If you want to be a successful influencer, Instagrammer, YouTuber, or blogger, then it's time that you build a brand that people actually want to follow.

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TweetPin3EmailShare If you’ve created a fictional society, species, or even an entire world, then you’re probably looking for ways to make it seem more authentic. One of the ways to... Read more »

It seems like every day there is an endless stream of students reporting behaviors or incidents that happen in the classroom. On one hand, we want to help our students feel heard and validated so they know we are a safe person for them to talk to. On the other hand, we certainly don't want to feed into the tattle machine. It's a fine line to walk. So how do we handle tattling in our classrooms?

Creating websites, apps and other digital services that are fully accessible and that everyone can use seems to be a no-brainer, but it’s harder than you might think. All credit goes to Karwai Pun…

From the Klingon language in the Star Trek universe to the Na'vi language from James Cameron's Avatar, fictional languages can go a long way towards making a work of fiction feel real. Making a can be an intense undertaking because the...

Our guest blogger shares her tips about how to make time for vocabulary instruction and how to make vocabulary instruction engaging for your students!

This THINK acronym and infographic helps us communicate more kindly with others. Originally the THINK acronym was created to help reduce online bullying

Draconic was the language of dragons.[5] While the term was used by a few dragons, it was largely an exonym, with the proper term for the language being Glav (meaning "speech/converse").[6] It used its own distinct alphabet, called Iokharic.[7] Other native speakers included members of draconic-related races, such as kobolds and dragonborn,[8] and members of reptilian races such as lizardfolk and troglodytes.[9] The language was commonly used for arcane writings, so it was commonly learned by el

Do you need help figuring our your sexuality? Take our sexuality quiz and find out what your sexuality is as well as learning all about sexuality!

Attunement and Containment - along with Rupture and Repair - are key building blocks for relationships that support the formation of healthy attachments. In this article, we'll dive a little deeper into understanding containment and attunement and how these puzzle pieces fit into the larger concept of forming healthy attachments to the people we care about.

Sylvia Plath Nationality: American Profession: Author Why Famous: Credited with advancing the genre of confessional poetry and is best known for her two published collections: “Other Poems and Ariel” and “The Colossus”. She won a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for The Collected Poems. Also well known for the semi-autobiographical work “The Bell Jar”. She suffered […]

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Week and in an effort to keep conversations flowing about mental health, Corrie Brundage and I share our stories of depression, attempting suicide, and healing.

Writing Worksheet – Partners in Love (PDF) One of the best signs that I’ve heard that attests to a successful couple, is that they are more together than the sum of their parts. The equations of partnership are varied, of course. Is it 2 ➔ 1, or 1+1=1, or 1≏1=0, or 1≡1, or 1=½+½ or…

Are you looking to decorate your classroom with fun, hand-drawn anchor charts/posters? Do you find it difficult to find the time to create, draw, outline and color? Don't fret. Give me the markers. Hi, I'm the Chart Lady! I love making engaging, eye catching and educational anchor charts. I also can draw/create any other topic you would like, just contact me directly and ask! My students absolutely love these posters and we use them daily. Many students are visual learners, so the colorful images really help them connect, recall and digest what we have learned. I call this anchor chart: "Producers/Consumers/Decomposers" Students were learning the beginnings of Food Webs, in particular examples of producers, consumers and decomposers. **All non-laminated anchor charts are currently hand drawn and colored on 25x30, anchor chart paper. Once ordered, it will take a 2-3 days to draw, outline, color and ship. If you would like it laminated, it will cost $5.00 more for lamination and the size will shrink by 2-3 inches of width. I ship these out ASAP after being ordered and completed, however, keep in mind that once shipped, it is out of my control. Therefore, if shipping does not meet your expectations, I encourage customers to reach out to me first, and we can work something out to make up for anything that might have occurred that was outside of our control.** Enjoy, The Chart Lady

KPI trees are a powerful tool to select KPIs. This article shows you how to build a KPI tree from scratch using a powerful but simple visual technique.

You may have heard of acupuncture and acupressure. They are both parts of Oriental medicine that date back to 2697 BC. Yes, it's that old! These are treatment options that have gained popularity in the Western countries, too, thanks to widened knowledge and open-mindedness of today's populace. But how does such kind of

Here are 19 therapist "warning signs" to watch out for.

My kiddos are always asking for hands on science activities, even if it’s one we have done over and over like this Hovercraft Science experiment project.

Strategic planning process is a very important factor for the growth of a company. This strategic planning template illustrates the strategic planning process model.

Aaron Caycedo-Kimura, the illustrator behind INFJoe Cartoons, says he created the series to help other INFJs not feel so alone.

No bucket dippers here! Just fun and free ways to fill up buckets every day.

One of my favorite ways of working with the chakras is through sound vibrations, music, and mantras.Certain sound vibrations are known to have profound effects on your physical and mental health, as they are able to directly shift your brainwaves and create a state of coherence between the body, and mind.The belief tha

Your Throat Chakra is the center of communication. When it is balanced, you can express yourself freely and are not afraid to share...

Why Teach About Choices Each Person Has Control Over?Recognizing what is in our control helps young (and older!) people cultivate a strong internal locus of control and sense of self-efficacy, which are important building blocks for self-esteem, compassion towards self and others, having a growth mi...

Podcasts in the classroom are so fun and engaging! Have you jumped on the podcast train yet?! I have a great system for using podcasts in the classroom...

When we first started Thrive Lounge, we hosted several events in our local community. At one event, people were invited to attend as the person they wanted to be in 5 years. Throughout the night, attendees would visualize their future by speaking as if they'd already accomplished their goals.&nb

Yesterday was “one of those days” – the commute was messy and I was late, several things I was working…

created by clumsy.romantic (previously strawberrysim/strawberrysimyt) originally i wasn't going to bother with my other legacy challenges, but i decided to completely revamp my just desserts legacy…

Are you interested in developing your own psychic, intuitive, or mediumship abilities? Try my printable deck and accompanying prompted journal/workbook. You can find it by clicking here. In spiritu…

This introduction to poetry gives teachers ideas on teaching poetry minlessons that make a difference in how your students think about poems.

The phrase “you are what you eat” has been a favorite of gastronomes, nutritionists, and philosophers for centuries. However, it doesn't tell the whole story. Although WHAT we put in our bodies is critical, there is another, equally important, element to consider: “you are what you don't eliminate.” Removing excess fluids and toxins from the body is just as important as healthy eating. Our lymphatic system, a subsystem of the circulatory system and the immune system, is responsible for this vital task. Here's how you can help your body work more efficiently. How the Lympathic System Works The lymphatic system is a network of organs, tissues, and vessels distributed across our entire body. Its parts work together to collect and move a watery fluid called lymph back into your bloodstream, delivering nutrients and eliminating toxins along the way. Freeing your body from excess fluids and waste is just as important to health as consuming high-nutrient foods. That is why the lymphatic system is critical to protecting your well-being. Four main functions make up the majority of the lymphatic system's tasks: 1. Protecting Your Body Against Foreign Cells The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and produces white blood cells known as lymphocytes as well as other immune cells. All those cells work together to monitor and break up foreign invaders like parasites, viruses, fungi, and bacteria. 2. Maintaining Fluid Levels Throughout your body, excess fluid drains from cells and tissues. The lymphatic system collects this fluid (lymph) and moves it to the bloodstream. From there, it is recirculated through the body. 3. Absorbing Fat Another function of your lymphatic system is to clean up your intestines. The lymphatic fluid contains fats and proteins absorbed from the digestive tract and moves this to the bloodstream. Thus level of fat never rises sharply in blood and it helps in maintaining the health of arterial walls. 4. Removing Waste Your lymphatic system also recognizes abnormal cells and removes those, along with waste products, from the body. Lymphoid Organs All these tasks cannot be accomplished by one organ alone, which is why your lymphatic system is made up of several organs. They can be divided into primary and secondary organs. The primary lymphatic organs like the thymus and bone marrow create cells that are known as lymphocytes. The secondary organs include the lymph nodes, spleen, and others. These organs are the location where the immune system cells fight foreign substances and germs. Knowing more about the individual organs and their tasks is crucial to understanding the inner workings of the lymphatic system. Bone Marrow When we are born, most of our bones contain a red, sponge-like tissue known as bone marrow. The bone marrow creates immune system cells or lymphocytes. As we age, bone marrow gradually turns into fatty tissue, leaving adults with very few bones still able to produce these cells. Thymus The thymus is a gland-like organ found behind the breastbone, above the heart. The organ matures during childhood and then transforms into fatty tissue. The thymus is responsible for maturing a special type of lymphocyte. Lymphocytes Medical professionals distinguish between three types of lymphocytes: T lymphocytes or T cells, B lymphocytes or B cells, and natural killer lymphocytes known as NK cells. T Cells: lymphocytes begin their growth in the bone marrow. Later they relocate to the thymus to complete their development. T cells attack foreign cells, cancer cells, and cells contaminated with viruses. T cells get their name because they mature in the thymus. B Cells: lymphocytes mature in the bone marrow. They create antibodies to fight infection within your body. NK Cells: Natural killer cells contain cytotoxins, substances that are deadly to other cells. Their purpose is to effectively kill tumor cells and other cells that have become infected with a virus. Spleen Located beneath the diaphragm, the spleen has a variety of functions within your lymphatic system. Breaking down old and damaged red blood cells. Storing various immune system cells and moving them through the blood to other organs. Filtering germs from the bloodstream with the help of so-called scavenger cells (phagocytes). Storing and breaking down platelets, also known as thrombocytes, which facilitate blood clotting. Tonsils Your tonsils sit at the back of the throat and palate, forming a ring around the opening that leads from the mouth and nose to the throat. They prevent viruses and germs from entering your body through the mouth and nose. In addition, the tonsils contain a large number of white blood cells, allowing them to kill germs effectively. In the same area of your body, on the side of the throat, there is lymphatic tissue. This tissue can take over the function of the tonsils if they needed to be removed. Appendix Shortly after you are born, lymphoid tissue starts accumulating in the appendix. During childhood, this allows the organ to support the maturation of B lymphocytes from the bone marrow. The appendix also helps direct lymphocytes to other locations of the body. Moreover, the cells in the appendix are partially responsible for producing antibodies. Mucous Membranes Mucous membranes help defend you against germs in various parts of the body. The mucous membranes of the small bowel are some of the most crucial as they produce a majority of your antibodies, together with the appendix. They detect foreign substances, like viruses or bacteria, mark and eliminate them. Plus, the mucous membranes store information about the substances, making it easier for the immune system to react to them the next time. However, not all bacteria are bad. The large bowel is home to gastrointestinal bacteria known as gut flora. This “good bacteria” actually makes it more difficult for germs to enter the body. Adenoids Adenoids help protect you from germs entering through your nose. They are located just behind your nose, high up in the throat. Like your tonsils, they help trap germs. Adenoids are normally only found in children and start shrinking after the age of five as the body continues to develop alternative ways to fight germs. In most people, adenoids have completely disappeared by the time they are teenagers. Lymph Nodes Lymph nodes are bean-shaped glands that are found throughout the body. Altogether, our bodies have about 600 different lymph nodes in our neck, armpit, groin, abdomen, and chest. While some are located near veins or arteries, others are independent of blood vessels. Those connect to the blood through thin tubes. Although humans have three different types of lymph nodes, all of them have a similar purpose. They function as filters to remove cellular waste and worn-out cells. Lymph nodes also help protect against infection by developing an army of white blood cells that get rid of any foreign entities in the body. To fulfill their purpose, the lymph nodes rely on tiny vessels called lymphatic capillaries that absorb these substances and transport them to the lymph nodes. Artieries and Veins Arteries and veins are part of the body's circulatory system, which means they are also part of the lymphatic system. Without arteries and veins, blood could not circulate from the heart to every tissue of the body. The lymphatic system relies on them for transport to maintain fluid balance and make sure each cell receives as much oxygen as it needs. Renal Lymphatics We understand that there are numerous renal lymphatics present in the cortex of a normal kidney. However, the lymphatic function has not featured prominently in discussions and research of kidney disease. Renal lymphatics drain excess interstitial fluid and remove macromolecules from the interstitial space of the kidney. If this drainage mechanism fails, the fluid build-up may lead to renal interstitial edema. Whilst more research, clinical investigation, and evidence are required, scientists believe that this edema may contribute to renal dysfunction. Liver Lymphatics Across the world, chronic liver disease causes around two million deaths every year, a number which is expected to increase. Like renal lymphatics, liver lymphatics have been largely overlooked in the treatment of liver disease until now. However, researchers believe that the lymphatic system in the liver is crucial in maintaining the organ's normal function. Liver lymphatics are responsible for removing toxins and other waste products. Scientists know that liver disease changes the size and other characteristics of the liver's lymphatic system. These changes could damage liver lymphatics, rendering them less efficient or completely inefficient. Lymphedema Lymphedema occurs when lymphatic fluid cannot drain naturally from the body's tissues. The result is swelling caused by an excess of fluid. Most people who suffer from lymphedema have swelling in their arms or legs. However, symptoms can also occur in the neck, genitals, abdomen, and chest wall. Generally, your lymph nodes take care of the removal of fluid, but if they are damaged or have been removed – for example during cancer treatment – lymphedema can develop. If the problem becomes severe, you may struggle to move the affected limb, and you are at risk for skin infections. Depending on the severity of your condition and its causes, treatment options range from compression bandages and massages to pneumatic pumping. In rare cases, your doctor may suggest surgery. Natural Lymphatic System Therapies Improving your immunity by detoxing your lymphatic system naturally centers around helping the lymphatic fluid move. Consider this – your blood keeps circulating because the heart continuously pumps it. Your lymphatic system, on the other hand, does not have a pump. Instead, it relies on the contraction and relaxation of muscles and joints to keep moving. Keeping your lymphatic system does not mean you have to start a heavy exercise program. Simple, gentle movements and even deep breathing are beneficial. As a result, your body develops a stronger immune response, and you become more resilient. 1. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration More than 90% of lymphatic fluid is made up of water, making dehydration the leading cause of lymph congestion. Without enough water, the fluid simply cannot move as well. To rehydrate, consider drinking half your weight in ounces every day. Water is the best drink to help hydrate, but you can speed up the process by adding lemon. As an alkaline fruit, lemon can help mineralize your body and your lymphatic system. If you are sipping on lemon water, it's best to use a straw to avoid damaging the enamel of your teeth. 2. Take A Deep Breath Deep breathing, or belly breathing, not only helps you relax but also benefits lymphatic drainage and detoxification. Lymphatic fluid stuck in your legs must travel back through your groin and the abdomen to reach the heart. Deep breathing can stimulate that movement. Deep breathing helps by stimulating deeper lymphatic structures and increasing lymphatic flow. A few short deep breathing sessions a day are enough to improve lymphatic drainage and decongestion and help treat lymphedema. At the same time, you will also benefit from improved mental health and feel more relaxed in general. 3. Massage & Dry Brushing Who doesn't enjoy a massage? Apart from the relaxing effect, massages can also stimulate lymphatic movements. To treat lymphedema and other related conditions, lymphatic massage works best. This specific technique targets the flow of the lymph with a specific amount of pressure and circular rhythmic movements. It encourages the lymph to flow towards the heart, from where it can drain. Dry brushing is a technique originally used in ayurvedic medicine. Brushing the skin towards the heart with a relatively coarse brush helps remove dead skin cells, improves circulation – and encourages lymphatic movement. It's a simple technique and easy to integrate into your daily routine. 4. Turn Things On Their Head Inversion is one of the best ways to encourage lymphatic movement. If you have access to an inversion table, it allows you to lie comfortably with your feet strapped in. As you are being inverted, gravity works with you to let lymphatic fluid drain towards the heart. At the same time, joints and your spine are being decompressed, which helps rehydrate the discs, reduces pressure on the nerves, and relieves tense muscles. 5. Practice Yoga Yoga features a selection of inversion poses that encourage lymphatic drainage. However, if you are a beginner, there are plenty of other poses that will benefit you and support detoxification. Twists of the abdominal area are an excellent way to improve lymphatic flow. They squeeze muscles and internal organs which forces the lymph out of your tissues. Not ready to twist? Still, yoga can be beneficial. All yoga poses are subject to a natural dynamic flow, contracting and relaxing muscles and joints as you move. As a result, lymph flows more freely, leaving toxins less chance of accumulation and stagnation. 6. Diet, Enzyme Supplements, & Herbs Our bodies rely on enzymes for various metabolic processes. Enzymes also help break down toxins in lymph and blood. By taking proteolytic enzyme supplements between meals, you ensure that your body has more than enough enzymes available to break down any toxic compounds. Of course, you can also ensure that you are eating foods high in enzymes that help the body with this process. Raw foods are especially useful as they contain high levels of naturally occurring enzymes. This allows them to break down toxic buildups and helps clear any damaging substances from the body. Because raw foods are primarily alkaline, they can neutralize harmful pathogens, which limits the workload of the lymph. Eating raw fruits and vegetables also helps manage your body's hydration level. Herbal tonics are closely related to diet and supplements, but often underestimated when it comes to managing and improving lymphatic flow as well as clearing toxic substances from the body. Some of the most powerful herbs include: Red clover for increased lymphatic flow and reduced inflammation. Manjistha for de-stagnating lymph, a favorite within ayurvedic medicine. Cleavers (or clivers or goosegrass) for stimulating and draining the lymphatic system. Bupleurum and Rehmannia tonics from traditional Chinese medicine. Both are known to help maintain a clean lymphatic system by removing toxins naturally. 7. Get On A Trampoline Or Rebounder Remember spending hours jumping on a trampoline as a kid? It's time to give it another try. Rebounding, as jumping in a trampoline is known, stimulates the circulation of blood throughout the body and moves the lymph. Plus, you improve muscle tone at the same time. Conclusion Our lymphatic system is one of the most important physiological systems of our body. This system consists of primary and secondary lymphoid organs, whose job is to remove toxins from the body. Whilst we can support the process by eating cleanly and avoiding toxins wherever possible, it is equally important to support our lymphatic system in removing waste products. The goal is to help your “waste removal system” run as efficiently and effectively as possible and prevent disease or even organ damage. Detoxing your lymphatic system is neither complicated nor expensive. Simple measures like ensuring you remain well-hydrated make for a good basis. Taking a few minutes for deep breathing also stimulates lymphatic drainage. Keeping your body moving, even with a gentle yoga routine is hugely beneficial, as is a healthy diet supported by selected supplements and herbs. Keeping your lymphatic system working optimally improves your immune response and will leave you feeling stronger and better able to resist potential health threats. Research & Studies https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279395/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6426795/ https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2019.01579/full https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphedema/symptoms-causes/syc-20374682 https://thechalkboardmag.com/detox-your-lymph-holistic-treatments-for-lymphatic-system

One of the most important elements of teaching is providing students with plenty of opportunities to actively engage in learning with their peers. This blog post covers my favorite cooperative learning strategies that I have used in my classroom. These activities can be used across all subjects and several grade levels (3-6+). Bonus: I created […]

The Secret Symbols of the Rosicrucians of the 16th and 17th Centuries is a book published by the Rosicrucian Order, edited by H. Spencer Lewis. It contains (among others) reproductions of Rosicrucian charts and symbols from the above era. The 21st diagram of the first part of the book (seen to the right) visibly served as an inspiration for the Plane chart, a diagram describing the hierarchy of the mazoku in the worlds created by the Lord of Nightmares. Two symbols in particular, the one in the

Social emotional learning is the foundation of a successful classroom by creating an environment of inclusion and respect.