The Most Burning Questions Around the Pill Answered

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27/10/2021

For women who choose to go onto the pill, it’s a big decision. There are many contraceptive options out there, and while the internet means we now have more access to information on contraception than ever before, it can also be filled with misinformation.

Different pills and contraceptive methods come with varying benefits and side effects, so the choice can quickly become confusing.

Here, we answer your most burning questions about the pill.

The basic information

The pill is the most common method of contraception for women in the UK, with 29% of women using contraception using some form of the pill. It’s even more popular with women under 35, while women over 35 are more likely to turn to more permanent measures.

The combined pill, which contains both progesterone and oestrogen, is often what is referred to as ‘the pill’, but you can also get the ‘mini pill’, which is progesterone only. For the purposes of this article, we’ll mainly cover the combined pill.

How does the pill work and is it effective?

The combined pill works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg, which is known as ovulation. As an extra preventative measure, it also thickens the mucus in your cervix to make it harder for the sperm to reach the egg.

When used every day as recommended, the pill is 99%+ effective at preventing pregnancy – so fewer than one in 100 people get pregnant when using it correctly. You need to take it daily in order to get maximum efficacy from it.

How do you take the pill?

The pill is a daily oral contraceptive, but how many you take can vary. There are three types of pills that will affect how many you take in a month.

Monophasic 21-day pills

This is the most common combined pill method. You take the same pill every day for 21 days, which all have the same amount of oestrogen and progesterone in them. You then have a seven-day break, in which you’ll likely experience a bleed. This isn’t technically a period and is called withdrawal bleeding, so you’ll need your preferred menstrual products for this, whether that’s pads or non-applicator tampons.

Phasic or multiphasic 21-day pills

These pills are less common and deliver a different dose of hormones with each pill. They are designed to lessen the side effects of the above pill. You’ll also have a seven-day break and a bleed because you only take them for 21 days.

Every day pills

Every day pills will often come with placebos. You take a pill at the same time every day, but seven of those pills – to be taken in the last week of your 28-day cycle – will be placebos. Some people will also take the pill continuously to avoid the bleed, but this should be discussed with your doctor.

What side effects does the pill cause?

The pill will affect different people in different ways. There are a number of side effects that are considered somewhat common, including tender breasts, mood swings, headaches, nausea, and intermittent blood spotting. The NHS website states that most of these side effects will only last for the first few months of you taking the pill.

It’s a common misconception that the pill causes weight gain, and multiple scientific studies have failed to correlate the pill with gaining weight. Similarly, there is a belief that the pill can increase breast size. However, any increase in cup size is temporary.

Meanwhile, studies are currently being carried out on a potential link between the pill and depression. One major study found that women on contraceptives that contained hormones were more likely to be diagnosed with depression after six months of taking it.

What additional benefits does the pill offer?

Some women take the pill for its benefits beyond being highly effective at preventing pregnancy. The combined pill can be effective at preventing or lessening acne. This is because the two combined hormones can reduce androgens, which in turn reduces the amount of sebum produced by the skin. Sebum is an oil secreted by our pores that, if too much is produced, can clog pores and cause spots and blackheads.

According to the NHS, the pill has also been shown to be effective at reducing some of the negative side-effects of periods, including heavy bleeding and painful abdominal cramps. This isn’t the case for everyone though, so if you’re on the pill but you’re still experiencing these symptoms, it’s best to speak to your doctor.

Contraception is a big part of our lives, and it’s important to have all the information you need to make the right choice for yourself and your body. We hope this article has provided you with the knowledge to decide whether the pill is right for you.

HULT Private Capital Hunting for British Firms

By

John Richardson

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27/10/2021

Britain’s fourth-largest chain of supermarkets, had humble beginnings, as a West Yorkshire market stall selling butter and eggs. But Morrisons has grown to 500 locations and is in the center of a 7 billion pound war between U.S. Private Equity firms.

HULT Private Capital and its Private Equity division are searching for new U.K. takeover opportunities, which has become a near-weekly occurrence in Britain, where domestic companies are gobbled up with Private Equity investment, flush with cash. HULT Private Capital is a local London-based firm competing with other P.E. firms, which according to Pitchbook, have $1.3 trillion in unallocated capital in the industry they call dry powder. This resource makes them eager to find bargains in the U.K., where valuations have lagged since Brexit and further hurt by the pandemic.

According to Dealogic, P.E. has already concluded 39 bids for British companies, only two short of 2020. John Hudson, a senior manager at HULT Private Capital, with years of U.K. Private Equity experience, stated, “this year has been unstoppable, we have seen Blackstone buying both property firm St. Modwen and the private jet service Signature Aviation.”

This was just a start; U.S.-based K.K.R. purchased infrastructure company John Lang and Carlyle nearly got the vape company Vectra, only to be beat out by Phillip Morris, the tobacco giant.

HULT Private Capital is fighting against the likes of Blackstone, the world’s largest private equity firm, which is growing its London office beyond the current 400 employees, seeing Britain as a European gateway, and despite Brexit, so far has put $20 billion into the U.K.

HULT Private Capital sees the U.K. as ripe with opportunity, and being a U.K.-based firm may be positioned perfectly with lawmakers worried about foreign owners willing to sell off assets. The U.K.’s Labour Party parliament members wanted to know if Morrisons, the “critical food supplier” and its 120,000 employees, could be protected when they heard the first rumors of the Clayton, Dubilier &Rice (CD&R) bid for Morrisons. Fearing Morrisons would be indebted and stripped of assets with staff pushed to the curb.

Even more worrying eyebrows were raised in the defense industry when Private Equity looks to buy British firms that work with the government. Meggitt, a supplier of military plane parts and weapon systems, is the target of two Ohio-based firms. The British government’s reaction was a statement of “active interest” at any potential takeover. This was soon followed by Kwasi Kwarteng, the British Business Secretary, stating in a tweet, “foreign investment must not threaten our national security” and ordering the U.K. competition watchdog to look at a bid for Royal Navy Supplier, Ultra Electronics, on national security grounds. A British firm Cobham had made the bid, but Cobham had been purchased by Advent in 2020; however, Kwarteng was a bit off in his statements because they had since split.

The attraction of U.K. firms is quite simple, their price. The London Stock Exchange’s FTSE 100 constituents’ price-to-earnings ratios, which is a simple valuation measure, are much lower than the price to earnings of the U.S.’s S&P500. According to Bloomberg data, the index’s returns have lagged for over five years, with total returns in this time of only 26%. The S&P has seen a run-up of 125% in the same five-year period. Additionally, the pound dropped with Brexit and still has not fully recovered. Finally, the L.S.E. is not tech-heavy which makes British stocks cheap and susceptible to takeovers. According to HULT Private Capital’s Amrit Singh, “in recent years, the digitization of industries is where structural growth in the global market has come from. The U.K. lacks this, with the FTSE 100 relying on companies in legacy industries that investors dislike, retail, mining and oil, and banks scarred by the crisis.”

Private equity does have a storied history in the U.K; Debenhams had been taken over by three U.S. P.E. firms in 2003. In their three years of ownership, the investors made millions but saddled the company with over £1 billion in debt. Debenhams finally shut its doors in May, with the debt obligations combined with the pandemic and online shopping growth being the leading causes.

Being a locally based P.E. firm HULT Private Capital is in a perfect position to avoid the governmental and business scrutiny that deals attract when bids from foreign P.E. firms are made. The Morrisons deal has attracted the attention of major British investors who in July opposed the £6.3 billion offer from SoftBank-backed Fortress, which Morrisons’ board was ready to accept after rejecting a CD&R bid.

Investors and politicians were concerned that Morrisons would be sold too cheaply. Morrisons owns much of the real estate it occupies, and with tight control over its supply chain, it produces much of the products it sells, and owns the meat processing plants where it obtains some of these products as well. This structure meant Morisons owned assets were more valuable than the stock price reflected. Accusations of British companies being undervalued by investors was the result.

This had a positive effect for the shareholders, with CD&R making a higher £7 billion offer which was 63% above the market value bid made two months prior. This pleased corporate finance and stewardship head at M&G, Rupert Krefting, whose firm owns 1% of Morrisons’ shares, who stated, “We’re heading in the right direction.” The acceptance of the recent offer will be voted on in October.

This increase in private equity deals is putting public equity investors searching for the next company to be in the spotlight. As the yanks battle for Morrisons, another supermarket Sainsbury’s, recently became the topic of speculation, with its stock price jumping 16% on the first trading day after the news was released.

Having the inside track to British firms while also being shielded from the claims of those worried that foreigners are dismantling Britain, HULT Private Capital is in a position to provide unique opportunities to its investors. HULT’s Mark Johnson had this to say, “The time is now to grab these great British companies that are still valuable and will provide our investors with superior returns. While the pound stays weak and L.S.E. stocks remain undervalued, the U.K. will continue to be P.E.’s main target.”

Visit www.hultprivatecapital.com for more information

For any enquiries:

Tel: +44 208 123 5164

Email: info@hultprivatecaptal.com
Address: 1 Cornhill, City of London,England, EC3V 3ND

Digibee Participates in Money 20/20 to Highlight how Enterprise Integration Platform as a Service Unlocks Business Opportunity for Financial Services

By

John Richardson

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27/10/2021

Digibee, the leading low-code integration platform recently announced its participation in Money 20/20, the global stage where stories unfold and the future is told about how the payments, banking, fintech, and financial service community will unite to create new and disruptive ways to move, manage, spend, and borrow money.

“We are excited to showcase our modern integration architecture to enable new business opportunities for financial services,” said Ken Arredondo, Chief Revenue Officer at Digibee.

“Faced with a constantly changing technological scenario, in order to keep up with the integration demands of the market and organizations, it is necessary to adopt a modern integration architecture that makes processes more agile, flexible and prepares companies for constant changes”.

Come by the Digibee Booth #2130 to learn more about common use cases including:

MIPS Reduction: Unleashing the value of the long tail of the IT backlog
Open Banking: Ecosystem connections
Cash Management: Processes automation
Composable Bank: Composable solutions
Credit Ecosystem: Ecosystem connections
Insurance Policy Services Hub: Ecosystem connections
APIs for Asset Registration: Ecosystem connections and Application Modernization
Cloud Data Warehouse Migration
Core Cloud Product Transformation
App Registration: Authentication engine automation
Account to Account Payment: Composable banking solutions

SOURCE

The Main Advantages of Live Lobbies

By

John Richardson

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27/10/2021

In the age of information technology, the casino has gone beyond the usual game. Now it is a whole virtual world where players can also get an adrenaline rush and enjoy the game process. Online livecasinos have managed to create an atmosphere that resembles a real game as much as possible. It is there that you can easily play with live croupiers. And the process itself, starting from the wheel rotation and ending with the card’s distribution, takes place in real time.

What is a live casino?

The principle of operation is quite simple and understandable. These sites are presented in the form of specially equipped rooms. There are special game tables. There are necessarily a large number of webcams that broadcast live and allow you to monitor the game progress in real time.

The croupier has the ability to throw a ball on a rotating roulette reel or can deal cards. And the players, in turn, carefully monitor whether their bet will be happy. All the cameras located in the studio fully display all the interesting moments. Specially equipped sensors record everything related to numbers on roulette or playing cards. They are mounted inside the roulette wheel, or are located directly in the gaming table. Information from these sensors is processed and immediately transmitted to the servers. This is a necessary condition for calculating the winnings.

Positive aspects

Livecasinos have a number of advantages. Exactly:

Transparency and decency. All players can be sure that the casino is playing fair. This is confirmed by the fact that several people can be at the same gaming table at the same time, and all the results are a set of numbers that fell out completely randomly. The number generator has absolutely nothing to do with it. In addition, at any time the player can watch everything that happens during the game.

Pleasant and cozy atmosphere. It includes quite friendly staff, unobtrusive musical accompaniment and cozy design.

The opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the game. In a real casino, it can be quite difficult to concentrate on the process itself. Playing in an online casino allows you to relax and not pay attention to such annoying factors. Despite the fact that the atmosphere of a real casino is reliably conveyed by the developers.

Compliance with the strategy. When playing in a live casino online, a person is in a calmer state than in an offline institution. Therefore, no one and nothing will prevent him from adhering to risk management and following his strategy.

Self-confidence. Most players feel free and liberated in an online casino. The thing is that here you do not need to be able to speak competently and beautifully, monitor your movements and create a profitable image. In an online casino, the gaming process is simplified and comfortable for any user.

The ability to choose dealers. Very often they are attractive young women. The player has the right to decide who he will choose as a croupier. In addition, there is always an opportunity to change your mind and opt for another dealer.

Casual communication. In the “live” casino, an interactive chat is continuously functioning, in which you can always share your impressions about the game with other players. And even chat with the dealer you like.

How to check the casino’s activity?

Any falsification of the results is excluded. Live Casinos are a very expensive licensed business. Huge expenses are required for system equipment, a huge staff of qualified employees and their training, and for renting the premises themselves. Before the product gets to the online casino website, it is checked by the regulator. Only games that give a guaranteed honest result get a license.

But from time to time, there are doubting players who seek to test the principle of fair play. It is very simple to do this. It is necessary to hint to the dealer directly in the chat to submit some kind of identification mark. For example, to wave or wink. And the reliability of the results of the game can be checked if you look at the same game in parallel from different devices.

A modern online casino is a place that gives everyone a great opportunity to feel the game spirit while staying at home. Perfect for both novice players and sophisticated professionals.

Gotshal Rhoades Has Named Erik Borg as Chief Investment Officer (CIO) for Asia Pacific Region

By

John Richardson

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25/10/2021

Current Chief Investment Officer Alex Koh will shift focus to his new role at the Portfolio Management department
Gotshal Rhoades, an investment management firm that offers a broad spectrum of investment strategies, today announced that Erik Borg has been appointed as CIO for Gotshal Rhoades, Asia-Pacific region. He will be in charge for guiding and controlling the investment management teams and overseeing the equity-managed accounts, as well as multi-asset and managed accounts capabilities. Mr. Borg will report to Adrian Lim, Gotshal Rhoades Global Chief Investment Officer.

Alex Koh, who currently serves as Chief Investment Officer, Gotshal Rhoades, Asia-Pacific, will continue to lead this area until Erik Borg will complete the transition process. Following the transition, Mr. Koh will shift focus to his new role as Head of Portfolio Management Department.

“We are convinced that Erik will be a significant addition to the Asia-Pacific team and will assist us in continuing to build a leading global investment management firm. He joins us with a strong foundation of principles of portfolio construction and risk knowledge that aligns with our investment philosophy. His leadership style is what represents Gotshal Rhoades: inclusive, collaborative, and focused on integrity,” said Adrian Lim. “Additionally, we are extremely pleased that Alex Koh, who for many years has successfully led the Asia-Pacific investment strategies and teams, will be leading our Portfolio Management team.”

“I’m delighted to join the highly reputable Gotshal Rhoades Asia Pacific team,” said Erik Borg. “I’ve noticed Gotshal Rhoades’ high commitment to long-term assessment-driven asset allocation and portfolio building and look forward to continuing to assist investors achieve their financial goals through our investment solutions and strategies based on research and analytic process.”

About Gotshal Rhoades
Gotshal Rhoades is an investment management firm that merges proven theories about security analysis and portfolio management with a genuine interest in helping people and institutions achieve their financial goals. The company serves individuals, corporations, pension funds, foundations, and endowments via a selection of specialist asset classes, including low volatility strategies, capitalizing on in-house fundamental and quantitative capabilities. The professionals at Gotshal Rhoades are proud to partner with customers to deliver sophisticated solutions that result in their success. Gotshal Rhoades continuously expands its investment and wealth management offerings to keep pace with the evolving landscape.

SOURCE

PinnTag is on its way to drive revenue for Small Businesses

By

John Richardson

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25/10/2021

PinnTag is a brand-new promotional app for offers and events, looking to reinvent the way we have social experiences and championing small independent businesses.

The on-demand promotions app allows small businesses to inexpensively advertise offers and events to drive footfall, increase revenue and improve customer loyalty.

The app will have a soft launch in five cities from November 1st, before launching nationally in December. The initial cities are Birmingham, Brighton, Southampton, Leeds and Liverpool.
Founder of PinnTag, Robin Seth, can’t wait to get started.

‘Our strapline is ‘PinnTag for the People’. After 25 years working in the technology industry and speaking with like-minded individuals, I quickly learnt that the SMB industry is completely underserved, this is where the inspiration for PinnTag came from. We want to help inspire SMBs out of the struggles of the pandemic and be a platform that can be used across any business sector. There really is nothing like this on the market that can make such a positive social impact.’

Whether you’re looking for regular returning customers or new ones, any business can use PinnTag to share their offers and events.

The app is split into three main parts; offers, events and support, aimed at also working with local charities as there is a strong passion for giving back to communities.

PinnTag prides itself on being extremely intuitive, one of its core uses is it allows you to create impromptu offers and events in minutes.

One of the company’s favourite phrases is PinnTag is the app to ‘fill your empty seats’, driving footfall to local businesses up and down the UK. However, it goes wider than just your local area, it can be used to plan trips across the UK and will be at your fingertips wherever you are.

Businesses who sign up early can receive 30 days FREE use of PinnTag. https://join.pinntag.com/business

SOURCE

How To Take Care Of A Wooden House: Maintenance Guide

By

Claire James

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22/10/2021

Do you have a wooden house? If so, then many times you must have wondered the ideal way to maintain it, right?

Wood is one of the finest materials to use for construction and building houses. However, when it comes to nurturing, you need to keep certain things in mind. That’s because the material is delicate and exquisite in nature.

Maintenance of a wooden house requires traditional steps of painting, cleaning, and staining. Let’s know more about the process in the guide given below.

#1 Painting

A wooden house requires painting once every three to seven years. However, throughout the span, you need to check on the exterior paints. Usually, colors with lighter shades are long-lasting if not exposed to excessive sunlight.

Besides, make sure to choose paints secured with acrylic binders. By such means, longevity increases.

Similarly, paints with oil-based properties are penetrated deeply. However, unlike acrylic paints, they do not contract or expand with conventional house movements.

One of the best ways to identify that your house needs repainting is by looking for cracks. Once you spot cracks on the house surface, it clearly indicates that your insulated log cabins need repainting.

#2 Sealers and Stains

If you do not want to ruin the natural and aesthetic beauty of natural woods, then it’s best to remove the paint layers. You must have seen that older households have a touch of attractive-looking grain and patina to their outer surface. They look pleasing and quite natural too.

When you adorn your house with stains, your wooden places look more realistic. They make an efficient option other than paint. However, stains and stealers require a re-staining every four years!

#3 Inspections and Cleaning

Apart from painting and staining, cleaning is important for wooden households. Just like any other material, wood requires proper monitoring and care.

Thus, it’s important to look for you to inspect it on a regular basis. Not only does it save you from discoloration, but it also prevents cracks and moisture damage beforehand. Here we have provided some of the tips to clean and maintain your wooden house

Get rid of any debris like leaves, grass clippings, and dirt through the hose sprayer.

If you find any cracks or holes, get them fixed through weather-resistant epoxy.

Make sure that the leaves and branches of the trees do not brush up against the surface.

Check for any peels or cracks within the windows or joints.

Wooden houses are likely to get affected by mildews in hot and humid climates. Make sure to get rid of the stains and mildew.

To prevent any damage from insects, try to use inspect-repellents and sprays.

If you follow these tips, then you can stay assured of an intact and well-maintained wooden house.

Summing Up

To sum up, that’s how you take care of a wooden house. It’s pretty simple yet important to keep the attributes of your place intact. We would suggest you to repeat these steps more often or as guided by the constructors.

The Newcastle Careers Fair returns in person on 3 November

By

John Richardson

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21/10/2021

The recruitment event will take place in Newcastle at St. James Park, from 10 am until 2 pm.

Candidates should expect to meet over 65 local and national employers face-to-face and apply directly for hundreds of vacancies.

Household names like The AA, The British Army, Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Trust, Lidl, Nissan Motor Manufacturing, Rightmove and many more are amongst the exhibitors.

The UK Careers Fair, the networking platform for both candidates and employers, is announcing the return of its Newcastle Careers Fair on 3 November, 10 am, at St James Park, Strawberry Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4ST.

A record number of over 65 companies will be exhibiting at the event and are looking to connect with candidates from all backgrounds, experiences, and education levels:

● Absolute Quality Care

● Analox Ltd

● Apprentice Support & Knowledge

● Artemis Support

● Baltic Apprenticeships

● Board RM

● British Army

● Capax Resource Management UK LLP

● Castleview Group

● Central Employment

● Changing Lives

● Compass Group UK

● Concentrix

● Consultiv Utilities Ltd

● Corrodere Academy

● Creative Support Ltd

● CYBG

● EGGER UK

● Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Trust

● Exact Education

● Fire & Rescue Service

● First Face to Face Ltd

● Foster Cares Ltd

● Go North East

● Graduate Scheme Success Limited

● Health & Safety Training Ltd

● Healthcare Management Solutions

● Home Group

● Humankind Charity

● II-VI

● IT@Spectrum

● Ixion Holdings

● Lidl GB

● Lowes Financial Group

● Luxury Leisure

● Nissan Motor Manufacturing

● North East Ambulance Service

● Norton Rose Fullbright

● Pebbles Care

● Pin Point Training

● Piramal Pharma Solutions

● PMP Recruitment

● Radical Services

● RAL Ltd

● Randstad Inhouse Services

● Rightmove

● Shaw Trust

● Skye Mackenzie

● Spectrum Community Health CIC

● Springfield Healthcare

● Talarius Ltd

● Target Healthcare

● Tarmac

● Teaching Personnel

● Tees

● The AA

● The Dewey Group

● The Launch Group

● The Software Institute

● TSB (Resouce Solutions)

● TSG

● TSI Corporate Services Limited

● Tyne & Wear

● United Response

● University of Sunderland

● Vision for Education

● Westray Recruitment

● Zenith People

Jordan Lawson, Managing Director, The UK Careers Fair, comments:

“We are delighted to be back in Newcastle and regroup with exhibitors and candidates in person. We all know that online applications can be very time-consuming and transactional. By attending this event, candidates from in and around Newcastle will be able to network directly with local and national companies to discover new opportunities, and employers can find extraordinary talent.”

Eilidh Newlands, HR – Direct Recruitment & Apprenticeships, Nissan UK comments:

“We’re delighted to be back connecting with new talent in person. We are looking forward to discussing kick-starting candidates’ careers in Manufacturing or Maintenance at our world-class manufacturing plant”.

SOURCE

Adopting Rescue Dogs Could Save Hundreds of Lives

By

John Richardson

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21/10/2021

There have been plenty of difficult and emotional times over the last twelve months. The effects of COVID-19 are affecting everyone in some way and to some extent. One of the saddest revelations from lockdown was Dog’s Trust reporting a significant increase in people giving up their rescue dogs when lockdown restrictions were originally eased in August and owners realised they couldn’t fully commit to their dog, whether it was dealing with their allergies and needing hypoallergenic dog food, their unique behaviours, or needing socialisation.

Naturally, demand for puppies surged during lockdown, with ‘buy a puppy’ searches increasing 311 per cent according to Google search data from February, before lockdown to May, which saw the highest searches of 18,100 average searches.

The dog rehoming and rescue charity, who each year care for approximately 16,000 dogs nationwide, predicted last month that there could be 40,000 more stray or abandoned dogs who are in need of love and care. This is especially likely in the event that the UK’s economy worsens. For example, the financial crash of 2008 saw a 25.6 per cent increase in abandoned dogs the following year.

With restrictions tightening up again, it’s important we assess our needs properly. Here, we’ll explore the benefits of adopting a rescue dog—mutual benefits for both you and your furry four-legged friend.

Saving precious lives

Firstly, and most importantly, a key benefit is that when you rescue a dog from the shelter, you’re essentially saving its life. Depending on the animal shelter, some dogs may sadly be put to sleep if they aren’t rehomed after a period of time. If you are interested in getting a dog, rescuing one gives it another chance at a happy and fulfilling life. Although you could argue that the same could be said for puppies, there was actually a puppy shortage in lockdown. It is far more likely that puppies will be bought by interested potential owners.

You won’t be supporting puppy mills

We’re not saying that it’s unethical to buy puppies—after all, pups need homes too. But when buying puppies, you should do your own research to find out if you’d be indirectly supporting puppy farms. Dogs are kept in abhorrent conditions on puppy farms and puppy mills.

According to PETA, puppy mills are large-scale dog breeding factories that are overcrowded, dirty, and uncomfortable. These poor dogs don’t have access to adequate veterinary care, food, water, exercise, mental stimulation, and socialisation. Female dogs are constantly giving birth until they are unable to reproduce, when they are then put down. Profit is the sole aim, not the welfare of the dogs.

When you rescue a dog, this will be from an animal charity who put profit back into helping other dogs who don’t have a home. You won’t be lining the pockets of puppy mill owners and contributing to the increasing demand.

Get the breed you want

Got your heart set on a German Shepherd or a Hungarian Vizsla? Don’t worry about desperately searching rescue centres across the nation for your dream breed. There are breed specific rescue centres that can suit your circumstances. For additional information, check out these guides to the best breeds for city living and family life.

You can also look online to see what breeds are available at different Dog’s Trust rehoming centres. You can find out about their personality, what their needs are, what sort of home they’d need, and how much experience you’d need to accommodate their quirks.

You can skip the puppy days

Puppies are awesome—there is no two ways about it. But, depending on your situation, their energy and the amount of training and attention that needs to rear them into responsible young dog adults can be demanding. With older dogs, you’ll have a better idea of their temperament and can pick one to suit you and how your days are scheduled. For example, you’ll know if they should be in homes with other dogs or should be kept alone. These are characteristics you’ll be aware of and can jump straight into growing your relationship with each other.

You’ll have a friend for life

Now, we’re sure you’re no stranger to dog rescue videos on social media, and if you are, get searching on YouTube for the most wholesome content. Rescue dogs show visible differences and improvements in both their appearance and personalities after being adopted.

Rescuing a four-legged companion will gain you a friend for life—any strong bond between humans and dogs starts with quality time together. Change their lives and they’ll be your sidekick.

Improved mental health

A particularly important consideration given the current situation and restrictions tightening up again is the benefits on our mental health. But this goes for our new companions too, of course.

According to research, engaging with and stroking animals has significant effects on our moods, with animal-assisted therapy interventions used to help humans. Oxytocin, dubbed ‘the love hormone’ is released after stroking an animal, often released when people bond socially. The stronger the bond between human and dog, the more oxycontin is released.

You should only consider adopting a rescue dog if you’re serious about welcoming a dog into your life and family. Dogs are for life, not just for lockdown.

All the Gap Year Inspiration You’ll Need

By

John Richardson

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21/10/2021

Gap years are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They are a fantastic way to travel the world, learn new skills, and even save money. If you want to take a break before going to university or starting a new career, consider the endless opportunities of a gap year.

Although gap years are full of excitement and exploration, you can also take part in professional placements. These come in a range of sectors, from marine conservation to healthcare, and can look great on your CV. Who said work can’t be fun?

If you’re considering taking a gap year, here’s all the inspiration you’ll need to go on the adventure of a lifetime.

Travel across Europe

Despite being the second-smallest continent on the planet, Europe consists of 44 countries and is around the same size as the United States of America. In a continent this big, the opportunities are endless. Make the most out of life and surround yourself with the rich history, art, and culture of Europe.

Whether you want to enjoy the green hills of Ireland, marvel at the colosseums in Rome, or island-hop around Greece, Europe is the place for you. Explore by yourself or with a group of your closest friends and make memories that will last a lifetime.

One of the best things about a gap year in Europe is how easy it is to travel between countries. Pack a bag, buy a ticket, and go to your next destination – it’s as easy as that.

Teach English in Thailand

If Europe is a bit too close to home, consider travelling to Thailand for your gap year. The country sits at the heart of Southeast Asia and is home to breathtaking coastlines and spectacular architecture. If you can’t choose between the calming ocean, marvellous mountains, and the hustle-and-bustle of cities, Thailand is the place for you.

Saying that, it’s quite a bit further than Europe, and airline tickets can be expensive. If you want to travel and earn money, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) could be a great way for you to fund your escapades. This is great experience for people who want to pursue a career in education.

Also, you don’t need a degree to teach around the world!

Although you could take part in TEFL anywhere on the planet, we think Thailand is an excellent place to explore. Spend your free time riding elephants and scuba diving with tropical fish. What could be better?

Snowboard in Canada

If you want to work during your gap year but don’t want to spend time in the classroom, travelling to Canada could be the next great adventure for you. Without a doubt, Canada is the ideal place for thrill-seekers. As the second-largest country in the whole world, you’ll be surrounded by vast forests, serene lakes, and ginormous mountains.

Snowboarding is one of the best things to do in Canada. The snowy mountains are breathtakingly beautiful and full of people looking for the next big thrill. And the country has over 265 skiing areas, so you’ll never be stuck for choice.

If you don’t know how to snowboard – don’t worry! There are plenty of opportunities to learn on the job. You could take a snowboard instructor course and become a pro within 11 weeks.

Similarly, you could be a surfing instructor on the golden coasts of Australia. The world is your oyster!

Professional placements

Gap years always look good on your CV. They show your prospective employer you are outgoing and willing to take risks. But to really stand out, consider taking a placement-based gap year. These are a great way to gain professional experience in an industry you enjoy.

Whether you’re interested in STEM (computer science, IT, architecture and engineering), business (accounting, finance, hospitality, and marketing), or health sciences (dentistry, medicine, food sciences, and nursing), there’s a placement out there for you.

Even better, you can choose from remote or hands-on working.

There you go – four ways to spend your gap year. You can do one of these things, or you can do all of them, depending on how you want to spend your year. It isn’t necessary to have your whole life planned out, but it’s a good idea to plan the whole gap year as much as you can. This ensures you’ll have the best time and gain the most from your time away from home.

Finally, before you set out on your adventure, double-check the ways that COVID-19 could impact your trip. The world is opening up again, but it’s best to be safe. You can check this on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website. Some countries may require a quarantine period, so keep this in mind when planning your gap year.

Sources

https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/best-places-gap-year

https://www.volunteerhq.org/gb/gap-year-programs/

https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/top-gap-year-destinations-europe