Top 5 Best Movies of 2018 So Far

2018 has been a roller coaster of cinematic year.

Disney continue to rule the world thanks to all of the Marvel and Star Wars and Pixar releases, while the high benchmark of quality horror set by 2017 has continued to power on through to this year too, with some of the very best and very worst releases to be found in that genre.

So without further ado, here are our top five and bottom five movies of 2018 so far…

#5 – BLOCKERS

It was a toss up between this and Game Night, but we had to give this one the edge, simply because the trailer was so horrendously awful, that the really-very-funny final product came as a total shock.

Plus, the female-centric coming-of-age sex comedy gave us a new angle on a done-to-death sub-genre. Plus there was butt-chugging, and that’s never not funny.

#4 – ANNIHILATION

The guy behind Ex Machina returns with a Netflix exclusive about an all-female scientist group sent into the woods to find out why every other scientist group that has gone in there have never come back. One of the most visually beautiful horrors ever made, and with the kind of IQ that is probably exactly the reason why they kept it away from the cinema in the end.

Natalie Portman delivers a brilliant performance, but really this is another feather in the cap for writer/director Alex Garland.

#3 – YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE

The best movie nobody went to see. Resident cinematic oddball Joaquin Phoenix plays a .. well, a bit of a total oddball in Lynne Ramsey’s first movie since 2011’s We Need To Talk About Kevin. The writer/director of Movies With Very Long Titles gives us a super-grimy revenge story, with Phoenix playing a kind-of-assassin, who ends up diving headlong into a child sex ring and the powerful men who run it don’t want him snooping around.

This kind of film that requires a shower immediately afterwards, but also one that will have you talking about it non-stop for days.

#2 – A QUIET PLACE

John Krasinski pulled off triple-duty here, playing writer/director/star for this minimalist horror with a face-palm’ingly obvious, why-didn’t-anyone-think-of-this-before premise. Monsters will kill you if you make any noise, so silence is your friend.

The movie forced audiences to let their popcorn go uneaten as the fear of making any noise spilled into reality, as the Krasinski and real-life wife Emily Blunt managed to get you on the family’s side almost immediately, and then follow through with some of the most insanely tense set-pieces you can imagine.

#1 – HEREDITARY

Despite the many shocking scenes, Hereditary is so much more than that. Oscar-worthy performances. Absolutely beautiful imagery. A thoughtful drama on the stresses of family and the damages passed on down from parents to their children. And then there is the horror aspect, which creeps under your skin just enough to be constantly setting off goosebumps, all the while building up a constant sense of dread.

Normal horror movies, there is a build up, and then there is a scare, and then our tension is reset to zero. In Hereditary, there is a build up, and then a scare, but there is no relief. It simply continues to build up the tension until you’re convinced you’re going to have a panic attack. More endurance test than entertainment, and all the better for it.

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Here’s How To Identify And Remove Black Mold From Your Walls

Black mold is just about the worst type of mold you can find in your home.

Unlike other types of mold, the black mold is highly toxic and difficult to remove, and releases spores that can cause a variety of serious infections.

What exactly is black mold?

Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum), is a common indoor mold that grows in dark and damp areas of your home. It releases toxic spores into the air, which can be quite dangerous when inhaled.

The black mold is commonly referred to as toxic mold, and the name is pretty accurate.

Besides causing respiratory problems such as sneezing and coughing, prolonged exposure to it can have serious consequences on your health.

According to one study, breathing in black mold spores during infancy can result in asthma later, while some experts claim that the mold can cause inflammation in the brain, movement disorders, behavioral disorders and neurological problems.

Here’s how to recognize you have black mold in your home:

Musty smell

The black mold has a pungent and musty smell and can be easily noticed when you enter a room that has it. If you can’t find it immediately, it may be hiding behind a wallpaper, tiles or plastering. You may be accustomed to the smell after a while, so a “fresh” nose may help you with the detection of the mold.

Visible water rings

The appearance of water spots on your walls is a pretty accurate way of identifying black mold. They might not be mold immediately, but they may be a sign of water damage, which will definitely lead to mold. If you see the rings, clean the area well, or get a serviceman to do it for you. Repairing the leaking pipes is required if you want to steer clear of mold.

Respiratory irritation

The early symptoms of black mold intoxication are itchy skin, sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, coughing and irritation on the skin. If you experience these symptoms, we suggest checking your house for black mold.

Odd colors on the wall and visible growth

Although black mold is usually black, it can also appear in the form of black stains or black furry growth on the walls. Green, white and orange specks are just another form of black mold. No matter what the color is, you need to get rid of the mold as soon as possible.

Getting rid of black mold

There are more than one safe ways of getting rid of black mold. If you don’t choose to hire a professional, it’s time to get to work. Here are a few tips on destroying the black mold in your home:

Do it yourself

Before starting, you must protect yourself from the mold. Put on a pair of gloves, a dust mask and goggles, and make sure you’re wearing clothing that covers your entire body.

Once you’re ready, start by closing off the moldy area with duct tape over any crack or vent. Close the doors, and put a small fan in the room which should direct the spores out a window.

Next, take a brush and clean the area with soap and water. Be gentle and try not to scrape the wall off. Collect everything that fell out in a bag and throw it away.

Next, spray a powerful disinfectant on the area and around it, then leave the window open and let the room ventilate for a whole day.

Black mold disinfectants

Here are a few essential oils that work great as black mold disinfectants:

White vinegar

Pour some vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it on the area, then leave it to dry. Repeat the process a few times a day until the black mold subsides.

Hydrogen peroxide

Spraying a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide on the moldy area will kill most of it. Rinse with a bit of water after about 20 minutes.

Grapefruit seed extract

Add 20 drops of the extract in 2 cups of water, then pour the mixture in a spray bottle and use it on the mold.

Tea tree oil

Spray a mixture of tea tree oil and water on the moldy parts of your walls to keep the mold from spreading.

Some people like to use bleach to remove black mold, and although it may work, it’s not recommended for use as it can burn your skin and cause respiratory problems.

Professional treatment

Although it’s pricier, professional black mold treatment is the best way of getting rid of black mold. It might take some time, but the experts will destroy the mold and keep it from recurring.

Preventing black mold

Here are a few tips which will help you prevent black mold from spreading on your walls:

Watch for leaks

As soon as you notice a water spot on your wall, you need to call a professional who can locate the problematic pipe.

Reduce the humidity in your home

Mold loves damp conditions, so make sure to reduce the humidity in your home, especially in the bathroom or around your AC. Buying a humidifier is one of the best choices.

Improve the ventilation in your home

If you don’t want to get a humidifier, ventilate your home often in order to get rid of the spores in the air and prevent mold from spreading on your walls.

Professional testing

Finally, professional testing will identify the risk of mold on your walls and detect its origin point. It will cost you, but these people know their job well.

Here Is How To Kill The Bacteria That Causes Heartburn And Bloating

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that affects the digestive system. This bacterium is ingested from contaminated water or food and it can cause serious health issues such as stomach ulcers and cancer because it destroys the stomach lining.

Luckily, there are powerful natural remedies that you can prepare at the comfort of your own home and treat the infection. You will not have to expose yourself to the harmful side effects of over-the-counter meds.

WHAT TYPE OF BACTERIUM IS H. PYLORI?

This is a spiral bacterium which is usually created in the mucosal layer that protects the lining of the small intestine and the stomach.

It is also known as ulcer bacteria due to its production of cytotoxin that is known to contribute to the formation of ulcers in the digestive system.

THE MOST COMMON SIGNS OF H. PYLORI INFECTION

– Bloating

– Vomiting

– Nausea

– Abdominal discomfort

– Belching

– Pain in the stomach

– Tiredness

– Heartburn

– Diarrhea

– Halitosis

– Anemia

– Reduction in appetite

– Peptic ulcers

HOW TO REMOVE H. PYLORI NATURALLY

MANUKA HONEY

Eat 1 tbsp of this honey before breakfast or a slice of toasted bread with Manuka honey spread.

CRANBERRY JUICE

Drink one glass of fresh and unsweetened cranberry juice in the morning before breakfast. When preparing the juice, make sure you use organic cranberries only.

PROBIOTICS

These foods are also a great option for removal of this infection as they are even more potent than antibiotics in the elimination process than antibiotics, according to research.

BLACK SEEDS

They can destroy any bad bacterium and they are highly recommendable for H. pylori and often compared with the effects of triple therapy. They also have gastro-protective and acid-reducing characteristics.

BROCCOLI SPROUTS

They are abundant in sulforaphane that has antioxidant and detoxifying characteristics. It can therefore remove the infection and treat gastritis.

It is also known to avert gastrointestinal damage caused by NSAIDs.

GREEN TEA

This beverage can impede the spread of the bacterium and studies point out that its regular consumption can treat mucosal inflammation caused by H. pylori.

What’s more, the catechin in it will fight off this bacterium with ease thanks to its antibacterial characteristics.

GARLIC

This veggie has powerful anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties and when consumed raw, it can successfully remove this bacterial infection.

PROPOLIS

It has more than 300 compounds and a large number of studies have shown that it can impede the spread of this bacterium.

PYLORI DIET TIPS

– Eat wild-caught fish that is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids

– Consume chia seeds and flaxseed that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids

– Eat more cruciferous veggies

– Include berries like blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries

– Avoid eating pickled foods

– Reduce the intake of caffeine to a minimum

– Exclude spicy foods

– Do not eat low-fiber grains

– Do not drink soda drinks

PREVENTION IS CRUCIAL

– Make sure that the water you drink on a daily basis is not contaminated in any way

– Take good personal hygiene

– Eat adequately prepared food

Stop Buying Garlic. Here’s How To Grow An Endless Supply Of Garlic Right At Home

Even if we put all of the health benefits garlic provides aside as an amazing natural remedy, we’re still left with that unique aroma and taste that enrich all kinds of dishes.

Garlic is a vegetable rich in potent medicinal properties as well as essential nutrients. It is low in calories and high in selenium, vitamin C, manganese, calcium and potassium.

However you’ll only be able to reap its health benefits if you consume organic garlic. While we’re at organic garlic, did you know you can easily grow it at home without using dangerous chemicals?

For starters, we’re going to mention some of the best health benefits of garlic:

It promotes heart health

Consuming garlic will not only lower the risk of heart diseases, but it will also aid the body in the processing of cholesterol and reduce high blood pressure as well.

It strengthens the immune system

Garlic is known for effectively strengthening the immune system and fighting off diseases and sicknesses such as the common cold. Regular consumption of garlic lowers the risk of sickness by incredible 62%.

It prevents cancer

How to grow garlic at home:

Break a garlic bulb into cloves and put them in a loose damp soil, few inches deep. Make sure their pointed side is facing outwards. Wait for it to sprout and water it regularly, but make sure you don’t overwater it since the garlic doesn’t need much water.

In order to preserve its amazing taste, cut off the blooming flowers. You can only oil it up when it reaches up to 5-6 leaves.

That is basically it. All you have to do now is enjoy the incredible health benefits of your organic homegrown garlic from your own home garden.

Source: makeyourlifehealthier.com

Here’s What The Color of Your Pee Says About Your Health

Urinating isn’t just a way to remove harmful toxins and excess fluids from the body.

In fact, the color of the urine, as well as its density and smell, can tell a lot about your health. Here are a few things you should keep an eye on regarding your urine.

URINE MAY HAVE VERY DIFFERENT COLORS. RANGE OF COLOR MAY BE FROM DEEP AMBER OR HONEY COLOR TO LIGHT STRAW WITH

1. NO COLOR (TRANSPARENT)

This is sign that your body have large amount of water. You are drinking a lot of water you must lower the amount you drink.

2. PALE STRAW COLOR

This is normal color of the urine. You are healthy and well hydrated. Keep up this balance.

3. TRANSPARENT YELLOW

This condition is perfect. Your health balance is perfect, keep it that way!

4. DARK YELLOW

Normal condition except your body is need hydration. It is good to drink some fluids or water.

5. AMBER OR HONEY

This color of urine is sign that your body is exhausted and is in urgent need of water or some liquids. You must drink water immediately because your body will dehydrate and you don’t want that.

6. SYRUP OR BROWN ALE

According lot researches this color shows that you have problem with liver. It may be liver disease or your body is dehydrated.

7. PINK TO REDDISH

Have you eaten beets, blueberries or rhubarb recently? If not, you may have blood in your urine. It could be nothing. Or it could be a sign of kidney disease, tumors, urinary tract infections, prostate problems or something else. Maybe even lead or mercury poisoning.

8. ORANGE

You may not be drinking enough water. Or you could have a liver or bile duct condition. Or it could be food dye.

9. BLUE OR GREEN

Okay, this is different. There is a rare genetic disease that can turn your urine blue or green. Also certain bacteria can infect the urinary tract. But it’s probably a food dye in something you ate, or a medication. You won’t die from it, but see your doctor if it persists.

10. FOAMING OR FIZZY

It is probably harmless hydraulic effect, if occasional, but could indicate excess protein in your diet or a kidney problem. See a doctor if foaming happens all the time.

Hunza People Never Get Sick, Don’t Get Cancer and Live up to 120 years – Here’s Their Secret

Have you ever heard about Hunza People?

There are many myths and stories about people who lived happy and healthy for a long, long time.

The myths like the one about  the  Holy Grail, or the Fountain of youth are still found quite interesting even after all these years.

But, it is no secret that there are many living people that live longer than the rest of us. There are even people that were never ever sick in their life.

So, what is the secret to a long and healthy life?

To answer that question, I went through the most amazing life stories of those centenarians who were willing to share their wisdom on the net.

To be honest, many of those stories were different and I was not able to make some final conclusion at first about the “secret” I was looking for. I found many different answers and they confused me even more.

For example, E.M from Italy lived 116 years, and she explained that the reason for her long life is staying single. She said: “I didn’t want to be dominated by anyone”, so after her divorce, at the age of 38 she spent the rest of her life single. She even won the battle against anemia by eating two raw eggs a day her whole life.

Another life story about Mushatt- Jones tells about eating fried bacon every single day. A California centenarian told his secret was eating one donut a day…

Then I found out about the life story of C.E, who was born and raised on a farm. She explains that her family and she ate only what they grew and caught. She is still physically active, working out every day together with her friends.

Then, I found out stories about centenarian twins and their secret of getting older together and close as the main reason for their long life…

Confused as I was, I continued searching for the “secret”. An article about the Hunza people took my attention for I began to realize that I am closer to my answer. Hunza people or Hunzas are a population in a mountainous valley in the region of Pakistan.

The many reasons these people took my attention are the following:

1. The literacy rate of Hunza valley is more than 95%- which means that every Hunza has at least a high school diploma;

2. The Hunza region is home to people of four ethnicities;

3. There are two different religion in the Hunza region and people are divided between them, but;

4. The lifestyle of Hunza people is very simple and they are considered to be very welcoming and warm;

5. Some Hunzas live up to 150 years;

6. The women in Hunza can give birth at the age of 65.

7. They never eat processed food, and they eat apricot often and a lot.

8. They work in the fields from sunrise to sunset every day and they work hard.

Connecting together the dots of all the stories and facts presented above, here is my conclusion about how to have a long and healthy life:

1. You do need to educate through life. You can start developing a healthy mind in the young age, and you should never stop reading and thinking actively. Clarice Emley was a teacher, almost all Hunzas are educated, so we can say, we need a healthy developed brain activity to have a healthy life.

2. Single or not it doesn’t matter as long as you maintain healthy relationships during your whole life. “Healthy relationship” can sometimes mean a good connection with yourself, knowing and acknowledging all those hidden feelings, and helping them dissolve in a healthy energy, no matter how contagious they can be.

Using self- learning techniques and meditation can help you develop a better understanding of your needs and wishes, which can lead to a bigger and wider loving atmosphere for yourself and everyone around you.

Don’t hesitate to express your feelings, for suppressing them can sometimes lead to an abyss. Expressing your feelings can make your relationships “grow old” with you in a healthy direction.

So don’t stay away from marriage, but be able to “jump out” of an unstable and unhealthy one. At the end, it is your life that matters most, and the lives of those you love.

3. Avoid stress! Yes, stress is the greatest silent killer, the modern “exterminator” of life force.

Nowadays it is hard to ignore those stressful situations like hard working days, paying rents etc. but if you somehow manage to survive these modern obligations and complications, you should retire and slow down in some peaceful place, where you can reconnect with nature and try to live a calmer life.

4. Try to eat organic, natural food, and if you have the chance, grow it yourself. Maybe this is something you hear every day or even think of it often, but look at the Hunza people -they eat only what they grow, and they are healthy to the stadium they don’t even know what cancer is.

They die old and happy, seeing more in life than anyone of us. Maybe they don’t know what pizza is, but they see the sunrise many years after your last sunset.

They get to witness their great-grandchildren running and playing around. So think about that next time you reach for a fast food snack!

5. Don’t skip the physical activity! Even though it is hard, don’t give up! Think of all the working hours on the fields that Hunza people spend a day! It is hard but keeping your muscles “warm” can never be a bad thing.

Clarice Emley (we mentioned before) exercises every day. And she is 105! So, if she won’t give up her working out for the program, why should you? You are never getting younger but you should try to get older!

Yes, getting older is hard. Sometimes we have to give up many things and change our lives direction, but we do it for ourselves.

Why not try these things; maybe they will help you after all? Maybe you will live longer than anyone in your family. Maybe you will be the first one that can live for 200 years. And then, you will tell us your secret.

But till then, let’s use the knowledge of all those people that are older than 100 and still happy and healthy.

Good luck, and have a long and healthy life!