Are you guilty of making one of these password mistakes that hackers love? Like not using special characters or forgetting to vary between upper and lower case letters or reusing the same passwords or using ones that are just slightly different. And hackers love it when you ignore news about website security breaches that may have compromised your information. Source Link
Taking a purposeful break from eating is proving to be a good way to drop some pounds and stay healthy. Intermittent fasting has been associated with a lower risk of diabetes and liver disease and could help with weight loss. You can fast for a full day a few times a week or limit your eating time to only six to eight hours each day. Source Link
Most of the best ways to put money into your house and get it back in higher value are on the outside. Renovations that build curb appeal, like a new garage door, window replacements, new decking or improved siding offer the biggest return on investment. A new kitchen may not match a buyer’s tastes and bathroom remodeling didn’t even make the Top 10. Source Link
February 28, 2022
February 25, 2022
If the fingerprint reader on your smartphone is a bit finicky, try this tip to improve performance. Most phones allow you to register more than one finger and you can use that to scan the same finger more than once. Having multiple scans of the same fingerprint can improve the performance of the sensor. Source Link
How can something that goes into the recycling bin help you save money on your water bill? If your home has older-style toilets with a full flush rather than low-flow, fill an empty gallon-sized milk jug with water and place it in the toilet tank. This will reduce the amount of water needed for each flush and cut your utility costs. Source Link
It’s one step that could save you from skin cancer. A full-body exam to look at all of your bumps, moles and birthmarks is the best way to find out which are benign and which might put you at-risk for skin cancer. But this isn’t a DIY job, so make an appointment with a dermatologist for a full-body exam. Source Link
February 24, 2022
Believe it or not, eating a cookie might help improve your child’s dental health. Have them eat an Oreo cookie and then brush their teeth. If you can still see bits of cookie after they’re done, you need to be checking and helping them brush better. You should also give your kids healthy snacks, use fluoride toothpaste and have them drink lots of water. Source Link
You’ve tried banging on the lid to open that stubborn jar and it’s not working, but there are other techniques that might open things up. Holding a dish towel or wearing rubber gloves while you open the jar can give you more gripping power and sometimes you can loosen the lid by slapping the base of the jar with an open palm. Source Link
Ransomware is hitting home for average people caught in the middle of a hack. In one case, cyberthieves attacked computers for a school district and then contacted parents of students asking for payment to prevent the release of their child’s personal information. If you receive a threatening phone call like this, don’t pay but do hang up immediately and report it to authorities. Source Link
February 23, 2022
If the morning routine starts with checking your phone, making the bed and pouring that first cup of coffee, you may want to rethink your habits. Diving right into social media can leave you stressed and the caffeine in coffee is more effective a few hours after you wake up. And letting your bedding air out for a while reduces the moisture that can feed dust mites. Source Link
A home security system can keep all your things safer with some strategic placement of wireless sensors. A medicine chest or liquor cabinet could be protected from snooping guests or curious kids and you can safeguard that detached shed or an RV parked in your driveway. Set your system to send you a silent alert If you don’t want a squealing alarm from these sensors. Source Link
Would you eat more of something because it’s labeled “light?” That’s what happened in one study with people who ate larger amounts of a “light” food than of the regular kind. Researchers say don’t count on descriptions on packaging – compare calories, sugar, fat and sodium to see if that “light” food lives up to the name. Source Link
February 22, 2022
Forgetfulness is common as we get older, but how can you tell if it’s just aging or the onset of Alzheimer’s? If memory loss makes it hard for you to handle your daily tasks or you’re really struggling to do things like follow directions in a familiar recipe or keep track of bills the way you used to do, those could be warning signs of memory problems. Source Link
If push comes to shove, what’s your financial survival number? Find it by totaling the cost of rent or mortgage and utilities, groceries, dining out, transportation, household costs, clothing, health care and entertainment. Then take everything that isn’t a fixed cost and cut it down to the bare minimum. Source Link
Here’s a simple one-minute exercise to help you fall asleep faster. Lie on your back and put one hand under your head along the ridge at the base of your skull. Place your other hand flat across your forehead, close your eyes and relax until you feel your pulse sync up between both hands. This sends a signal to your nervous system to bring more blood to the brain and helps you doze off. Source Link
February 21, 2022
Why did President’s Day become an occasion for mattress sales and great deals on new cars? The third Monday in February was first called “Washington’s Birthday” to commemorate the birth of our first president, but in the early 1970s the name “President’s Day” became popular with retailers who used the holiday as a hook for their mid-winter sales. Source Link
Here’s a good reason to stop binge-watching TV – it could lead to a stroke or sudden death. Researchers found that too much binge-watching may raise the risk of life-threatening blood clots in the legs or lungs by 35%. And being physically active at other times doesn’t protect against the ill-effects of those marathon TV sessions. Source Link
Getting someone to change their mind works best when you ditch the demands and give them a number of choices. This is true when you’re trying to guide behavior or making a sales pitch. You can also highlight a gap between their thoughts and actions and ask more questions to get feedback and help someone feel their ideas are part of the solution. Source Link
February 18, 2022
Here’s a one-two tip for better car maintenance and you don’t have to pop the hood to do it. First, be sure you read the owner’s manual to know the maintenance needs of your make and model. And while you have that manual open, learn the meaning of all those dashboard warning lights because some require immediate attention. Source Link
How can you undo the damage when clothes are shrunk in the wash? Soak it for up to 30 minutes in a sink or tub with lukewarm water and a cupful of baby shampoo to loosen fibers. Gently squeeze the water from the clothing and lay it on a flat towel and roll it up and squeeze more. Place it on another dry towel and gently stretch back to preshrunk size and allow the item to air dry. Source LinkIt can be a challenge to save enough for a down payment on a home, so help yourself with a few well-placed pats on the back. Break up the total into smaller goals and reward yourself when you reach each one. If you need to save $30,000 total, consider treating yourself to a nice meal with every $5,000 saved. Source Link
February 17, 2022
If you’re hearing a song you can’t get out of your head, you’re not alone. Nine out of 10 people say they often have “earworm” songs playing on endless repeat. Researchers think they’re triggered by experiences that connect you to the song. The remedy may be finding a mentally demanding task that keeps your brain busy. Source Link
Online grocery shopping may be more convenient, but there’s a way it’s not so healthy. Many grocery websites don’t make it easy to see nutritional information for products. The surge in online grocery buying got ahead of any government rules about displaying nutritional information on a website or an app. Source Link
Think of all the things you could do with a bar of soap besides washing your hands. Rub a dry bar of soap on side and bottom tracks in drawers to stop them from sticking or use it to silence a squeaky hinge. A key rubbed with dry soap can fix a sticky lock and a plain bar of soap can be a handy pincushion and help sewing needles glide through fabric. Source Link
February 16, 2022
A potato can be mashed, baked, cut into fries, or kept with other household cleaners. A sliced raw potato rubbed on clothing can be a stain remover, or dip the cut side into baking soda or dish soap to clean away rust. Soak tarnished silverware in water that was used to boil potatoes or rub a piece of raw potato on hands that are stained by beets or berries. Source Link
You can be safer online with a few simple steps. To avoid identity theft, don’t use public WiFi for online banking or shopping and resist the urge to download anything you see in an ad. Don’t give correct answers to security questions that could be easily uncovered with an online search and use two-factor authentication for any website or app that offers it. Source Link
Canceled flights are becoming the new normal, but what are you owed if you’re left at the gate? You’re entitled to a full refund if you choose not to rebook a canceled flight. A significant delay, like six hours or more could also entitle you to a full refund, but not if you accept any airline compensation and proceed with your trip. Source Link
February 15, 2022
Your head really hurts after a hard bump or a fall, but is it a concussion? The warning signs include a dazed or stunned appearance, confusion, odd behavior or slow response to questions. You may also suffer with nausea or be overly sensitive to light or sound. Severe dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or pupils that are enlarged or unequal in size are signs of a concussion that requires immediate medical attention. Source Link
Tax season is upon us and there are a few notable changes that could save you money. The deduction for charitable cash contributions is now up to $600 for married filers who use the standard deduction. And the Earned Income Tax Credit has an expanded age range for childless workers and a higher $10,000 limit on invested income. Source Link
A smartphone can help you form better tech habits. Screen Time features will show you what’s occupying your time on your phone and distraction blocker apps can keep you on-track for work. And use a calendar app with natural language processing to make adding and updating appointments faster and easier. Source Link
February 14, 2022
Getting to zero might be the smartest way to create an effective home budget. With zero-based budgeting, your income minus what you spend and save each month equals zero. Besides living expenses, you can assign money to pay off debt, contribute to savings and investments and set aside some just for fun until your available money is down to zero. Source Link
For the most refreshing daytime nap, remember these three L’s. Plan your nap for no later than 2 pm to avoid interfering with your body’s normal sleep cycle. Limit your nap to no more than 30 minutes to avoid falling into a deep sleep and find a location that’s dark and cool but don't worry about having a flat surface because an easy chair or reclining your car seat will work fine. Source Link
Why should you have a will? Everyone needs to communicate end-of-life preferences to their family, whether or not you have a lot of money. A will can make clear your wishes about finances and property distribution so your family won’t have to spend countless hours with probate courts and attorneys. Source Link
February 11, 2022
You’re going to deep-clean your refrigerator, but be sure you do it right. Unplug the power and leave the freezer closed but open the door wide. Remove shelves and drawers and wash these in cool water to avoid cracking them. And tackle those stuck-on messes by covering with a warm, damp dish towel to soften them enough to wipe or scrape off. Source Link
Could one less candy bar make an important difference in your heart health? Researchers say cutting just 250 calories a day along with moderate exercise helped obese seniors fight hardening of the arteries that’s part of heart disease. The combination worked better than cutting 600 calories per day. Source Link
Call it a colorful approach to avoiding dementia. People who consumed just a half serving a day of foods high in flavonoids had a 20% lower risk of mental decline. Flavonoids are an antioxidant found in colorful fruits and vegetables like bananas, apples, pears, sweet peppers, citrus, cherries and berries. Source Link
February 10, 2022
Don’t let the thermometer fool you - it may be winter but sunscreen is something you need in every season. Sun damage can occur year-round, even on cloudy or rainy days and you get sun exposure through windows at the office, at home or in cars. Dermatologists recommend using a broad spectrum sunscreen every day and all year long. Source Link
There are some things you should never do on that work computer in the office or at home. Assume that all of your activity can be monitored by the boss, so don’t use desktop folders or work accounts like email or Google Docs to keep personal records. The same is true for personal passwords and don’t try to remove any security software. Source Link
One out of four Americans aged 60 and over lives alone and you can offer them assistance and help to combat loneliness. ElderHelpers.org is a national organization that connects volunteers with seniors in need. If you already know someone you can help, offer to do outdoor chores, exchange letters or emails or set a monthly date to play cards or watch a movie. Source Link
February 9. 2022
You want to do your part for the environment but you can’t swap your car for a bike, switch to all-solar energy or recycle everything? Spending one minute less in the shower each day would save thousands of gallons of water a year. You could also stop using disposable products and keep a few plastic bags in your car so you don’t use more of them on every grocery trip. Source Link
If your selfies often feature that “turkey neck” look, try this tip. Before you snap the picture, jut your head forward slightly, so it’s closer to the camera. While you’re doing that stretch your neck and tip your chin down a little bit to improve the look of your neck. You can practice this using a mirror and your front-facing camera to perfect your new selfie technique. Source Link
You don’t need to hover over the volume control for your TV to avoid when the sound gets too loud in a movie or TV show. You might have a “night mode” setting on the TV to reduce the difference between loud and softer parts of the soundtrack. And with a three-channel soundbar or set of speakers you can adjust the volume of the center channel that carries most of the dialogue. Source Link
February 8, 2022
Can simply viewing your credit report make your score drop? Researchers found that people who got a free credit report and saw a lower number often stopped checking regularly, and that may not be a bad idea for some. Avoiding repeated exposure to a negative score may help you focus on solutions to improve your finances rather than fixating on a number. Source Link
You can make a meal, go for carryout or eat at a restaurant, but you can also replay some of the greatest hits out of the fridge. A survey found that the average American’s weekly diet consisted of five home-cooked meals, three takeout meals, three restaurant visits and three leftover meals. But one out of four people said they never eat from yesterday’s menu. Source Link
More people are seeing pay raises, but how do you get one if you have to ask for it? Make a list of specific accomplishments, consider negotiating perks and benefits and find out how your salary compares to others in a similar job. And time your pitch to approach the boss right after you’ve done well on a project or taken on new responsibilities. Source Link
February 7, 2022
Good posture can make working from home more comfortable. When sitting at a desk, rest your feet flat on the floor with your thighs parallel to the ground and your head level and in line with your torso. The top of your computer screen should be at or slightly below eye level and at arm’s length from you. And a small pillow or towel roll can give you lower back support. Source Link
Where there’s a will, there’s a better way to protect your family and make sure your wishes are carried out when it comes to guardianship for children or how to give away your possessions. Review your will annually and after life events like a divorce or when children become adults. And consider a living will that lists the care you do or don’t want if you become seriously ill. Source Link
If every meal seems like a race to clean your plate, try these tips to slow down. Eating with your non-dominant hand can help and set down your fork for 10 seconds between each bite. And use smaller plates and bowls that empty faster to make it look like you’re full even when you’ve eaten less. Source Link
February 4, 2022
How could online grocery shopping be healthier for you? A study found that people who shopped for food online spent less on junk food like candy, frozen desserts, cookies and cakes. But sugary beverages and sweet and salty snacks were still being purchased online probably because these are usually not impulse buys. Source Link
Just like duct tape, there seems to be an unending list of uses for WD-40 spray lubricant. It’s used to remove chewing gum from hair, can shine the leaves of artificial plants and is sprayed on wire tomato cages to keep insects away. It can take the sting out of fire ant bites and even removes the sticky residue left by, guess what? Duct tape. Source Link
When it comes to raising children, it’s better to be a gardener than a carpenter. A “gardener” parent helps a child’s interest grow on their own by cultivating a fertile landscape, while a “carpenter” parent tries to carve out interests and ambitions that they want to see in their child. Taking a gardener’s approach helps kids have a healthy environment to set their own direction. Source Link
February 3, 2022
If your New Year’s resolutions are now labeled “maybe next year” you can get back on track with a new outlook. Remember that multiple failures can be part of the path to success and look for situations in your life that might sabotage the effort. And pick a day that’s significant for your resolution reboot, whether that’s a birthday, an anniversary or the first of the month. Source Link
The old warning not to read in low light for fear of going blind has no scientific basis, but reading could have an effect on your eyes. No matter what kind of light you use, long periods of any close-up work like reading can cause blurred vision, headaches, neck and shoulder pain and burning or itchy eyes. An easy solution is to blink more to keep your eyes moisturized. Source Link
Fear of getting a shot is real for children but there are ways to ease those worries. The youngest kids can understand there’s some pain from a needle poke but it can help your body not get sick and older children can follow a deeper explanation of how vaccines work. But try not to talk too much about it before the shot and don’t let your anxieties show. Source Link
February 2, 2022
The namesake of Groundhog Day gets more than one shot in the spotlight each year. Punxsutawney Phil has a Facebook page with over 100,000 followers and an Instagram account, plus Groundhog Club chapters in the U.S. and two foreign countries. You can even arrange a personal greeting from the world’s favorite groundhog for a birthday or any occasion. Source Link
For many couples, talking about money is difficult for one of you, but there are ways you can team up. Start small and review your bank accounts or automated bill payments and take time once every three months to talk about your financial goals. But don’t force the issue – remember your partner doesn’t need to take on everything in order to participate. Source Link
Every food that comes processed and packaged isn’t necessarily bad for you. Canned fish is a great source of protein and fatty acids that can reduce inflammation, and canned or boxed soup is a convenient way to hydrate and get your veggies. And pre-cooked grains can be a healthy start to a main course. Source Link
February 1, 2022
Keeping a gratitude journal could be a key to better health. Research has shown that people who count their blessings tend to sleep better, feel less stress and improve interpersonal relationships. You don’t have to focus on the big things because finding small everyday joys can be just as helpful. Source Link
Eating well doesn’t have to be expensive with foods that are good for you and easy on the wallet. Eggs are a great source of protein and a real value at less than 10 cents apiece and plain oatmeal is a fiber-rich food for pennies a serving. Chicken is a better buy than beef and you'll spend less on bananas and fresh in-season produce. Source Link
Something as simple as looking down while coughing can help to reduce the spread of COVID. A study found that people who had their head down during a cough spread fewer droplets into the air for others to breathe in. Researchers say the “head-down” technique is even more important when you’re walking down a set of stairs. Source Link