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Collaborative Post | In the Southeast of England, the cost of living is high enough already before you get to the expenses associated with daily motoring. Although those over 50 might not use their car every day for commuting, a vehicle is often essential in many locations around the UK for instance Watton at Stone, Hertfordshire, Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire respectively. Buying new car tyres when the current set has worn down, in particular, can lead to unnecessary expense. How do you avoid spending too much? Read on to find out.  Photo by Reinhart Julian on Unsplash Buy Premium Brands
To begin with, buying a premium brand of tyre might sound like the last thing you should do if you are watching the pennies. However, budget brands often don't provide the same value for money that premium tyres do when you take into account their entire life cycle. In other words, low-cost tyres are seldom the bargains they appear to be. In fact, the reverse can be so because they simply won't last as long, especially if you live close to major roads, like the A1(M), where cheaper tyres are put through their paces with more high-speed motoring that is likely to occur. Order Online Before You Buy When buying car tyres, you don't have to turn up at a tyre fitting centre and take what is available. Instead, it is usually better to go online and order the tyres you want fitted before you take your car in. This way, you can buy the best tyres you can afford without having to settle for a more expensive set or an inferior set, for that matter – just because this happens to be what is in stock at the centre. If you are travelling somewhere around Hertfordshire you can easily book tyres in Stevenage from Ecotyre Services and have them fitted for you at a convenient moment down the line. Reputable tyre centres will be only too pleased to have the tyres you've ordered sent to them by a distributor ready for your fitting appointment. Purchase When Offers Are Available Like any other consumable product, there are offers and discounts on offer with certain makes and models of tyres that you can take advantage of. Don't be tied to one manufacturer. Just because you have two Michelin tyres on your rear wheels doesn't mean you have to have them fitted on the front, too. You can opt for any manufacturer you like so long as the tyres actually fit your car. Consequently, you should be able to bag a bargain when a certain tyre maker reduces end-of-line products to clear space for newer ones. Avoid tyres that have just been launched onto the market. Last year's tyres, if new, will be just as good for most over 50 motorists. Check Out Discounts for Retirees Finally, some tyre dealers offer discounts for people over a certain age. This might not mean that you can take advantage of special deals from the moment you turn 50, however. In some cases, it might be only those over the age of 60 who can participate or motorists who are over the state retirement age. That said, it is always worth checking out if any tyre fitters near to where you live provide such promotions. There have to be some benefits to getting older, after all, so being able to access cheaper tyres shouldn't be overlooked. Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post. Collaborative Post | Most of us are affected by hair loss at some point in our lives, but despite this, the topic is rarely discussed. Sometimes, thinning hair is just part of getting older – it occurs in both men and women and is generally seen as normal, albeit an inconvenience. However, sometimes hair loss can be a symptom of something more serious going on. It’s important to recognise what has triggered your hair loss, and look out for any signs and symptoms that may indicate an underlying health condition. Most of the time, minor hair loss is nothing to worry about – and even if it’s caused by a health concern, it’s often manageable. But, how do you know whether or not your thinning hair is something that requires treatment? To help you recognise what to look for, here are three different causes of hair loss you should know about.  Photo by Niklas Hamann on Unsplash Hormonal changes and health conditionsMany women will find that they experience hormone fluctuations throughout their lives, whether as a result of pregnancy, childbirth or menopause. Each of these can affect hair growth, although everybody’s experience will be different. It’s possible for health conditions in both men and women to trigger hair loss too, such as alopecia or infections of the scalp, like ringworm. While not directly linked, hair loss can occur as a side effect of medications used to treat other illnesses – this is commonly seen in patients being treated for cancer, arthritis and high blood pressure. Stress and mental healthHow we feel inside can have a huge impact on how our body functions. Often, we see hair loss occurring as a result of prolonged stress, or other enduring episodes of poor mental health. The reasons for stress-related hair loss aren’t well understood, but researchers believe it happens as a result of the hair follicles entering a prolonged rest phase. Luckily, stress-related hair loss is reversible, and should return to normal once your mental health has improved. Treatments and hairstylesSome of the hairstyles that look great aren’t always the best for our hair. Tight, slicked-back hairstyles in particular can put a great deal of stress on our hair follicles, leading to thinning at the root. Similarly, shampoos, conditioners and other treatments applied directly to the scalp can irritate or damage hair follicles, or even cause breakage to the entire hair shaft. To avoid hair loss as a result of treatments and hairstyles, it’s best to always perform a patch test before using a new product, and to limit the amount of strain you put on your scalp, by tying your hair back loosely as opposed to more tightly. Some people also find that sleeping with a hair wrap helps to prevent pulling on the hair throughout the night, further improving the hair’s strength and condition. Symptoms to watch forMost people will notice fairly early on if they’re starting to lose hair. Whether or not you seek treatment for non-health-related hair loss is a matter of preference – there are plenty of routes to go down if you choose to do so. Effective treatments include some medications or an artificial hair transplant. Treatments for hair loss triggered by a health condition will vary depending on the underlying issue, but usually, hair growth will return to normal once the root cause of the problem is resolved. As with any change in the way your body functions, you should always check to see if any other symptoms coincide with your hair loss. Be sure to watch out for weight fluctuations, aches and pains, shifts in mood, or just a general feeling of being unwell – while you should get any unusual hair loss checked out, coinciding symptoms may be a sign you should seek more urgent medical attention. Seek advice if you're concernedHair loss is common and has a range of potential causes. If you’re concerned about thinning hair, be sure to seek advice from a medical professional – most hair loss concerns are easily rectified with the correct treatment plan.
Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post. Collaborative Post | When it comes to enhancing your wellbeing, engaging in hobbies is a brilliant way to nurture your mental, physical, and emotional health. Hobbies not only provide a break from daily routines and stresses but also offer opportunities for personal growth and happiness. Below, we explore five healthy hobbies that you can try out to boost your wellbeing, all easily accessible and beneficial in numerous ways. Read on if you’re interested in finding out more.  Photo by Ona Creative on Unsplash 1. Gardening: cultivate your own green space
Gardening is a therapeutic hobby that allows you to connect with nature right at your doorstep. Whether you have a large garden or a small balcony, cultivating plants can be immensely satisfying. It encourages you to spend time outdoors, benefiting from fresh air and sunshine which are vital for your body to produce Vitamin D. The physical activity involved helps improve your cardiovascular health and strengthens your muscles. Additionally, the sense of achievement in watching your plants grow can significantly boost your mental health. Being around nature, greenery, and spending time in outdoor spaces is also believed to improve mental health and reduce symptoms of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. Investing in a greenhouse is a great way to help start your gardening hobby and grow more varieties of plants. There is a range of affordable wooden greenhouses you could choose from, or small greenhouses if you’re more limited on space. 2. Cooking: explore creative and nutritious cooking Cooking is a delightful hobby that promotes wellbeing by encouraging a healthy diet and providing a creative outlet. Experimenting with new recipes and mastering various cooking techniques can turn meal preparation into an exciting adventure rather than a mundane task. Focus on creating dishes that incorporate a variety of nutrients, using fresh, whole ingredients. Cooking can also be a social activity, whether you're sharing your new culinary creations with friends and family or participating in cooking classes. Creating meals for yourself and others is incredibly fulfilling and is a great opportunity to bring your family and friends together to enjoy home-cooked food and socialise. 3. Yoga: enhance flexibility and mindfulness Yoga is a versatile hobby that combines physical, mental, and spiritual practices, suitable for people of all fitness levels. Regular yoga practice improves flexibility, balance, and strength while also reducing stress and anxiety through deep breathing and mindfulness exercises. It encourages a greater connection between mind and body, enhancing overall well-being. Part of the appeal of yoga is how accessible it is for all. You can take part in group classes, which is a great opportunity to socialise with others and meet new friends. However, you can also benefit from yoga from the comfort of your own home with online tutorial videos and virtual classes. Even those that struggle with mobility can take part in yoga practices, such as chair yoga, meditation, and the breathing exercises associated with yoga. 4. Reading: escape and expand your horizons Reading is a simple and accessible hobby that can greatly enhance your mental wellbeing. It allows you to escape from the pressures of everyday life and lose yourself in different worlds and ideas. Whether you prefer fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, reading can improve your cognitive functions, enhance your vocabulary, and even increase empathy, depending on the subject matter. Consider joining a book club to share your thoughts and gain new perspectives from others. As well as the benefits of socialising, it’s a great way to learn about new books and explore genres you might not have previously thought to read. You could also explore YouTube to watch author interviews, like this one from J.D. Barker, to gain insights into the writing process and find recommendations that align with your interests. 5. Walking or hiking: reconnect with nature Walking or hiking as a hobby can be as simple as a daily stroll through your local park or as adventurous as trekking through mountains. This hobby promotes physical health by improving your cardiovascular system and toning your body. Furthermore, being in natural surroundings can greatly reduce stress levels and improve mood through the calming effects of green spaces. Whether on your own or with others, walking or hiking provides a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. Explore hiking routes before setting off on a hike to ensure you choose the right kind of paths for your ability as they can vary widely. Some routes offer a gentle and scenic route that allows you to enjoy the surroundings without too much difficulty while others might be more challenging. Conclusion Incorporating any of these five healthy hobbies into your lifestyle can lead to significant improvements in your wellbeing. Each hobby offers unique benefits and opportunities to connect with yourself and the world around you in healthier ways. By engaging in these activities, you not only enhance your physical and mental health but also enrich your daily life with joy and satisfaction. Why not choose one to start with today and see how much better you can feel? Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post. |
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