October 29, 2021

You should think twice before trying to save money by buying the cheapest charger for your iPhone. Just because the labeling on the box says it’s safe doesn’t mean it is. If you don’t buy the Apple brand you look for the MFi certification for charging adapters and cables. This ensures that Apple approves the products from other manufacturers. Source Link 

A coin could be key to finding out if a power outage has ruined the food in your freezer. Place a frozen cup of water in the freezer and put a quarter on top of it. If the power goes out long enough for the ice to melt and the quarter drops down into the water -- even if it’s refrozen -- you should throw out the food. Source Link

Nearly all seniors take medication that can increase their risk for a fall. Drugs that can increase the risk of falls include antidepressants, some high blood pressure and anti seizure medicines and tranquilizers. That’s why you should ask your doctor about the risks and benefits from any prescription medication. Source Link

October 28, 2021

 There’s a right way to make your morning routine work for mind and body. Instead of jumping out of bed, first bring your knees to your chest to warm up muscles and then drink a glass of water to rehydrate your body. And don’t check your cell phone immediately because that list of notifications can mean a stressful start to the day. Source Link 

If you struggle with a young picky eater, where they eat and who they eat with could be the solution. Eating together as a family and having a single meal at a regular time -- and not in front of a TV -- can help. Get fussy kids involved with menu planning and meal preparation and dial down your own anxiety because your child might mirror that behavior. Source Link

Many middle-aged adults with apparently healthy hearts may have a "silent" form of heart disease. Researchers say nearly half of those in a study had no symptoms but did have plaque in their arteries that could lead to a heart attack or stroke. Managing cholesterol and blood pressure along with regular cardiac screening can help reduce the risk. Source Link

October 27, 2021

 Here’s an open and shut case for the right way to cook with some kitchen appliances. Always keep an oven door open when broiling because venting the steam lets food develop that crustiness you want. And always keep the lid closed on your slow cooker because opening it will let heat out and change the cooking time. Source Link 

We know to keep tabs on a credit report, but other errors could affect your chances of getting a new job. Doing a background check on yourself could uncover mistaken arrest warrants or ID theft. You’ll need a professional background check and not the kind offered to consumers online. Source Link 

These are some fall cleaning chores you may not have thought of. Check your pantry for expired items and stock up on common staples for the season. Vacuum and flip mattresses and wash mattress covers, and dust ceiling fans and change their spin direction to pull air up. Source Link 

October 26, 2021

 Planning ahead can help your child enjoy an allergy-safe Halloween. bring safe treats for your child at school and don't let children eat candy that isn't clearly labeled for indications of possible allergens. And if your child has asthma bring an inhaler for trick-or-treating in case of exposure to smoke machines while going door-to-door. Source Link 

Can you lift your way out of that extra weight? Contrary to popular belief, activities like lifting weights can be a great way to burn fat. Resistance training also beats aerobic exercise when it comes to improving bone mineral density, lean mass, and muscle quality. Source Link

Odds are you’re on your smartphone more than you think. Researchers asked people to estimate their daily phone use and then compared that to the numbers from the phone’s screen time feature. The typical guess was four hours a day but the average daily use was nearly six hours. Source Link

October 25, 2021

 Don’t be in a rush to kill viruses on surfaces in your home. Spray or wipe the cleaner on and let it dry instead of wiping it off immediately. A solution of one-quarter cup bleach in a gallon of cold water can be an effective and affordable cleaner but be sure to use it when you mix it because it’s disinfecting power fades with time. Source Link 

You can give kids of all ages a financial head start. Opening a Roth IRA for them lets you grow savings that’ll be tax-free to use in retirement. And responsible teens can be added to your credit card to begin building their own credit score. Source Link 

How can 300 be a magic number for your heart? Researchers found that people who cut 300 calories per day from their diet had better heart health with lower blood pressure and lower levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides. You might cut those calories by saying “no” to second helpings, swapping fresh fruit for a sweet dessert or through intermittent fasting. Source Link 

October 22, 2021

 If you’re budgeting for your next flyaway vacation you can make your money go farther. Set fare alerts to be notified when prices drop and use points and miles to cut the ticket cost. If you need to pay to check a bag it can be cheaper to do it online rather than at the airport. At your destination you can save on admission costs with free museums and walking tours or hiking. Source Link 

Here’s a to-do list for a safer digital life. Do use strong passwords and don’t use the same or similar passwords for multiple sites. Do look for sites that require multi-factor authentication for logins and use it. And don’t share your address book with an app because that puts all your friend's information in someone else’s hands without their permission. Source Link 

When it comes to nutrition there’s often no good substitute for the real thing. For example, taking calcium and fiber supplements doesn’t work as well as eating foods that are naturally high in fiber or rich in calcium. And research has shown that many low fat and diet items contain much more added sugar and salt than their regular-fat counterparts. Source Link 

October 21, 2021

 Cold season is coming soon but don’t be quick to give a young child store-bought medicine for coughing and a runny nose. There's no evidence that over-the-counter cough and cold remedies are effective for children younger than 6. In fact, some of these remedies can have potentially dangerous side-effects for kids. Source Link 

If your home internet connection is hardly the high speed you've been promised there are some simple ways to get back into the fast lane. Make sure your router is out in the open and not in a cabinet and unplug it for a moment to reset. And if the router is more than a few years old you might want to replace it with a new one that has more processing power. Source Link 

When you’re planning to apply for an auto loan or mortgage, think twice before you jump at that offer for a new credit card. Applying will trigger a “hard inquiry” on your credit report that can cause up to a five-point deduction in your credit score. And always space out new card applications for four to six months to avoid facing a higher rate or being denied. Source Link

October 20, 2021

 You might get a handle on that home clutter by answering two questions. Start by categorizing items as useful or decorative. For useful items, ask yourself if you’ve used it in the past year. For decorative pieces, ask yourself if you “love” it. If the answer to the question is “no” it’s time to sell, recycle, give away or donate the item. Source Link 

Is the best way to deliver a “Thank You” by text, video call or face-to-face? A study showed that most people thought sending a thank-you by text was almost as good as delivering the message in person. And texting may be the best choice when you feel awkward or embarrassed about expressing appreciation. Source Link

When you eat may make a difference for your risk of chronic disease. Researchers found that having all your meals within a window of 8 to 10 hours each day could help prevent and manage conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. And when eating was restricted to fewer than 12 hours a day, sleep and quality of life improved. Source Link 

October 19, 2021

 Using letter grades in your to-do list might help you complete more assignments. An “A” item is significantly important with serious consequences if it’s not done. “B” is something you should do but has a minor downside. A “C” would be nice to accomplish but not vital. A “D” is something to delegate to others and an “E” task is one you can eliminate. Source Link 

Do you really need to pre-rinse before loading the dishwasher? Many models sold in the past 10 years can measure the amount of food that comes off in a first wash cycle and may cut back if plates and bowls already seem clean. To get the best results, scrape off the big chunks but leave something for the dishwasher to handle. Source Link 

“Taking five” during the workday could be the ticket to improved productivity. Researchers found that people who took five-minute microbreaks bounced back from morning fatigue and sharpened their skills for the rest of the day. A microbreak could be having a snack, chatting with a coworker, stopping for a stretch or doing a quick crossword puzzle. Source Link 

October 18, 2021

 Your child doesn’t have to be in school to begin to learn the value of money. Little ones can use a piggy bank to show how to build up and divide their money into spending, long-term savings and giving. And older kids can help create a grocery list using real prices with a fixed dollar amount to spend. Source Link 

If your dog doesn’t seem to listen to you it might not be stubbornness at work. Hearing loss in dogs can be common and warning signs include sleeping through loud noises and different barking habits as well as not responding to verbal cues. The good news is that dogs often adapt to the change and you can help by using more visual cues. Source Link 

What are the signs to look for in a good car salesman and how do you spot a bad one? A bad salesman tries to size you up with questions about what kind of vehicle or payment you had in mind, ignores your concerns about price and may not even offer a test drive. A good salesman listens to you, knows their product inside and out and never lies. Source Link 

October 15, 2021

 Deleting online accounts you no longer use can safeguard you from the next website hack. Look in your password manager, search email for old “welcome” messages or check Facebook or Google to find connected accounts. You can search the name of the service and the words “delete account” or visit its support page to find out how to close an unused account. Source Link 

The lowly binder clip is an office staple with uses around the house. It can hold coiled power cords for easy storage, label a ring of keys, secure garbage bags on the edge of a can and prop-up a stack of water bottles in the fridge. You can stand up a binder clip to display photos or notes or use one as a makeshift cufflink in a fashion emergency. Source Link 

It’s an old debate in the world of recycling - do you really need to rinse out items? A quick water rinse or just a shake and a wipe with a paper towel works fine. If you recycle paper, cans and jars together make sure there isn't any leftover food dripping on the paper. Source Link 

October 14, 2021

 What does it take to join the millionaires club? An author who interviewed hundreds of wealthy Americans found that most were early to bed and early to rise, read lots of nonfiction, made time for meditation and exercise, and worked on improving their communication skills. Many also talked to themselves in their head to create an inner dialogue for motivation. Source Link 

You’re making a healthy choice by eating at the salad bar but don’t ruin it with unhealthy options. Skip the taco shell or bread bowl and those mounds of shredded cheese, croutons or crispy noodles that can add lots of calories. Grated cheese, fresh avocado or a spoonful of nuts or seeds can soup-up that salad without ditching your diet. Source Link 

Some small steps can stop the build-up of big clutter in your home. Wash dishes as soon as you use them Sort mail as soon as you receive it and stand over the trash can to throw away the junk. Clean off countertops every night and pick one day a week when you’ll declutter a single drawer, kitchen cabinet, or closet shelf. Source Link 

October 13, 2021

 Being anxious about a visit to the dentist isn’t unusual and there are some things that can help. Tell the dentist or hygienist about your anxiety so they can help ease your fears and offer the best options to reduce pain. And keep to a regular schedule of check ups so that problems can be caught before they require major work. Source Link 

When your mind races after you wake up in the middle of the night you can try these tips to get back to sleep. Get out of bed and read a book - but nothing too exciting - or listen to an audiobook or a podcast that’s not a shout fest. You can also head to the kitchen for a light snack like whole-grain crackers or popcorn that has carbs to help switch-on the body’s sleep hormones. Source Link 

Your garbage disposal isn’t made for all kinds of food scraps. Egg shells, onion skins, coffee grounds, potato peels, nuts and corn husks are some of the things that can make it past those blades and block a drain pipe. And run cold water while you grind because hot water can melt foods that might harden into a clog while in the disposal. Source Link 

October 12, 2021

If it seems like you’re always hungry before bed, take a look back at what you ate earlier in the day. Skipping any meal may have your body coming up short by bedtime and meals without a mix of carbs, protein and fat won’t fuel you enough. If it’s just a craving, you can indulge yourself as long as you don’t eat too much and if it’s more than an hour before bedtime. Source Link

You can perfect the art of small talk by following these tips. Don’t interrupt an existing conversation or start talking without asking permission and having a fully formed question or thought in mind. And don’t talk too much about yourself or interrogate the other person. Instead, tell a story or offer an opinion, but always avoid controversial topics. Source Link 

What do smart travelers do before a flight? They start by charging all electronic devices and bringing their own food to avoid overpriced and less-healthy options at the airport. Dry air is common on aircraft so drink plenty of water the day before and bring an empty water bottle to fill after you go through security. And make sure any medication is in your carry-on bag and not in checked luggage. Source Link

October 11, 2021

 Think about all the things in your wallet that you’d have to replace should you lose it and pare down what you carry with you. Never carry a Social Security card, keep store membership cards in the glove box of your car and only carry one credit card. And throw away any old receipts because those could have useful information for an identity thief. Source Link 

The tech that powers our everyday lives needs to take an occasional break, but how often should you reboot? Restarting your phone or tablet at least once a week can free up memory for smoother operation and your smartwatch can benefit from a restart every few weeks. Your smart TV or home router should be powered down about once a month. Source Link 

The food that you stock up on shouldn’t just be a stash for future use. Follow the practice of “use and replenish” and once a week create a meal from your stockpile. Start with the food that’s closest to expiration and replace what you’ve used and you’ll rotate that two-week meal supply in just under a year. Source Link 

October 8, 2021

 Before you throw away that almost-empty container of peanut butter, honey or mayonnaise, think about ways to put it to good use. You can eat ice cream out of a peanut butter jar or make a vinaigrette salad dressing from the last of the mayo. And a nearly-empty honey bear can be the basis of a sweet dressing. Source Link 

A key reason some people remain sharp into their 80s and 90s may be that their brains resist the buildup of certain proteins that mark Alzheimer's disease. The so-called “super agers” may have genetics to thank but everyone can support brain health by avoiding high blood pressure and diabetes, getting regular exercise, eating healthfully and staying mentally and socially engaged. Source Link 

Are you a microwave oven power user? You are if you cook vegetables in it to retain the most nutrients or hit the “Pause” button to stir foods halfway through cooking to ensure proper heating. And you’re on top of your game if you know your microwave oven’s wattage because smaller, less-powerful units require more time to get the cooking done. Source Link 

October 7, 2021

Deleting online accounts you no longer use can safeguard you from the next website hack. Look in your password manager, search email for old “welcome” messages or check Facebook or Google to find connected accounts. You can search the name of the service and the words “delete account” or visit the support page to find out how to close an unused account. Source Link

Counting to 10 can do more than soothe anger -- it might help you talk out those serious issues. In a conversation where the temperature is rising, wait 10 seconds before you respond. Taking time to collect your thoughts can disarm a heated back-and-forth cycle and give both of you a chance to switch from combat back to conversation. Source Link

The end of the year isn’t the only time to take a look at your finances and budget. Doing this twice a year can help you spot troublesome habits earlier or uncover new opportunities for saving or investing. An easy formula is to schedule a semi-annual budget check-up on your birthday or around July Fourth. Source Link

October 6, 2021

We all know it’s an unhealthy habit, but how do you keep from touching your face? When you feel the urge to scratch an itch, rub your nose or adjust your glasses, grab a tissue and use that instead of your fingers. And break those compulsive unconscious habits like using your hand as a chin rest or to adjust your hair. Source Link 

Take some steps before you dive into that new phone or tablet to avoid becoming the victim of a hacker. Backup and transfer old data and consider using a cloud service to safeguard it from loss or theft. Create strong, secure logins and use new passwords for those vital services. And register your device with the manufacturer to help with recovery if you are hacked. Source Link 

That first cup of coffee in the morning might help you focus on success in the day ahead but don’t expect it to jump-start your creativity. Researchers found that caffeine could boost so-called convergent thinking such as problem-solving but divergent thinking that’s linked to creativity wasn’t improved for coffee drinkers. Source Link

October 5, 2021

 When packing for that next trip, think about what to carry-on with your phone. For example, you can download content from services to enjoy music, TV shows or movies when you don’t have a data connection. And remember that GPS won’t work without the internet but you can download directions and maps from Google Maps for offline use. Source Link 

Setting a 30-minute timer may help you combat the effects of too much sitting on the job. A study found that people who stood up and moved every half-hour had a small improvement in their blood sugar levels. That’s important because every hour spent sitting or lying down increases the risk for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Source Link

Keeping years worth of emails with attachments that could have your personal information is a security risk. To trash all of these from your Gmail account, enter, “has:attachment” in the search bar and then click on “Select all conversations that match this search.” With just one more click you’ll send all of these old emails to Gmail Trash. Source Link 

October 4, 2021

 A big breakfast might pave the way to weight loss if you ease off on eating for the rest of the day, according to a new study. More calories are burned in the morning, so you should eat more when calorie-burning is at its peak. Front-loading your food intake may also keep your blood sugar levels from going too high and protect against diseases like diabetes. Source Link 

When you have a financial goal in mind, think about it more often and you may be closer to reaching it. A survey found that people were able to increase their savings by up to 73 percent when they envisioned themselves succeeding. Using something like a vision board could help you get closer to that dream vacation or retirement savings goal. Source Link 

If you want to break a cycle of spending on items you don’t really need, try waiting to buy it. That could mean running out of something to see if you really need it before you re-stock or leaving that online purchase in the virtual shopping cart to see if you still want it a few days or a few weeks later. Source Link

October 1, 2021

 Powering down a computer and restarting it can fix many performance problems but be sure to do it the right way. Don’t hold down the Power button; select the restart option on the Power icon from the Start menu on a PC. If you’re a Mac user, select the Apple icon in the top left corner and press restart. Source Link 

Older Americans may need a refresher on using antibiotics safely. A survey found one-third of respondents mistakenly thought that antibiotics could effectively treat colds or the flu. Of those who had leftover antibiotics about two-thirds saved them for use later. You should always see a doctor and get a new antibiotic prescription if it’s needed. Source Link 

Keeping your kitchen healthy takes more than tossing out the mystery leftovers in the back of the fridge. You should change your cleaning sponge often because even microwaving it won’t kill all of the germs. And throw away a cutting board that has lots of cracks where bacteria can survive a good cleaning. Source Link