Showing posts with label nbsp nbsp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nbsp nbsp. Show all posts

 


When you jerk your neck a little harder than usual, it can be concerning. A neck injury has the potential to develop into whiplash, which can range from minor to serious. Here are some of the signs of whiplash along with ways to treat it.


 


 


Signs of Whiplash


 


The most common and obvious sign of whiplash is pain in the neck. This can be either a constant pain, or a pain when you move your neck along one of its axes. Likewise, the pain can be very moderate to very severe, with implications on how to manage the injury. The pain resulting from whiplash doesn’t have to emerge right away; it can take up to 48 hours for whiplash pain to settle in.


 


Another symptom of whiplash includes tenderness in the neck and spinal area. Jerking your head can produce a misalignment in the vertebrae, causing pain when you press down on a certain area of your neck. After any kind of neck trauma, it is wise to gently feel along the length of your neck to make sure that there are no sore spots. Other symptoms include neck stiffness, decreased range of motion, and headaches.


 


 


 


How to Treat Whiplash


 


The treatment for whiplash depends on how severe the trauma was. For minor injuries, you should simply let the neck heal itself. The area may be a bit stiff or painful for a few days, but then the problem should clear itself up. You can also add ice in order to soothe the discomfort that you feel during the healing process.


 


If pain is a big issue, you can consider taking some pain medications. Start with an over-the-counter medication, and consider taking something stronger if that doesn’t work. Your doctor can advise you on what’s appropriate to take in your situation.


 


For neck strains that are persistent or severe, medical attention is necessary. It’s possible that your case of whiplash is underlying a more severe injury. According to a personal injury lawyer in Alexandria, sprains and severe strains will require a neck brace and possibly other interventions to make sure that further damage is not done.


 


When you have a trauma to the neck, it can be hard to tell exactly how serious the injury is. Whiplash is usually not serious, however, and you will know if your injury needs further inspection. Trust your body to let you know what you need to do to feel better.


 

 


 


What does being ‘well’ mean to you? For most of us it is a feeling of being free of illness, of feeling as though we have nothing that ails us either mentally or physically.


As an integral part of our identity our hair plays a definitely role in our feeling of wellness. It defines who we are and even plays a part in protecting our scalp and shielding us from the sun. When hair loss occurs it can have an immediate effect on our sense of wellbeing.


If you have been affected this all too common condition, read on for the best ways to really regain your sense of wellness and feel like ‘you’ again.


 


Learning to Accept Hair Loss


This is a loaded subject, because there may be people who never actually accept their hair loss. Perhaps accepting hair loss means learning to live with it, or finding ways to cope with it.


Whatever your take on it, it’s important to first consider the condition that is causing your hair loss. This may well have an effect on your perspective on it.


Are you losing your hair due to a temporary situation such as chemotherapy or as a result of another medication? Or, is your hair loss part of the natural aging process?


Consider whether you can reasonably expect your hair to grow back after a certain period of time or if this is something you will live with forever.


It is always good to take the time to fully research the condition that is causing your hair loss- for some this may mean having a deep conversation with their doctor. Others, after having a definitive diagnosis, may choose to read books on the subject or spend hours browsing on the internet.


You may also consider visiting a therapist or psychologist to help you work through the emotional aspects of losing your hair- this can be a powerful tool in your journey towards accepting your hair loss.


 


Focus on your Appearance


Appearances do matter, and losing your hair is a significant reminder of this. Now is the time to see what it is that will make you feel beautiful during this time of life!


Don’t be afraid to face yourself in the mirror. You can:


  • Embrace your bare head. If it’s not too cold and you feel comfortable, making peace with your hairless appearance can be extremely empowering.

  • Try on colorful scarves and hats. Aside from keeping your head warm, they easy to wear and can be matched to your clothing according to your mood. You can even layer a scarf on beneath a hat for extra warmth.

  • Discover wigs. Many of us may have never dreamed of wearing a wig, but when it comes to looking like your old self there may be nothing better. You can go for a wig that matches your normal hair or try a new style, maybe even the hair you’ve always wanted!

*Once you delve into the world of wigs you’ll see that there are several significant differences between synthetic and human hair wigs, and that the prices for the two options do vary widely.


Feeling like yourself during hair loss is not an easy process but there are ways to cope and to make the experience much more comfortable. If you’ve been there before and you have any helpful tips, please share them with our readers!


 


 


The post Hair Loss in Women: How to Feel Like You Again appeared first on .

 


 


What does being ‘well’ mean to you? For most of us it is a feeling of being free of illness, of feeling as though we have nothing that ails us either mentally or physically.


As an integral part of our identity our hair plays a definitely role in our feeling of wellness. It defines who we are and even plays a part in protecting our scalp and shielding us from the sun. When hair loss occurs it can have an immediate effect on our sense of wellbeing.


If you have been affected this all too common condition, read on for the best ways to really regain your sense of wellness and feel like ‘you’ again.


 


Learning to Accept Hair Loss


This is a loaded subject, because there may be people who never actually accept their hair loss. Perhaps accepting hair loss means learning to live with it, or finding ways to cope with it.


Whatever your take on it, it’s important to first consider the condition that is causing your hair loss. This may well have an effect on your perspective on it.


Are you losing your hair due to a temporary situation such as chemotherapy or as a result of another medication? Or, is your hair loss part of the natural aging process?


Consider whether you can reasonably expect your hair to grow back after a certain period of time or if this is something you will live with forever.


It is always good to take the time to fully research the condition that is causing your hair loss- for some this may mean having a deep conversation with their doctor. Others, after having a definitive diagnosis, may choose to read books on the subject or spend hours browsing on the internet.


You may also consider visiting a therapist or psychologist to help you work through the emotional aspects of losing your hair- this can be a powerful tool in your journey towards accepting your hair loss.


 


Focus on your Appearance


Appearances do matter, and losing your hair is a significant reminder of this. Now is the time to see what it is that will make you feel beautiful during this time of life!


Don’t be afraid to face yourself in the mirror. You can:


  • Embrace your bare head. If it’s not too cold and you feel comfortable, making peace with your hairless appearance can be extremely empowering.

  • Try on colorful scarves and hats. Aside from keeping your head warm, they easy to wear and can be matched to your clothing according to your mood. You can even layer a scarf on beneath a hat for extra warmth.

  • Discover wigs. Many of us may have never dreamed of wearing a wig, but when it comes to looking like your old self there may be nothing better. You can go for a wig that matches your normal hair or try a new style, maybe even the hair you’ve always wanted!

*Once you delve into the world of wigs you’ll see that there are several significant differences between synthetic and human hair wigs, and that the prices for the two options do vary widely.


Feeling like yourself during hair loss is not an easy process but there are ways to cope and to make the experience much more comfortable. If you’ve been there before and you have any helpful tips, please share them with our readers!


 


 


The post Hair Loss in Women: How to Feel Like You Again appeared first on .

This content has been sourced by ndtv.com under their RSS syndication rules. The copyright of the content below remains their property


 


French film Dheepan won the top Palme d’Or prize for director Jacques Audiard at the 68th Cannes International Film Festival on May 25, crowning a good night for French cinema but a bad one for Italy and actress Cate Blanchett.


 


The choice of a film that revolves around the lives of Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka’s civil war moving to France was seen as sending a political message, but the awards overall left some critics and festivalgoers dumbfounded.(Also Read: Tamil-French Refugee Drama Dheepan Wins Palme d’Or)


 


“It’s extremely disappointing, nobody seems happy,” Jay Weissberg, European-based critic for trade publication Variety, told Reuters. “It’s an anti-climactic finish to a festival that was middling to begin with.”


 


Ethan Coen, who along with his brother Joel served as co-president of the jury, defended the jury’s choices, especially the Palme d’Or winner.


 


“Everybody had an enthusiasm for it, to some degree or another we all thought it was a very beautiful movie,” he told a press conference.


 


Actor and jury member Jake Gyllenhaal got a laugh when he interjected: “It’s a good prize.”


 


Hungarian director Laszlo Nemes’s debut film Saul Fia (Son of Saul), which made a huge impact at the festival for its portrayal by non-professional actor Geza Rohrig of a Jewish ‘Sonderkommando’ orced labourer in the Auschwitz concentration camp, took the Grand Prix second prize.


 


Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos’s surreal English-language film The Lobster about guests at a posh singles hotel who are turned into animals if they don’t find a mate took the Jury Prize.


 


Taiwan’s Hou Hsiao-Hsien won best director for Nie Yianniang (The Assassin) and Mexican director Michel Franco got best screenplay for Chronic.


 


But three Italian entries among 19 films competing for the Palme d’Or went home empty-handed, as did Cate Blanchett whose performance as a wealthy woman who falls in love with a shopgirl in the lesbian romance Carol won high critical praise.


 


Instead, Rooney Mara, who plays the shopgirl in director Todd Haynes’ film shared the best actress award with France’s Emmanuelle Bercot, who stared in director Maiwenn’s Mon Roi (My King).


 


Among the Italian films, Nanni Moretti’s Mia Madre (My Mother), about a woman director whose life spins out of control while her mother is dying, had been tipped as a possible winner.


 


France’s Vincent Lindon, who took the best actor prize for his portrayal in Stéphane Brizé’s film La Loi du Marché (The Measure of a Man) of a floorwalker in a supermarket that has a secret plan to get rid of employees to boost the bottom line, was unapologetic about France’s strong showing.


 


“It’s not because it’s in Cannes that we can’t receive prizes as other people and this year maybe they wanted to celebrate French cinema,” Lindon said.


 


The Palme d’Or winner tells the story of Tamil refugees trying to make a new life on a violent and drug-infested French housing estate.


 


“I’m very moved. Winning a prize from the Coen brothers is something that is exceptional,” Mr Audiard, who has won two smaller Cannes awards in the past, told the closing ceremony. “I’m thinking of my father.”


 


Scott Roxborough, a critic for the trade publication The Hollywood Reporter, said Mr Audiard had been in the running for a Cannes award for a long time.


 


“I don’t think it’s his best film but it’s a hot topic. It honours the director and sends a political message at the same time,” he said.


 


List of main awards:


 


Competition


Palme d’Or: Dheepan (Jacques Audiard, France)


Grand Prix: Son of Saul (Laszlo Nemes, Hungary)


Director: Hou Hsiao-hsien, The Assassin (Taiwan)


Actor: Vincent Lindon, The Measure of a Man (France)


Actress (tie): Emmanuelle Bercot, Mon roi (France), and Rooney Mara, Carol (UK)


Jury Prize: Yorgos Lanthimos, “The Lobster (Greece-Ireland-U.K.-Netherlands-France)


Screenplay: Michel Franco, “Chronic” (Mexico-France)


 


 


Other Prizes


Palme d’Honneur: Agnes Varda


Camera d’Or: Land and Shade (Cesar Augusto Acevedo, Colombia)


Short Films Palme d’Or: Waves ’98 (Ely Dagher)


Ecumenical Jury Prize: My Mother (Nanni Moretti)


 
Un Certain Regard


Un Certain Regard Prize: Rams (Grimur Hakonarson, Iceland-Denmark)


Jury prize: The High Sun (Dalibor Matanic, Croatia-Slovenia-Serbia)


Director: Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Journey to the Shore (Japan-France)


Un Certain Talent Prize: Corneliu Porumboiu, The Treasure (Romania)


Special Prize for Promising Futures (tie): Nahid (Ida Panahandeh, Iran) and Masaan (Neeraj Ghaywan, France-India)


 


 


Directors’ Fortnight


Art Cinema Award: The Embrace of the Serpent (Ciro Guerra, Colombia)


Society of Dramatic Authors and Composers Prize: My Golden Days (Arnaud Desplechin, France)


Europa Cinemas Label: Mustang (Deniz Gamze Erguven, France-Turkey-Germany)


 


 


Critics’ Week


Grand Prize: Paulina (Santiago Mitre, Argentina-Brazil-France)


Visionary Prize: Land and Shade


Society of Dramatic Authors and Composers Prize: Land and Shade


 


 

 


Written by Jenny Caton


 


For some people delegation comes easily but for others giving up control of certain tasks can be difficult. Whether you manage a large team or just one or two people, there will be times when you’re just too busy to do everything yourself. This is when you need to delegate tasks to other people.


 


 


 


Why delegate?
When you try to tackle an unrealistic workload on your own, it’s easy to feel frazzled and burnt out. But delegation isn’t just about reducing your own workload; sharing tasks with your team is a great way for others to learn new skills and feel valued in their role. It can provide fresh ideas and free you up to try new things too.


 


 


 


The fear of delegating
Delegating often takes a leap of faith. You need to put your trust in someone else and take a step back from certain tasks. For some, this can create a feeling of being out of control, particularly if you worry that other people won’t complete the job to your own high standards.


 


If you’re worried about delegating, here are some tips:


 


  • Don’t expect people to do things in exactly the same way you would. Everyone has their own methods.

  • Always provide a clear brief and let people know exactly what you need and when you need it.

  • Let your colleagues know you’re on hand if they need help with a new task but give them the space to get on with things by themselves.

 


For more information about managing others, visit: http://www.mindtools.com/

 


Nowadays, everyone is concerned about health. That is not to say that in past years people have not been concerned about health, but in recent years the focus on getting and staying healthy has jettisoned its way into being one of the most talked about topics in the world. Being that health has become such a major focus, it only makes sense that improvements have been made to help those who are looking to either reverse ill effects of having lived an unhealthy lifestyle, as well as helping those who are already fit and healthy to remain that way.


 


 


Affordable Insurance


One of the major factors that many people have struggled with in the past has been the inability to afford healthcare insurance. We have entered a time where more people are able to access insurance so that they can see primary physicians and specialists. When people are able to afford treatment for conditions that they may or may not be aware that they have, that person has a much better chance of being healthy.


 


 


Increased Knowledge of Fitness


In past decades, fitness experts and healthcare professionals pushed the idea that cardiovascular workouts were the number one way to lose weight and keep the heart strong. While this is absolutely true, cardiovascular work is only one piece of the puzzle to achieving and maintaining a healthy physique. Different modalities of fitness like strength training, Pilates, yoga, Qi Gong, etc., have proven themselves to play a vital role in physical fitness. Strength training helps to keep bones strong and helps to build lean, healthy muscle tone. Yoga and Pilates help to strengthen and tone core muscles while improving balance and flexibility. Yoga is also a great way to connect the mind and body for a feeling of overall physical and mental well-being.


 


 


Better Foods


Having a clean diet is essential to improving health. More companies are offering natural and organic alternatives, and more consumers are becoming aware of which ingredients are natural and which ingredients are not. This knowledge has prompted many to make better choices about the foods they consume.


 


 


Improved Cookware


Knowing the type of surface that foods have been prepared upon is just as important as knowing what types of foods you are eating. Many nonstick pots and pans contain substances that can be harmful. The fumes from these harmful substances goes into the environment and into the food that you prepare for yourself and your family. Fortunately, there are a few companies that make safe, nonstick cookware so that you can feel confident that you are ingesting a truly healthy meal.


 


 


Oral Healthcare


We all know the importance that oral healthcare plays in our overall well-being. It is more than just having white teeth and fresh breath, though these are certainly indicators of good oral health. Equally important is having teeth that function as they were intended to function. If you have lost one tooth or many teeth, dental implants have the ability to improve your appearance and function in the same manner as natural teeth. Properly functioning teeth are an absolute must-have in order to maintain optimal health, say the experts at Midtown Dental Centre.


 


Overall health is important for everyone. Improvements such as being able to practice better health can make a major difference in the quality of our lives.


 


The post Five Improvements Over The Years That Have Mad A Major Impact On Overall Health appeared first on .

 


Being physically disabled can certainly present its share of daily challenges in the struggle for independence, especially in the kitchen. Cooking can be a daunting task. However, with the right game plan anything is possible. Here’s a bit of helpful advice to consider if you plan to create a beautifully accessible kitchen.


 


 


Where to Start


Putting pencil to paper is a wonderful place to start and with a good, reliable, company like Mike’s Country Kitchens & Woodworking, a custom cabinet design company for kitchens and bathrooms, you’ll really be able to bring your ideas to life. They have done beautiful work and their willingness to accommodate their clients is definitely a plus. They have a unique team of designers with years of experience who offer personal consultations where you can bring in their ideas in and work together with a designer to breathe new life into your kitchen designs.


 


 


Counter and Storage Accessibility


This will be the key factor in any kitchen built for someone with disabilities. There are, of course, the standard low work stations and cut away counters which allow a wheelchair to easily pull up to. Don’t be afraid of these designs. There are some great ways to make these styles function well and look beautiful. For instances, instead of just empty space under a cut away counter you could add a rolling cart or island to fit inside the space. This way it will offer addition accessible storage and provide another easy to reach counter top that can be placed and used anywhere in the kitchen. Lower pull-out drawers with a flat surface inside can also add more counter space. Narrow, pull-out, pantry drawers, with accessibility from both sides, offers an easy-to-reach storage system. Another amazing innovation is an overhead cabinet with a small lift motor which lowers the entire cabinet and pushes it forward for extremely easy access of those, high, hard to reach cabinets.


 


 


Safer Appliance Ideas


Nowadays, standard appliances lend themselves to easier accessibility. Something as simple as lowering a microwave or sink can be helpful. But for someone who enjoys actual cooking there are stoves whose doors easily open sideways, like a cabinet door. This will allow for the chef to ride right up to the front of the stove, instead of stretching from the side. Another thing taken for granted might be the ability to look directly at what you’re cooking on a stove top. Those in wheelchairs are much lower and can have a hard time seeing into a pot on the stove. A simple solution for this could be a hung magnified mirror over the stove. Stoves with knobs and setting on the front instead of the back panel is another thing to consider, as someone in a wheelchair will have a difficult time reaching over scolding hot pots and pans.


 


 


A Quick Bite for Inspiration


Building a disability friendly kitchen automatically lends itself to creating an incredibly unique look and layout that most kitchens lack. Houzz.com has gathers some design ideas for accessible kitchens. Let the inspirational juices flow. Alternatively, you can also take a look at local home improvement stores, such as Lowe’s, for other inspiration and cabinetry ideas.


 


With so much at your fingertips the possibilities are simply endless. With the right design team and enough imagination physical limitations will be a thing of past in a beautifully accessible kitchen.


 


The post Beautifully Accessible Kitchen Ideas for Those with Special Needs appeared first on .

 


 


Everyone experiences stress in their day-to-day life, but if one finds themselves constantly stressed out, this could lead to a variety of more serious physical health issues. Therefore, if one feels that they are experiencing lots of stress, they should seek help before it leads to some of the more serious physical health issues listed and discussed below.


 


 


1. Susceptibility to Infection


If one is experiencing a lot of stress in their life, the immune system is actually directly affected by being suppressed. Just like with anything else that suppresses the immune system, it can cause one to become vulnerable to most infections that could have usually been fought off with ease. If one already has an illness, large amounts of stress can prolong an illness that would have generally passed in a couple of days. If one is feeling stress and finds themselves undergoing an illness, being surrounded by both family and friends can offset some of the effects of the stress.


 


 


2. Heart Problems


The heart is one of the most vital organs of the human body. Without it, one cannot live. If one experiences large amounts of stress, one can actually find themselves experiencing a variety of different heart problems. Eating comfort foods is one way that people often cope with stress, but this can actually do more harm than good. Most comfort foods tend to have high fat and salt content, and this can be damaging to the heart.


 


 


3. Diabetes


Diabetes is a disease related to how the human body makes insulin. Some doctors believe that if one constantly experiences chronic stress, this could actually lead to insulin dependent diabetes. This is especially true for those that are already at risk of contracting diabetes.


 


 


4. High Blood Pressure


High blood pressure is a chronic disease and is extremely common, especially in people that live in the United States. Stress is known to increase blood pressure. Therefore, if one experiences chronic stress, it could lead to someone with high blood pressure problems developing anything from a stroke to actual heart failure.


 


 


5. Pain


Although stress in and of itself does not cause physical pain, it can actually aggravate pain conditions that already exist, through repetitive strain injury. According to a specialist from Brantford Mall Dental Office, chronic stress can also cause jaw clenching, which often leads to temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders.


 


 


6. Skin Problems


The most common skin problems that stress causes are acne and eczema. It has even been known to cause itchy skin rashes.


 


All in all, stress can cause a lot of different physical health issues, especially if one is experiencing chronic stress.


 

 


Many patients are surprised to hear that over half of all seniors will have cataracts by the time they hit the age of 80. According to professionals who specialize in cataract surgery in Salt Lake City, cataracts can start to show up as early as age 60. Cataracts are an exceptionally common condition in which there is a “clouding” of the lens that will eventually affect one’s vision. Due to just how prevalent this eye disease is, here is a look at five important things that every senior should know about cataracts, how they can be delayed, and what can be done to treat them.


 


 


Your Demographic Is At the Highest Risk


One of the first and most important things that seniors should remember is that their demographic is at the highest risk of developing cataracts. Most specialists say that it is not so much a question of if a senior will develop cataracts, but when will they develop cataracts, and how far the condition will progress. Other demographics at a higher risk include women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and those with a family history of cataracts.


 


 


There Are Different Types of Cataracts


Most seniors will develop age-related cataracts or “secondary” cataracts, but there are actually five different types of this condition. Age cataracts are simply a weakening of the eyes and exposure to the elements while secondary cataracts are the result of other medical problems like diabetes. There is also congenital cataracts that occur at or before birth, radiation cataracts after extended exposure to radiation, and traumatic cataracts that can occur when there is damage to the eye or the soft tissue around the eye.


 


 


The Symptoms May Be So Subtle That You Do Not Notice Them


Another extremely important fact to remember is that the side effects of cataracts, especially in the earliest stages, may be completely undetectable to the patient. One’s vision may only diminish ever so slightly, and this means that many will not know that they have cataracts for years on end. Primarily, seniors should pay attention to situations in which they feel as if there vision or eye comfort has been recently affected. This may include difficulty seeing at night, blurring around bright lights, streaks coming off of lights, eye glasses that are no longer working well, and any discomfort from contacts or around the eye in general.


 


 


Early Detection is Imperative


In some instances, cataracts do not need to be removed right away and a doctor may only suggest that the other steps are taken to prevent the cataracts from worsening. That being said, catching them in the early stages will make treatment much easier. When cataracts are not affecting a senior’s ability to see, they may be able to reduce the side effects and slow the condition with nothing more than changing their medication, or using prescription eye drops.


 


 


You Can Still Delay Cataracts


It is never too late to think that cataracts have progressed to the point that they are untreatable or the only solution is surgery. When caught early on, seniors can often go for years by only making minor changes to their lifestyle. This begins by protecting your eyes from the sun with sunglasses and hats. Smoking and drinking should also be avoided, and an overall healthy diet filled with leafy greens can also slow cataracts or prevent them altogether.


 


 


Speaking with a vision specialist and regularly having one’s eyesight checked is the absolute best method of delaying and treating this condition. The longer that cataracts are allowed to develop, the more severe your vision loss will become, and the higher their risk will be for going completely blind. This is especially important information to remember for the millions of seniors that develop this condition each and every year.


 


The post Five Important things to Know about Cataracts if you are Over 60 appeared first on .

 


Many patients are surprised to hear that over half of all seniors will have cataracts by the time they hit the age of 80. According to professionals who specialize in cataract surgery in Salt Lake City, cataracts can start to show up as early as age 60. Cataracts are an exceptionally common condition in which there is a “clouding” of the lens that will eventually affect one’s vision. Due to just how prevalent this eye disease is, here is a look at five important things that every senior should know about cataracts, how they can be delayed, and what can be done to treat them.


 


 


Your Demographic Is At the Highest Risk


One of the first and most important things that seniors should remember is that their demographic is at the highest risk of developing cataracts. Most specialists say that it is not so much a question of if a senior will develop cataracts, but when will they develop cataracts, and how far the condition will progress. Other demographics at a higher risk include women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and those with a family history of cataracts.


 


 


There Are Different Types of Cataracts


Most seniors will develop age-related cataracts or “secondary” cataracts, but there are actually five different types of this condition. Age cataracts are simply a weakening of the eyes and exposure to the elements while secondary cataracts are the result of other medical problems like diabetes. There is also congenital cataracts that occur at or before birth, radiation cataracts after extended exposure to radiation, and traumatic cataracts that can occur when there is damage to the eye or the soft tissue around the eye.


 


 


The Symptoms May Be So Subtle That You Do Not Notice Them


Another extremely important fact to remember is that the side effects of cataracts, especially in the earliest stages, may be completely undetectable to the patient. One’s vision may only diminish ever so slightly, and this means that many will not know that they have cataracts for years on end. Primarily, seniors should pay attention to situations in which they feel as if there vision or eye comfort has been recently affected. This may include difficulty seeing at night, blurring around bright lights, streaks coming off of lights, eye glasses that are no longer working well, and any discomfort from contacts or around the eye in general.


 


 


Early Detection is Imperative


In some instances, cataracts do not need to be removed right away and a doctor may only suggest that the other steps are taken to prevent the cataracts from worsening. That being said, catching them in the early stages will make treatment much easier. When cataracts are not affecting a senior’s ability to see, they may be able to reduce the side effects and slow the condition with nothing more than changing their medication, or using prescription eye drops.


 


 


You Can Still Delay Cataracts


It is never too late to think that cataracts have progressed to the point that they are untreatable or the only solution is surgery. When caught early on, seniors can often go for years by only making minor changes to their lifestyle. This begins by protecting your eyes from the sun with sunglasses and hats. Smoking and drinking should also be avoided, and an overall healthy diet filled with leafy greens can also slow cataracts or prevent them altogether.


 


 


Speaking with a vision specialist and regularly having one’s eyesight checked is the absolute best method of delaying and treating this condition. The longer that cataracts are allowed to develop, the more severe your vision loss will become, and the higher their risk will be for going completely blind. This is especially important information to remember for the millions of seniors that develop this condition each and every year.


 


The post Five Important things to Know about Cataracts if you are Over 60 appeared first on .

 


Many patients are surprised to hear that over half of all seniors will have cataracts by the time they hit the age of 80. According to professionals who specialize in cataract surgery in Salt Lake City, cataracts can start to show up as early as age 60. Cataracts are an exceptionally common condition in which there is a “clouding” of the lens that will eventually affect one’s vision. Due to just how prevalent this eye disease is, here is a look at five important things that every senior should know about cataracts, how they can be delayed, and what can be done to treat them.


 


 


Your Demographic Is At the Highest Risk


One of the first and most important things that seniors should remember is that their demographic is at the highest risk of developing cataracts. Most specialists say that it is not so much a question of if a senior will develop cataracts, but when will they develop cataracts, and how far the condition will progress. Other demographics at a higher risk include women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and those with a family history of cataracts.


 


 


There Are Different Types of Cataracts


Most seniors will develop age-related cataracts or “secondary” cataracts, but there are actually five different types of this condition. Age cataracts are simply a weakening of the eyes and exposure to the elements while secondary cataracts are the result of other medical problems like diabetes. There is also congenital cataracts that occur at or before birth, radiation cataracts after extended exposure to radiation, and traumatic cataracts that can occur when there is damage to the eye or the soft tissue around the eye.


 


 


The Symptoms May Be So Subtle That You Do Not Notice Them


Another extremely important fact to remember is that the side effects of cataracts, especially in the earliest stages, may be completely undetectable to the patient. One’s vision may only diminish ever so slightly, and this means that many will not know that they have cataracts for years on end. Primarily, seniors should pay attention to situations in which they feel as if there vision or eye comfort has been recently affected. This may include difficulty seeing at night, blurring around bright lights, streaks coming off of lights, eye glasses that are no longer working well, and any discomfort from contacts or around the eye in general.


 


 


Early Detection is Imperative


In some instances, cataracts do not need to be removed right away and a doctor may only suggest that the other steps are taken to prevent the cataracts from worsening. That being said, catching them in the early stages will make treatment much easier. When cataracts are not affecting a senior’s ability to see, they may be able to reduce the side effects and slow the condition with nothing more than changing their medication, or using prescription eye drops.


 


 


You Can Still Delay Cataracts


It is never too late to think that cataracts have progressed to the point that they are untreatable or the only solution is surgery. When caught early on, seniors can often go for years by only making minor changes to their lifestyle. This begins by protecting your eyes from the sun with sunglasses and hats. Smoking and drinking should also be avoided, and an overall healthy diet filled with leafy greens can also slow cataracts or prevent them altogether.


 


 


Speaking with a vision specialist and regularly having one’s eyesight checked is the absolute best method of delaying and treating this condition. The longer that cataracts are allowed to develop, the more severe your vision loss will become, and the higher their risk will be for going completely blind. This is especially important information to remember for the millions of seniors that develop this condition each and every year.


 


The post Five Important things to Know about Cataracts if you are Over 60 appeared first on .

 


Many patients are surprised to hear that over half of all seniors will have cataracts by the time they hit the age of 80. According to professionals who specialize in cataract surgery in Salt Lake City, cataracts can start to show up as early as age 60. Cataracts are an exceptionally common condition in which there is a “clouding” of the lens that will eventually affect one’s vision. Due to just how prevalent this eye disease is, here is a look at five important things that every senior should know about cataracts, how they can be delayed, and what can be done to treat them.


 


 


Your Demographic Is At the Highest Risk


One of the first and most important things that seniors should remember is that their demographic is at the highest risk of developing cataracts. Most specialists say that it is not so much a question of if a senior will develop cataracts, but when will they develop cataracts, and how far the condition will progress. Other demographics at a higher risk include women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and those with a family history of cataracts.


 


 


There Are Different Types of Cataracts


Most seniors will develop age-related cataracts or “secondary” cataracts, but there are actually five different types of this condition. Age cataracts are simply a weakening of the eyes and exposure to the elements while secondary cataracts are the result of other medical problems like diabetes. There is also congenital cataracts that occur at or before birth, radiation cataracts after extended exposure to radiation, and traumatic cataracts that can occur when there is damage to the eye or the soft tissue around the eye.


 


 


The Symptoms May Be So Subtle That You Do Not Notice Them


Another extremely important fact to remember is that the side effects of cataracts, especially in the earliest stages, may be completely undetectable to the patient. One’s vision may only diminish ever so slightly, and this means that many will not know that they have cataracts for years on end. Primarily, seniors should pay attention to situations in which they feel as if there vision or eye comfort has been recently affected. This may include difficulty seeing at night, blurring around bright lights, streaks coming off of lights, eye glasses that are no longer working well, and any discomfort from contacts or around the eye in general.


 


 


Early Detection is Imperative


In some instances, cataracts do not need to be removed right away and a doctor may only suggest that the other steps are taken to prevent the cataracts from worsening. That being said, catching them in the early stages will make treatment much easier. When cataracts are not affecting a senior’s ability to see, they may be able to reduce the side effects and slow the condition with nothing more than changing their medication, or using prescription eye drops.


 


 


You Can Still Delay Cataracts


It is never too late to think that cataracts have progressed to the point that they are untreatable or the only solution is surgery. When caught early on, seniors can often go for years by only making minor changes to their lifestyle. This begins by protecting your eyes from the sun with sunglasses and hats. Smoking and drinking should also be avoided, and an overall healthy diet filled with leafy greens can also slow cataracts or prevent them altogether.


 


 


Speaking with a vision specialist and regularly having one’s eyesight checked is the absolute best method of delaying and treating this condition. The longer that cataracts are allowed to develop, the more severe your vision loss will become, and the higher their risk will be for going completely blind. This is especially important information to remember for the millions of seniors that develop this condition each and every year.


 


The post Five Important things to Know about Cataracts if you are Over 60 appeared first on .

 


Many patients are surprised to hear that over half of all seniors will have cataracts by the time they hit the age of 80. According to professionals who specialize in cataract surgery in Salt Lake City, cataracts can start to show up as early as age 60. Cataracts are an exceptionally common condition in which there is a “clouding” of the lens that will eventually affect one’s vision. Due to just how prevalent this eye disease is, here is a look at five important things that every senior should know about cataracts, how they can be delayed, and what can be done to treat them.


 


 


Your Demographic Is At the Highest Risk


One of the first and most important things that seniors should remember is that their demographic is at the highest risk of developing cataracts. Most specialists say that it is not so much a question of if a senior will develop cataracts, but when will they develop cataracts, and how far the condition will progress. Other demographics at a higher risk include women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and those with a family history of cataracts.


 


 


There Are Different Types of Cataracts


Most seniors will develop age-related cataracts or “secondary” cataracts, but there are actually five different types of this condition. Age cataracts are simply a weakening of the eyes and exposure to the elements while secondary cataracts are the result of other medical problems like diabetes. There is also congenital cataracts that occur at or before birth, radiation cataracts after extended exposure to radiation, and traumatic cataracts that can occur when there is damage to the eye or the soft tissue around the eye.


 


 


The Symptoms May Be So Subtle That You Do Not Notice Them


Another extremely important fact to remember is that the side effects of cataracts, especially in the earliest stages, may be completely undetectable to the patient. One’s vision may only diminish ever so slightly, and this means that many will not know that they have cataracts for years on end. Primarily, seniors should pay attention to situations in which they feel as if there vision or eye comfort has been recently affected. This may include difficulty seeing at night, blurring around bright lights, streaks coming off of lights, eye glasses that are no longer working well, and any discomfort from contacts or around the eye in general.


 


 


Early Detection is Imperative


In some instances, cataracts do not need to be removed right away and a doctor may only suggest that the other steps are taken to prevent the cataracts from worsening. That being said, catching them in the early stages will make treatment much easier. When cataracts are not affecting a senior’s ability to see, they may be able to reduce the side effects and slow the condition with nothing more than changing their medication, or using prescription eye drops.


 


 


You Can Still Delay Cataracts


It is never too late to think that cataracts have progressed to the point that they are untreatable or the only solution is surgery. When caught early on, seniors can often go for years by only making minor changes to their lifestyle. This begins by protecting your eyes from the sun with sunglasses and hats. Smoking and drinking should also be avoided, and an overall healthy diet filled with leafy greens can also slow cataracts or prevent them altogether.


 


 


Speaking with a vision specialist and regularly having one’s eyesight checked is the absolute best method of delaying and treating this condition. The longer that cataracts are allowed to develop, the more severe your vision loss will become, and the higher their risk will be for going completely blind. This is especially important information to remember for the millions of seniors that develop this condition each and every year.


 


The post Five Important things to Know about Cataracts if you are Over 60 appeared first on .

 


Written by Jenny Catton


 


Whether you’re growing roses or radishes, when it comes to home gardening there’s one important ingredient that can make all the difference between success and failure and that’s fertiliser.


 


What are Plant Fertilisers?
Fertilisers are a concentrated source of plant nutrients that are usually supplied as powders, liquids, pellets or granules. You’ll find a wide choice for sale at garden centres or online gardening stores.


As well as requiring water and sunlight to grow, plants also require the correct amount of nutrients. Most plants get their nutrients from the soil and if your garden has healthy soil, you might not need to use a commercial fertiliser. However, many gardeners find that the plants they grow do benefit hugely from the use of a fertiliser.


 


Why Use Fertilisers
Fertilisers are an important ingredient for gardeners as they provide nutrition for plants and are used to improve the growth of plants and maximise the yield of flowers, fruit, or vegetables. Some plants, for example those that grow more quickly than others, will particularly benefit from fertilisers.


 


 


How to Choose the Right Fertiliser
Step inside any good garden centre and you’re likely to find a wide choice of different fertilisers. Choosing the right one is usually straightforward as the packaging will tell you what plants the fertiliser has been designed for. For example, you can choose a fertiliser that has been specifically developed for roses or one that is tailored towards vegetable growing. You can also check the ingredients listed to find out which nutrients are included and in what ratio and then choose the type of fertiliser that is most appropriate for your garden.


The most common nutrients found in commercial fertilisers are nitrogen (N) which helps promote green leafy growth, phosphorus (P) which helps develop healthy roots and shoots, and potassium (K) which is important for flowering and fruiting plants. You may find that the nutrients are listed on the packet using their chemical symbols – NPK. A general purpose fertiliser will usually contain these three nutrients in equal amounts whereas a specialist fertiliser will contain varying proportions depending on its purpose. For example, a tomato fertiliser usually contains more potassium to help the plant produce large, healthy fruit.


 


Organic Fertilisers
If you are taking an organic approach to gardening and prefer to use natural products then you will want to choose an organic fertiliser. These are formulated using plant or animal sources rather than artificial forms of plant nutrients. However, it’s worth remembering that inorganic fertilisers tend to act more quickly than their organic equivalents.


 


 


How to Use Fertilisers
There are several different methods for using fertilisers depending on the type of plant you are growing and the fertiliser product you are using. In the spring you may wish to use a slow-release fertiliser to help flower beds and borders get off to a healthy start. When sowing or planting new seeds and seedlings, you can incorporate fertiliser into the soil. Meanwhile established flowers and vegetables can benefit from regular fertilising throughout the growing season. However, it is important not to over-use fertilisers so always check the instructions to find out how to use your particular fertiliser.


 


 


For more advice on all aspects of successful gardening, visit: www.gardenersworld.com


 


The post Power to Your Plants appeared first on .

 


Written by Jenny Catton


 


Whether you’re growing roses or radishes, when it comes to home gardening there’s one important ingredient that can make all the difference between success and failure and that’s fertiliser.


 


What are Plant Fertilisers?
Fertilisers are a concentrated source of plant nutrients that are usually supplied as powders, liquids, pellets or granules. You’ll find a wide choice for sale at garden centres or online gardening stores.


As well as requiring water and sunlight to grow, plants also require the correct amount of nutrients. Most plants get their nutrients from the soil and if your garden has healthy soil, you might not need to use a commercial fertiliser. However, many gardeners find that the plants they grow do benefit hugely from the use of a fertiliser.


 


Why Use Fertilisers
Fertilisers are an important ingredient for gardeners as they provide nutrition for plants and are used to improve the growth of plants and maximise the yield of flowers, fruit, or vegetables. Some plants, for example those that grow more quickly than others, will particularly benefit from fertilisers.


 


 


How to Choose the Right Fertiliser
Step inside any good garden centre and you’re likely to find a wide choice of different fertilisers. Choosing the right one is usually straightforward as the packaging will tell you what plants the fertiliser has been designed for. For example, you can choose a fertiliser that has been specifically developed for roses or one that is tailored towards vegetable growing. You can also check the ingredients listed to find out which nutrients are included and in what ratio and then choose the type of fertiliser that is most appropriate for your garden.


The most common nutrients found in commercial fertilisers are nitrogen (N) which helps promote green leafy growth, phosphorus (P) which helps develop healthy roots and shoots, and potassium (K) which is important for flowering and fruiting plants. You may find that the nutrients are listed on the packet using their chemical symbols – NPK. A general purpose fertiliser will usually contain these three nutrients in equal amounts whereas a specialist fertiliser will contain varying proportions depending on its purpose. For example, a tomato fertiliser usually contains more potassium to help the plant produce large, healthy fruit.


 


Organic Fertilisers
If you are taking an organic approach to gardening and prefer to use natural products then you will want to choose an organic fertiliser. These are formulated using plant or animal sources rather than artificial forms of plant nutrients. However, it’s worth remembering that inorganic fertilisers tend to act more quickly than their organic equivalents.


 


 


How to Use Fertilisers
There are several different methods for using fertilisers depending on the type of plant you are growing and the fertiliser product you are using. In the spring you may wish to use a slow-release fertiliser to help flower beds and borders get off to a healthy start. When sowing or planting new seeds and seedlings, you can incorporate fertiliser into the soil. Meanwhile established flowers and vegetables can benefit from regular fertilising throughout the growing season. However, it is important not to over-use fertilisers so always check the instructions to find out how to use your particular fertiliser.


 


 


For more advice on all aspects of successful gardening, visit: www.gardenersworld.com


 


The post Power to Your Plants appeared first on .

 


Written by Jenny Catton


 


Whether you’re growing roses or radishes, when it comes to home gardening there’s one important ingredient that can make all the difference between success and failure and that’s fertiliser.


 


What are Plant Fertilisers?
Fertilisers are a concentrated source of plant nutrients that are usually supplied as powders, liquids, pellets or granules. You’ll find a wide choice for sale at garden centres or online gardening stores.


As well as requiring water and sunlight to grow, plants also require the correct amount of nutrients. Most plants get their nutrients from the soil and if your garden has healthy soil, you might not need to use a commercial fertiliser. However, many gardeners find that the plants they grow do benefit hugely from the use of a fertiliser.


 


Why Use Fertilisers
Fertilisers are an important ingredient for gardeners as they provide nutrition for plants and are used to improve the growth of plants and maximise the yield of flowers, fruit, or vegetables. Some plants, for example those that grow more quickly than others, will particularly benefit from fertilisers.


 


 


How to Choose the Right Fertiliser
Step inside any good garden centre and you’re likely to find a wide choice of different fertilisers. Choosing the right one is usually straightforward as the packaging will tell you what plants the fertiliser has been designed for. For example, you can choose a fertiliser that has been specifically developed for roses or one that is tailored towards vegetable growing. You can also check the ingredients listed to find out which nutrients are included and in what ratio and then choose the type of fertiliser that is most appropriate for your garden.


The most common nutrients found in commercial fertilisers are nitrogen (N) which helps promote green leafy growth, phosphorus (P) which helps develop healthy roots and shoots, and potassium (K) which is important for flowering and fruiting plants. You may find that the nutrients are listed on the packet using their chemical symbols – NPK. A general purpose fertiliser will usually contain these three nutrients in equal amounts whereas a specialist fertiliser will contain varying proportions depending on its purpose. For example, a tomato fertiliser usually contains more potassium to help the plant produce large, healthy fruit.


 


Organic Fertilisers
If you are taking an organic approach to gardening and prefer to use natural products then you will want to choose an organic fertiliser. These are formulated using plant or animal sources rather than artificial forms of plant nutrients. However, it’s worth remembering that inorganic fertilisers tend to act more quickly than their organic equivalents.


 


 


How to Use Fertilisers
There are several different methods for using fertilisers depending on the type of plant you are growing and the fertiliser product you are using. In the spring you may wish to use a slow-release fertiliser to help flower beds and borders get off to a healthy start. When sowing or planting new seeds and seedlings, you can incorporate fertiliser into the soil. Meanwhile established flowers and vegetables can benefit from regular fertilising throughout the growing season. However, it is important not to over-use fertilisers so always check the instructions to find out how to use your particular fertiliser.


 


 


For more advice on all aspects of successful gardening, visit: www.gardenersworld.com


 


The post Power to Your Plants appeared first on .

 


Written by Jenny Catton


 


Whether you’re growing roses or radishes, when it comes to home gardening there’s one important ingredient that can make all the difference between success and failure and that’s fertiliser.


 


What are Plant Fertilisers?
Fertilisers are a concentrated source of plant nutrients that are usually supplied as powders, liquids, pellets or granules. You’ll find a wide choice for sale at garden centres or online gardening stores.


As well as requiring water and sunlight to grow, plants also require the correct amount of nutrients. Most plants get their nutrients from the soil and if your garden has healthy soil, you might not need to use a commercial fertiliser. However, many gardeners find that the plants they grow do benefit hugely from the use of a fertiliser.


 


Why Use Fertilisers
Fertilisers are an important ingredient for gardeners as they provide nutrition for plants and are used to improve the growth of plants and maximise the yield of flowers, fruit, or vegetables. Some plants, for example those that grow more quickly than others, will particularly benefit from fertilisers.


 


 


How to Choose the Right Fertiliser
Step inside any good garden centre and you’re likely to find a wide choice of different fertilisers. Choosing the right one is usually straightforward as the packaging will tell you what plants the fertiliser has been designed for. For example, you can choose a fertiliser that has been specifically developed for roses or one that is tailored towards vegetable growing. You can also check the ingredients listed to find out which nutrients are included and in what ratio and then choose the type of fertiliser that is most appropriate for your garden.


The most common nutrients found in commercial fertilisers are nitrogen (N) which helps promote green leafy growth, phosphorus (P) which helps develop healthy roots and shoots, and potassium (K) which is important for flowering and fruiting plants. You may find that the nutrients are listed on the packet using their chemical symbols – NPK. A general purpose fertiliser will usually contain these three nutrients in equal amounts whereas a specialist fertiliser will contain varying proportions depending on its purpose. For example, a tomato fertiliser usually contains more potassium to help the plant produce large, healthy fruit.


 


Organic Fertilisers
If you are taking an organic approach to gardening and prefer to use natural products then you will want to choose an organic fertiliser. These are formulated using plant or animal sources rather than artificial forms of plant nutrients. However, it’s worth remembering that inorganic fertilisers tend to act more quickly than their organic equivalents.


 


 


How to Use Fertilisers
There are several different methods for using fertilisers depending on the type of plant you are growing and the fertiliser product you are using. In the spring you may wish to use a slow-release fertiliser to help flower beds and borders get off to a healthy start. When sowing or planting new seeds and seedlings, you can incorporate fertiliser into the soil. Meanwhile established flowers and vegetables can benefit from regular fertilising throughout the growing season. However, it is important not to over-use fertilisers so always check the instructions to find out how to use your particular fertiliser.


 


 


For more advice on all aspects of successful gardening, visit: www.gardenersworld.com


 


The post Power to Your Plants appeared first on .

 


Written by Jenny Catton


 


Whether you’re growing roses or radishes, when it comes to home gardening there’s one important ingredient that can make all the difference between success and failure and that’s fertiliser.


 


What are Plant Fertilisers?
Fertilisers are a concentrated source of plant nutrients that are usually supplied as powders, liquids, pellets or granules. You’ll find a wide choice for sale at garden centres or online gardening stores.


As well as requiring water and sunlight to grow, plants also require the correct amount of nutrients. Most plants get their nutrients from the soil and if your garden has healthy soil, you might not need to use a commercial fertiliser. However, many gardeners find that the plants they grow do benefit hugely from the use of a fertiliser.


 


Why Use Fertilisers
Fertilisers are an important ingredient for gardeners as they provide nutrition for plants and are used to improve the growth of plants and maximise the yield of flowers, fruit, or vegetables. Some plants, for example those that grow more quickly than others, will particularly benefit from fertilisers.


 


 


How to Choose the Right Fertiliser
Step inside any good garden centre and you’re likely to find a wide choice of different fertilisers. Choosing the right one is usually straightforward as the packaging will tell you what plants the fertiliser has been designed for. For example, you can choose a fertiliser that has been specifically developed for roses or one that is tailored towards vegetable growing. You can also check the ingredients listed to find out which nutrients are included and in what ratio and then choose the type of fertiliser that is most appropriate for your garden.


The most common nutrients found in commercial fertilisers are nitrogen (N) which helps promote green leafy growth, phosphorus (P) which helps develop healthy roots and shoots, and potassium (K) which is important for flowering and fruiting plants. You may find that the nutrients are listed on the packet using their chemical symbols – NPK. A general purpose fertiliser will usually contain these three nutrients in equal amounts whereas a specialist fertiliser will contain varying proportions depending on its purpose. For example, a tomato fertiliser usually contains more potassium to help the plant produce large, healthy fruit.


 


Organic Fertilisers
If you are taking an organic approach to gardening and prefer to use natural products then you will want to choose an organic fertiliser. These are formulated using plant or animal sources rather than artificial forms of plant nutrients. However, it’s worth remembering that inorganic fertilisers tend to act more quickly than their organic equivalents.


 


 


How to Use Fertilisers
There are several different methods for using fertilisers depending on the type of plant you are growing and the fertiliser product you are using. In the spring you may wish to use a slow-release fertiliser to help flower beds and borders get off to a healthy start. When sowing or planting new seeds and seedlings, you can incorporate fertiliser into the soil. Meanwhile established flowers and vegetables can benefit from regular fertilising throughout the growing season. However, it is important not to over-use fertilisers so always check the instructions to find out how to use your particular fertiliser.


 


 


For more advice on all aspects of successful gardening, visit: www.gardenersworld.com


 


The post Power to Your Plants appeared first on .

 


Written by Jenny Catton


 


Whether you’re growing roses or radishes, when it comes to home gardening there’s one important ingredient that can make all the difference between success and failure and that’s fertiliser.


 


What are Plant Fertilisers?
Fertilisers are a concentrated source of plant nutrients that are usually supplied as powders, liquids, pellets or granules. You’ll find a wide choice for sale at garden centres or online gardening stores.


As well as requiring water and sunlight to grow, plants also require the correct amount of nutrients. Most plants get their nutrients from the soil and if your garden has healthy soil, you might not need to use a commercial fertiliser. However, many gardeners find that the plants they grow do benefit hugely from the use of a fertiliser.


 


Why Use Fertilisers
Fertilisers are an important ingredient for gardeners as they provide nutrition for plants and are used to improve the growth of plants and maximise the yield of flowers, fruit, or vegetables. Some plants, for example those that grow more quickly than others, will particularly benefit from fertilisers.


 


 


How to Choose the Right Fertiliser
Step inside any good garden centre and you’re likely to find a wide choice of different fertilisers. Choosing the right one is usually straightforward as the packaging will tell you what plants the fertiliser has been designed for. For example, you can choose a fertiliser that has been specifically developed for roses or one that is tailored towards vegetable growing. You can also check the ingredients listed to find out which nutrients are included and in what ratio and then choose the type of fertiliser that is most appropriate for your garden.


The most common nutrients found in commercial fertilisers are nitrogen (N) which helps promote green leafy growth, phosphorus (P) which helps develop healthy roots and shoots, and potassium (K) which is important for flowering and fruiting plants. You may find that the nutrients are listed on the packet using their chemical symbols – NPK. A general purpose fertiliser will usually contain these three nutrients in equal amounts whereas a specialist fertiliser will contain varying proportions depending on its purpose. For example, a tomato fertiliser usually contains more potassium to help the plant produce large, healthy fruit.


 


Organic Fertilisers
If you are taking an organic approach to gardening and prefer to use natural products then you will want to choose an organic fertiliser. These are formulated using plant or animal sources rather than artificial forms of plant nutrients. However, it’s worth remembering that inorganic fertilisers tend to act more quickly than their organic equivalents.


 


 


How to Use Fertilisers
There are several different methods for using fertilisers depending on the type of plant you are growing and the fertiliser product you are using. In the spring you may wish to use a slow-release fertiliser to help flower beds and borders get off to a healthy start. When sowing or planting new seeds and seedlings, you can incorporate fertiliser into the soil. Meanwhile established flowers and vegetables can benefit from regular fertilising throughout the growing season. However, it is important not to over-use fertilisers so always check the instructions to find out how to use your particular fertiliser.


 


 


For more advice on all aspects of successful gardening, visit: www.gardenersworld.com


 


The post Power to Your Plants appeared first on .

 


Written by Jenny Catton


 


Whether you’re growing roses or radishes, when it comes to home gardening there’s one important ingredient that can make all the difference between success and failure and that’s fertiliser.


 


What are Plant Fertilisers?
Fertilisers are a concentrated source of plant nutrients that are usually supplied as powders, liquids, pellets or granules. You’ll find a wide choice for sale at garden centres or online gardening stores.


As well as requiring water and sunlight to grow, plants also require the correct amount of nutrients. Most plants get their nutrients from the soil and if your garden has healthy soil, you might not need to use a commercial fertiliser. However, many gardeners find that the plants they grow do benefit hugely from the use of a fertiliser.


 


Why Use Fertilisers
Fertilisers are an important ingredient for gardeners as they provide nutrition for plants and are used to improve the growth of plants and maximise the yield of flowers, fruit, or vegetables. Some plants, for example those that grow more quickly than others, will particularly benefit from fertilisers.


 


 


How to Choose the Right Fertiliser
Step inside any good garden centre and you’re likely to find a wide choice of different fertilisers. Choosing the right one is usually straightforward as the packaging will tell you what plants the fertiliser has been designed for. For example, you can choose a fertiliser that has been specifically developed for roses or one that is tailored towards vegetable growing. You can also check the ingredients listed to find out which nutrients are included and in what ratio and then choose the type of fertiliser that is most appropriate for your garden.


The most common nutrients found in commercial fertilisers are nitrogen (N) which helps promote green leafy growth, phosphorus (P) which helps develop healthy roots and shoots, and potassium (K) which is important for flowering and fruiting plants. You may find that the nutrients are listed on the packet using their chemical symbols – NPK. A general purpose fertiliser will usually contain these three nutrients in equal amounts whereas a specialist fertiliser will contain varying proportions depending on its purpose. For example, a tomato fertiliser usually contains more potassium to help the plant produce large, healthy fruit.


 


Organic Fertilisers
If you are taking an organic approach to gardening and prefer to use natural products then you will want to choose an organic fertiliser. These are formulated using plant or animal sources rather than artificial forms of plant nutrients. However, it’s worth remembering that inorganic fertilisers tend to act more quickly than their organic equivalents.


 


 


How to Use Fertilisers
There are several different methods for using fertilisers depending on the type of plant you are growing and the fertiliser product you are using. In the spring you may wish to use a slow-release fertiliser to help flower beds and borders get off to a healthy start. When sowing or planting new seeds and seedlings, you can incorporate fertiliser into the soil. Meanwhile established flowers and vegetables can benefit from regular fertilising throughout the growing season. However, it is important not to over-use fertilisers so always check the instructions to find out how to use your particular fertiliser.


 


 


For more advice on all aspects of successful gardening, visit: www.gardenersworld.com


 


The post Power to Your Plants appeared first on .