Dry eyes can occur when tears tend to evaporate too fast, or if there are also few tears produced. It is a natural symptom in people, and it can be observed on either one or both eyes. The most important aspect of dry eyes is that if the issue is left untreated, then it can favor the appearance of inflammation.

What are the main symptoms of dry eyes?

There are several symptoms associated with dry eyes, including:

  • Burning sensation
  • Itchiness
  • Heavy eyes
  • Sore eyes
  • Extreme dryness feeling
  • Red eyes
  • Photophobia
  • Blurred vision

Of course, the symptoms can differ from one individual to another. Research shows that in some patients, the main sign of dry eyes can be watery eyes, which ultimately indicates the individual suffers from dry eye syndrome.

What are the leading causes of dry eyes?

1. Modifications in the Tear Composition

Tears are made of three primary layers, consisting of oil, water, and mucus. If there is any issue with one of those elements, dry eye symptoms can happen.

The most critical layer is the oil one. This is meant to protect the margins of the eyelids, the area where glands manufacture lipids, of fatty oils. This oily compound is responsible for smoothing the tear surface, and it can prevent fast evaporation. If the oil levels are imbalances, the result is rapid evaporation of tears. Also, inflammation around eyelids can lead to the blockage of those glands, which prevents oil production, and promotes the appearance of dry eyes.

The intermediary layer is essential for the correct production of water and salt. These lacrimal glands are the ones meant to remove any particles or irritants that might enter the eye. If there is an issue with these glands, the result is a film instability, meaning the oil and mucus may interact with each other, leading to dry eyes.

2. Lower Tear Production

Another cause of dry eyes might be related to a lack of tears. Eyes can become rapidly dehydrated if the proper number of tears is absent. This is a common issue for those over 40 years of age, yet it can be observed in younger patients, too. Besides, lack of tear production can be a result of several health problems, such as autoimmune disease, radiation treatment, or diabetes.

3. External Factors

Several lifestyle choices can impact the health of our eyes and lead to dry eyes. Also, environmental elements like sun, or wind, can alter the production of tears. And, of course, standing in front of a computer for too long, or driving for extended periods can diminish the blinking rate, leading to dry eyes.
A couple of treatments for health problems can lead to dry eyes, as they modify the tear production. These include diuretics, antihistamines, sleeping pills, birth control pills, or some antidepressants.

Anyhow, to deal with eye dryness, it is best to ask for advice from a medical practitioner. In this way, your optometrist will assess your condition and determine what the best approach for you is. Usually, dry eye treatment includes using natural tears or eye drops, along with adopting healthier lifestyles.

Which is better between Invisalign and braces is a popular question. Tooth issues are extremely discomforting. It’s only natural to seek for the most suiting solution. The cost may not even matter much and as a matter of fact braces and Invisalign braces are in the same price range. Here is the big question; which is the most effective option between Invisalign and braces.

In case you don’t have an idea of how the two work, here is how they do.  Braces and Invisalign are meant to help straighten out the teeth. They also help put the oral condition in ideal shape while inspiring a glowing smile. Braces have been long before Invisalign which came into the dental scenes in early 2000.  Invisalign are aligner trays made of smooth materials which are configured to suit your teeth accordingly.

Invisalign or Braces; Which is Better?

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a dental treatment efficient for conditions that are not so complex. It makes use of a set of computer-simulated trays are worn on the teeth. The times they can last for vary usually from a day to several months. The trays, unlike braces, are invisible and appropriate for people who don’t want it to be obvious they are wearing something over their teeth.

Their functions extend to aesthetics rather than just utility alone. Of course, there are downsides to the use of Invisalign. It is possible that you receive more attachments than you have envisaged. Attachments are made to click into the Invisalign aligners. This is to make your teeth move more freely. The aligner makes your teeth in instances of using Invisalign looks like you are using braces. You also have to wear it for a very long time which means that you might get to eat only a few times during the day. Some people have also claimed that it makes kissing more awkward. You also have to brush a lot of times during the day and have the issue of stains.

What are Braces?

Braces, on the other hand, run along a wire. They are usually irremovable and are often silver. The wire and the braces are fixed into a patient’s teeth by dentists. They help to straighten your teeth and make them more aligned. Unlike Invisalign’s they are more functional and suitable for more complex cases of teeth problem. They are very effective in closing gaps and regularizing crooked teeth. They work even faster according to reports by many patients.

Well of course; which is better depends on individual needs at the moment. This article is meant to help you decide which is best for you in the exact condition you are at the moment. If you are experiencing a serious dental issue, you should opt-out for the dental braces and if it’s a mild issue, Invisalign may be the best for you. For efficiency, braces win, in aesthetic Invisalign takes the crown.

A broken furnace can be a pain in the side. But you can prevent an utter breakdown of your furnace by paying attention to its warning signs and undertake furnace repair. You must lookout for signs that you need furnace replacement despite spending on its maintenance and repairs.

You cannot continue to keep repairing your furnace every time. Some signs indicate that your house is due for furnace replacement. Then, why would you keep repairing a dying furnace? It is time for furnace replacement; look out for the signs below:

1. Steady Rise in Your Energy Bills and Repairs

The first and most significant sign that tells you that you need furnace replacement is a noticeable increase in the cost of your energy bills and equipment repairs. Old furnaces must work harder to produce the heat you need, and this causes them to binge on energy. Cost of regular maintenance and an increase in energy cost tell you to opt for furnace replacement. Buy a new and more efficient furnace.

How do You Know When Your Furnace Needs to be Replaced?2. Strange Noise

Regardless of the frequency of repairs, if your furnace gets noisier and louder than usual, you should consider a furnace replacement. When your furnace keeps making rattling, humming, squealing, and popping sound, it is probably due for a replacement. If after several attempts by the technician to fix its unusual noise level, your furnace still makes that screeching noise, furnace replacement is the next step to take.

3. Ageing

The average life expectancy of a furnace is from 15 to 20 years. Therefore, if your furnace is around this age or beyond, you should be getting ready for furnace replacement. Think about buying a more efficient and improved furnace.

4. Inconsistent or Different Temperatures throughout the Home

The older a furnace gets, the more inefficient it becomes. When notice varying temperature or inconsistencies in the warmth of each room in your home, it shows that your furnace can no longer distribute heat evenly throughout the house. This can cause some rooms to be colder than the rest. At this point, you undoubtedly need a furnace replacement.

You must lookout for signs that you need furnace replacement despite spending on its maintenance and repairs.

5. Yellow Flame

When your furnace starts burning and showing yellow or flickering flame instead of blue, the chances are that your furnace now creates poisonous carbon monoxide. Other signs to look out for to know that your furnace is producing carbon monoxide include the lack of upward draft in the chimney, excess moisture on windows, and water leakage from under the base of the chimney.
As soon as you notice some of the signs discussed above, be getting ready for furnace replacement.

Quite a large number of people are interested in teeth whitening because they want a brighter smile. Teeth whitening is an easy way to bring out the shine in the teeth and boost the confidence to chat and laugh in public. Over the years, many people choose teeth whitening because it is an easy, affordable, and painless procedure that produces fantastic results.

Here are the 5 most frequently asked questions on teeth whitening:

  1. What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is the process of removing stains and discoloration on the teeth. The process focuses on lightening the teeth. It is a cosmetic dental procedure that improves the appearance and colour of the teeth. Teeth whitening can be carried out in a dental clinic by a professional dentist or at home using specially formulated teeth whitening products to brighten the colour of the teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions on Teeth Whitening

  1. Is There Any Need for Teeth Whitening?

Although teeth whitening is not a necessary dental procedure, it is best suited for persons with coloured teeth. When teeth have colour yellow, brown or stains, teeth whitening may be required to remove the stains and make the teeth white again.

If you use tobacco or take cola, coffee, tea, and red wine regularly, you are likely to have stained or coloured teeth. You may request for teeth whitening Toronto to brighten your teeth.

  1. Can Teeth Whitening Remove All Stains?

The enamel (the outer layer of a tooth) can get stained in two significant ways: the intrinsic and extrinsic stains. Intrinsic stains are caused by exposure to excessive fluoride when teeth are developing, side effects of tetracycline antibiotics, trauma, etc. Teeth whitening can fix some intrinsic stains while crowns and veneers may be required for other intrinsic stains.

Extrinsic stains include stains from taking dark-coloured liquids or tobacco. Teeth whitening Toronto is entirely effective on this type of stains.

Teeth whitening is an easy way to bring out the shine in the teeth and boost the confidence to chat and laugh in public.

  1. How Long Does Teeth Whitening Effect Last?

The effects of teeth whitening are not permanent. The procedure has to be repeated periodically to sustain the whiteness achieved. If you expose your teeth to beverages and foods that cause staining, the whiteness will start to fade within one month of having the procedure. If you are careful with the type of foods and drinks you take, the procedure can last between 6 months and one year.

  1. Can Teeth Whitening Toronto damage the Enamel?

Studies have been carried out on teeth whitening products containing about 10% carbamide peroxide. No effect was found in the hardness of the teeth’s enamel surface. Teeth whitening procedure is safe for your teeth.

 

Everybody loves online shopping. Buying products, whether clothing or tech gadgets, through online stores means you get to avoid crowds and annoying salespeople. Shopping in complete privacy and doing things on your own terms is what modern shoppers are all about. However, not many people know how online shopping is the ideal way to get discounts. Here are some useful tip on making those prices drop:

Leave items in the Cart

Many of you have seen a retail company offering 20% discounts until the end of the week. Following up on these offers is one of the key things for spending less. But, not many people know how if you leave your items in the cart, without buying them for a couple of days, the company will immediately send you an email with a discount offer.

So stay patient and don’t buy the items right away! Wait a couple of days and you’ll get tons of emails, providing you with the needed discounts.

Coupons

Apart from waiting for discount codes on your favourite shopping site, you can also start keeping track of coupons. There are companies that have the sole purpose of giving coupon codes for famous stores. And on the Internet, there is a coupon code for every product out there.

Canadians love useful sites like Canada Hot Deals and informative ones like Retail Me Not. With searching through these websites, you will easily save up 15-25% on various products, including those from Amazon, Forever21, and Costco.

Free Shipping

Another smart way to reduce spending is to always order from companies that offer free shipping. There are many out there, providing all different types of products. So if you found a certain item that you like, whether a new T-shirt or an iPhone case, make sure you buy it from somebody that offers free shipping.

Also, some online shops offer free shipping codes. To find out which ones, you can always visit sites like Freeshipping.org which inform consumers about current codes and discounts.

Delete Search History

Some shops will do just about anything to increase their profits. That’s why many of the renowned online retail companies go through your search history before you start shopping. This informs them about your likes and dislikes, knowing which product prices to boost up.
This phenomenon is also known as dynamic pricing. But, getting around it is pretty easy since all you need is to do is delete your search history or look for items in incognito mode.

Shopping in complete privacy and doing things on your own terms is what modern shoppers are all about.

Buy Gift Cards

Gift cards are a life-saver! If you already know that you are going to shop in a certain store, always check online if somebody is offering discount codes or gift cards. This is extremely useful for holiday shopping like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and even Halloween.

CardCash, Raise, and Canada Hot Deals usually sell gift cards for a reduced price. So make sure you visit them before starting your shopping spree.

Price Matching

Large companies like Target, Wallmart, and Kohl’s love price matching with competitors. For example, Walmart has a price matching tool in their app, also known as Savings Catcher. You scan your receipt, Walmart compares prices with its competitors, and then it refunds you the difference. This is customer loyalty at its best and if you are their regular shopper, expect savings tons of money in the future.

Nature’s rule is that all things have a beginning and an end. Mould takes part in decomposing plant life, having a large role in the biological cycle. However, since it appears in damp environments, this fungi can also start decomposing walls, floors, windows, and doors.

When found in homes, mould is extremely dangerous and can ruin the appeal of every home, even one that is worth millions. To understand why you need window replacement if the framing is mouldy, here is some information you must know about:

How Does it Occur?

The ideal environment for mould growth is a damp, warm, and humid one. The walls, floors, and pipes we have in our homes can get damp due to improper ventilation, leaks, and faulty drainage. That’s why the most common areas for indoor mould growth are basements and bathrooms.

Sadly, mould reproduces with impeccable speed. This means that it can quickly spread from one room to another. Avoiding such scenarios means regularly cleaning and ventilating the home. Adequate heating/cooling systems, quality windows, and proper insulation will definitely reduce chances for its reproduction.

Interesting Facts

Even though it sounds evil, mould can actually be beneficial in some situations. First, it lets you know that you have water damage in the house. Second, it is used to produce beautiful types of cheeses. And third and final, mould is used for the production of penicillin. But, to getter a better grasp on mould and its behaviour, here are some interesting facts you should definitely not mention at the dinner table:

  • Mould is actually a living organism, a type of fungi (to be more specific)
  • There are more than 100,000 species of mould
  • During reproduction, it emits spores that can travel through air and water
  • Mould can withstand extreme temperatures as well as immense pressure
  • After water exposure, mould will start to grow within the first 24 to 48 hours
  • Mould allergies are common, affecting around 15% of the entire population

Dangers of Mould on your Windows

The Dangers

Whether you began to love or hate the concept of mould, one thing is for sure – it is extremely dangerous for human health. The spores it produces during the reproductive process travel through the air and can enter our lungs. This is how mould creates allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

In the best-case scenario, you will have frequent sneezes, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. The worst-case scenario is, unfortunately, death (we are not kidding), however, it can only occur in extreme situations and with specific types of mould such as Stachybotrys (also known as black mould).

Besides death, exposure to Stachybotrys can also cause memory loss, dizziness, lung bleeding, and hearing issues. Along with black mould, there are 4 other types commonly found indoors, but they are not as dangerous.

What Should you do?

The first thing you should do is inspect your home for mould growth. If you don’t notice any of the signs (we will mention them below), then definitely start doing some preventative measures early on. Think of adding energy-efficient windows and doors, improving insulation, purchasing ceiling fans, and unclogging gutters and pipes.

If you do notice mould, immediately contact professionals to remove it. Of course, if it’s a small portion, you can opt for DIY removal, but why bother yourself with such nasty fungi. Some situations will require more complicated procedures like changing sump pumps, window replacement, or installing new drywall.

What are the Signs?

Checking for mould growth should be done with the utmost precaution. Wear masks and gloves, and avoid touching it with bare hands. Sometimes the mould is hidden beneath floors, so you must be thorough in your search.

Besides walls, windows, and floors, mould can also be found in furniture, carpets, plant soil, wooden surfaces, fibreglass insulation, and even wallpaper glue. Here are the common signs you should look out for:

  • Reactions like asthma attacks, allergies, itchy skin, and watery eyes
  • An unpleasant, musty smell
  • Black, grey, brown, or green spots
  • Fuzzy white patches on floors
  • High humidity and water damage indoors

Did you know aromatherapy is a great way to create a soothing environment? In addition, aromatherapy helps to cleanse the air and promote calm the mind. One of the easiest ways to get started with aromatherapy treatment is with a diffuser. They are used for aesthetic or therapeutic purpose, as well as boast amazing health benefits.  

Many people opt to use essential oils, but you can also use terpenes too. Terpenes are the same as essential oils. You can add terpenes into your diffuser and simply breath them in before you go to bed to lower activity or before working to increase stimulation. Terpenes for sale are becoming more and more popular because it has an overall positive effect on stress, breathing, and blood pressure. 

So, how are you supposed to find the right aromatherapy diffuser? Especially, without spending too much times and money. There are hundreds of aromatherapy diffusers that range in price from $10 to more than $100. Before you start shopping for one, you should consider factors such as the capacity, intensity and humidity. 

Here are the 5 best aromatherapy diffusers in 2019:

InnoGear Diffuser

This diffuser has a 150ml capacity which means it can run continuously for approximately 7 to 9 hours or 9 to 11 hours on intermittent mode. The locking feature makes it easier for you to take it from room to room without spilling the water and oils or terpenes inside. There are also buttons on the front that indicate which is for the light and which is for the mist.

VicTsing Cool Mist Ultrasonic Diffuser

This diffuser features a wood-grain exterior with an optional timer, screw on cap, automatic shutoff, and continuous output of approximately 10 hours. You can choose from 7 ambient colours of LED lights for a spa effect. In addition, this diffuser is super-quiet thanks to the adopted silent ultrasonic technology. 

Organic Aromas Raindrop 2.0

This diffuser won’t disappoint if you’re willing to spend money. This diffuser is waterless so there’s no measuring required. All you need to do is fill the bottom with about 10 to 20 drops of oil or terpenes and turn it on. This diffuser features a wood base and glass bottle to create an elegant droplet shape. 

DoTerra Petal Diffuser

This diffuser features a large capacity and ease of use. It has a bright red water level marker which makes it easy for you not to overfill the unit. The design of this diffuser is not obtrusive and features a built-in light which emits a soft white glow. Unfortunately, you’re not able to change the colours or use the lights without the mist unlike the other diffusers we’ve listed. 

Stadler Form Jasmine Aromatherapy Diffuser

This diffuser will blend well with modern and minimalist décor. You can choose between 2 colours: black or white. This diffuser can run for many hours longer than other diffuser we’ve listed. The running time on continuous mode is approximately 7 hours and the running time on interval mode is approximately 21 hours. This diffuser is the perfect aromatherapy diffuser if you’re looking for a small but steady stream of oils or terpenes.   

Escape rooms or escape games are puzzles that are designed for teams to cooperatively solve and proceed from one room to another in a limited amount of time. These games are great for family, friends or companies looking for team building events. Here is a list of the best escape rooms in Mississauga.

Top Escape Rooms in Mississauga

Escape from the 6

This is perfect for team building activities since there is a discount for groups of over 15 people. It offers two games, Escape the Wild West for $25 per person and Firefighter Rescue Mission for $28 per person. It offers unique and intense puzzles that are interspersed with quirky jump scares to give you some light-hearted fun. It is both beginner and expert friendly. The staff is friendly and helpful. They might give you clues if you are stuck, but they will freeze the clock, so you do not lose time!

Perplexity Escape Games

Perplexity is open on Wednesday to Friday from 6.00pm to 10.00pm and on weekends from 1.00pm to 10.00pm. You can schedule an appointment on holidays via call. It is a relatively new location and is still expanding. So far it has games such as The Lost and Found, The Gate, The Last Laugh, among others. The games are complexly designed, and the rooms are very immersive, for an indulging team-building experience. The staff promises to enhance brainstorming and delegation among team members. The standard price is $27 per person per room for a 60 minutes long game.

HintHunt Mississauga

The games are designed for 2-6 or a large group of 20 people making it perfect for a friends’ outing, birthdays and team building events for large companies. It offers challenging, fun and fast-paced to keep you at your toes and to encourage collective decision making. There are three rooms and four games; Submarine-Torpedo, The Crypt, Zen Room and Submarine-Deep-down. They require no skills to play. It has extraordinary room designs and welcoming staff. It is the overall value for your money.

NOWAYOUT Escape Rooms

This is designed for team building events for smaller groups as the games can accommodate 2-8 players at a time. It is a busy spot, especially on weekends so it would be wise to book in advance. It offers two rooms and a van. The apartments require a bit of experience beforehand but worry not, they provide game trailers and instructions on their website. However, the games are scarier than all provided by other mentioned escape rooms. It offers exciting, detailed, challenging and fun puzzles. If you are looking for incredibly intense adventure, NOWAYOUT is the way to go.

De Code Adventures

Out of this whole list, De Code Adventures offers the most variety. It has six rooms, each with its unique challenge. It provides engaging games such as the ‘De Triad Code’ which allows team members to assume leadership, delegation and decision making roles. It provides for 3-12 players per room, making it perfect for large groups looking for team building events. It is also relatively cheap, charging $2 per person. There is a short orientation session to familiarize you with the requirements of the game.

Survive the Night Escape Rooms

It has ample accommodations for groups of 12. Therefore, it is perfect for large groups looking for a venue for team building events. However, it is not suitable for small groups unless the people are comfortable playing games with strangers. The rooms might be a little scarier than most as they veer on the paranormal, so it is not for faint-hearted people. Puzzles include The Curse of Edemerah Village, Escape the Pits of Embermoore and The Descent into Zatra’s Tomb. It charges $28 per person and offers extras such as Battle Archery and live board games for those interested.

It is essential to go to a dental clinic for examination, cleaning, and treatment (if required) at least twice a year. You should not wait until you have a dental problem before you visit the dental clinic. Meanwhile, while you are at a dental clinic, you would notice that two sets of people work on your teeth. The first person that cleans your teeth is the dental hygienist while the second person is the dentist. Both dentists and dental hygienist usually work together to improve your dental health. However, the differences between them are explained below.

Education

The amount of education that a dentist must have is higher than a dental hygienist. A dentist must attend a dental school for 4 years to graduate with a degree while a dental hygienist only needs an associate degree in dental hygiene, which lasts for 2 years.

However, both of them are required to pass exams to be licensed to practice, but a dentist must get a license in the state where he/she want to practice.

What is the Difference Between a Dentist and Dental Hygienist?

Order of Meeting

When you go to a dental clinic, the first person you will meet is a dental hygienist, who will enlighten you on how to care for your teeth properly. The dental hygienist will also clean your teeth and assess your teeth and gums for oral diseases or gingivitis that you may have. After this, the dentist will attend to you to diagnose any problems check X-rays, repair teeth, perform procedures such as dental crowns, root canals, cavities, fillings, and more. The dentist will also prescribe medicine and provide more skilled and detailed treatment while a dental hygienist will give general teeth care.

Salary

Another difference between a dentist and a dental hygienist is the pay that a dentist receives. Dentists are doctors; they receive more pay than dental hygienists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for dentists as of 2016 was $156,900 while dental hygienist received $79,910 per annum. As a result, when you go to a dental clinic, you get to meet the dental hygienist diets for general dental cleaning and care.

Duties

The duties of a dental hygienist include:

  1. Cleaning the teeth and gums
  2. Teaching patients the basics of brushing and flossing
  3. Detecting signs of oral diseases
  4. Taking X-rays of the patient’s mouth
  5. Recording treatment and creating treatment plans
  6. Using sealants and fluoride treatment to protect patients’ teeth

The duties of a dentist include:

  1. Decay removal from the teeth
  2. Giving anaesthetics to patients for procedures
  3. Cavities’ filling
  4. Repairing teeth
  5. Prescribing medications
  6. Reading of x-rays for treatment

There is more to Italian food than pizza and spaghetti. With the Italian cooking culture spreading all over the world, Mississauga has not been left behind. It has restaurants offering the best Italian cuisines for you and your family to enjoy.

Below is a list of the best Italian restaurants in Mississauga:

Casalinga Alioli

The restaurant represents one of the best places to experience the best Italian experience in Mississauga. It is located in the Royal Windsor on the Southwest corner of the city. It has numerous dishes ranging from pizza, antipasti, Insalata, pasta, among others. With dinner prices ranging between $16-26, it is deemed to be affordable by many people. It is popular for its signature dishes capped with personalized service.

Ombretta Cucina + Vino

The restaurant is named after a colourful Venetian history. Under the guidance of chef/owners, the restaurant has managed to prepare and serve classic Italian cuisine. It is located on 121 Lakeshore Rd in Mississauga. It has a variety of affordable dishes on its menu, which range between $11-45. Due to its convenient location and excellent interior, it is one of the best places to hold an event. The services are also flexible, thus offering the best-customized experience. This is personally our favourite Italian Restaurant in Mississauga.

Best Italian Restaurants in Mississauga

Michael’s Back Door

It is named after Michael Morra, an Italian immigrant to Canada. It is located on 1715 Lakeshore Rd in Mississauga and started operating 1981. Its convenient location and setup make it stand out among its competitors. It offers the best experience for a date and also corporate events. They have a variety of seafood and all Italian cuisines ranging between $16-35.

Papa Giuseppe’s

It is located at the heart of Port Credit. The place has an Italian-themed dining room offering an excellent spot to enjoy your meal. They serve a selection of antipasti and also a wide variety of pasta. The patio makes it a popular place during the summer months. The prices for the dishes range between $16-30.

Goodfellas Wooden Oven Pizza

The restaurant can be mistaken for an Italian home owing to its appearance. The interior is exquisitely done, making it a must-visit. It is located on 209 Queen Street in Mississauga. Their popular VIP cards mean that their services are even more affordable. It is the first place to offer authentic Neopolitan wood oven pizza and homemade pasta. It has a wide array of Italian wine that pairs well with the dishes on the menu.