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Divorce applications highest for decade following no-fault divorce — Photo by Earl Wilcox on Unsplash

In April of 2022, ‘No-Fault Divorce’, which removed the requirement for fault to be placed with one of the individuals for the breakdown of a marriage, finally came into force. It represents a major change to the legal and public perception of divorce, making it significantly easier for couples who have reached the limit of their relationship to legally end the marriage in a way that enables both parties to walk away without the need for blame.

Until the spring of this year, couples looking to divorce were left with a few limited options for completing their divorce application, all of which were intended to prove that the marriage had broken down beyond repair.

Now, blame has been lifted. Early critics of the move to introduce a No Fault Divorce were concerned that it would make divorce too easy for couples who may otherwise have been able to work through their differences, and the marriage would survive. The counter argument was, of course, that whether or not the marriage stood a chance of being fixed was not (and should not be) up to parliament.

New statistics show that 2022 has seen the number of divorce applications filed in England and Wales has risen drastically. Between April and June, the first three months of life under No Fault Divorce, divorce applications were up 22% on the same period of 2021 – and the highest since early 2022.

So, were early critics right? Are more people jumping to easy conclusions, or is this symptomatic of something more complex?

The appeal of amicability, rather than speed

It may not be the relative ease and rapidity involved in getting divorced that appeals to couples whose relationships are ‘on the rocks’. After all, we are all aware of the permanency of divorce – the profound impact on family, finances, and homeownership (to name just a few).

Instead, No Fault Divorce may pose a particular appeal to couples who are not ending the marriage under explosive, acrimonious circumstances. The previous options for divorce would have necessitated some sort of ‘blame game’ – or, alternatively, a two year or five year separation before the divorce petition could be issued. With the prospect of No Fault Divorce on the horizon, it may well be the case that many couples chose to defer their divorce applications until the legalities could reflect the cordiality of their separation.

While No Fault Divorce is, undeniably, easier than the previous route divorcing couples had to take, it is not so easy that marriages can end at the drop of a hat. With the previous approach, apportioning blame represented only one aspect of a much more complicated process – and many of those complications remain. Working with a solicitor is still a necessity for all but the simplest cases. At the acclaimed law firm Willans, their divorce solicitors in Cheltenham hold many years’ combined experience – something that has not been nullified or made superfluous by No Fault Divorce. Couples still need help separating their lives, even if they see no need to apportion blame.

The pandemic backlog

The impact of Covid-19 was certainly felt in the world of family law. With the number of couples divorcing increasing during the pandemic, and courts having to adapt to remote hearings, plenty of divorce applications were delayed, and the backlog is just now being cleared in 2022.

This will, of course, mean that for the foreseeable future divorce rates remain high, and skew any statistics that may otherwise paint a picture of No Fault Divorce’s impact on the country’s divorce rates.

The cost-of-living crisis

While Covid-19 may well be receding into the distance, the country is currently in the grips of a new crisis. With inflation pushing the cost-of-living sky high and an increasing number of households feeling the stress of financial woes, it is only natural that the divorce rate remains high.

Then again, it could be argued that the cost-of-living crisis may also be responsible for reducing the rate of divorce, since the cost of filing an application and seeking financial advice may not be one that families can take on right now.

Time will tell whether or not No Fault Divorce is responsible for a sustained ‘high’ for divorce rates across England and Wales, or whether this peak can be explained as a result of couples deferring their divorce until the more amicable option became available earlier in 2022.

Your Skin After Pregnancy – How to Navigate Postpartum Changes

December 1, 2022July 6, 2023 Erin Sluka

Eight out of ten women experience stretch marks after giving birth, and those who don’t may notice that their skin isn’t quite the same as it used to be, according to University of Missouri Health Care. With additional postnatal skin changes including dry, itchy skin and even postpartum changes like acne can prove to be stressful to deal with – especially right after having your baby. From the issues that can arise to what causes them – and how you can go about creating a new skincare regimen, here’s what you should know.

New skin challenges and their causes

While many new mothers may expect to experience some loose abdominal skin following pregnancy, other changes to the skin may not be expected. Postpartum dry skin is just one skin issue that many new mothers may experience. According to Baby Center, fluctuations in hormones like progesterone and estrogen can change the skin’s texture, which can cause dryness. Postpartum acne is another skin-related concern that many new mothers may face. Healthline notes that developing acne – both during and after pregnancy – is a normal occurrence, and states that breakouts are generally due to changes in progesterone levels (as higher hormone levels increase the production of sebum). While sebum is necessary for healthy skin, too much of it can lead to oiliness – and unwanted breakouts. However, Healthline goes on to point out that progesterone isn’t the only cause of postpartum acne, as increased stress levels can also be a trigger.

Making changes to your skincare routine

When looking to address postpartum skin issues, a combination of lifestyle changes and making changes to your skincare regime can help. For example, managing postpartum acne can be as simple as staying hydrated, ensuring to remove any makeup before bed, and regularly washing your face. Healthline notes that doctors typically recommend using topical medications as a first-line treatment for acne when breastfeeding, though it’s important to not apply any to the chest area so that your baby doesn’t come into contact with the medication.

Regarding dry skin, What to Expect notes that regularly moisturizing (after showering and before bed) and staying properly hydrated can both help. Using a humidifier can also help when looking to remedy dry postpartum skin, and avoiding harsh soaps as well as hot baths/showers can aid in preventing irritation and further dryness. What to Expect also points out that about 5 to 10 percent of women in the U.S. develop a condition called ‘postpartum thyroiditis,’ which is an inflammation of the thyroid gland following pregnancy, making it essential to talk with your doctor in order to determine if this is the case.

Another problem is weight gain, especially cellulite. It is so difficult to combat postpartum cellulite, however, there are a lot of ways worth trying. The first thing you should consider is establishing a healthy and balanced diet. A regular exercise routine of various combinations of exercise can help you lose fat, especially in the legs and abdomen. To support healthy skin you can find more tips on reducing cellulite in the stomach. In order to see results it is necessary to be patient and adopt a comprehensive treatment method.

The benefits of prescription skincare

In some cases, prescription skincare products may be a route worth considering, especially if over-the-counter products don’t seem to help treat your postpartum skincare issues. Prescription skincare products use prescription strength ingredients that are medically tested via studies, medical trials, and research, making for a skincare solution that you won’t be able to find in stores. Skin dullness (which can arise from issues like dehydration, skin texture, and acne) as well as acne, breakouts, and scarring from acne as well as overall skin health are all issues that can benefit from prescription skincare. Strength and effectiveness are the primary advantages of prescription skincare, according to The Cleveland Clinic, which goes on to explain that prescription-grade products are able to work their way past the surface layers of the skin, thus allowing the product to work better.

Navigating changes in your skin as a new mother can be stressful and even overwhelming, though it’s important to realize that not only are issues like dryness and acne normal, but also manageable. From lifestyle changes to topical solutions, even prescription skincare can offer a solution.

Healthy Living

Kinsa Smart Thermometers for Flu and Cold Season

November 8, 2022November 6, 2022 Erin Sluka

Taking care of a sick child of family member is stressful enough. If their illness involves high fevers or low body temps, keeping logs and pairing it with symptoms can be a tremendous task. Kinsa has put everything together you need to not only track your own health and trends, but can help offer you tips, local outbreaks and more. Every home needs Kinsa Smart Thermometers for flu and cold season.

Whether you choose the QuickScan (Non-contact) or the QuickCare thermometer, the first step is to download the free Kinsa app and connect your thermometer. Once you do that, it is even easier to use. You get an accurate temp in seconds and from there you can take care of whatever tasks you need with that reading. Log it, add symptoms, see trends, get tips on self-care or alerts to be seen by a Doctor, etc.

This makes a great gift for new parents, elderly relatives and even for you child you send off to College for that parent peace of mind! You can add multiple users so everyones records stay separated from each other.

Make sure you stock up on all supplies in this cold and flu season and include Kinsa in your medicine stash. Available on Kinsahealth.com, BuyBuyBaby, CVS, Rite Aid and Amazon.

Healthy Living

Popular Erectile Dysfunction Treatments Available in 2022

November 7, 2022November 8, 2022 Erin Sluka

There are a variety of Erectile Dysfunction treatments, from lifestyle modifications to surgery. These treatments can address the root cause of the problem, and can help restore your sex life. Before deciding on an ED treatment, you should understand what the options are.

Penile revascularization surgery for erectile dysfunction

Penile revascularization surgery for ED is a procedure that improves blood flow to the penis. It is an excellent option for men suffering from persistent ED (regular). However, it can only be performed on a healthy man who has not undergone a vascular procedure in the past. Fortunately, the procedure has improved over the years and can help men in all ages achieve a firm, long-lasting erection.

This surgical procedure is highly specialized and complex. It requires extensive preoperative testing, including dynamic cavernosometry and selective internal pudendal angiography. The surgeon must also have specialized training in microvascular techniques. While penile revascularization surgery has been used to help men with ED, it is still considered a high-risk procedure.

The surgery is effective for some men but not all. While two-thirds of patients achieve significant improvement in erectile function following the procedure, individual results may vary. Patients reported that their International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score improved by an average of 23.8 points. In addition, 73% of patients reported an improvement in their subjective sexual function.

The procedure is performed in a hospital under anesthesia. It takes about four to six hours. This bypass surgery bypasses the blocked penile arteries and restores blood flow to the penis. Patients will spend one night in the hospital after the procedure and usually don’t have any further issues after the fact.

Lifestyle modifications

Lifestyle modifications for erectile dysfunction treatment involve making lifestyle changes that can improve vascular flow and decrease inflammation in the penis. The Mayo Clinic recommends a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats to help men with heart health. Limiting the amount of refined grains and red meat is also known to reduce ED symptoms.

Physical activity also improves erectile function and improves overall health. Although research has not yet concluded how much physical activity a man needs to improve his erectile function, the ACC/AHA Task Force has published Grade B guidelines that include three to four sessions of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity over 40 minutes.

Lifestyle modifications for erectile dysfunction treatment include eating a healthy diet, drinking water and staying active. These modifications may help with ED symptoms and prevent heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, they can help patients maintain a healthy body weight. And they may also help diabetics improve their blood sugar levels.

While lifestyle changes for ED treatment can be beneficial, they are not for everyone. Depending on the cause, a physician may recommend other treatments, such as oral medications. If these treatments aren’t working, the best course of action for a patient with erectile dysfunction is to seek medical attention.

Medications

Medications for ED can be used to treat the symptoms of ED. Erectile dysfunction are a complex condition that affects both men and their partners. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available. The first step is to consult your physician. Your physician can diagnose the condition and prescribe the appropriate medications.

Medications for ED are prescribed to correct the underlying cause of the condition and help you achieve an erection. Your doctor can explain to you the risks and benefits of different treatments for erectile dysfunction and help you make the best decision. Your partner’s preference should also be considered.

Most of the medications are based on a chemical called nitric oxide, which increases blood flow in the penis. If you need to find an ED doctor, you shouldn’t feel ashamed as it’s clearly a medical issue a lot of men deal with. A doctor will often perform simple tests after a series of questions, but otherwise it really is that simple, so don’t be nervous!

The tests will help determine whether there are any underlying health problems that are contributing to the problem. In some cases, the doctor will prescribe medications for ED based on the results of the ultrasound.

Another common treatment for ED is penile injections. These are similar to oral medications, but may be more appropriate for some patients. PDE-5 inhibitors can restore sexual function in up to 70% of men. They are most effective in treating psychogenic ED, although they can also be used for other types of ED.

Surgery

Before undergoing surgery, men who are suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) should consider other treatment options first. In general, lifestyle modifications, such as losing weight or exercising regularly, can help restore erectile function. There are also medications that can improve a man’s sex life, such as PDE-5 inhibitors. These medications increase the production of nitric oxide and increase erectile function.

Another surgical procedure for ED involves placing an artificial penile implant. The implant, also called a penile prosthesis, is a cylinder that inflates for sexual activity and deflates for ejaculation. The surgery takes about one to two hours, and patients usually need to undergo several weeks of recovery.

The procedure involves inserting a pump unit in the scrotum, and inserting two inflatable cylinders in the penis. These cylinders then pump fluid into the penis from a reservoir located in the penis. The surgery is similar to cardiac bypass surgery. During this procedure, a surgeon makes small incisions in the scrotum. The donor artery is threaded through the inguinal ring and connected to the penile arteries.

This procedure can be very effective for treating ED in men suffering from arterial insufficiency. While the success rate of this surgery varies, most patients recover successfully after the procedure. In rare cases, a man may choose to undergo surgery to correct his erectile dysfunction.

The most common surgical procedure for ED is penile implant, a procedure that involves the placement of an implant inside the penis. The implant acts as an artificial penis, providing a man with an erection. The procedure requires a few weeks of recovery, and is covered by most health insurance companies.