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Under the Influence
Under the influence by Malini Agarwal is a book I read last week.Its about the influence of digital media on how we behave and what can be improved for a beautiful digital legacy.
The tagline “How to Survive and Thrive Online and a quote by Kusha Kapila on the book cover, aptly sums up the book by saying, “the one who knew influence before influencers were a thing.”
That’s true because I read the first book by Miss Malini when I started blogging .She has really worked hard at building the business she has built.
Her first book was How I blogged my way to Bollywood a very rags to riches inspiration.
But as the saying goes, it’s not what you know but who you know and Miss Malini has tweaked it by making it not only about who, but also what and how and bringing it all together to build a unique business.
A guide to being good online in the age of the shiny social media where its only about the rhetorics not the truth.
Most important lesson for social media Etiquette
Don’t do anything online you wouldn’t do or say offline
My favorite part was about creating the social media legacy.That’s what I believe too and it’s not just sm(social media) legacy but a digital legacy.Here’s my digital legacy.
I like jumping on sm trends but somehow never did Snapchat or Tiktok.I liked how Malini talks about the generations and laughed out loud when I read we millennial (Yes,I am a millennial) have intuitive knowledge of tech, can work as professional shoppers online and like work life balance and QOL is our thing.Well she definitely nailed that one.
But before I get carried away giving away all the content .I must say Miss Malini is not just an influencer.She is THE Influencer reaching demigod status with her pen and her work .
I am also a part of her Good creator APP, which was previously the Miss Malini tribe app,which shows promise (hope it gets even better).Imagine your child Googling you one day and reading about you.Is there anything you wish you didn’t do?That’s one of the biggest takeaways if you are a parent who blogs!
Crucial thing to remember going forward. Plus the internet has no rules.
Who is this book for?
If you are a creator ,earning online or considering earning online this book is your internet-etiquette must read, that will save you headache, heartache and money (from avoiding litigation costs).Remember even freedom of speech has rules to be followed. Because in a world where anarchy rules, nothing thrives.The internet is a gift to mankind, treat it well and remember you are creating a digital footprint for generations to come.Make it good .
Forever is a series of Nows
Emily Dickenson
This is a U post and part of Blogchatter Book Review program and also BlogchatterA2Z.
Sharing is good Karma!
Managing internet access for children with Happinetz
Today I talk about managing internet access for children with Happinetz
The best thing about the internet is that it opens up the world to us. That unfortunately is also the worst thing, because managing internet access, especially when it comes to children may need to be done with guidance and intervention.
Tldr:
I want Happinetz to solve the problem of kids accidentally seeing harmful content online, including adult games.
But what exactly is Happinetz? I will tell you all about my tech guardian. But before that I need to go back to when the story started.
It was 2020 and the Pandemic hit us hard and out of the blue. Online school was a new normal during the pandemic. I felt lucky to have an education for my child. However, with time, as internet access for children became more common and widespread, we adults realized that all content on the Internet is not child-specific or age-appropriate. I needed a solution that would keep internet browsing safe for my child.
Thanks to Happy Parents Lab, because of whom I found Happinetz. It is the brainchild of my favourite blogging platform Blogchatter’s founder owners Richa and Vikas. With Happinetz, the good of the internet is accessible with zero headache of managing internet access on my part.
While being a mother means I will never again rest easy, having an ally like Happinetz for managing internet access makes me happy. This is especially true when I am not physically looking over my daughter’s shoulder. Yes, I do that too. But this is getting trickier as she is growing up and when one has a thousand and one things to juggle. A home is never done. And the internet can never truly be safe or kid friendly. It’s the world wide web and there is so much that you and I, regular everyday people don’t know about. I recognise the immense opportunity for education and learning that the internet opens up for all of us. But as a mommy, I am also afraid.
Did I tell you about the real life Jamtara scam I faced? It was horrifying how creepy these crooks are. Now, I am scared of online predators who use chat windows, gaming sites, and ads to harm children and steal data. It’s not too late to have gatekeepers around, both physical and digital because the predators are everywhere.
Happinetz helps me screen for several categories of content while easily managing internet access.
Though Happinetz has divided the internet into 15 categories, some of the common categories that I have found the most useful are:
- Online learning
- Education
- Home and Family
- News and General Knowledge
- Video and entertainment
- Chat and forum
What are the age options of access control you ask?
There are 3 modes, kid, teen and parent and toggling between them is easy. So is setting up internet access timing. Best part, I can do this right on my phone.
I am a curious person. So is my daughter. I also encourage her to do her own research while making her school projects. While I don’t enjoy peeping over her shoulder, I keep a strict watch on her online history, overall time spent and specific sites she spends time on. She doesn’t text or video call friends without our permission and I know it’s not always a ten on ten situation. So I am happy Happinetz is there to keep her curiosity safe from age-inappropriate content.
I know also that while gamified learning is helpful, excessive gaming may be a problem. Happinetz allows her to access quiz sites with fun or educational content while blocking sites I don’t want her to see. That’s where Happinetz’s advanced settings to whitelist specific websites and blacklist others made me relax with a smile.
Children will be children. If you have checked out some recent scary stories about grooming gangs stalking kids through social media, you will know why you need an internet guardian.
How I got Happinetz to manage Internet access
My daughter hasn’t asked for her own phone yet. She uses one of our phones for occasionally chatting with her friends. The school has made a sensible decision of banning children from having social media accounts.
She has access to one phone to check her school messages and a laptop for school work. We connected Happinetz on both these devices. From the laptop it was a simple matter of finding the Happinetz Wi-Fi connection. Happinetz has an exhaustive filtering system, a customisable internet schedule option and insights to help me monitor the websites and apps accessed online by my child’s device.
You just need to install the app on your phone (the mommy or daddy phone) from where you can link the devices whom you want Happinetz to monitor.
I like tech stuff which makes life easy, not complicated. The 5 minutes Happinetz setup was worry free. Since the user manual is easy to follow, setting up the connection with the device and router is effortless. In fact, my daughter helped me set it up and make an unboxing video.
My hubby had a few questions when I told him about Happinetz and since men have typical men questions, I am sharing some FAQs.
Will Happinetz impact the main Wi-Fi at home ?
No. Happinetz only monitors the devices connected to its WiFi. Devices connected to the home router will not be monitored.
Will I face problems while accessing news sites ecommerce stores etc using my phone when Happinetz app is installed?
No. If you haven’t added your phone as a device to be connected through Happinetz then your phone internet will be unaffected.
Even if your phone has been added to the Happinetz network, you can keep it on parent mode. When the device is on parent mode, filters or time slots are automatically switched off.
How to check issues with Happinetz?
You can check the activity tab on the app for easy understanding of any issues you encounter.
But I have a pet peeve. The history shows several sites which give a 404 error when I search for them by URL, though my daughter really didn’t see anything. I don’t know whether that’s a glitch or I am missing something. You have no way of drilling down into what exactly the kid sees on YouTube.
I am sure if kids put their mind on it, they can bypass the best gatekeepers. I was a kid once too. But if there are roadblocks in place, sometimes it’s that much more time consuming to visit a gaming site. Happinetz assures us that they have taken care of all popular methods of bypassing parental control systems.
All in all, Happinetz has really made parenting and managing internet access for my child easy. If you want to get the Happinetz box for your home to manage internet access, buy it here.
Sharing is good Karma!
Stretch Marks & Weight Loss: How Are The Two Related
Stretch Marks & Weight Loss: How Are The Two Related? Those distinctive purple or red stretch marks on your skin have been a common concern among many, particularly those who have experienced substantial weight loss. These thin, elongated scars that emerge on the skin can be a reason for self-consciousness and can have an impact on your self-esteem. Find out whether stretch marks and weight loss are related and whether stretch marks due to weight loss will go away.
Understanding Stretch Marks & Weight Loss:
Before we dive into the relationship between stretch marks and weight loss, let’s understand what stretch marks are. Stretch marks or striae are red, purple, pink, blue or brown streaks on the skin. Stretch marks are formed when the skin is stretched beyond its capacity, causing a tear in the dermal layer. This tear causes the breakage in elastin and collagen fibers, thus resulting in the appearance of stretch marks on the skin. Red or pink stretch marks are the new ones in their initial stage. White or silver-colored stretch marks are the older ones and are more stubborn.
Weight loss refers to reducing the total body mass using fluid loss and loss in body fat. Consuming a balanced diet and checking your carbohydrate and protein intake can help considerably lose weight. Rapid weight loss can result in the appearance of stretch marks.
Stretch Marks & Weight Loss: How Are The Two Related?
Now that you have a basic understanding of stretch marks and weight loss, let’s delve into how stretch marks and weight loss are related. Stretch marks are not exclusive to weight loss or weight gain. Stretch marks can occur in various situations where the skin is subjected to stretching, such as pregnancy, growth spurt in puberty, rapid increase in muscle mass due to bodybuilding, and medical conditions such as Cushing’s or Marfan Syndrome.
Weight loss undeniably plays a crucial role in the appearance or worsening of stretch marks. Let’s understand why!
- Impact On Skin’s Elasticity
Rapid weight loss can have a significant impact on the elasticity of the skin. The skin becomes loose as it has insufficient time to adjust to the body contours. Stretch marks due to weight loss usually appear on the area of fat accumulation in the body, such as thighs, abdomen, back, hips, breasts and buttocks. - Decreased Body Fat
When you lose weight, there is a decrease in the body fat or adipose tissue, the fat layer beneath the skin. This fat loss can make your skin loose, resulting in prominent stretch marks. - Decrease In Muscle Mass
Rapid weight loss can decrease muscle mass and body composition, resulting in loose skin, thus contributing to the appearance of stretch marks.
Above mentioned are the possible causes of stretch marks after weight loss. During weight gain, your skin undergoes excessive stretching, but stretch marks are not noticeable at this stage. But after losing a considerable amount of weight, stretch marks after weight loss become more prominent.
How To Fade Stretch Marks Caused By Weight Loss
While it is impossible to eliminate stretch marks caused by weight loss completely, there are ways to fade or reduce their appearance. There may be a difference in the appearance of stretch marks before and after weight loss. Let’s look at some ways to fade stretch marks caused by weight loss.
1. Application Of Special Topical Creams/Moisturizers formulation for best result
Not all OTC stretch mark creams are effective. For effective stretch mark reduction, check the ingredient list and look for skin-friendly ingredients in your product. Striover is the latest skincare ingredient that has taken the skincare industry by storm. Striover is a skincare active that combines the goodness of 2 plants: Astragalus membranaceus and Codonopsis pilosula. Both plants are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to boost the vital energy flow. Striover is the primary ingredient in ThriveCo Stretch Mark Expert. It effectively reduces the appearance of new and old stretch marks in 28 days. The groundbreaking Striover, the highlight of this product, stimulates collagen production and reactivates collagen and elastin fibers, restructuring the skin and fading stretch marks after weight loss. Regularly applying Stretch Mark Expert serum cream twice a day helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
2. Stay Hydrated
Keep your body hydrated, as itchy stretch marks are common due to excessively dry skin. Increase your fluid intake as it helps to replenish and hydrate your skin, thus improving the appearance of your skin.
3. Moisturize Regularly
Include skin-hydrating ingredients such as squalene (another key ingredient of ThriveCo Stretch Mark Expert), hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide which moisturize your skin, improve its barrier function, and boost the elasticity of the skin.
4. Maintain Steady Weight
Rapid weight fluctuation can cause skin trauma, putting additional stress on the skin and potentially worsening the appearance of stretch marks. Focus on slow and steady weight loss.
5.Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage
Sun damage can make your stretch marks more noticeable. In the daytime, protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun rays by applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or above, avoid going out in the direct sun between 12 noon and 4 pm, and carry an umbrella.
The remedies for treating stretch marks before and after weight loss remain the same. Treating your stretch marks while they are in their initial stage can yield fruitful results. Older stretch marks are more stubborn and very difficult to get rid of. Stretch marks are a testament to your body’s resilience and the changes it goes through. While there are ways to minimize their appearance, you should learn to embrace your stretch marks. Weight loss plays a crucial role in the appearance of stretch marks, but that’s not the only cause. It would be best to understand the factors that influence your stretch mark and take adequate measures to treat it effectively. This helps you be more confident and comfortable in your skin.
Frequently Answered Questions
Do Stretch Marks Go Away After Weight Loss?
Stretch marks due to weight loss are permanent scars on the skin, but with proper skincare treatment, you can minimize the appearance of stretch marks.
Can You Prevent Stretch Marks Due To Weight Loss?
Regular application of ThriveCo Stretch Mark Expert serum cream while losing weight can help with the appearance of stretch marks due to weight loss
How To Treat Stretch Marks Before & After Weight Loss?
Applying topical creams such as ThriveCo Stretch Mark Expert serum cream and bio-oils such as rosehip oil from the very beginning can help reduce its appearance by plumping up the skin, improving the elasticity, and boosting collagen production, and thus improving the texture of the skin.
How Do You Get Rid Of Stretch Marks?
You can also effectively get rid of stretch marks from the below-mentioned skincare treatments:
Laser Therapy
Microdermabrasion
Microneedling
Chemical Peel
Healthwealthbridge Disclaimer health information provided on this blog is for general awareness and doesn’t in any way replace a doctor’s professional medical advice. Kindly consult your doctor in case of any decision regarding your health, and diet.
Disclosure: This is a post written in association with a brand, but that in no way will affect the quality of information shared on the blog post.
This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2023
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7 Rules for Safe Internet for Kids #SafeInternetForKids
Internet safety now is like road safety.If we don’t teach them to navigate the internet safely we are not doing our job.
But just like there is an age for driving license ,there needs to be an age for diving into the maze of the internet.Even when my child knows the theory and practical side of waiting for the traffic signal to be pedestrian safe and cross at zebra crossings,I am not letting her out on the roads to cross in heavy traffic right now and neither will most parents.
But the problem is unlike roads the internet is right in your home.In your device.The more “smart” or digital your home environment is,the more likely your child knows how to switch on the Google mini faster than you can.Plus it’s important for education in many ways.
That means you and I must have an Action plan.
No.1 Because life is not predictable amd even when we know the theory and practical aspect of stuff,real life experiences is the only thing which makes you ready to take on the world.
Like I have a driver’s license and once upon a time I planned to go driving leisurely down the southern avenue roads enjoying the gentle breeze from the green cover .But the last ten years in a small town put a very effective stop to that.Most people don’t know (or care)about traffic rules,right of way ,safe driving.There are hardly any zebra crossings,signals or traffic police .The world is full of back to back empty e- rickshaws (sometimes as many as twelve) clogging up roads vying for passengers.Small town India is blessed to have electric vehicles(less air pollution) but they make driving a nightmare(more noise pollution)with underage, unlicensed, untrained,drivers .Excuse the worry rant .
But that’s exactly the reason I knew I needed to teach my kid to be internet savvy.Possible eye problems because of early screen exposure, made me doubly careful from the very first.
No.2 Internet is a blessing in many ways .It’s all about how you choose to use it.Just like everything else.As a parent teaching my child to choose the right path(especially when I am not around to guide her),is what my parenting mantra is about.Because children will be children and they are not born with internet safety protocols hard- coded in their brain.
When COVID struck,ability to go online was a savior. But we needed ground rules .
7 House Rules for Safe Internet Practice
1.Safe Secure Internet from a reliable provider.Wifi is password locked .
2.Kaspersky Internet Security on all out devices.
3.We occasionally use our Google mini but it’s not a tech-y home.I get jittery with too many devices lying around .So we always put away the laptop after the work is over .The cameras on devices are not left running indefinitely.
4.We haven’t given any personal internet device to our child.She has supervised online screen time during certain classes and whatever she watches online we try to keep it supervised.Not more than 3 hours in a day.We watch child friendly content on OTT .Regional content is a savior.One of our favorite The Eken(Bengali detective series) n Hoichoi ,NCIS on Amazon Prime(we fast-forward the adult parts),the Good doctor(Prime) are some of our favorites as a family.
5. I avoid saying you can’t do this etc.I try to give a better option ,like let’s do some craft together or let’s make some clothes for the dolls by seeing videos.That way it’s not a strict no and less staring at screen.We may occasionally even try gamefied quizzes , fun content which teaches us something .
6.I encourage calling up friends to chat rather than texting.No unsupervised Whatsapp Group .Except for the one for school or online educational activity (where teachers and parents are added to the group), we exit any group she is added by school mates.
7.It is understood that social media is an adult-only platform and she never had a social media account .But she does contribute as an author,artist,video maker on my blog and she is great at it.
But its a lot of work for me and my hubby keeping a watch.Supervision is time consuming. I wish there was an easier way for safe Internet for kids.
The Role of Tech in keeping kids safe
Responsible, sustainable, technology will remember to keep internet safe .Tech has the ability to secure it .It should be done from the design stage itself. Because safe Internet for kids keep the future secure.
Safe online experience for children is both about time spent and quality of the internet consumed. You cannot shut your eyes to the harm of uncontrolled quantity and poor quality .
About parental control tools
There are at best poor parental control tools in the market.That’s because as kids grow older it gets more difficult to outsmart them.The only thing that will work (I hope) is understanding the issue at hand It’s not just about control ,it’s safety first.Prevent harm .
It’s okay right now because my daughter is a voracious book reader and likes playing outdoors.She is disciplined and we have deals in place about screen time.Alternative to screen is important if you are serious about implementing ground rules for anything.
About Parenting
In this world of mixed messages,this blog post is not meant to be a lecture.Honestly I feel confused while trying to decide what’s good and what’s not.Everything shifts with your life experience. That’s called perspective .Some of it is also influenced by genetics.That’s the hard coding.So each parent and each child is unique.Your parenting style,choices are unique.It’s a human interaction, reaction happening in real-time, which will change both of you forever.
One thing I suggest is to walk the talk.
Do not share their photos,videos online in any social media or public platform to avoid AI stuff and deep fake.In this podcast I talked about this very issue.
Definitely not share their full face videos online as influencer accounts. It creates the kind of digital footprint you want to avoid.
It’s okay to share their artwork or stories if they want to share it .However, their identity needs to be kept safe for ethical,legal, and security reasons.
This post is a part of Happinetz – #SafeInternetForKids
Sharing is good Karma!
How common is HPV/Human Papilloma Virus?Cervical cancer Awareness
Update 3rd February 2024
Awareness about Cervical Cancer is not very high in India.The Indian Government’s plan to help vaccinate girl child from 9 to 14 years age is commendable.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer for women worldwide and second most common cancer in Indian women. As per 2021, HPV Information Centre data, every year approximately 569,847 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 311,365 die from the disease.
How common is HPV/Human PapillomaVirus?
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Wait, what is HPV? Is that what you are thinking? Then let me tell you, it’s a ubiquitous virus worldwide and can affect the reproductive system in women. But the spotlight came on HPV due to its role in Cervical cancer.
So how did this topic come about? Let me start at the beginning, and maybe this will help you talk to your kids about HPV. My daughter came home from school one fine day and asked me –
“Mom, what’s cervical cancer?”
I was folding laundry, and the question was so out of the blue I stopped and thought, this is it. I must talk. I always believe in age-appropriate communication, but this was not something I had thought would be the first conversation. So, I did the classic mommy thing. I asked another question.
Where did you hear about Cervical cancer?
Oh, mom, one of my friends’ grandmas has her surgery today for this, and my friend was distraught.
Hmm, I was in a quandary and then thought this was a good way of explaining the issue. I told her this: “It all starts with a virus called HPV or human papillomavirus.” I had read in the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention that it is so common worldwide, that both men and women who are sexually active may carry the virus, though they may not have any symptoms.
Daughter: “Does HPV cause health problems?”
Me: “Yes, it does. But in many cases, HPV infection naturally resolves within two years without health problems. Otherwise, it can cause genital warts and cancer.”
Daughter “So if this virus is everywhere, can everyone get cancer from it ?”
Me: “This virus has more than 100 types, of which around 14 are cancer-causing or oncogenic. The commonest are HPV,16,18. The non-oncogenic ones like HPV6,11 cause small warts you see on different body parts like a hand, feet, etc.
Daughter: “But how do people get HPV infection?
Me: “It’s caused by sexual contact.”
Daughter: “Can people get protected from it?”
Me: “Yes! Safe sex, including usage of condoms and dental dams, monogamous (meaning single partner) relationships, and a vaccine can help protect against the oncogenic variety of HPVs.”
Daughter: “What are the cancers that HPV can cause?
Me: HPV can cause cervical and other cancers, including cancer of the vulva, vagina, or anus in women.
Luckily the little one didn’t carry on with her questionnaire as the bell rang, and she went to play with her friend next door. But if you are a parent, I have some more information.
Statistics about HPV infection
- HPV infection is a crucial risk factor for cervical cancer. It can affect many body parts with many different strains, but a few can cause cancer. That’s why it’s an essential topic for health education. There are more than 100 HPV genotypes. Around 14 of the oncogenic variants are responsible for cancers.
- Cervical cancer: It’s the second most common cancer in India in women. As per 2021, HPV Information Centre data, approximately 1,23,907 women are affected, and 77,348 lose their battle to Cervical cancer annually in India.
That’s the bad news. The good news is it’s preventable if you take care in time that’s where a parent’s role comes into play. FAQs about HPV that will help you stay aware
HPV causes cervical cancer, but there’s a protective vaccine.
Which are the oncogenic varieties of HPV?
HPV 16,18,31,33,35,39.45.51,52,56,58 and 59
HPV infection symptoms:
Often, HPV infections cause no symptoms, and the body clears the infection on its own in a few years. Many people never know they were infected with HPV.
Genital warts look like fleshy bumps or multiple bumps in the genital area. They are of different sizes – from pinheads to larger. Flat or raises, and sometimes they look like cauliflowers. They may go away, stay the same, or increase in number or size.
Can HPV cause cancer?
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer caused by HPV infection. Some varieties of HPV can drive the transformation of cells and cause Cervical cancers in some instances. Most cervical lesions don’t progress to cancer. But since access to healthcare and reporting go hand in hand, the numbers we have may be just an approximation.
The period from infection with oncogenic HPV and cancer may exceed 20 years. Depending on immune status, most infections get better within one to two years. HIV-infected people and those with depressed immunity may have difficulty getting the virus out of their bodies.
Other cancers caused by HPV include:
Invasive cancer of vulva, vagina, anus. penis and some oropharyngeal cancer.
Can HPV be prevented?
There’s no treatment for the virus itself. But most genital HPV infections go away with the help of a person’s immune system.
- Genital warts can go away with treatment from your doctor. If left untreated, genital warts may go away, stay the same, or grow in size or number.
- Cervical precancer treatment is available. Women who get routine Pap tests and follow up as needed can find problems before cancer develops.
- Other HPV-related cancers are also more treatable when found and treated early.
How is HPV transmitted?
HPV is transmitted during sexual intercourse, oral sex, deep kissing, and possibly touching an infected partner’s genitalia. A monogamous person can get an HPV infection from an infected partner.
How to prevent HPV infection?
Prevention is always better. The only way to avoid all risk of any type of HPV infection is to never be sexually active — no vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
- To lower your risk, you can also limit the number of sex partners you have. And you can choose partners who’ve had few or no sex partners before you.
- Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. Protection against HPV, luckily, is more manageable. Vaccines help protect against HPV infections that cause genital warts or cervical cancer.
- Get screened for cervical cancer. Routine screening for women aged 25 to 65 years old can prevent cervical cancer.
Protection is best when the vaccine is given before infection with HPV.
Consult your Pediatrician or Gynaecologist about the right ages to give the vaccine.
Does talking about sex make this a promo for other stuff?
Not really. If you remember your growing-up years, you will understand no one told you stuff; you just found out. It’s likely kids will too. But as parents, we need to keep communication channels open, educate and empower them give them the available protection. Talk with age-appropriate resources in school about sex education. It’s important to talk to them about being responsible, remembering there is a proper age for everything, good nutrition, and vaccination all play a crucial role in keeping kids safe.
To find out the most suitable vaccine and vaccination schedule for you, you need to talk to your doctor.
Issued in public interest by MSD India
This information is for awareness only. Please consult your doctor for more information on HPV. Read the full Healthwealthbridge disclaimer .
This is a sponsored post kindly read my disclosure.
