Posts made in December 2019

Justin Bieber × YouTube

Leave a reply

YouTube Originals today announced it is partnering with global superstar Justin Bieber on his first-ever docuseries, “Justin Bieber: Seasons,” to premiere on Monday, January 27 at 12:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. PT. The series will bring Justin Bieber back to YouTube, where it all started, to give fans a full circle look at his life. Fans can tune in to “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020” on ABC after the ball drop tonight for a preview of the series and a special message from Bieber himself.

“When I was getting started, YouTube provided me a platform and a community where I could share music, experiences and moments with my fans,” said Justin Bieber. “It feels great to partner with YouTube for this original documentary series. I want my fans to be part of this journey.”

“Justin Bieber’s courage as an artist is truly admirable and we are grateful he continues to share his inspiring story on YouTube,” said Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content for YouTube. “As we aim to spotlight authentic struggles and real-life triumphs in our YouTube Originals, we are thrilled to add this special project to our 2020 slate.”

“Justin Bieber: Seasons” is an all-access, 10-episode original documentary series chronicling the making of Justin Bieber’s first album in four years. The show is a raw, powerful and intimate look at Bieber’s process of creating new music and the motivation for this new album told through the lens of his closest confidants, friends, collaborators and Bieber himself. The series will also feature a behind-the-scenes look at Bieber’s private life, including never-before-seen footage of his wedding to Hailey Bieber and his day-to-day alongside those in his inner circle. With brand new music scoring the episodes, Justin reflects on the highs and lows of growing up in the public eye as he invites his fans on the journey leading up to the release of the highly-anticipated and most personal album of his career. “Justin Bieber: Seasons” will premiere on Monday, January 27 at 12:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. PT, with new episodes premiering free with ads each Monday and Wednesday at noon ET. Fans can sign up for YouTube Premium to get early access to new episodes and watch the series ad-free.

“Justin Bieber: Seasons” is directed and executive produced by OBB Pictures’ Michael D. Ratner with photographer Joe Termini set to direct additional episodes. The documentary is produced by Bieber Time Films, SB Projects and OBB Pictures. Justin Bieber will serve as an executive producer. Scooter Braun, Allison Kaye and Scott Manson will serve as executive producers for SB Projects and Michael D. Ratner, Scott Ratner and Kfir Goldberg will serve as executive producers for OBB Pictures.

Susanne Daniels is Global Head of Original Content for YouTube. Alex Piper, Head of Unscripted, YouTube Originals and Cara Casey, Development Lead, YouTube Originals will oversee “Justin Bieber: Seasons” for the global platform.

The YouTube Originals docuseries will serve as a homecoming for Justin Bieber, who skyrocketed to fame in 2007 after he was discovered on the global platform. He is currently the most subscribed artist on YouTube (47.8 million subscribers), appears in six videos with over one billion views and has over 19 billion views on his Official Artist Channel.

As part of YouTube’s previously announced new programming strategy, for the first time, YouTube’s audience of 2 billion logged-in monthly users will have the opportunity to enjoy new YouTube Originals series and specials, including “Justin Bieber: Seasons,” for free with ads. YouTube’s subscription service, YouTube Premium, will continue to offer ad-free access to all YouTube Originals with all episodes available at once to binge. The news follows record growth for YouTube Originals, with total views of the full 2019 slate growing more than 40% compared to the year before.

The YouTube Originals partnership with Justin Bieber joins a robust slate of music and personality-focused original series and specials including “Coldplay: Everyday Life – Live in Jordan,” “How to Be: Mark Ronson,” “Almost Ready” with Shay Mitchell, “Taylor Swift – Lover’s Lounge (Live),” “Kevin Hart: What the Fit,” ”Liza on Demand” starring YouTube’s Liza Koshy, “MALUMA: Lo Que Era, Lo Que Soy, Lo Que Seré,” “Ariana Grande: Dangerous Woman Diaries” and “Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated.” Upcoming 2020 projects with top personalities include documentaries with Paris Hilton and Dude Perfect as well as season three of the hit scripted series, “Cobra Kai.” YouTube is also investing heavily in learning-driven original programming.

About Justin Bieber:
Grammy-winning global superstar Justin Bieber has amassed more than 50 billion streams and more than 60 million album equivalents worldwide over the course of his career. Justin’s Grammy-winning 2015 album PURPOSE sold over 21 million copies worldwide. As he looks ahead to the 2020 arrival of his 5th studio album, Bieber is once again ruling the airwaves and dominating the charts, as his recent collaboration with Ed Sheeran “I Don’t Care” hit #1 in 26 countries worldwide, Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” – pushed over the top by a Bieber remix – reached #1 in the US, and “10,000 Hours” with Dan + Shay became the highest charting debut for a country song in the history of the Billboard Hot 100. In 2017, the Justin-led global smash “Despacito Remix” broke streaming records and became the most-viewed video of all time. Justin made chart history with “Despacito” and the DJ Khaled-collaboration “I’m The One” as the first artist ever to tally new No. 1s on the Hot 100 in consecutive weeks, Bieber’s fourth and fifth No. 1 singles. IN 2015, PURPOSE debuted at #1 in over 100 countries around the world, and garnered a Grammy nomination for Album Of The Year. PURPOSE shattered global streaming records and yielded three consecutive #1 singles in the US – “What Do You Mean,” “Sorry,” and “Love Yourself,” which received a Grammy nomination for Record Of The Year. In late 2015, all three tracks landed at #1, #2 and #3 on the UK singles chart, surpassing a record previously held by the Beatles and making Justin the first artist ever to accomplish such a feat. In February 2016, Justin won his first Grammy: Best Dance Song for the PURPOSE track “Where Are You Now.” Justin Bieber, whose career launched in 2009, with the RIAA 5x-platinum worldwide hit “One Time,” is the first artist to reach over 10 billion views on VEVO. In 2014, he was ranked by Twitter as the #1 most tweeted about musical artist of the year. He has released five #1 albums to-date, and has starred in two films: Never Say Never (2011) and Believe (2013). In 2011, he was nominated for the Best New Artist Grammy. In 2013, Justin received the RIAA Diamond award in recognition of his 2010 single “Baby” (12x-platinum in the U.S. alone) as the best-selling digital single of all-time.

About YouTube Originals:
YouTube Originals are award-winning, creative and engaging scripted and unscripted series and films across music, personalities and learning for fans all over the world. Spotlighting both YouTube creators alongside Hollywood’s biggest stars, YouTube Originals provide an experience that only YouTube can offer. By tapping into the platform’s growing global community, fan engagement capabilities, and innovative content mixed with pioneering live streamed specials, there is truly something for everybody. Fans experience YouTube Original content through ad-supported YouTube as well as YouTube Premium, a subscription service that offers access to YouTube Original series and movies, a streaming music platform, and an uninterrupted, ad-free experience across all of YouTube. YouTube Originals are available in nearly 80 countries worldwide.

About OBB Pictures:
Founded in 2016 by Michael D. Ratner, OBB Pictures is the TV, digital, and film arm of OBB Media. Ratner, alongside co-founder Scott Ratner and a team of talented storytellers, create scripted and unscripted projects for many distributors, with a portfolio of work spanning comedy, drama, sports, and music. The company’s most recent hits in 2019 alone include Netflix’s “Historical Roasts”; Kevin Hart’s “Cold As Balls”; ESPN+’s “The Harder Way” and many others. The Emmy award winning full-service production company has its offices and post-production facilities headquartered in West Hollywood, California. OBB Media is also the parent company to OBB Sound, OBB Branded and OBB Cares.

About SB Projects:
Founded by Scooter Braun, SB Projects is a diversified entertainment and media company with ventures at the intersection of music, film, technology, brands, culture, and social good. In addition to managing a roster of some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, J. Balvin, Idina Minzel, Demi Lovato, Karlie Kloss and Tori Kelly, SB Projects has grown their film and television division to include a robust slate of projects including the forthcoming comedy series “Dave” for FXX/Hulu, CBS’ “Scorpion,” “The Giver,” and “Never Say Never,” which remains one of the highest grossing music documentaries in domestic box-office history. The company also has several projects in active development including “Anna K” for HBOMax, an untitled K-Pop film for Fox, and the film “A Taste of Power” with award-winning filmmaker Chinonye Chukwu, among many others. In addition, SB Projects recently signed a multi-year, first-look television deal with Amazon Studios to develop scripted and unscripted projects.

Why MCT Oil Is Used in CBD Products

Leave a reply

Like many people around the globe, you may have heard a lot of good things about CBD oil over the recent years. A rising number of people have come to learn about CBD because of the increased level of interest from the press, the positive results of research and studies, and the changes in legislation that have taken place in various states and destinations.

If you are new to the world of CBD oil products, you naturally want to learn more about the product before you decide whether it is something that is right for you. This includes looking at the benefits of using CBD oil such as combatting anxiety and stress, looking at how CBD oil could help you to improve your quality of life, and finding out more about the different methods of using CBD oil. You may also be interested in specific questions such as why MCT oil is used in CBD products. This is something we will look at a little more closely in this article.

The Role of MCT Oil

The speed at which CBD is absorbed can depend on various factors such as the method you decide to use in order to take CBD oil. There are various different methods you can choose from such as a CBD oil tincture, CBD supplements, and CBD capsules. Naturally, those who use CBD oil products want to make the most of them and one of the things that can help with this is the use of MCT oil in CBD products.

MCT oil can be very useful in terms of increasing the benefits and absorption rate of CBD oil products, particularly when you are using products such as supplements and capsules. So, why is it used in products such as these? Well, the presence of MCT oil helps to boost the bioavailability of the CBD and means that more of the CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream. This then means it increases the benefits, as you will feel the effects of the CBD more quickly.

MCT oil has enjoyed increased popularity over recent years among the health-conscious. They are made up of chains of saturated fatty acids that are known as triglycerides. There are various different sources of MCTs such as palm oil and coconut oil. In fact, MCT oil is often used in dressings, smoothies, and recipes because of the health benefits it offers.

In terms of being used in CBD oil products, MCT oil can help to ensure faster delivery and stronger effects. As mentioned earlier, the rate at which CBD oil is absorbed into the body depends on the method used, and some methods, such as supplements and tablets, can be slower than others. Using MCT oil helps to combat this issue as it becomes a form of carrier for the CBD oil, so more of it gets into the bloodstream.

So, as you can see, MCT oil can play a vital part in CBD products, which is why it is considered a valuable addition to many CBD products.

President Obama Lists Old Town Road

Former President Barack Obama ranked Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road (Billy Ray Cyrus Remix),” a song also included on his Summer Playlist, as one of his favorite songs of the year.

“I stand here with the most humble heart that Lil Nas X’s ‘Old Town Road’ featuring BRC is still on Former President Barack Obama’s official playlist of 2019. What a way to cap off the year,” said Billy Ray Cyrus.

“Old Town Road (Billy Ray Cyrus Remix)” continues touching audiences and all ages worldwide as the pair are up for 3 nominations at the 62nd Annual GRAMMY®Awards in the all genre Record Of The Year and Best Music Video categories, as well as Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, which air January 26 on CBS. These latest nominations brings Cyrus’ total GRAMMY® nods to 7 over the course of his impressive career.

The GRAMMY® nominations follow Cyrus and Lil Nas X’s win at the American Music Awards for Favorite Song Hip-Hop/Rap and the Country Music Association Awards for Musical Event of the Year. In addition, Cyrus and Lil Nas X took home two MTV VMA Moonmen for Song of the Year and Best Direction, as well as two trophies at the BET Hip Hop Awards for Best Collab, Duo or Group and Single of the Year.

This is all on the on the heels of the song being certified diamond by the RIAA. Not only is “Old Town Road (Billy Ray Cyrus remix)” the first song of 2019 to gain the diamond recognition, it is the first in the RIAA’s history to meet the minimum requirement of 10,000,000 units sold so quickly.

About Billy Ray Cyrus:
Billy Ray Cyrus became a household name over the course of his unprecedented career which spans across music, television and theater. Throughout his nearly three decade career, Cyrus has achieved worldwide success as a singer, songwriter, actor and producer. The Flatwoods, KY native exploded onto the music scene when his first album, Some Gave All, debuted on the all-genre Billboard album chart at No. 1 and stayed there for a record-breaking 17 weeks in 1992. The lead single, “Achy Breaky Heart,” became a phenomenon as the single went multi-platinum. After “Achy Breaky Heart,” Cyrus followed up with back to back hits “It Could’ve Been Me,” “She’s Not Crying Anymore,” “Wher’m I Gonna Live When I Get Home?” and the anthemic “Some Gave All.” Cyrus knocked himself out of the top Billboard position with the his second No. 1 album, It Won’t Be The Last, featuring smash hits “In the Heart of a Woman,” “Words By Heart” and “Somebody New.” Cyrus followed up with dozens more that defined country music. “To me, my most defining moment in country was being joined by George Jones and Loretta Lynn on my self-penned ‘Country Music Has the Blues,’” said Cyrus. He also enjoyed a successful career as an actor in “Doc” and “Still The King,” as well as the Disney series “Hannah Montana” with his daughter Miley. Recently, Cyrus has shattered records with Lil Nas X with the global smash, “Old Town Road,” which remained No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 consecutive weeks.

*Photo credit: Derrek Kupish

facebook.com/BillyRayCyrus
twitter.com/billyraycyrus
instagram.com/billyraycyrus

Marvel Unlimited Expands This January

Leave a reply

Enter a brand new decade of binge-reading! For a limited time only, Marvel Unlimited, Marvel’s digital comics mega-library, is offering up an annual subscription for $60 a year… that’s just $5 a month!* Use code READFOR60 at checkout, and gain instant access to over 25,000 issues of Marvel’s classic and newer titles, delivered digitally through your desktop web browser and the Webby-award winning Marvel Unlimited mobile app. With classic and newer issues added as early as six months after they’re in stores, here are some of the Marvel titles hitting Marvel Unlimited next month:

⁃ Dead Man Logan #9

⁃ Immortal Hulk #20

⁃ Avengers #21

⁃ Thor #15

Not a Marvel Unlimited member? Join today!

Marvel Unlimited members have access to some of the greatest Marvel Comics featuring The Avengers, Spider-Man, Thor, X-Men, Captain Marvel and more! With January’s update, Marvel Unlimited will also be expanding its back catalog with the following issues:

⁃ Classic X-Men (1986) #2-11

⁃ Daredevil (1964) #144-157

⁃ The Punisher (1987) #35-48

⁃ and much more

This amazing service is accessible through Marvel Unlimited on the web and through the Marvel Unlimited app on iPhone®, iPad® and on select Android™ devices.

New to comics, and don’t know where to start? Don’t worry! Marvel Unlimited features an editor-curated Reading List section to help you uncover pathways into the Marvel Universe through events, themed lists, and recommended series featuring your favorite characters and creators!

An added bonus? New Unlimited subscribers get a reward of 3,000 Marvel Insider points when they join this service, and more points when they renew their subscription! Not a Marvel Insider? Sign up today and earn exclusive prizes just by being a Marvel fan! See what rewards are available here!

Cresco Workers are Fighting for a Union on Legalization Day

Leave a reply

Cresco Labs employees who are fighting for a Union alongside Local 881 UFCW will flyer outside of Cresco’s Wrigleyville dispensary on the 1st day of legal recreational sales to waiting customers. They’ll be there to inform those waiting in line about their campaign for a Union in Joliet, IL and Cresco’s retaliation against their own employees who are standing up for better wages, benefits, schedules, and dignity on the job.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 1, 2020 (6:00am-9:00am)

WHERE: Sunnyside Dispensary – Lakeview (3812 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613)

WHY: Anti-Union Cannabis Lab is Growing Disappointment for Workers

Workers at Cresco Labs, one of the largest cannabis companies operating in Illinois, are organizing to be represented by Local 881 United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). Cresco owners rejected the request to recognize Local 881 at their grow facility in Joliet, IL. In response, Local 881 has filed a petition for election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

Workers at Cresco in Illinois report that the Company initiated a full anti-Union campaign against them the moment they started their organizing campaign. Local 881 has charged Cresco with committing numerous violations of federal labor laws. The unfair labor practices committed by Cresco are intended to intimidate and coerce the workers from exercising their federal right to organize. Charges filed by Local 881 has filed a petition for election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

⁃ Interrogating workers who are pro-Union

⁃ Unlawful coercion of workers by conferring benefits

⁃ Soliciting workers grievances

“The cannabis industry is about to grow enormously in Illinois,” said Steve Powell, Local 881 President and UFCW International Vice President. “it is very disappointing to see Cresco lowering the standards and expectations of jobs in this industry.” The workers at Cresco Labs in Illinois believe joining the Union will help improve their working conditions. Many of the workers compare the conditions at Cresco to a bad factory. “I would like to unionize Cresco for better pay, a voice at work, better benefits and a better work environment,” said Natajsha, a Cresco employee, “Just because you work in an industry that you are passionate about doesn’t mean you should to be paid less!” Workers will no longer tolerate Cresco’s second-rate working conditions, including:

⁃ Low wages

⁃ Inadequate health plan

⁃ Unpredictable schedules

⁃ Ignored PTO requests

⁃ Lack of respect

“We worked very hard to pass legislation for medical use and worked even harder to pass recreational use,” said Representative Lawrence Walsh Jr. of the Illinois 86th District. “It is a betrayal to all of us that believe in the opportunities of the cannabis industry, when we hear that Cresco has engaged in anti-union activity and refused to recognize the wishes of their workers.” The workers want to address and fix these issues with their employer as the industry grows. Local 881 is committed to helping Cresco workers organize and improve their working conditions. Local 881 will fight to ensure that their rights and dignity are respected.

MORE INFO HERE

How Helmets Can Save Your Life (And Face)

Leave a reply

Helmets have been proven to be effective at reducing a person’s risk of head injury or death in the event of a motorcycle or ATV accident. There are numerous ATV accessories you can get for your ride, but the one you do not want to go without is a helmet. Some states may not have laws requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets, but even if that describes your state, you still need to wear one at all times while on a bike. It may just save your life. The next time you find yourself scrolling through ATV tires online, take some time to make sure your helmet is good to go.

Protecting Your Head

The purpose of a helmet is to absorb some of the impact of a collision. In the event you hit the ground, your skull would otherwise take on the full impact. This can lead to traumatic brain injury or even death. A relatively small collision where you were traveling slower than 15 miles per hour can still result in serious injuries without the proper protective gear in place.

Keeping Your Eyes on the Road

A helmet is also good for focusing your attention. A helmet will limit the amount of wind force and noise that comes blowing in your face. With less wind in your ears, you should be able to better hear the cars around you. Similarly to driving, you need to know what other drivers are doing so that you can anticipate anything out of the ordinary. You should also look into purchasing a helmet that will keep sun glare out of your eyes so that you do not hamper your vision.

Safeguarding Your Face

Your skull is not the only thing at risk during a motorcycle or ATV collision. Your jawbone, eyes and nose are also at risk. A lot of riders do not want to wear a helmet because they worry about how it will make them look.

They may also fret about helmet hair once they reach their destinations. However, it is better to go out with friends with helmet hair than a smashed nose. Plus, you can definitely find some stylish helmets that will go splendidly with your ensembles.

Saving Your Life

Caring about your looks is certainly one good reason to wear a helmet. However, the main reason to wear a helmet is that it could potentially save your life. Hundreds of people lose their lives every year because they should have worn a helmet while riding a motorcycle or ATV. You do not have to fall into those statistics. You deserve to get to where you are going safely. A good helmet may cost a bit of money, but it is a worthwhile investment. You will be glad you have a helmet should you ever end up in an accident.

There are numerous helmets available online. You do not even have to search for something as specific as Kenda K587 Bear Claw HTR Front Tire. Just search for “helmet,” and you will soon find something that looks great and keeps you protected.

Time To Replace Your Semi Truck Headlights?

Leave a reply

If you think about the safety equipment on your truck, chances are you think about your brakes, the marker lights or other semi truck parts that stand out. However, you may not think about your headlights. However, these are among the most important safety parts. They let you see what is ahead of you during dark conditions and also alert other drivers to your location.

Taking care of the safety equipment on your truck is an essential part of maintenance. However, if you are like many truck drivers and owners, you may be uncertain when it is time to replace your headlights.

Signs Your Lights Need Replacing

Many people avoid changing their lights until they burn out. This is a mistake because lights can dim over time. This could leave you with significantly reduced light output. If you have incandescent bulbs, their light output may have reduced by 20% within the first two years. Even more modern LED lights should be replaced regularly.

Over-the-road truckers should be especially careful about replacing their headlights. You don’t want to be a hundred miles into a multi-day route when you realize that your headlights need to be replaced.

Changing your headlights on a regular basis is a good idea and relatively inexpensive. Consult your owner’s manual for the specific intervals recommended for your vehicle and headlights. Always change them both at the same time. If one is on its last legs, the other is almost certainly following close behind.

If you notice that your lights seem dim or inconsistent, it is time to replace them. It is almost always better to be safe than sorry with your lights. Headlights are typically different for each vehicle model. For example, Freightliner Century headlights are different from Mack headlights.

For semi-trucks, most people replace the entire headlight assembly. This can be easier than just replacing the bulb and avoids the possibility of the lenses getting cloudy or dirty. Plus, trucks undergo a lot more wear than passenger cars and need parts replaced regularly.

Replacing the Headlights

Typically, replacing headlights is fairly simple. The steps vary depending on the model, so consult your owner’s manual to find what you need to do. Most people can perform this in an hour or less. All you will need to do is remove the mounting screws that hold the headlight assembly in place, unplug the lights and replace them with the new ones. Always turn them on when you are done to ensure they are working.

If you want a little more style, you can find headlights in all sorts of designs. You may also be able to switch to colored lights but check the local laws before making this modification.

Get Started

Changing your headlights is easy to do and well worth the time and expense. Make sure you get the right replacements. For example, you will need to get specific Peterbilt 389 headlights for that model. Keep in mind that the fit may change over different model years. Get started replacing your headlights today by ordering the parts.

3 Important Things to Do After Moving to a New State

Leave a reply

After you have moved to a new state, your work is far from done. There are many necessary things to do before settling in your new home. It can be very stressful and time-consuming. People are moving to another state for various reasons, but nevertheless, the process requires a lot of planning, determination, and effort to be able to transition into a new home smoothly. Living there can be beneficial for work, family and learning about a new culture. It can also contribute to your overall happiness.

To help facilitate the process and make it as convenient as possible, we have listed a few important things to do after moving to a new state.

Find a job

Work-related relocation is one of the most common reasons for people to move to another state. Some companies opt for relocating an employee between cities or states to cut costs. If you’re transferring with the company that you already work for, then you are considered very lucky. But if the forthcoming move is not in relation to your job, try to secure work in the new state well before relocating. Research online and look for the professional listings that you are qualified for. Utilize the advice of friends and acquaintances in your new state, as they may be able to supply you with beneficial assistance. Professional pointers and references are always helpful. Update your cover letter, resume and referral letters from your past employers.

Find a new family Doctor

It is essential to find a good family physician for you and your family. Find a doctor who is a qualified specialist that can help keep you healthy. Primary care doctors can aid you when you need a broad range of medical issues treated. They will also be able to refer you to a specialist with a deeper set of skills who can treat you when you have specific medical care needs. Inquire through your old doctor, through co-workers, new friends, and neighbors for references. If this is not an option try and visit a local hospital near your new home and speak with the nurses and doctors.

Get connected

If you have kids or work from home, set up all the necessary utilities as soon as you arrive at your new home. Many individuals rely on a phone and internet for their business and livelihood. By doing so, it will also help you easily do online searches on needed information about your new state.

Congenital Heart Defects: What’s the long term outlook?

Leave a reply

A congenital heart defect is a heart problem that has been there since the time of birth and is one of the most common types of birth defects. Congenital heart defects can affect the blood vessels in the heart, the walls of the heart, or the valves of the heart.

Types Of Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects can be of various types; some don’t cause any problems while others can lead to complications. Congenital heart defects are related to heart wall defects, heart valve defects, and blood vessel defects. While there are more than 18 types of congenital heart defects, the following are some of the popular types:

Ventricular septal defect or VSD
Hole in the heart
Atrial septal defect or ASD
Valve defects
Complete atrioventricular canal defect or CAVC
Tetralogy of Fallot
D-transposition of the great arteries
Truncus arteriosus
Patent ductus arteriosus or PDA
I-transposition of the great arteries

Causes And Symptoms

Congenital heart defects are caused when the structure of the heart is not developed properly early on. The congenital heart defect affects how the blood flows through the heart, which in turn, may affect breathing. The causes of congenital heart defects are as follows:

Illegal drugs or alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to a child having a congenital heart defect.
If there is a history of heart defects in the family then that could be a cause.
If a pregnant woman has a viral infection during the start of her pregnancy then there are higher chances that the child will have a congenital heart defect.
A spike in blood sugar levels can lead to congenital heart disease.
Intake of certain drugs during the course of pregnancy may result in the child will have a congenital heart defect.

Following are the symptoms of congenital heart disease that shows in Newborns:

Very low weight at birth
Blue fingers, lips, toes, and skin
Slow growth compared to normal
Difficulty during feeding
Inability to breathe properly
Pain in the chest

Adults show the following symptoms of congenital heart disease

Difficulty in breathing
Getting tired very easily
Chest pain that doesn’t go away quickly
Inability to exercise like usual

Some children do not exhibit congenital heart defect symptoms early on after birth. They may show symptoms after a few years. These include swelling, dizziness, tiredness, inability to breathe, feeling dizzy, and abnormal heart rhythms.

Treatment Options Available: Is Surgery Needed?

There are numerous treatment options for congenital heart defects but these depend on how severe the problem is. For some people, treatment might not be necessary initially but monitoring of the condition might be necessary. For other people, surgery or medications might be required to treat the problem at hand.

Sometimes, if a congenital heart defect was treated in childhood can come back during adulthood, due to the original treatment not working anymore. Treatment may not always cure the problem but will enable you to lead a happy and healthy life.

Your doctor might prescribe medicines that enable proper heart function and eliminate the chances of blood clot formation or to have a pacemaker implanted to normalize your heart rate. Else, he may recommend implantable cardioverter defibrillators or ICDs. You might require open-heart surgery for blood vessel widening or heart valve repair. Another treatment option is a catheter procedure that involves using a thin tube instead of making an incision to treat a particular congenital heart defect. You might require a heart transplant surgery if complications occur although this is rare.

Road To Recovery

You should continue to see your doctor after treatment has been completed so that you get proper follow-up care that is important for a speedy recovery. Depending on the treatment you receive, your doctor will inform you about how long the recovery will take and how you can take proper care of yourself. If you have undergone a surgery, then you might need some months to fully recover. Make sure you ask your doctor about what you can safely do and what you should avoid doing while recovering from the treatment.

Lifestyle Changes To Adopt

If you are pregnant at present or if you are planning on becoming pregnant then it is important that you make some changes to ensure your child does not have any congenital heart defects. You should avoid consuming alcohol and you should not take illegal drugs as these can have a negative impact. You should keep your blood sugar levels in control. If you have diabetes then you should speak to your doctor about managing diabetes. You should take measures to prevent getting German measles if you haven’t been vaccinated for it. You can talk to your doctor about other lifestyle changes you can adopt.

HARRY STYLES STARTS NEW YEAR AT #1

Harry Styles’ critically acclaimed new album Fine Line has once again topped the Billboard 200 chart for a 2^nd week, closing the decade and starting the new year at #1 with over 89,000 equivalent album units sold this week.

Last week the album topped charts around the world and achieved an array of history-making records when it debuted at #1 in the U.S. on the Billboard 200 with over 478,000 equivalent album units sold, making history as the biggest sales week for a solo U.K. male artist’s album since Nielsen Music began electronically tracking sales data in 1991. It also marked the sixth best-selling traditional album of the year in just under a week and the fourth-biggest vinyl sales week in Nielsen music history. Harry achieved the 3^rd highest debut for any artist this year, and achieved the biggest week for a pop album by a male artist in four years.

The incredible U.S. success has continued internationally where the album entered the charts at #1 in over 20 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Mexico, Netherlands, Sweden, Brazil, and across South East Asia. Harry also became the first UK male artist to debut at #1 in the U.S. with his first two albums.

Harry will kick off his world tour ‘Love on Tour’ in April 2020, tickets and additional information are available here.

The new album, Fine Line, is available everywhere today via Columbia Records/Erskine Records.