The world of One Piece features four main oceans, the Red Line, and most famously, the legendary Grand Line. The Grand Line is a series of islands in a roughly straight line, running perpendicular to the Red Line, and only the strongest and smartest pirates can survive there. Even Don Krieg and his fleet of pirate ships returned from the Grand Line in ragged shape.

RELATED: 10 Strongest Fictional Characters Luffy Can Defeat

When Monkey D. Luffy arrived at the Grand Line, he visited locations like Little Garden, Water 7, and Thriller Bark, where ordinary pirates would soon be overwhelmed. Survival in that pirate paradise calls for serious combat skills, a loyal crew, and mental fortitude and cleverness to avoid or defeat powerful rivals. Outside the One Piece universe, other anime characters stand out for being true Grand Line material because they're strong enough and practical enough to thrive there.

Pirates and ninjas aren't exactly the same thing, but the smartest and toughest pirates and ninjas still have plenty in common. In Naruto's world, Kakashi Hatake has jutsu on par with many Devil Fruits, and he's a resourceful, crafty, and unpredictable fighter too, like any Grand Line pirate.

Kakashi may not be a sailor, but he could survive on any given Grand Line island like Alabasta or Dressrosa with his formidable jutsu and his practical, clever strategies and insights. Even the Warlords of the Sea would have a tough time catching this strange rogue "pirate."

Vinland Saga has no supernatural elements like magic or haki, but characters like Thorfinn's father Thors are tough enough to make it in One Piece's unforgiving world. If Thors had the potential to learn and use haki, he could even make some progress in the New World.

Thors Snorresson is a peerless fighter, being nicknamed the "Troll of Jom" thanks to his overwhelming strength and durability. Thors is also a diplomatic and wise ex-Viking who knows how to avoid pointless fighting and drive away thugs and bandits without killing them.

Rimuru Tempest stands as one of isekai's most powerful heroes of all time thanks to his unique Predator skill. Throughout That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Rimuru the slime absorbed other monsters to gain their spells and attributes, and now he's a demon lord as well.

RELATED: The 10 Strongest Anime Characters Without Supernatural Powers

Rimuru has many Devil Fruit-style powers at his disposal, and his magical strength is overwhelming even by Grand Line standards. Rimuru could easily survive any Grand Line island and convince other like-minded warriors to join him to form a new crew, perhaps called the Slime Pirates.

Tatsumaki is one of only a few One-Punch Man heroes to have actual superpowers and not just martial arts or weapons at her disposal. Tatsumaki, AKA Tornado of Terror, has psychic telekinetic powers on an awesome scale, on par with any Devil Fruit.

Tatsumaki's vast powers would make survival on the Grand Line easy, and she could fly right over any Neptunian-infested waters. She may be taken lightly because of her small stature, but any Grand Line pirate crew would soon learn to respect the tiny Tornado of Terror.

It's true that as a bare-handed martial artist, the 1980s anime hero Kenshiro would struggle against Logia-type Devil Fruit users like Captain Smoker or Ace. Otherwise, though, Fist of the North Star's hero would do well against most typical pirates and raiders found throughout the Grand Line.

RELATED: The 10 Strongest One Piece Characters (Who Can't Use Haki)

With or without learning haki, Kenshiro can devastate most Grand Line villains and can punch well above his weight with Hokuto Shinken. He can strike pressure points to incapacitate or kill almost anyone, even if they have haki or Devil Fruit powers at their command.

The Grand Line is most favorable for Devil Fruit users, but master swordsmen like Dracule Mihawk can also survive and thrive there. Mihawk can defeat almost any foe with his fearsome black blade and slice icebergs in half, and the same is true of Bleach's Captain Kenpachi Zaraki.

Kenpachi has the combat skills, bloodthirsty, and attitude needed to survive anywhere on the Grand Line, even on Jaya Island and Little Garden. He would soon be seen as Mihawk's true rival, and Mihawk himself might track Kenpachi down to see what all the fuss is about.

Only the strongest and smartest pro heroes and villains from My Hero Academia's world would thrive in the Grand Line as rogue vigilantes or pirate captains. The new #1 hero, Endeavor, could do a lot of good on the Grand Line, defending the innocent from wrathful pirate crews.

RELATED: Luffy's 15 Strongest Allies in One Piece, Ranked

Endeavor is on par with Portgas D. Ace, who was strong enough to roam the Grand Line as a division leader among the Whitebeard Pirates. No doubt Endeavor would make a name for himself blasting villainous pirate crews sky-high with his flaming powers, and the World Government might nominate him as a Warlord before long.

Berserk's rugged antihero, the mercenary Guts, has only ever known war and hardship in his life trekking across Midland. Guts may not have haki or a Devil Fruit, but he boasts immense strength, endurance, and technique that make him a one-man army with his dragon slayer sword.

Guts has the practical street smarts necessary to survive the Grand Line's many islands, and he even has experience sailing on ships. In emergencies, Guts can don his berserker armor and stand up to any Grand Line pirate, though he must be careful to not lose himself in the process.

Erza Scarlet is one of the Fairy Tail guild's strongest and most respected wizards. Like other Fairy Tail heroes, Erza relies on the power of friendship in the toughest fights, but even alone in the Grand Line, she could survive and make a name for herself.

Erza is a self-reliant and down-to-earth swordswoman wizard who can scare off thugs with a glare, and she's charismatic enough to win over new allies by her side. If Erza can't return home, she can form the Scarlet Pirates and rule the Grand Line's rough seas.

Most of the Hashira in Demon Slayer would do fairly well on the Grand Line, most of all Tengen Uzui, the sound Hashira. He's a self-sufficient and stealthy ninja-style slayer who can easily track, stalk, and ambush a target, including the Upper Moons, which gives him the edge.

Tengen is an incredibly deadly fighter, and he can escape any Grand Line foe who's even stronger than he is. Tengen could even sneak aboard a pirate or Navy ship to secure free passage to any other island without anyone even knowing he was ever there.

NEXT: One Piece: 10 Strongest Creatures, Ranked

Read the original:
10 Anime Characters Who Could Survive One Piece's Grand Line - CBR - Comic Book Resources

The quirky Gemini and Cancer compatibility instantly demonstrates why it's uncommon for these two zodiac signs to make the best of friends. Gemini is the 3rd sign of the zodiac and is thought to govern the time between May 21 and approximately June 21. The outgoing butterfly of the zodiac, Gemini enjoys spending their weekends mingling with acquaintances and making new ones. On the contrary, Cancer is the 4th sign of the zodiac and is known to rule the time between June 22 and approximately July 22. The Crab is kind and empathetic as an individual who prefers to unwind at home on the weekends.

These are two zodiac signs adjacent to one another on the astrological wheel but do not share many traits. They are utterly dissimilar from one another. That being said, all of these compatibilities might not apply to everyone. A person would do anything to accommodate a particular individual in their own life, including making some healthy modifications!

Both parties will find it challenging to come to a compromise because they hold quite different expectations for a relationship. One or both partners may therefore feel lacking something in their relationship. Given the other more compatible traits in each partner's chart, the partnership might never really take off. It might rather go south very early. But that doesn't mean that they cannot be together. With understanding and genuine commitment, they can still make a good match.

This intriguing pair shares unique and peculiar tastes, which they might use as a foundation for their partnership. The fact that each of these zodiac signs has a different outlook on life can make their partnership more interesting. With Gemini, Cancer tends to push their sexual boundaries and relish the experiences that come their way.

Now, lets scroll down to find out more about their compatibility.

There will undoubtedly be turbulence when two distinct signs collide in the dating world. The two signs are ruled by the elements of air and water, which explains why they encounter so many difficulties. Their romance is nothing short of a rollercoaster. According to their personality features, one is all about the new, whereas the first revolves around the old. Cancer looks for solace in consistency and nostalgia, while Gemini is open to change, craves variety, and gets easily bored.

Gemini and Cancer will be an ongoing project in the bedroom, and many effective discussions will be required for this bond to function. Gemini is a sexually open-minded sign that does not particularly fit Cancer, who is, by essence, a romantic. It could be a while for Cancer to feel confident enough in bed to experiment. Geminis require a lot of diversity to be long-term happy, and if their wants are not met, they may decide to search elsewhere.

Gemini's carefree, autonomous, and very flamboyant attitude contrasts with Cancer's loving, caring, and domestic nature. The partnership may experience many ups and downs as a result of Gemini's flirting nature and continual socializing, which can make Cancer jealous and insecure. Both zodiac signs do not naturally make compromises. This explains why they might continually argue with one another.

When they are born into the same family, these two grow up in opposite directions. This is mainly because this air sign can be incredibly impatient. But Cancer, as a water sign is composed, patient, yearns for quality time and appreciates a life that moves slowly. Both of these sun signs might be extremely guarded and secretive. It frequently adds to their problems, and they have a turbulent household.

Since Gemini and Cancer often have dissimilar personalities, it could be difficult for the two to bond right away. The twin signs of the zodiac are quite gregarious and enjoy going out with plenty of friends, while Cancer prefers more private, emotional times with a few close pals. Whether or not they become friends, they might discover that their hobbies are simply too dissimilar. But, there is a good chance for Gemini-Cancer friendship if these two are willing to work through their numerous differences.

It is very challenging for the two co-workers to connect emotionally. Gemini can find Cancer's desire for ongoing emotional assistance in the workplace a little oppressive. Gemini tends to act carelessly and erratically. Gemini can be difficult because they tend to be more solitary creatures. In contrast, Cancer requires ongoing reassurance that any situation in the office is under control. This may irk Gemini.

It's possible that Geminis' knowledge and instincts for fostering harmony draw Cancers to them initially. Gemini's ego is often boosted by Cancer's repeated flattery. Both have strong communication skills. The crab can recall even the smallest details of any situation, and when they converse with each other, they will hold each other's attention for hours with their charm and wit.

Since this air sign is influenced by Mercury and has a limited attention span, they can easily be distracted. Cancer is a sensitive water sign that is ruled by the moon. Hence, they have trust issues. To feel completely secure in the relationship, they need time to develop sufficient trust. Gemini's tendency to get bored easily could make Cancer feel more insecure. Hopefully, these two won't have too much trouble settling issues.

Gemini needs to express their emotions more. These adjustments would likely mark the beginning of a closer understanding and greater flexibility between them. Gemini might be impetuous and unsure of themselves due to their divided nature, and Cancer must discover how to love this about them. The same goes for Gemini, who must realize that Cancer is less gregarious and understanding than they are and must be given time to adapt to their ways.

While having contrasts might make a partnership more fascinating, Gemini and Cancer might find it difficult to start dating. One difference between the twins and the crabs moral outlook is that the former value freedom in relationships. Although Cancers go on dates to find their true mate, Geminis go on dates to have adventures and meet new people, so their core values differ.

When this duo participates in shared activities, their friendship requires ongoing maintenance and care. No matter what, they must indeed never allow themselves to feel frustrated and take their kinship for granted. If they do not make an effort to keep the team spirit alive, their relationship can sour, and their cordial bond could become weak.

1. The courtliness and compliments of a Gemini make Cancer feel appreciated and cherished. While the nurturing and kind attitude of Cancer can inspire Gemini to come out of their cocoon and express themselves more.

2. Geminis may require unmatched emotional support, which Cancer can offer. Gemini can benefit from having a Cancerian spouse by slowing down and learning to appreciate each step of the journey of life.

3. Both signs are incredibly imaginative and can reach new levels of both in each other's presence.

4. When a Gemini is with a Cancer, their exuberant attitude calms down and becomes more subdued. Their concerns and trust issues fade into the background as they relax in each other's company.

5. Cancer is an excellent observer and listener. They have the propensity to recall every last detail of interactions or events, which assists them to keep Gemini amused during conversations.

6. The twins are butterflies in social situations, flitting from one blossom to another while buzzing around happy individuals looking toward the future. As long as Cancer can tolerate Gemini's outgoing temperament, their partnership is harmonious. On the other hand, Gemini feels secure in Cancer's arms.

1. In contrast to Cancers, who are highly emotional, Geminis are highly cerebral and focused on mental abilities rather than sentiments and emotions. Hence, despite the attraction, it could be difficult to transition from dating to marriage.

2. Gemini may not be able to provide Cancer with the emotional stability they require in a relationship, and as time passes, Gemini may become weary of the homebody Cancer.

3. For these two signs, finding a balance between independence and security is the biggest obstacle. Gemini struggles to comprehend Cancer's inherent insecurity, and Cancer is not amenable to Gemini's desire to flit about in order to discover something new about everyone and everything.

4. The unpredictable nature of Gemini can be challenging to manage, and Cancer's tolerance and understanding may be insufficient to keep things under control.

5. Cancers' deepest desire is to be fully present with their spouse in a loving relationship. Everything revolves around being with their lifelong partner. On the other side, Gemini yearns for a connection they can still investigate. They just don't want to feel constrained or tied down, which doesn't necessarily imply that they don't want to connect to someone.

6. Gemini is quite careless, so naturally, some problems are sure to arise, which hits the crab's sensitive heart and causes them to experience a setback. They are both, however, mature enough to deal with this without difficulty.

The twins and the crab have imaginative and creative minds. They are both dreamers and somewhat moody. Since Gemini and Cancer are ruled by the elements of air and water, respectively, they endure numerous difficulties. Gemini and Cancer don't seem to get along very well. While the initial charm may fade away quickly, and their togetherness may not always last, these two zodiacs frequently get along well when everything is new. They must balance their interests with one another's, be aware of their disparities, and work to strengthen their bond.

This pair may not develop an outstanding relationship, but the bond can certainly get stronger if the two signs work hard to take their partnership to new heights. You might not discover anything in common because these two signs are so distinct from one another. However, the intellectual compatibility of a Cancer belle and a Gemini guy resembles a mutually supportive system. The might of one can act as the impetus for another, making the relationship between a Cancer woman and a Gemini man effective. In order to build a lovely world where the two may live in harmony and fully appreciate their partnership, they need to let their creative juices run.

1. Cancers must be open to spending time conversing and delving thoroughly into any topics with Gemini. At the same time, Gemini, the linguistic genius of the zodiac, must be open to learning about the highly feminine characteristics of Cancer, such as their sensitivity and inner worlds. Because of this, they will both need to be devoted to their friendship if they want it to succeed.

2. The glamorous and imaginative Cancer will be drawn to the fun-loving Gemini the moment they first meet. The twins, on the contrary, enjoy making new friends and are curious to find out if Cancer is really as nice and understanding as they seem to be. Hence, the water sign must be patient with their air sign lover.

3. Geminis may need to open up to their Cancer bae and adapt to their pessimistic nature. At the same time, moody Cancers may need to learn to be more patient and open up so much about their mental landscape so that Geminis may "get" what they are going through emotionally.

4. Reaching a compromise will be difficult for both partners because they have quite different expectations from a relationship. As a result, one or both individuals could feel dissatisfied. These two will almost always have to cooperate for their relationship to work.

5. When it comes to being on the same page, Gemini and Cancer could struggle to communicate. Watery Cancer is a sign that feels, whereas airy Gemini is a sign that thinks. So, for their encounters to be pleasant for both of them, they might need to alter their communication strategies and come to an agreement. For this Cancer-Gemini pair to create a solid relationship, they must communicate frequently via conversation, text, and messaging. When a Cancer lover wants to tell Gemini about their day, the air sign must be an active listener as well.

6. Gemini and Cancer are two similar people that do not complement each other in most areas of their relationships. If either of the partners becomes bored with the routine, problems begin to develop in their partnership. They seek constant change, but if they stop to appreciate one another, love could blossom. These two can also revitalize the relationship by discovering new locations, engaging in novel activities together, sharing laughs, acting ridiculously, or doing pretty much anything else that brings them both joy.

7. Gemini must grasp that obligations are a part of relationships. To keep their partner happy, the air sign must be mindful of them and meet their needs. However, they must be careful not to sacrifice their privacy at the same time; for Gemini needs to be content as well. Inform the Cancerian if there are any activities you find uncomfortable, so you may choose ones you can enjoy together.

1. Nicole Kidman is a Gemini, and Tom Cruise is a Cancer. During making the 1990 film Days of Thunder, the pair became friends. The couple's emotions fluctuated, and at the year's end, they were wed.

2. Mark Herron was a Cancer, while Judy Garland was a Gemini. In 1964 at the London Palladium, Mark staged two of her performances, where they first met. Judy was still married when their intense relationship started. Yet soon after her divorce, in 1965, the couple wed in Las Vegas.

3. Wallis Simpson was a Gemini, and Edward VIII was a Cancer. In 1931, they initially connected at a party.

The Gemini and Cancer compatibility study indeed proves that Cancer will be drawn to Gemini's warmth, amicable nature, and sense of humor when they first meet. It further indicates that the crabs docile nature and old-world charm will beguile the twins. They'll enjoy how relaxed the crab is around them as well. Nonetheless, Gemini is the kind of mate that Cancer's friends will probably advise them to avoid.

ALSO READ:Aries And Cancer Compatibility: Friendship, Marriage, And More

Continued here:
Gemini And Cancer Compatibility: Love, Marriage, Family, And More - PINKVILLA

Tool are so influential to us rock and metal fans that it's easy to forget the band can be an acquired taste for some. For example, on the newWTF With Marc Maron, comedianMarc Maronlaid out why he doesn't likeTool's music though he's friendly with the band.

The episode from Thursday (March 23), which centered on a talk with comedian Nick Youssef, finds Maron recalling his separate run-ins with Tool singerMaynard James Keenan and Tool guitarist Adam Jones.

But Maron explained howhefeelslikehe lost hischance to enjoyTool's musicbecause he didn't find out about the band until later on in life. Yet the funnyman, actor and podcast host still made a connection to Tool's comedic gestures. (Listen to the episode down toward the bottom of this post.)

READ MORE: Marc Maron Talks to Chris Jericho About the Embarrassment of Performing for 7 People

"That shit's gotta be planted young, dude," Maron tells Youssef of his distaste forTool's music. "If it wasn't planted in my weird, angry, adolescent head. That's where it happens, but I missed all that. So, there I was, like in my 40s, kind of listening to Tool. But they were comedy fans; they were [Bill] Hicks fans. There's a painting of Hicks on one of their records."

Affirming the references to Hicks on Tool's 1996 album, nima an image of the late comedian in one nima panel calls him another dead hero Youssef adds, "They have a clip of his stand-up [on the album]. That's how, weirdly, I found out about Hicks."

Maron interviewed Keenan in 2013. "We had an extensive conversation about parrots," Maron remembers. "He used to work at a pet store. I wasn't a huge Tool guy but I got the opportunity to interview him, so we ended up talking about pet stores and parrots."

Plus,"I sat next to their guitar player at AEW [Wrestling]," Maron adds before Youssef confirmed it wasJones.

"We had a nice thing, buthe knew who I was," Maron says of the encounter. "Someone DMed me like, 'That's the guy from Tool next to you.' And I'm like, alright, well I can't be like, 'I liked Oculus,' or whatever I don't know. What's the albums' names?"

Youssef responded that he was likely thinking of 2001's Lateralus. And when he asked Maron if meeting the Tool members made him appreciate their music more, Maron answered no. Hear the episode below.

Sign up forLoudwire's newsletter and get theLoudwire appto stay up on the latest rock and metal news.

See the rest here:
Marc Maron Explains Why He Doesn't Like Tool - Classic Rock 96.1

Materialism and Evil

Materialism brought disaster to life by allowing the evil in human nature to overcome the good in it. Darwinisms denial of the Creator, Marxisms economic interpretation of life, and Freudianisms sexual interpretation of human emotions and social relationshipsall these isms drove human beings like cattle to believe that materialism was the only reality of life.

While Darwinism at its core is the antithesis of the belief in the Creator, Marxism tried to fill the void by claiming that the true God is money itself. Unfortunately, even after the despicable end of Socialism, the poisonous fruits of Marxism are still being eaten by the civilized people as nutritious food.

We are being told that science does not favour the belief in the existence of a Creator. Nevertheless, by its essence science should not say anything about God. It is the domain of philosophy to discuss God. But today science has assumed the position of philosophy when it pokes its nose into metaphysical issues. So be it Darwinism or Marxism, they should be understood more as philosophies of life, than to be pure science. No doubt, all these people were thinkers; they thought to understand life and its intricacies. But since man is essentially fallible, his free-thinking unaided by the revealed guidance always led him to erroneous conclusions.

With the rise of materialism, since the matter was given unquestioned supremacy over faith, mans natural tendency towards greed and gluttony overcame his natural tendency towards generosity and concern for fellow beings. Therefore, by its essence materialism proved to be against religion and religious emotions as it was against the engagement of intellect in search of truth.

More:
Contemporary Problems and their Solutions-II [Religion, Human Nature, and Materialism] - Greater Kashmir

As the new year gets underway, Jamaicans are being implored to take care of their mental health and to seek help if overwhelmed, depressed, or unable to cope.

The advice came from Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, in his address to the nation on New Years Day (January 1).

Find someone to talk to. We Jamaicans tend to think of ourselves as tough, tallawah, able to take on and defeat challenges greater than ourselves. However, over time, this tough attitude has led to an ineffective response to personal and social trauma in our lives, he said.

The Prime Minister noted that the two-year disruption in routine caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has had untold and yet-to-be-understood impacts on mental and physical health and social behaviours.

He lamented that violence has become a normalised response in Jamaicans interactions and called on citizens to make a change in the new year, in this regard.

We can change this by making a resolution, this year, to be gentler with one another, kinder to each other, more forgiving and more loving, Mr. Holness encouraged.

The prime minister further called on Jamaicans to not abandon caution where COVID-19 is concerned, as there is always a lingering threat or consideration of a spike in COVID cases or a new virus emerging.

The prime minister, in welcoming 2023, gave thanks to God for shepherding Jamaica through 2022.

We look forward to all the opportunities the new year presents with a spirit of hope, optimism, determination, and faith, he said.

See the original post here:
PM urges Jamaicans to pay attention to their mental health in 2023 ... - Loop News Jamaica

Losing taking toll on Hawks: 'It wears on a lot of guys' originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The Blackhawks started the 2022-23 season as one of the surprise teams in the NHL after winning four of six games despite their roster being stripped down over the summer to kickstart a full-scale rebuild. At one point, they had people wondering whether they might be better than originally thought.

Since then, the Blackhawks are 4-22-4 and have, by far, the worst points percentage over that span at .200. They also have a -59 goal differential in those 30 games.

On Saturday, Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson called their 4-1 loss to the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets "probably one of our worst performances of the year." On Sunday, the Blackhawks blew a 2-0 lead and allowed five unanswered goals in a 5-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks at the United Center.

"It's challenging," Sam Lafferty said on trying to stay positive. "A night like tonight, we had momentum and then it's gone out of nowhere. Tomorrow we just regroup. The good thing about hockey is you get to keep playing. We've got a game in two days, so it's another opportunity for us."

The Sharks, by the way, are near the bottom of the standings, too. This should have been a game where the Blackhawks stacked up fine against the opponent.

Instead, it turned out to be another game that snowballed into a familiar outcome.

"Obviously we were in good position there, 2-0," said Patrick Kane, who scored for the third time in five games. "I dont know if we thought it was going to be an easy game after that for us, but a couple breakdowns, a couple bad breaks, too and all of a sudden youre down 3-2 going into the third."

The Blackhawks have two wins in their last 22 games. They've scored only 18 goals in their last 13 games, and five of those goals came against Columbus on Dec. 23.

The losing is taking a mental toll on the Blackhawks, and how could it not? Somehow, they're finding ways to stay positive throughout it all.

Story continues

"Its tough," Kane said. "Obviously weve been losing a lot of games and it wears on a lot of guys. Guys get frustrated. Its understandable. At the same time, when were in positions like we are tonight, we've got to find a way to not give up so much so easy. Its obviously been a problem all year for us.

"I think we had the right attitude. Guys want to win. Guys are staying positive. Especially tonight, I think we had a new outlook on things after the last year and it being a new year and trying to start off the way we wanted to. It looked like it was going right there for a while and then it wasnt."

Click here to subscribe to the Blackhawks Talk Podcast for free.

Download

Download MyTeams Today!

Read more:
Losing taking mental toll on Blackhawks: 'It wears on a lot of guys' - Yahoo Sports

CLEVELAND -- For many of us, winter can seem like never-ending gloom, with little sunshine and snowy, cold weather. When the winds howl and snow flies, we hunker down by a warm fire with a good book or a favorite television show.

Winter brings with it all kinds of potential hazards. Driving in the snow is dangerous, slippery sidewalks can lead to a fall. The flu spreads like wildfire, COVID-19 remains a threat nationwide, especially for seniors/

And its far too cold to exercise, right?

Or is it?

For seniors, staying active during the winter months can go a long way toward staying healthy. But active doesnt have to mean running a marathon -- or even heading into the cold for a walk or jog.

Simple exercise several times a day is enough to keep muscles and joints in shape, according to Jill Pawlowski, lead resident services director at Vitalia Senior Residence in Strongsville.

Fear of getting hurt is actually what causes many seniors to stay in and be more inactive during the winter months, she said, but, in reality, it is really a move-it-or-lose-it scenario.

Pawlowski suggests seniors try and squeeze in exercise at least once a day, though more often is optimal.

A lot of people, when they get older, think they cant do something, and they stop moving forever. I say, if it feels good, go for it. If it hurts, pay attention to those signals your body is giving you. But when you dont move, your body will stiffen up, so it is important to keep moving -- even if you do only tiny things every day.

Start the day by stretching, whether standing or in a chair, to get the blood flowing to your heart and lungs and loosen those joints and muscles that have tightened up from lying in bed all night. Then do your best to keep moving throughout the day.

If weakness or balance is an issue, Pawlowski suggests using a chair for support or try chair yoga or chair cardio classes that can be found at the local gym, or on YouTube.

You can find any type of exercise videos on YouTube these days that can be pulled up on a smart TV and many streaming services offer an exercise channel or programming, as well, Pawlowski explained. Balance issues or fear of falling, that is still no excuse. Sit in a chair and move your arms, stomp your feet, bend your knees or do jumping jacks sitting down. The important thing is to keep your muscles moving.

Pawlowski says even arthritis pain can be stemmed by small movements.

Almost all of us will experience arthritis pain at some point, she explained. Keeping our joints moving will help with that. It can be as simple as opening and closing our fingers to make a fist or making circles with our wrists to ease the pain in our hands, or flexing elbows, knees and ankles several times a day.

For those seniors who are not homebound, Pawlowski says to consider joining a walking club at the local mall or an indoor track or find a water aerobics class at a gym or YMCA.

Water aerobics are a great way to stay active whether in summer or winter because seniors are in a warm pool where the resistance of the water helps joints and muscles move freely, but without the low impact of jumping around on a floor.

But keeping your body active is not enough. Pawlowski says we need to keep our mind active as well to stay healthy.

Socialization is an important piece of staying healthy and active, she said. We all saw what isolation did to our mental health during COVID. Depression can set in when we stay to ourselves, but it can have an even bigger impact on a seniors memory if they dont keep their mind working, so if they can get out and join a club or exercise class at a senior center or the local Y, it will do a lot for their overall health.

And while we have all heard the mantra to check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program, Pawlowski says it is even more important to listen to your body.

If you have heart or lung or a mobility issue, an individual should talk to their doctor to learn their limitations, but limitations dont mean you should stop moving, Pawlowski said. Exercise doesnt have to be crazy or strenuous to be beneficial. As long as you know your body and dont push yourself too hard, movement will always make you feel better.

If you think youre too old to do something, you are probably not, she said with a laugh. A lot is mental attitude: I can do this, I am strong enough, age is just a number.

Continue reading here:
Staying active during winter months is vital for seniors overall health - cleveland.com

kate_sept2004 / iStock.com

Siddhartha Gautama, better known as the Buddha, is quoted as saying, The mind is everything. What you think, you become.

Its sage advice thats as true with your finances as it is with every other aspect of your life. Whether youre heading into 2023 with specific resolutions or just a general goal of whipping yourself into financial shape, your chances of success are only as healthy as your money mindset.

Tips:10 Things To Stop Buying in 2023Save More:11 Grocery Items To Buy at Dollar Tree

Even the loftiest of financial goals are within reach if youre willing to make just a few subtle tweaks to your mental relationship with the almighty dollar. So, do you want to change your life in 2023? Then change your money mindset first heres how.

The most common New Years resolutions deal with fitness and money, and they both share one common trait there is no pill, no app, no gadget and no secret trick that can get you where you want to be if youre not willing to put in the work.

Accept that it wont be easy, said consumer finance expert Kyle Enright, president of Achieve Loans. Its good to have a positive attitude, but its self-defeating to think that changing habits will be easy. If it means sticking to a budget or cutting expenses, chances are that it likely will require some sacrifices. While it doesnt mean you must live in anguish, it usually does require accepting some lifestyle changes, belt-tightening and commitment.

People make resolutions when theyre overfed, overweight and overextended after the mad rush of the holiday season. They often set unrealistic goals based on promises of total financial or physical piety that most people wont and probably shouldnt maintain over the long term. Keep reality and your own nature in mind when you set your financial aspirations for the coming year.

Story continues

Keep goals small, said Enright. The goal to eventually cover at least six or nine months of base living expenses can be overwhelming to many people, who then give up on it. Instead, start small even just $10 a week and build gradually.

Take Our Poll: How Do You Think the Economy Will Perform in 2023?

If youre serious about reaching your goals, youll start the new year with a budget. Here, too, you should base your mindset on the realities of your income, debt and lifestyle not the image of the person you dream of being at this time next year.

If your goal in the new year is to stick to a budget, ensure that the budget youre creating is realistic, said Jake Hill, CEO of DebtHammer. Too often, people set unrealistic goals for themselves and then are surprised and disappointed when they cant follow through. Instead, create a budget that reflects your income and expenses, including all your fixed and variable costs. Be sure to account for unexpected expenses and emergencies, and ensure that your budget is flexible enough to allow you to have some money left over for fun.

Chad Willardson, a certified financial fiduciary for high-net-worth entrepreneurs and founder of Pacific Capital, believes youre much more likely to achieve your money goals if you race to achieve them with someone who shares them. There are few things more valuable when the going gets tough than a partner to keep you on the straight-and-narrow path when your inspiration wanes.

The number one shortcut to seeing your goals through is having an accountability partner that will hold your feet to the fire, Willardson said. This will always hold true whether its money, business, or health goals.

He recommends two books by Dr. Benjamin Hardy Be Your Future Self Now and Who, Not How which outline why those with accountability partners are more likely to realize their financial resolutions.

Determine who it is that will help you achieve your goals, Willardson said. Most of the time we set goals and start wondering how we can achieve them, which is why we stay stagnant. If we knew how to achieve them, we would have already.

Cody Candee, founder and CEO of Bounce, agrees. Your like-minded friends can help egg you on and become accountability partners, he said.

Saving money with friends makes it somewhat of a less boring and tedious initiative it may help motivate you to follow through on your goal to change your spending habits for the better if you do so alongside people you trust and whose company you enjoy. Think of it like you and your buddies are planning a group vacation. You all come together to clarify financial expectations and make sure everyone keeps to the agreement. You call each other out in the process if someone is slacking. Thats what your friends can do for you and your financial goals this upcoming year as well, said Candee.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 2023 Is the Year To Change Your Mindset: You Can Be Rich, Too!

Read the original:
2023 Is the Year To Change Your Mindset: You Can Be Rich, Too! - Yahoo Finance

Heart attack survivor Eddie Garcia. (Photo courtesy of Buggsy Malone)

Lea en espaol

Eddie Garcia juggled roles as the chief of staff for an elected official and the president of a school board. The positions seemed to be wearing him down.

At 46, he felt short of breath, his neck was sore and he had chest pain. Could it be a panic attack, he wondered?

Later that day, a trip to a clinic led to a trip to the emergency room, and then to a diagnosis: One of the main arteries in his heart was 100% blocked. He was having a heart attack.

Doctors inserted a stent to restore blood flow and keep the artery open. In the next 10 days, Garcia returned to the hospital twice because he felt fatigued and easily winded. He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. In the second of those subsequent hospitalizations, Garcia's heart stopped.

While doctors were able to restore a normal heartbeat, he again endured lingering damage. Fluid had built up in his lungs, preventing his organs from receiving oxygen. He developed a condition called acute respiratory distress syndrome, and it's often fatal.

To give his lungs time to heal, doctors placed Garcia in a medically induced coma. Meanwhile, his family and friends sat vigil in the waiting room, saying prayers and telling stories. There were often 25 people there at a time. "I wasn't conscious, but I think I was able to feel that energy coming through the walls from the waiting room into the ICU," Garcia said.

When he woke up nearly a month later, his muscles had become very weak. Once Garcia was healthy enough, doctors protected him against another cardiac arrest by giving him an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, or ICD. The device monitors the heart's electrical activity; if it detects any dangerous irregularities, it shocks the heart back into a normal rhythm.

Garcia's heart journey began in 2010. For the next seven years, he managed his heart failure with medication and lifestyle changes such as eating a low-sodium diet and taking a daily 1-mile walk.

Then he began having trouble completing that walk. He felt tired and winded. Around the same time, his heart rate became so rapid that it triggered his ICD. This happened twice, once when he was sleeping.

"If you start having more and more of these shocks, then not only is it unpleasant and traumatic, but it's also an indicator of a worsening heart," said Dr. Hemal Parekh, an advanced heart failure and transplant specialist who treated Garcia. "It was time to start thinking about advanced therapies."

Parekh said Garcia's positive attitude and resilience made him a good candidate for a heart transplant, but there was one complication: He had developed pulmonary hypertension, or high blood pressure in the lungs. This could cause a new heart to fail. However, it could be controlled over time.

As Parekh began that process, another surgeon implanted a left ventricular assist device, or LVAD, to essentially do the work Garcia's failing heart could no longer do. Although some people live with an LVAD for years, the device is often used as a temporary bridge to transplant.

Once doctors confirmed that his body could tolerate a new heart, Garcia went on the transplant waiting list. After 17 months, the transplant team called. They had identified what looked like a perfect match. A former high school athlete, basketball coach and lifelong sports fan, Garcia compared it to being in the locker room before a big game. "I was super excited and nervous," he said. "Here we go."

Early the next morning, nurses rolled Garcia into surgery. The next thing he remembers is waking up, groggy and in pain but also breathing more easily than he had in years.

Garcia and his wife, Sandra, returned to their San Jose, California, home early in the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant his legion of friends and family couldn't hug him. So they did the next best thing. They surrounded his house in their cars, beeping their horns, holding up signs and balloons to welcome him home.

"Having this huge system supporting me was magnificent," Garcia said.

As Garcia's physical health improved, his mental health became an issue. He became among the more than 60% of heart transplant recipients to experience anxiety and/or depression during the first year after surgery. Some days he struggled to get out of bed. He agonized over how his inability to work had impacted his family's finances.

"After 10 years of heart failure, I got to the holy land, but I felt like an abject failure," he said. "It was absolutely awful."

With the help of a therapist, his outlook improved. He began looking for ways to raise awareness about heart disease. He spoke at American Heart Association events, for example, and participated in a local Heart Walk with his transplant team.

He also published a book about his experience and subsequent spiritual journey, which centers on faith, hope and love.

Garcia continues to take daily walks, watch his diet and check in regularly with his doctors. Despite those efforts, during the summer of 2021, a test revealed high levels of antibodies in his blood a sign that his immune system was rejecting the new heart.

He spent 11 days in the hospital. An intravenous infusion of immunosuppressants stopped his body from rejecting the new heart.

Now retired, Garcia has come to realize that taking care of himself means taking it easy and knowing when to say no.

In addition, he's embraced mindfulness, focusing on what's happening in the moment rather than obsessively worrying about the future, as he did before his heart attack.

"You've got to take it one day at a time," he said. "When I'm in the groove of living in the moment, it's pretty great."

Stories From the Heart chronicles the inspiring journeys of heart disease and stroke survivors, caregivers and advocates.

If you have questions or comments about this American Heart Association News story, please email [emailprotected].

Read this article:
Heart attack at 46 led to a new heart and new outlook on life - American Heart Association News

A New Year allows for a new outlook and that often includes a rethink of our homes. As the Christmas decorations come down, it is the perfect time to consider a refresh of your home for the year ahead.

Whether you are looking to incorporate new interior design trends, or want to shift to a more timeless scheme, there are plenty of easy refreshes you can do that don't require a whole renovation.

Here, designers have shared the 10 ways they revamp their homes in the New Year to make a space feel like new.

A New Year is often a great time to refresh on our interiors, begins the founder of AMC Design (opens in new tab), Ann Marie Cousins. After a busy year and festive season, taking time in January to look at and evaluate our spaces can be done in a number of ways from decluttering and home organization to adding color and life into dcor and home furnishings.

(Image credit: Robert Sanderson)

Refreshing a living room for the New Year doesnt have to mean completely changing the layout of a space. Simply switching up coffee table decor can be enough to refresh the room, and reflect the new interests you want to focus on in the New Year.

Restyling a coffee table is a great way to freshen up a space. These are typically in the center of the room so are often a focal point and immediately draw the eye, advises Jo Maudsley, director at Charlton Brown (opens in new tab). Make sure you have items of different heights perhaps a collection of books, a candle, and some fresh flowers. A good way to keep coffee table styling neat and avoid clutter is to use a tray or a book to compile objects onto, he suggests.

New coffee table books are cheaper than art and can add a lot to a space, adds Samuel Pye, creative manager at Echlin (opens in new tab). Our favorites are below.

Established stylist, art director, photographer and author Hans Blomquist is a master of rustic edges, moody colors, and natural materials.

Athena Calderone's latest book delves into a selection of designer dwellings, exploring how each carefully crafted interior came together.

With a career spanning 30 years, interiors photographer Simon Watson captures the spectacular homes of fascinating people.

(Image credit: Charlton Brown)

Floral trends come and go, but spring flowers never go out of style and can make a post-Christmas space feel fresher instantly.

We would suggest using seasonal flowers so that there is a continuous change in the room, whether they are from your garden, walks, or your local florist; this really transforms the spaces and keeps it feeling fresh, says Jo Maudsley, of Charlton Brown.

(Image credit: Neptune)

Intentionally curating home fragrances adds another dimension to your home decorating, and picking out new scents for the New Year can really help freshen your interiors.

Either changing the scent in your reed diffusers or getting one in the first place can dramatically change the feel of a room, says Samuel Pye, of design studio Echlin. It works particularly well to change these with the seasons, going for woodier and darker scents in the winter and lighter and fresher in the summer.

This is our favorite.

(Image credit: Photography by Adrian Gaut/Styled by Colin King)

Lighting can be easily overlooked once in place, however, your lamps do more than just illuminate your home. Beautiful lighting can help to elevate a space, so adding a new sculptural or statement lamp in place of your old one can do wonders for reinvigorating a room.

A new light, particularly floor lamps and pendant lamps, is like a new pair of shoes and it can lift everything else up around it, Samuel Pye of Echlin muses. This works particularly well if youve not been one to invest too much time or money in lighting before. You wont regret the change it makes.

Just be cautious when leaning into lighting trends always invest in a statement piece that will stand the test of time.

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu / Angel O'Donnell)

Trying out new paint ideas is an obvious choice when trying to make a home feel different, but it is a go-to option for a reason. Between incorporating new color trends for an up-to-date space and simply adding a new coat to freshen up existing schemes, paint is a truly transformative tool.

If you want to dramatically change the look and feel of a room paint it, says Ed O'Donnell, co-founder of Angel O'Donnell (opens in new tab). Be brave. If your walls are pale, go for a deep ruddy red, inky inchyra blue, or rich moss green, any color thats different from the one you have. Similarly, if your walls are dark, go in the opposite direction. This is all about doing something new, bold, and transformative.

You dont have to repaint a whole room just to make a space feel new, however. Painting smaller sections such as trims and alcoves, or even trying out bold ceiling paint can help to breathe new life into your home.

In an old home, painting your woodwork such as baseboard and any cornice the same color as your walls is a great way to freshen a space, continues Samuel Pye, creative manager at Echlin. To me, it feels more architectural, and it elongates your walls making ceilings feel higher. If its not too long since you decorated, it should not cause an issue blending with your wall color, as there is a natural break line and most DIY stores can match your wall color to a water-based woodwork paint that dries in a couple of hours.

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu / Angel O'Donnell)

Upcycling is ethical, affordable, and rewarding, says Ed O'Donnell, of Angel O'Donnell. Select a well-loved piece of furniture in your home and give it a new lease of life. If a chair needs reupholstering, try dual fabrics of contrasting colors or materials. Or pick out an arm, seat or side panel in a pattern. This is your opportunity to make a new design statement with an existing piece.

Commissioning upholstery and soft furnishings is the best way to get a professional finish since upholsterers can advise on the best fabrics to use on specific pieces of furniture; you can invest your energies in choosing the best designs.

(Image credit: Patrick Williamson Photography )

The clever deployment of pillows, throws, window treatments, and rugs is the simplest way of revising a home especially if you are decorating a home on a budget.

Clever use of color can be an effective way to freshen up a home. Bold colors are best used on accessories and soft furnishings which can be more easily replaced, swapped, and switched around, giving the home a boost of energy every now and again, says Jo Maudsley, director at Charlton Brown.

Its harder to do this with staple items like sofas, headboards, and expensive pieces, so its best to keep these more subdued, as they will likely remain in place for some time.

Alternatively, rather than investing in new items, think about borrowing accessories from other rooms in the home, swapping around pillows, throws, rugs, and mirrors to give each space a new lease of life.

(Image credit: Surface View)

Understanding how to choose art for your home is important, especially if you are looking for pieces you connect with and have a personal value. Despite this, you may find yourself falling out of love with pieces you originally craved.

If youre lucky enough to have a lot of art lying around, dust it off and arrange it on a wall, suggests Ed O'Donnell, co-founder of Angel O'Donnell. Otherwise, select a few cherished family photos, visit fairs in search of second-hand prints and colorful postcards, and if you have children, frame some of their favorite school paintings. The point is, you dont need an expensive art collection to create a gallery wall and transform the feel of a room.

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu / Angel O'Donnell)

A shelfgroaning under the weight of lifes detritus old manuals, loose bits of paper, broken widgets can drain a room of energy. So, put aside half a day to shred the paperwork you no longer need, place files into cupboards, and fix anything broken, advises Ed O'Donnell of Angel O'Donnell.

If you find something useful you no longer want, donate it to charity. Decluttering soothes the soul and frees up space for flowers, mementos, pictures, and books. Its life-changing.

Once cleared, styling shelves beautifully can help stop clutter from re-accumulating and undoing your hard work.

(Image credit: Susie Atkinson / Studio Atkinson)

Wallpaper is often overlooked in favor of easier-to-use paint, but a fresh wall pattern can be more than enough to rejuvenate a room. Wallpaper borders saw a new lease of life in the past year, making them ideal for revamping existing wall decor without the effort of stripping and replacing wallpaper panels.

Although people may not already own them, wallpaper borders are a quick and cost-effective way to give a room a lift without having to wallpaper the whole space, says Susie Atkinson, designer and founder of Studio Atkinson (opens in new tab).

Borders are a cost-effective way of refreshing a room without having to go to the lengths of rehanging a whole room with wallpaper. You can really get creative with them. For example, if you want to lift a room you can use borders to create panel frames or even use them on furniture or under the tread of a staircase. There really are no rules!

If your home is in need of a refresh at the beginning of the year, then embarking on whole-home decluttering is a great start. Decluttering your space helps to get rid of unused items, makes space for new belongings (especially important straight after Christmas), and removes pieces you have fallen out of love with. Decluttering in this way will help you start the New Year on the right foot with a positive mental attitude toward your home.

Getting rid of belongings and objects that bring bad memories, or that you have negative associations with is a great place to start when trying to make a home feel happy and positive. Beside this, happy room ideas include introducing fresh, light colors, such as yellow and pale green; texture in natural materials; and techniques such as hanging mirrors to boost light levels.

Visit link:
How to refresh your home for the New Year | - Homes & Gardens