Saturday 21 July 2018

About this Blog: Scam Story


This blog started accidentally when I brutally got scammed on freelancer.com.

I was having my summer vacations in 2017 when I started looking for some writing and data entry jobs on freelancer as I had a well established profile on this website. So, after bidding on dozens of projects in a desperate attempt to earn some money for my semester fees; I came across this project.



Judging from the description, I assumed that this could be a new employer looking for writers. As naïve as I was, I not only placed a bid but also agreed to the terms of the project despite the fact that employer seemed quite rude. On the first day of my work, I received this email from the employer who had told me that all the communication will take place through gmail and not through the freelancer website.

Note: The project was not awarded on hourly basis nor did I receive any login details for any website.
Looking at the format of email, all my doubts about this being a scam cleared because everything seemed professional. The email id of this employer ''admin@22tips.com'' was a business id. He/she started sending me loads of assignments as shown in pictures.






I not only worked myself but also had a team (of 2 girls) work on it. We had to write 8-10 articles per day. After a week, I was waiting for my pay but didn’t receive it. On inquiry I got a response saying:

"I don't waste my valuable time repeating things" followed by something like

"All pay has been made to those who sent their work lists and we received no work list from you so no pay for you."







So I was told to work for another week because apparently it was my mistake that I didn’t send the details without being informed that I had to.

Meanwhile, I got another job. The latter was from US and the former was from UK. The second employer named Paul Richardson apparently belonged to edicitera writing firm based in California USA. I searched the company profile on Google and was content about this employer as well. (Yes I know I was stupid). I was told to contact him on skype and upon contacting, he told me that I will be tested with a sample. I passed the test. Then he sent me a thorough professional looking message stating all the terms and conditions.
I had to complete all the assignments within a given time limit. I had to be able to write about 300 words within half an hour on ANY topic. I had to mention my specialties. I would not be paid in advance and the pay was $0.2 per word. I accepted this project and so I wrote articles all day long. Both the employers also asked me to write ‘emergency articles’ like 1000 to 1200 word articles within 2 hours and I did!



I created invoices and by the end of 2 weeks in June I had completed and submitted all these articles with invoice.




And this is the response I got:

I told him (the first employer) that I will not work anymore unless I wasn’t paid the outstanding dues but he was not only uncivilized; he outright refused to pay. Then he/she left a false review on my profile stating lies in a paragraph saying that I never worked on time and provided low quality work etc. That was the end of my patience!
I complained to the freelancer staff but they were unable to help and only assisted me as far as blocking the account of this scammer. They couldn’t even remove that review even after I proved that it was false.
Back to the other one from editcetera. He told me that I will be paid after the weekend, then on Friday of that week and then He vanished. I sent messages but I was blocked.

What I did after that:
  •      I rigorously searched for the solutions on Google but the only solution in a case like mine was to involve authorities like lawyers, cybercrime police etc.
  •        It could be very costly for me as both the employers were far from my country of residence.
  •        Nevertheless, I complained here and here.
  •        Then I contacted several groups and pages on facebook for help but none of them was able to give a solid advice on what to do on these matters.
  •        I searched for plagiarism in my articles and found the websites where my articles had been published.
  •        I tried contacting the so called ‘authors’ of these articles and tried telling them that I was the original author and I wasn’t paid but alas!. I never got a reply from them.
  •         I tried contacting some of the high paying websites to accept and publish my remaining articles that were written for as low as $4 per article but until then they also got published somewhere else.
  •         I contacted Google and created a comprehensive report in which I attached all the evidences about the authority of those articles and uploaded the articles on my blog as well. I wanted to send DMCA notice to the authors of those websites (where my articles had been published illegally) but Google apologized and said that they could not help me because the evidence was not enough and they could not do anything in cases like these i.e. employer/employee disputes.
  •      Then I created accounts on websites like Dotwriter etc and few of the articles were sold but the progress was too slow and paypal is not available in Pakistan!
  •      I tried selling my articles on various freelancer groups but people wanted different topics with different word count and format.
  •       I uploaded some of them on hubpages and 2 or 3 of them got published and ‘secured’.
  •        After exhausting all the avenues I finally contacted hackers…. I asked them if they would help me get my money back which is my right! Warning: Don’t try this at home (or anywhere) ;)
·         So, those hackers were asking for huge amount of sum in advance and I wasn’t even sure that they can do the job so I left it there. (Don’t contact them with your personal id or with your own device and real location). Don’t even bother trying it btw….

What I learned from this experience:

There are some things every freelancer should keep in mind not to get scammed like this; no matter how desperately you need money.


  •            Always ask for upfront fee or payment even if it’s as low as 15% of theoriginal. This will let you know that the employer is capable of paying.
  •          There are various systems for escrow payment ( Milestones in case of freelancer). You should ask the employers to deposit the funds in escrow and they can release it once you complete the work.
  •          Never agree to work on the projects that ask for work in advance and payment later. Even if it’s stated in their terms and conditions.
  •          Look for the behavioral cues of the employer. If he/she seems too assertive or ill-tempered and rude, discard them.
  •          Do not work for very low wages like $1 per 500 words (yes I have seen and done that in the past as well) unless your English or the required language proficiency is crap.
  •          Although I have come across some really good employers with that ‘risky’ behavior of mine but the loss has always been greater than the benefit.
  •          The real employers were always polite, gave work in reasonable amounts like 1 to 4 articles per week and paid promptly.
  •          Even if the rude employers do pay, don’t work for them because they will prove to be very demanding and they will not pay easily.

What You can do in this situation:
·         First of all, you have to be as quick as possible in taking action. Send a legal notice to the employer if you know their address.
·         If you happen to reside in same area as them, take the case to the small claims court.
·         If you are stuck in a situation like mine. Don’t panic. Create your blog on blogger if you do not already have a website or blog.
·         Post all the articles that you haven’t been paid for on the blog and do as he says in this video. Make sure you follow these steps otherwise your blog will not be indexed by Googlebot.
·         When you submit the sitemap as mentioned in this video. Make sure you change the
u     user-agent* Disallow to Allow. Otherwise your site will not get crawled. Don't worry it's really easy.
·         After that create a Hub pages account and upload all the articles there with the corrections and changes they ask for.
·         If any of your articles got published on hubpages by your name, you will become the owner.
·         Do not worry about making money at this stage. First you have to make sure that you OWN the articles. You can always sell them later by removing them from your blog or hubpage profile and selling them for reasonable prices.
·         If you have paypal available in your area; Dotwriter is a good website for selling articles.
·         Last but not the least, this may sound a bit unethical but if you suspect that an employer may be a scammer and they also abuse you like mine did. Do not confront them or fight with them (because that doesn’t work). Just embed a “keylogger” in the next word file you send to them. They will definitely download that file and the keylogger will get installed on their PC. Create a separate e-mail id for keylogger ‘activities’.
·         Don’t do it if you are impatient or the employer seems slightly annoyed. These kinds of things should be kept for extreme cases.
·         For more information on keylogger and how it works you should Google it and do some research. :p

Finally, I will be adding all My articles with titles and the respective links of the websites they have been posted on in my next blog post.  Although I did not get any kind of credit for my hard work, neither the girls did but I still own that. That’s MY content.




Friday 20 July 2018

7 WAYS TO MAKE MONEY FROM AMAZON TODAY!

Whether you are a work-at-home mom or an aspiring entrepreneur, these nifty little tricks will help you understand how to make money on Amazon. Several websites out there will claim to make you a millionaire by selling on Amazon but that’s not my goal. Instead, my goal is to inform about various avenues for making money on Amazon and the rest is up to you!
Everyone knows that Amazon is a marketplace that connects interested buyers with potential sellers. But other than selling directly on Amazon, did you know that you could also earn money through other methods? So you may be much interested in knowing that how to make money on Amazon actually. I have personally tried and tested each of these methods and can tell you what works and what doesn’t.
1.      Turn-in used items to Amazon
Amazon has a great program that allows you to turn in used items in exchange for Amazon gift cards that you can use for purchasing anything on the site. Amazon currently accepts video games, books, cell phones and tablets through this trade in program. I personally used this when I was moving out of my dorm and ended up with quite a sum in my Amazon store credit. And best of all, I didn’t have to do any selling. I just packaged it and sent it to the nearest delivery center and my account was credited in the next couple of days.
2.      Become a Machine Trainer
Machines may be taking over the world but there are some things even machines don’t know. This is where you come in. Amazon has a program called as Mechanical Turk that allows you to train algorithms in various tasks such as – transcribing images and performing translations. Every such Human Intelligence Task or HIT that is successfully completed gives you a reward. The price per HIT is in cents, so you need to be able to do a lot of work in very little time if you plan on making this your source of income. Look no further for how to make money on Amazon and try using these easy techniques.
3.      Amazon Affiliate Program
If you own a website or have a blog, then the Amazon affiliate program is a great way to capture your audience. In fact there are many how to make money on amazon articles that boast of this benefit but this one gives you some real practical advice. I managed to earn enough to pay for my website’s hosting and domain which ran up to couple of hundred dollars per year. The key is identifying products that your target audience would want to buy. If you have a pet lovers blog, then consider promoting pet friendly items which will result in increased buyer conversion.

4.      Let lose your creativity
People who are good at making arts and crafts can now earn by selling their unique DIY products at Amazon. This newly launched program is called Handmade at Amazon and allows you sell one-of-a-kind products to people all over the world. For every successful sale, you earn a commission. You can now get your creative juices going and be your own seller.
Can you start a successful “how to make money on Amazon” blog now?
5.      Sell your T-shirt Designs
When you are good at designing T-shirts then don’t just use your talent for your friends for free. Make use of your killer design skills and earn royalties by designing T-shirts for Amazon. You don’t need to stock up inventory and print your t-shirts. Amazon will do that for you, for free! All you need to do is submit your application along with your designs. If you are invited to the program, then you can continue earning royalties as long as people keep buying them. Watch out for how to make money on Amazon by selling your t-shirt designs on youtube.
6.      Deliver packages for Amazon
For 18-25$ per hour, you can choose to deliver packages for Amazon through the Amazon Flex program. All you need is a car, a valid driver’s license and a smartphone to participate in this delivery partnership program. You set your schedule, pick packages and deliver them. It’s as simple as that. However, there is a hitch – the program is open only in selected cities across the US. But you can always join their waitlist to see if new opportunities open up in your city. So do not wait for more how to make money on Amazon ideas and get started.
7.      Professional Services
Whether you are an academic instructor or window cleaner, you can now use Amazon’s professional services as a platform to advertise your business. It is free to do, easy to start up and you only need to pay a percent of your earnings through the site. I was great with computers and helped troubleshoot a lot of my classmate’s computers. I ended up listing my services as a Computer Technician on Amazon Services and soon began running a small business from my dorm room!

If there is one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that there is a way for anyone to earn on Amazon even if they are not a tech guru or a marketing wizard. Whether you plan on doing this full time or to earn extra income, don’t forget to let us know what worked and what didn’t in the comments section below. So know you know plenty of answers for how to make money on Amazon.

Tuesday 17 July 2018

8 techniques to help you fall asleep faster


Sleep is essential for proper functioning of the body. During this period of inactivity, the body goes to an anabolic state that helps regulate and maintain several important body organs including the muscles, heart, liver and kidneys. Aside from that, it also restores your mental faculties which is why you feel refreshed and well rested after a good night’s sleep.
However, insomnia can be a real problem for several people. Whether you stay up late with your gadgets or watch TV late into the night, insomnia can be difficult to manage especially if you must go to work the next morning. The following 8 techniques will help you fall asleep faster.
1.      Put away all gadgets
Repeat this mantra to yourself – ‘No gadgets after 9 PM’. It has been scientifically proven that gadgets on the bedside are a strict no-no. The light from the gadgets tricks your brain into thinking that it is still daytime and therefore the brain never powers down. Putting away all gadgets at least a couple of hours before bedtime will ensure that your brain has enough time to power down slowly.
2.      Develop a routine
The key to a good night’s sleep is to develop a routine and stick with it. Our bodies are designed with an internal clock and it is important to keep functioning per the clock and not changing your habits every day.  A research on children shows that developing a bedtime routine not only helps children fall asleep faster, they also stay asleep longer with lower nightly wake ups.
3.      Eat appropriate food
During dinner, it is essential to have food that will help you sleep. Do not eat heavily during dinner as metabolism can take longer. Avoid spicy foods that could potentially cause heartburn. Do not eat a lot of carbohydrates or sugary foods just before bed time as it could give a burst of energy that will prevent you from sleeping properly.
4.      Take a bath
During sleep the body temperature lowers naturally. It is possible to mimic this natural phenomenon by taking a bath. Remember to take a warm bath instead of a cold bath or you will find yourself wide awake instead of fast asleep.
5.      Try the 4-7-8 method
The 4-7-8 is a breathing technique invented and popularized by Dr. Andrew Weil. This technique is simple and involves breathing in for a mental count of four, holding your breath for a count of seven and exhaling for a count of eight. Note that the numbers are not four seconds or four minutes but rather your mental count of four. Dr.Weil demonstrated that this technique helps men and women of all ages go to sleep.
6.      Scent your room
Scent your room with a scent that is pleasant such as lavender or camomile. A study published in Chronobiology International found that aromatherapy benefits young men and women and helps them sleep soundly. All study participants reported higher vigour and energy in the morning. 
7.      Keep your bedroom cool & dark
It is important to keep your bedroom cool and dark. The temperature recommended by researchers suggests 60F as the ideal temperature to fall asleep. Several people also have the habit of watching TV as they fall asleep. Research shows that this is an extremely destructive way to sleep and will not benefit you in the long run. Therefore, make sure that TV, laptops and phones are left outside the bedroom door.
8.      Think about your day
Go over your day, introspect and think about all the things you said and did. Not only is it a good way to self-inspect yourself but Rewinding and thinking about your day has been proven to cause sleep. You can also inculcate the habit of writing in a personal journal. Make sure it is a physical journal and not an online one since you probably know by now that no gadgets are allowed in the bedroom.

And that’s it! In 8 simple techniques you can now fall asleep like a pro.

Thursday 28 June 2018

5 gadgets that will help you achieve your fitness goals

Fitness enthusiasts know that without constantly measuring, analysing and streamlining your fitness routines it may not be possible to consistently achieve your fitness goals. That is where these gadgets come in. Built by the best technology companies around the world these gadgets were designed to impress. Learn more about their features, price, availability and what makes them tick!
Halo Headband
First up is the Halo Headband. Backed by the power of neuroscience, this headband claims to stimulate the brain and regulate muscle movement. The Halo headband is not just for elite athletes, it is also for musicians, rock climber or just about anyone who wants to improve their motor skills. They claim that Halo sport provides ‘neuropriming’ by stimulating the motor cortex of the brain through sensitive nibs that is embedded within the headband.
Of course, it is a regular headband too that allows you to listen to your favourite music. It also has a mobile application associated with it that helps increase muscle memory and endurance. All the science does not come cheap either.
Price: $749.00
Unique Factor: Backed by neuroscience, this headphone stimulates the motor cortex
Availability: It is available for order through the Halo website
Fitbit AltaHR
Fitbit is not a new name in the fitness industry. Having made the first ever commercially successful fitness band, it is not news that they have made another product that caters to fitness enthusiasts. Fitbit Alta released a couple of years ago, and they have taken it up a notch with AltaHR where HR stands for Heart Rate. The remodelled Alta carries all the perks of its predecessor such as slim band width, removable bands and integrated mobile app. Add to it a heart rate monitor and you have a perfect recipe for fitness.
The best part – the connected app uses the heart rate monitor to measure the calories burned giving a more accurate estimate of your activity and helping you monitor your goals.
Price: $129.95 with frequent discounts available on multiple sites
Unique Factor: Integrated heart rate monitor to better track calories burned
Availability: Available through multiple retailers or directly through the Fitbit site.
Nadi X yoga pants
While technically not a gadget, this article of clothing is every much a yoga enthusiasts dream. Have you ever tried teaching yourself yoga or wanted to do yoga but were intimidated by the classes? The Nadi X yoga pant was designed for people like you. The pant comes with built in sensors (called as Haptic sensors) that vibrate and help you do yoga movements. The sensors are strategically placed near the hips, ankles and knees with embedded technology that does not feel bulky. The pants are available in various colours to suit your mood and are not too expensive either. Of course, you cannot machine wash these pants and may want to take good care of them.
Price: $299.00
Unique Factor:  Made for self-taught yoga enthusiasts the dress is unable
Availability: Only available from selected online retailers
Motiv Ring
Even though watches and bands are great for tracking your movements, they are cumbersome when you want to lie down or sleep. These Motiv Rings are great alternative to bulky bands. Made from titanium, this little ring can last for up to five days without requiring recharge. And if it does run out, you are still left with a well-designed accessory.  The ring is waterproof and monitors heart rate, calories, sleep patterns and active minutes. Fitness enthusiasts will love this one and the only worry is that you will forget to take it off.
Price: $199
Unique Factor: Small and compact with an in-built heart rate monitor
Availability: Available soon. Keep watching the company website
Under Armour Speed Form Gemini 2 Shoes
Under Armour has been known for their apparel but these shoes take the cake. They are made for running and hiking. With a built-in chip that tracks how long you have been running and a connected app to measure the data, you can track every one of your movement. The application allows you measure cadence, time, duration and distance with accurate GPS information.
Price: $149.95
Unique Factor: You can only run 400 miles on this shoe but when you replace it, your data will not get lost
Availability: Through Under Armour website and in Amazon
These gadgets were designed to assist you in achieving your goals faster and with ease. Even if you are not planning on buying them for yourself, they make for a great present to friends and family. No matter what occasion you are celebrating, try one of these gadgets for your favourite people and see how they rejoice!

Friday 1 June 2018

4 Delectable Indian Recipes on the Paleo Diet


The Paleo Diet ™ has taken the nutrition world by storm ever since it came into mainstream a few years back. The Paleo diet or Paleolithic diet is a low- carbohydrate diet that emulates the food of our ancestors. The idea is to eat more vegetables and greens and avoid processed food, grains and dairy products. This is because before the advent of agriculture and domestication of wild animals, the Paleolithic man primarily relied on such diet.
There is wide spread evidence that paleo diet helps improve body composition and helps lead a healthy lifestyle. Several enthusiasts claim that unlike other diets, Paleo gives them near instantaneous results with noticeable difference in their body within a week. Unfortunately, for those who love the Indian cuisine or cook Indian recipes frequently, the Paleo diet may become cumbersome. The complex Indian cuisine is almost always accompanied by a side of rice or other grains making it a paleo no-no.
Well you don’t need to worry any longer. With very few substitutes you can now make delicious Indian recipes that is guaranteed to leave your mouth watering. So, what are you waiting for. Grab your utensils and try these recipes out.  
Kerala Aviyal
This vegetable stew is simple that is very easy to make and Paleo friendly. It is made by stewing your favorite vegetables (squash, carrot, drumstick etc.,) in a coconut broth. The only thing you need to remember to make this recipe Paleo friendly is to avoid adding beans or any other non-paleo veggies. Another ingredient you need to avoid is yogurt. Yogurt does give this dish it's unique flavor but because it's a paleo no-no, you can make this dish without adding yogurt. It still tastes incredible and can be made in under 30 minutes.
Anda Bhurji
This Indian version of scrambled eggs is a breakfast delight. This recipe is very easy to make. All you need are your favorite chopped veggies – onions, tomato, carrot along with some farm fresh eggs. Lightly sautee the vegetables in olive oil and add the eggs. Keep tossing them until the eggs are well done and finally add some salt and pepper. That’s it. This Indian delight is paleo friendly with no substitutions required other than switching from regular oil to Olive oil. This is great as a tea-time snack or for a quick breakfast.

 Watermelon Chaat Salad
Having to give up desserts in the Paleo diet can be quite exhausting if you have a sweet tooth. Those sugar cravers can turn to this dish quite often to satiate their sugar-thirst. This dish, made from chilled watermelons and fresh cucumbers, provides much-needed relief in the hot summer months. If you are on a strict no-carb diet you may want to avoid adding mangoes but this is a great occasional treat if you are on Paleo.
Tamarind Cauliflower Rice
One of the dishes that is hardest to give up when you go Paleo after having lived on the Indian cuisine is rice. Indian recipes are used to having rice as the entree with chicken, veggies etc., as sides. If you hated giving up rice in your quest to go paleo, then you will surely enjoy this delight. Cauliflower rice is made by processing cauliflower and sautéing it lightly in olive oil until browned. To make tamarind cauliflower rice, all you need are tamarind juice, peppercorn and salt. Lightly toss the peanuts and peppercorn in oil and add the tamarind juice. When boiling, add the cauliflower rice and cook for a minute. And voilà, you have your very own spicy paleo-friendly tamarind rice. Some recipes suggest using peanuts and jiggery but remember to remove them to keep your dish paleo worthy.
The Paleo Diet is not a "diet" but rather a lifestyle choice. Do not be afraid to experiment and change your regimen depending on what works best for you. Because in the end, it all comes down to whether you like what you eat!


Thursday 24 May 2018

English Bulldog Adoption


Regardless of their sourmug, the British or English bulldog (a name usually given to bulldogs) is comical, jovial, and amiable, among the majority mellow and docile of dogs. He is always ready and willing to make people happy, though he maintains an inflexible streak. If you have children in your home and are considering adopting one, you should consider English bulldog adoption. The reason is that they are very good with children; add to their loving to please and jovial nature, having them around the house and kids is certainly a wonderful idea. However, despite their ideal nature, the breed is simply not for everyone. If you do desire to have one around in your home, you will read all the tips about adoption, history, buying guide, etc in this article.
History of English bulldog:
In 1886 the American Kennel Recognized Club Recognized the English bulldog. It is also identified as the as one of the most popular settlers in America Beatles turned. The word “English” was dropped from the formal breed name by AKC; however, some devotees of the bulldog breed still regard them as English bulldog.
Interesting history:
The breed has a long and interesting history. Several assumptions about their beginning have been recorded. Most of the story of their origin is plausible and document supported, while some are conveniently set aside. Many professional concur that they are a cross between a pug and a mastiff. However, a number of experts assert that they are Alaunt descendant. Although some theorize that their origin lies in the first part of the 1600’s. Prestwich Eaton wrote a letter to the Englishman stating the difference between bulldogs and mastiffs; this was a bid to eliminate the notion that they are mastiff’s hybrid; this letter written by Mr. Eaton was accepted and this acceptance signals their separation.
Facts about English bulldog:
These facts about the English bulldog will aid your adoption decision.
Typically, they are low- stamina dog. They have a lovable disposition, excellent, dependable, and predictable with kids and require just moderate workout.


Physical appearance
The dog is a muscular little powerhouse with a crablike and wobbly personality that gives off great power, vigor, and stability. Their head is spherical and large, while the muscles are very short, giving a flattened facial appearance.
Personality:
They are sweet, dependable, gentle, and predictable and an excellent company in any family. They love people and actively beg for attention. However, they have maintained the bravery that was initially bred into them for baiting of bull, so they are a very fine watchdog. Despite their amiable and people-oriented traits, they can be very hostile to unknown dogs.
Living with English bulldog:
They don’t require a yard; hence they make an excellent apartment pet. Generally, they flourish best in temperate weather because they develop breathing problems, and easily overheat under hot weather condition. Under cold weather, they easily catch cold.
Is a bulldog adoption for you?
Despite the fact that they are amiable and a good companion to people especially children, they are still not for everyone. Before you make a decision to adopt an English bulldog, find out if it is for you. The adoption of this breed of dog should be taken seriously. Due to the fact that they are expensive and popular; comparatively socially adjusted and healthy, they have been rarely obtainable for adoption. However, with current economic recession, many bulldogs have been made available for adoption because people are losing their homes. Typically, however, bulldogs with severe traits problems and/or severe health issues are the ones found available for adoption. They are however still amiable and merit a wonderful home. On the ground that their good naturalness (amiable, jovial, and friendly nature) is still in-place, they can be adopted.
Where to start searching:
For those looking for a bulldog to adopt, start your search at the BCA (Bulldog Club of America). As the name implies, it is an establishment for bulldogs; and has been existing way longer than the AKC (American Kennel Club). The Bulldog Club of America is very zealous about the welfare and health of the dogs. The rescue department of the association is simply extraordinary. Take note that they work exclusively with thoroughbred breeds.
The hybrid can be located in other shelters like the ASPCA. Anyone desiring to adopt the breed at BCA should be ready for some inconveniences as the organization is extremely selective about who they permit to adopt their rescued dogs. Before approaching the company with your intention, you should checkout other organization for rescued bulldogs in your locality. You will no doubt be presented with many results especially if you use the online search engine facility.

Adopting English bulldog is indeed a good idea if you desire to fill your home with joy and provide your children with excellent canine companion. The breed is very expensive, but due to the economic recession, you can adopt one as there are many rescued dogs in organizations like BCA, KCA, and others. 

Wednesday 9 May 2018

Visit Banff National Park

One of the top tourist destinations to Canada is the Banff National Park that is nestled within the magnificent Canadian Rockies. It is always a good idea to start planning trip to Banff Canada in advance since the region has a variety of things to do. This article will give you an overview of the best time to visit along with key places of attraction and useful tips to help you plan the perfect vacation.
Best Time to visit based on Month
Skier’s Paradise: December-March
This is the time of peak snowfall with temperatures rarely crossing 32 degrees during day time and falling well below zero degrees at night. Despite the cold temperature, it is considered one of the best times to visit Banff as you get to see the frozen lakes and the snowcapped mountains. The weather is perfect for skiers and Banff national park has everything to cater to the needs of both novice and expert skiers.
Tip: Because of the significant swing in temperature, it is important to pack layered clothing so you can remove or add layers depending on the temperature.
Nature Lover’s Delight: April-May
This is an unpredictable time during which visitors at Banff may be caught by surprise at the weather. However, this is the peak of the hibernation season and bears are slowly stocking up on food to prepare for the cold months ahead. So, it is the perfect time to catch a glimpse of some wildlife. Within the Banff National Park, rangers will guide you through early morning or late night bear watching trips.
Tip: Unlike popular fiction bears do not leave you alone if you pretend to be dead. If you see a bear, back up slowly (in the opposite direction) until you reach a safe place to run.
A Fun Filled Family Vacation: June-August
By far, these months are the most pleasant months in the Banff national park as they are characterized by relatively warm climate. Unfortunately, however, this time of the year is usually packed with tourists who want to take advantage of the brief respite from cold weather to get a good hike to the top of the peaks.
Tip: Summer in the Canadian rockies is not the same as summer elsewhere. The lakes are likely to be still frozen and you should expect an occasional snowstorm or blizzard.
Budget Travel: September-November
If you choose to time your vacation rights to get the best deals and bargain prices, then choose to travel during this time. Since the weather swings from fall to blizzard-y cold in a span of a month, several hoteliers and travel agencies will offer you discounts that no one else will
Tip: Because you are travelling during unpredictable conditions, it is best to obtain travel protection in case your flight or stays are canceled due to inclement weather.
Top Places to Visit
The Canadian Rockies is a behemoth that stretches across over 600 acres in Canada’s Alberta province. So admittedly there are numerous places of interest along the way. But the following places are not to be missed.
Vermilion Lake
This is technically not one lake but rather a system of lakes that became a single entity due to the low-lying marshland that separated them.  Reflecting the beautiful Mt. Rundle and Sulphur Mountain from the frozen waters, this is a good place for wildlife watching, hiking and canoeing (weather permitting).
Tip: Visit during the sunset to catch a glimpse of the beautiful rays of sun bouncing off the waters.
Johnston Canyon
Most tourists who visit Banff take this hike which traverses along a limestone canyon. And if you visit it during the snowy season, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the frozen waterfall. The canyon was formed by a small creek that empties into the Bow River, a little way from Banff. While the hike is not arduous, it is also not for the faint of heart and needs a little advance preparation. 
Tip: While it is usually very crowded with tourists during the day, early morning and late afternoons might be good times to visit.
Moraine Lake
Seen from the vantage point of the Valley of Ten Peaks, this glacially-fed lake is every Zen lover’s paradise. This lake is so crystal clear that there is visibility for up to 20 feet into its depths. It has immense cultural significance for Canadians and is on the reverse of their 20-dollar bill. It also features as one of the background screensavers of Windows 7 computers.
Tip: Check before you plan a visit as the lake is only open during certain times and days of the year.
Lake Louise
Called as the lake of the little fishes, this is undoubtedly another stunning lake within Banff National Park. There are several hiking trails that are also open to biking and horseback riding during the summer and open to snowmobiles and sledding during the winter.
Tip: Arrive early and rent a canoe to go out into the water and enjoy its serenity as you waddle to its center.
Peyto Lake
You will be mesmerized by this lake with a water that is so deeply turquoise that you’ll wonder if it is for real. The lake gets its color from the glacial rock flour that flow from the melting glaciers.
Tip: Come with a picnic basket, some light snacks and a spread so you can watch this mesmerizing lake from the vantage points along the Rockies. 

Whether you are planning on a relaxed holiday or an exciting hiking adventure, there is something for everyone at the Banff National Park. Banff National Park is truly one of Canada’s hidden treasures! 

Sunday 15 April 2018

What is polyneuropathy?


A person develops polyneuropathy when his peripheral nerves are damaged.  Peripheral nerves run throughout your body. This disease, polyneuropathy effect nerves, organs and muscles. The damage of nerves causes them to become unable to send signals to your brain. However, the good news is that the nerves in your brain and spinal cord are not damaged.
Types:
Polyneuropathy is classified into two major categories:
Acute polyneuropathy
 Acute polyneuropathy happens when the symptoms are severe and you get the disease suddenly. When the infection damages the nerve or when the auto-immune reaction takes place then this type of polyneuropathy occurs. Any specific kind of disorder such as Guillain-Barré syndrome can also contribute as the cause of this disease. The acute cases of polyneuropathy can usually be treated in short time span.
Chronic polyneuropathy
When the symptoms last for a long time and cannot be treated quickly then this form of neuropathy is known as chronic polyneuropathy. Diabetes or kidney failure may lead to the development of this condition. However, the causes of chronic polyneuropathy can be numerous. The cause is not always manifest and its sometimes difficult to figure out the cause. Often it happens without any cause at all.
Symptoms of polyneuropathy
Symptoms of polyneuropathy can differ according to the cause. The most common symptoms include:
·         Paresthesia: that is the condition in which random and bizarre sensations are experienced.
·         Sharp and sudden pain in any part of the body
·         Distal polyneuropathy characterized by burning or tingling sensations in your feet and your hands
·         Allodynia a condition in which a person feels extremely sensitive to the touch
·         Numbness of any part of the body
·         Atrophied muscles causing your legs and arms to feel weak
·         Being unable to walk straight which can cause you to stumble and fall
·         Trouble swallowing the food.

What causes polyneuropathy?
It can be caused by genetic, acquired and Idiopathic factors.
Idiopathic is a term used in medical when the causes of development of certain disease are unknown and the health practitioners are unable to pinpoint the causes.
Acquired polyneuropathy refers to the causes of development of the disease due to the factors outside the body, simply put external factors, such as the traumatic injury caused by an accident or falling down etc or an infection of grave nature. The underlying condition that was left untreated can also cause polyneuropathy such as vitamin deficiency, cancer, diabetes and other illnesses that may cause complications.
The genetic or hereditary polyneuropathy as the name suggests is passed on to the patient by their parents. This type of condition usually leads to slow and gradual nerve damage such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
In addition, there can be several different factors that cause acute forms to develop.
These factors include certain insecticides, autoimmune disorders in which your body cells attack the myelin sheath on your nerve cells, antibiotics, sedatives and anticonvulsants. The cancers such as multiple myloma that affect multiple parts of the body also cause this condition.
Chronic forms usually do not have any specific causes but certain factors can contribute to the development of chronic polyneuropathy.
Drinking a lot of alcohol if one of the causes, fluctuation in blood sugar levels and diabetes, exposure to heavy metals, nutritional and vitamin deficiencies, failure of kidneys, condition of hypothyroidism, and some cancers such as lung cancer.
How to get rid of it?
To get rid of this disease you must first determine the cause of this condition. Then, you need to identify the parts of your body where it is taking place. In some or most of the cases, pain killers are given to the patient to provide relief from the excruciating pain that is caused due to the nerve damage. The drugs that are given may include non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs.
Changes in lifestyle
Changing habits and modifying your lifestyle may help you to treat polyneuropathy. Avoiding alcohol or joining a rehab for getting rid of alcohol addiction and avoiding the specific repetitive task may provide you some relief from this disease.
If a certain toxic or chemical such as metal, pesticides etc is the cause of your condition then the health care practitioner may suggest ways to limit your exposure to it.
For severe injuries
If you have developed polyneuropathy as a result of an injury then your doctor may suggest physical therapy and refer you to a physiotherapist for a physiotherapy session. He will help you regain the full control over your body and be able to move your body parts freely once again. You may also learn that how to manage the body pains and sensations that are being caused by the nerve damage.
Disorder caused due to autoimmune conditions
If an autoimmune condition is the cause of polyneuropathy, then your physical health practitioner may suggest alternative therapies and treatments. These may include the use of corticosteroids, direct injection of immune globulin into your veins, exchange of plasma that may remove the toxins from your blood.

What to watch out for
The overall health of an individual determines his risk factors for developing a certain disease. If a person has Diabetes, kidney or liver disorders, alcohol addiction, autoimmune disorder, severe infections such as HIV, lyme and shingles and moving certain parts of your body repetitively such as in industrial jobs.
Viewpoint
One can prevent nerve damage from happening by checking for the early signs and symptoms of the disease. Watch out for your symptoms before they start messing up with your life. This is one of the sure fire ways to stay away from this debilitating disease.