Dr. Joon Faii Ong is a recognized researcher and expert on Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Joon has contributed to this article to provide you with his insights into learning about early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease.

Knowledge is power. The more you understand what causes Parkinson’s disease, the better prepared you are to deal with it. While genetics plays an important role in who gets Parkinson’s disease, your personal choices can make a huge difference in the course of the disease.

Early Warning Signs Of Parkinson’s Disease

Tremor

People with early-stage Parkinson’s disease often experience tremor — an involuntary trembling motion typically involving only one body part, most typically a hand. The tremor can be barely noticeable or severe enough to make everyday tasks like writing on paper or holding a coffee mug extremely difficult.

Muscle stiffness or rigidity

Muscles feel stiff or rigid, making the affected person’s movements slow and labored. This is often mistaken for arthritis early on, but Parkinson’s disease causes it.

Slow movement

Early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are so subtle that you might not notice them.

If the disease progresses, symptoms may become more obvious. Tremor and muscle rigidity can cause slow, shuffling movements that appear uncoordinated, stooped posture, and balance problems. Some people develop an intense urge to move called hyperactivity (also known as festination). Shuffling feet, stooped posture, stiffness or rigidity in the limbs, arms or trunk are all signs of Parkinson’s disease.

Small handwriting

People might not think much about smaller handwriting size as a sign of early Parkinson’s disease as with other symptoms. However, tremor might lead to unusually small or illegible writing — at least when the person is applying consistent pressure to the paper or tablet.

Stooped posture

Stooped posture is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Over time, it can lead to chronic back and neck pain as well as balance problems. Stooped posture happens because the brain essentially forgets how to activate certain muscles (called “proprioceptive” muscles) that keep you upright and balanced. When these muscles aren’t working properly, the body compensates by stooping and rounding the shoulders.

Loss of sense of smell

Loss of sense of smell is a very early sign of Parkinson’s disease that is often overlooked but can be an important indicator that something isn’t right with your nervous system. Since most people with Parkinson’s disease are over the age of 60, they may attribute a loss of sense of smell to normal aging. However, Parkinson’s disease sometimes affects the nerves that connect your nose to your brain and contributes to anosmia or hyposmia.

Mask-like face

People with Parkinson’s disease often experience changes in facial expressions, such as a fixed stare, an expressionless face, or the appearance of “frozen” with little facial movement. Unfortunately, these changes can be misinterpreted as being upset or depressed when Parkinson’s disease causes it.

Urinary problems

Urinary incontinence and difficulty initiating urination are common symptoms of early-stage Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease can also lead to involuntary urination (also known as “urinary urgency”). Over time, people with Parkinson’s disease may find that they have a weak urine stream or have to get up multiple times at night to urinate.

The competition among real estate developers is tough, just like any other business. The price of land in the city has increased by at least 100% in the last couple of years. As a result, residential plots have come up adjacent to important IT/ITES sectors, airports, seaports, etc.

This makes it easier for people to buy or rent a flat and commute to their workplace. Expert Ram V Chary has the following observations about current trends in Real Estate Development:

1. Buildings are Going Green

Green Building is a generic term for all buildings that aim to reduce negative environmental impact. LEED-certified buildings use materials and methods that promote better indoor air quality, conserve energy and water, increase recycling and waste disposal efficiency, produce less trash, and more.

2. Trend towards Multistoried Buildings

High-rise living is becoming more and more common across the country. There is hardly any city in India where high-rise buildings are not coming up frequently. Therefore, special planning of cars, lifts, passages, stairs, etc., must be considered for multistoried buildings.

3. Demand for High-Quality Plots on Roadsides Rises

Large parcels of land in prime locations like those next to highways, near railway stations, and bus terminals are being sought after. The demand for commercial complexes that can accommodate many offices is also rising. If one plans to build a complex on the roadside, he must have enough parking space for public use.

4. Residential Plots – More Space Required

It is now mandatory for all new residential buildings to have 2-car parking spaces. As a result, people opt for extra bedrooms, bigger bathrooms, and larger balconies than before. The number of family members staying together is also increasing.

5. Increasing Popularity of Gated Communities

Many developers prefer setting up gated communities instead of building separate buildings. The reason is that gated communities offer a better sense of security for the residents by only allowing selective people inside.

6. Increase in Number of Duplexes and Penthouses

Duplexes are fast becoming the new choice for many home buyers because it gives them an option to live independently from day one. However, there are also penthouses in multistoried buildings designed for rich people who like to live alone.

7. Developers Promote their Projects through Advertising Campaigns

The competition among developers is so high that they often invest heavily in internet marketing, print media advertisements, hoardings, etc. They also motivate homebuyers by offering exclusive discounts, attractive schemes, etc.

8. High-Interest Rates are Beneficial for Real Estate Development Industry

As the interest rates continue to rise in India, so does the demand for real estate properties. Homebuyers are now ready to shell out big bucks to fulfill their dream of owning a home because future projects are becoming unaffordable.

9. New Projects Are Coming up Around Eco-Sensitive Areas

Developers consider the environment while starting new projects in large cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, etc., where it is difficult to get land easily. Even if the government offers them surplus land near hills or forest areas, they set up projects there because the buyers are likely to get attracted easily.

10. Increasing Popularity of Projection Advertising in Cities

Projection advertisements are gaining popularity among developers because they can uniquely promote their project images without spending too much money. These images are impressive and easy for people to remember because it does not require them to read the name of the project and information about it.

 

Silicon Valley has an insatiable need for high-tech talent. In fact, according to a study by Northwestern Polytechnic University, improved high-tech jobs in the region have grown 36% since 2010, and “the number of available high-wage job openings will outpace the supply of qualified individuals looking for work” through 2025.

The high-tech education industry has never been bigger. According to recent figures by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employers are expected to hire 741,000 new information technology workers” by 2022. The demand for engineering graduates is also strong, with the number of jobs projected to increase 9% between 2012 and 2022.

From coding boot camps to online universities, the demand for new talent is at an all-time high. However, with so many options to choose from, which type of high-tech education is best?

The answer to this question involves considering several factors, including cost, time commitment, flexibility, and return on investment. Here are some questions that prospective students should ask themselves when considering their options.

• First, what kind of curriculum do you want to study?
• Do you prefer an online or traditional on-campus model?
• What type of institution would allow for the most flexibility in course load, scheduling, and work experience requirements?
• Do you need a flexible return policy if you decide later on that your chosen career path isn’t right for you?

The second step in choosing a high-tech education is to analyze your life goals and preferred learning style.

For example, an online institution designed for busy working adults may be the best option if you are looking to switch careers or take classes on your schedule; however, it might not be the right choice for someone who would prefer to learn in a classroom setting with face-to-face interaction.

A full-time school may allow you to switch careers more rapidly than taking classes part-time or on your own, but it might not be an option if you are trying to take courses while maintaining an existing job.

All of this is to say that there are many factors to consider when choosing a high-tech education, but none is more important than the school’s mission statement.

Best Majors for Working in Silicon Valley

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the most “in-demand jobs in Silicon Valley require education and training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields,” which is why majors such as computer science and engineering tend to land the best high-tech jobs.

However, this doesn’t mean that all STEM majors will find success in Silicon Valley; prospective students should choose a major based on their interests and career goals rather than simply choosing a major because it is seen as “cool” or trendy by other students or society as a whole.

For example, the most in-demand majors in Silicon Valley change from year to year. In 2021, Northwestern Polytechnic University’s top 10 in-demand majors were information systems management, computer science, and mathematical science. However, a cursory look at a few leading universities shows that many of their hottest majors for this year include “software engineering, computer science, and mathematics,” among others.

 

Fundraisers are one of the best ways to provide needed resources for any charity or cause. A successful non-profit fundraiser generates money and gives donors an experience that brings them back for multiple events. Whether you are having a fundraiser for breast cancer, school sports, a children’s hospital, or another cause, your objective is to allow it to continue serving your community. To raise enough money to do the most good, planning will be a critical part of the process.

With over 1.5 million charities registered in the United States, you will need to set your event apart to be successful. As the weather turns warmer, outdoor events can be the perfect opportunity to raise money for your charity and make a good impression with donors. Events fundraisers in the great outdoors can be runs, walks, golf outings, or other less traditional events. Planning for these types of events will take hard work, dedication, and time. Let’s take a look at some tips for organizing an outdoor charity event.

Start planning early.

If you are considering an outdoor event for your next charity event, it’s never too early to start planning. One of the most important things is to decide what type of event you want to have. From fun runs and 5k races to golf tournaments or fall festivals, there are seemingly endless options. However, the type of event that you have will dictate the space that you need.

Many outdoor venues such as parks or public golf courses should be booked at least six months in advance. Additionally, you may need to contact local government departments or offices to secure permits or get your event on the public calendar. Events such as runs and walks that require public streets will need to be coordinated with local authorities and businesses.

Develop a marketing strategy and promote the event often.

As soon as you secure your space and nail down some of the details, you will need to promote your event. Just like any other marketing strategy, you’ll want to get your event out to your target audience early and often. From social media to local commercials and promotional videos to posters and brochures, there are several ways that you can get the word out.

Another option is to saturate the market with outdoor flags, signs, and banners. These can be placed around your community and throughout the venue well in advance of the event to provide details and spark excitement about your fundraiser. A custom flag can promote the event, charity, and fundraising website. Additionally, you can ask supporters to place yard signs at their homes as an easy way of engagement and promotion.

Focus on your vision for the fundraising event.

The most important aspect is the end result for your event, such as having a certain amount of money, building awareness for the charity, or engaging with more donors. No matter what your outdoor event is, you’ll want to incorporate fun, but ultimately, you’ll want to further the interest of the charity or cause.

Employing a video production services company can help you create compelling video content to air during the event and develop promotional videos. Your event should showcase the charity. If you are hosting a golf tournament, have kids, or cancer survivors from the charity serve as ambassadors. They could also help along the route of a running or walking event. Whatever you decide to do, be sure that all participants know about the charity and your vision for success.

From early planning and promotion to creating compelling video content, there are several things that you need to do to plan a successful outdoor fundraiser. No matter what type of event you are hosting, the key will be to do a great job planning and promoting to ensure the best outcome for your charity.

The market for home appliances is flooded with choices. From small, energy-efficient appliances to large, premium models, you can find the perfect appliance for any abode and any budget. But with so many options, how do you know which one is right for you? It can be difficult to separate the features that are important to you from the features that are merely nice to have. And what if you don’t have a lot of money to spend? Sure, you can apply for payday loans in Canada at the lowest interest rates, but still being informed is important. To help you make the best decision for your home, we’ve compiled a list of five ways to get a good deal on appliances for your new home.

5 Ways to Get Great Value Appliances in Your New Home

When you’re moving into your new home, one of the first things you want to do is outfit it with appliances to make it feel like your own space. But finding great appliances can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what types of features are the most important when buying big-ticket items like refrigerators or washers and dryers. Here are five ways to get great value appliances in your new home.

1. Always Avoid Impulse Buys

In general, do not buy anything new when you’re in an I need it now state of mind. Even if that gadget or gizmo is something, you absolutely must have it immediately, set it aside and revisit it after you’ve had time to think about your purchase and whether or not it’s really necessary. The old adage you’ll be able to tell if you really need something after 24 hours usually holds true. At least give yourself overnight before making any decisions. Being impulsive can add unnecessary costs to home improvement projects, which brings us to our next point.

2. Check Out Discount Stores Before Shopping for Major Items

Major appliances should last a long time, so don’t be afraid to take advantage of discounts from discount stores like Wal-Mart or even online stores like Craigslist or eBay, where you can find great deals on slightly used items at an affordable price. Refurbished home appliances are also worth considering because they are basically brand new with extra warranty protection but may cost less than used models. Also, consider getting smaller home appliances from these kinds of places if you need them right away; microwaves and small fridges/freezers work just as well as big ones if that’s all you need.

3. Read & Listen to the Criticism

You can find plenty of reviews and ratings about any product online; if you want to learn more about an appliance, do some research and try to read as many reviews as possible before committing your money. Even take it one step further by asking friends and family what they like or dislike about their own models and why they chose that brand or specific model over another. Knowing all there is to know about home appliances will give you peace of mind and help set realistic expectations when it comes time to make a purchase.

4. Read the Fine Print

It can be very difficult to know exactly what you’re getting into when it comes time to buy home appliances. Sometimes, products can be advertised as something they are not, so it’s important to read reviews and fine print information carefully before buying anything, so you know exactly what is included with any given model or brand. You may want certain features or attachments that look standard but might actually cost extra money out of pocket once you realize they weren’t included with your purchase price—which brings us to our next point.

5. Budget & Plan Ahead

Don’t get caught up in having to have the perfect home appliance because there really isn’t such a thing. Not only does reading online reviews help keep you informed about models and brands, but it also helps keep expectations realistic when it comes time to do some research about prices. Decide how much you can afford if any credit cards are necessary—and whether or not they are worth applying for just for that one major purchase—and look into available rebates or coupons before deciding on which model or brand is right for your household. Shopping smart is just as important as shopping-cheap!

6. Don’t Fall for Looks Alone

Brand names are important, but so is checking out appliance features and models before making any purchases. It’s smart to shop around because you might find similar or even better products at lower prices with other brands or companies. If you have your heart set on one specific brand or model, research it thoroughly before buying just because of name recognition alone. The brand name isn’t everything when it comes time to choose appliances for your home!

7. Prepare to Haggle

Some stores are more willing than others to negotiate prices on items, but it never hurts to ask! Even if you aren’t buying an appliance from someplace like Craigslist or eBay, where sellers are motivated by money-saving deals, you might find some room for negotiation at big box stores or smaller shops that need your business in order to stay open. Saving yourself even $50 off one major home appliance purchase can make all of these tips worth it!

Buying home appliances is easy when you know what you’re looking for and how to make sure you get them at an affordable price. Follow these tips, ask questions, do your research, and most importantly, never buy anything without knowing exactly what you’re getting! While it may seem like there are limitless choices out there, researching every little detail about every model or brand will help guarantee that your home is full of quality appliances that you’ll love for years to come.

 

Among countless cryptocurrency-related applications and inventions that have cropped up over the years, some of the most interesting are the blossoming gaming opportunities. Specifically, after years of speculation, we’ve started to see some crypto poker platforms emerging — the Wink gaming platform that’s been discussed here before chief among them.

The idea behind crypto poker is fairly simple, and has always made sense. Primarily, it’s meant to appeal to potential gamers who like the idea of using secure and anonymous digital currency — rather than PayPal or credit cards — to make deposits on poker sites. Additionally though, there are some perks for the platforms themselves. A few years ago, a Business News Daily piece on small businesses and what they should know about cryptocurrency did a nice job of outlining potential benefits. Those benefits — low transaction fees, merchant protection, catering to certain consumer preferences, etc. — certainly apply to some game providers as well.

Given all of this, it seems likely we’re only at the beginning of the crypto poker era. That’s exciting for cryptocurrency and poker fans alike, but it also calls for some caution. People shouldn’t simply start playing poker with real wealth on the line simply because it’s an opportunity to spend (and win) cryptocurrency. Instead, there are a few steps that should be taken in advance of depositing digital money and playing poker.

Practice on Apps

If you’re not familiar with digital poker, or even if you just haven’t played for real money in a while, do yourself a favor and practice with a free-to-play app first. Most of the good apps in this category do a great job of simulating the real thing, in that they give you chips with fake monetary values for you to play games with. You don’t need a rigorous training routine or extensive experience necessarily, but even a little bit of practice will remind you of how to play, familiarize you with the digital game, and prepare you to handle crypto-backed tokens with care.

Know the Terms

Another part of your practice should be brushing up on poker terms, which can be surprisingly tricky if you wait to let them trip you up once you’re playing. A list of popular poker terms on Poker.org does a nice job of illustrating that the everyday glossary goes beyond phrases like “all-in” or “check.” In any given poker gaming environment, you may need to instantly recognize terms like “big blind,” “small blind,” “ace-high,” “hole-cards,” “three-bet,” and more. It’s not that you can’t play poker without these terms being relevant. But you don’t want to run into a phrase you don’t understand when your cryptocurrency is on the line, so a bit of a refresh is in order.

Know the Betting Sequences

Even if you’re pretty sharp on the basic rules of your chosen variety of poker, you should also make absolutely sure you know the betting sequences. If you’re excited about a crypto poker platform, you’re presumably trying to grow your funds through gaming, and to do so you’ll need to know when you’re expected to bet, and how many more opportunities you’ll have each game. These are simple aspects of poker, but essential enough to study up on before you start playing.

Set a Budget — In Real Money

As was recapped by CNBC.com in 2017, TV host and financial analyst Jim Cramer once famously referred to bitcoin as “Monopoly money.” He’s not the only one, and for the most part he’s been proven wrong. But it’s still easy for crypto users to think of their digital wealth as something less than real. It can seem like play money, or like an online token with limited real-world relevance. But if you get into crypto poker, it’s important to avoid thinking of things this way. Take the time to set a budget for your gaming activity, and record its value in real money rather than cryptocurrency. As we explained in our article ‘The Top 5 Money-Saving Tips’, good budgeting is essential for any type of financial success, and online poker is no different. Good budgeting will keep the amounts you play with, lose, and/or win in perspective.

Research the Platform

Finally, also remember to research the crypto poker platform you choose to play with. There may be limited information available, but because these are by nature new platforms, it’s in your best interest to do what you can to ensure they’re legitimate, well run, and fair. That way, you can be confident that your deposits are safe and the games are on the level.

The advent of crypto poker is exciting, and it’s a virtual certainty that there will be more growth in this space moving forward. Before you deposit cryptocurrency and start playing though, follow these steps to protect yourself and get the most out of the activity.