11. “A stack of cups that you can turn to indicate when coffee was brewed.”

​12. “Taping wax paper to your windows is a cheap and quick way to keep your privacy without compromising natural light.”

13. “My friend made this to clean his bathroom tiles (and yes, he did use a newly bought, unused brush).”

​14. “If you’re ever tired of hotel curtains not closing all the way”

​15. “If you eat a hard taco over a soft tortilla shell, you get a second taco.”

​Bonus: how Anne Hathaway eats cupcakes without getting frosting on her face

​Moles are skin growths that can vary in color, ranging from a person’s natural color to a different shade. They can appear anywhere on the skin, either individually or in groups.

When the pigment-producing cells of the skin, called melanocytes, grow in clusters, instead of being scattered along the surface, moles are formed. Most of them appear on those parts of our body that are most exposed to sunlight. Therefore, it is possible that the more time you spend in the sun, the more moles you will have.

​Most moles appear during childhood and up until you’re 20. Once you reach adulthood, it is common to have between 10 and 40 moles on your body. In some cases, they may be hairy, and as the years go by, they may slowly change, becoming a little more lumpy and lighter in color. However, in other cases, you might never notice changes.

After being exposed to the sun, moles may become darker. That can happen too during puberty or pregnancy due to hormonal changes.

Although most of them are benign, in some cases, you might need to take a closer look at them to make sure everything’s okay. Ideally, you should examine the areas of your body that have moles using a mirror, for example, to observe moles in places that are regularly exposed to the sun (face, hands, legs, arms, chest, and back). You can also ask a friend or somebody else to help you.

In any case, you should go to a dermatologist if you notice any of the following signs:
​

• A mole looks different from the others you have on the body.
• It appears after the age of 30.
• It causes itching or bleeding.
• Its color is not even.
• It presents irregular changes in its shape or one side looks different from the other.
• Its diameter is larger than that of a pencil eraser.

​Papillomas are light-colored or slightly brown bumps that hang from the skin surface. They are formed by loose collagen fibers and ducts embedded in thicker areas of the skin. They can usually arise on the neck, eyelids, and other places where there is friction, such as the breasts, groin, or armpits.

What makes these formations different from moles is mainly their nature. Moles can sometimes develop into malignant cells, whereas papillomas are almost always benign.

​There is another type of skin condition that, unlike moles, is caused by a fairly common virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) and is transmitted by direct contact with the skin or through shared objects such as towels or washcloths. Common warts are usually harmless and disappear on their own over time.

They usually appear on the fingers or hands, are characterized by being rough, and often have a pattern of tiny black dots, which are small blood vessels of clotted blood. Others may appear on the soles of the feet and therefore cause discomfort when walking.

Warts can be prevented or prevented from spreading to other parts of the body when they have already appeared by following these recommendations:
​

• Wash your hands regularly, especially if you have been in contact with someone who has warts.
• Cover warts with a bandage and avoid touching them.
• Keep your hands and feet dry.
• Wear flip-flops when you are in a communal shower or locker room.