June 30, 2022

 You may need to pack more than passports for ID when your family takes an international vacation. Some countries require additional documents to help prevent child abductions. Check the U.S. State Department website for travel alerts and make copies of your travel documents to leave with a friend or family member back home. Source Link 

The tool that lets you cruise the information superhighway needs an occasional tune-up. Use the owner’s manual for your router or contact your cable modem provider to download a firmware update to improve performance and reduce the risk of being hacked. If there isn’t a recent update available you probably need a new router. Source Link 

You can get more plastic out of your life and out of the landfill with some simple alternatives. Bring reusable bags for produce when you grocery shop and carry a metal straw when you eat out. Buy food in bulk and store it in glass jars, switch to paper sandwich bags and put your leftovers in glass food storage containers instead of plastic ones. Source Link_ 

June 29, 2022

 Heat stroke can hit cell phones too. Don’t leave your phone in a hot car and don't charge it in direct sunlight. If your phone needs to cool down take it out of your pocket, remove the case and put it in Airplane mode or turn it off. And never put a warm phone somewhere like a freezer to cool off because rapid temperature change can create damaging condensation inside it. Source Link 

Parents with adult children still living at home may need to apply a dose of reality to get the kids to move out. One strategy is to charge them rent that’s 40 percent of their take-home pay or to double the rent every three months. And resist the urge to bail them out financially because in the real world adults handle this with an extra job or by cutting back on spending. Source Link_ 

It may be easier to get older adults to use sunscreen by focusing on avoiding short-term pain versus the long-term risk of skin cancer. In one study, concern about getting a sunburn was a bigger motivator to use sunscreen and a reminder from their partner also helped. And older adults may prefer a spray-on sunscreen that’s easier to apply. Source Link_ 

June 28, 2022

 Doing your part for the environment doesn’t require you to swap your car for a bike, switch to all-solar energy or recycle everything. Cutting your daily shower time by just one minute 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 with every grocery trip. Source Link

Seniors who notice that they’re walking slower should see a doctor to look for signs of dementia. A slower walking speed may be a sign of shrinkage in the part of the brain that handles learning, memories and the ability to find your way around. Exercise such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling might help stop that brain shrinkage and improve memory skills. Source Link_ 

What does it mean to have your home fully insured? Most policies include a dollar amount for repair or replacement costs but there are some big exceptions. You’ll probably need a separate policy for flood insurance and expensive items require an add-on called a rider. This could be jewelry and other pricey collections or all that computer equipment in your home office. Source Link_

June 27, 2022

 Controlling clutter in your home means avoiding some common bad habits when you step in the door. Hang a basket to hold car keys and sunglasses and place peel-and-stick wall hooks nearby for coats and bags instead of dumping this on a chair or sofa. And deal with mail as soon as you can by handling it once and sorting while standing over your trash can. Source Link 

Household dangers for pets go beyond that leftover chocolate bar and certain flowers. Experts say a tiny Lego piece can also look like a treat to your dog but will be big trouble if he eats it. And be sure you don’t have any twist ties, rubber bands, cotton swabs or dental floss laying on the floor. Source Link 

Breakfast gets all the glory but lunch sets the stage for dinner and there are ways to do the mid-day meal right. You can graze with handfuls of raw vegetables, a few hard boiled eggs and popcorn, or go for takeout with lean chicken, fish, and black beans but no buns or shells. Or you can make an extra portion of dinner the night before and pack that for today’s lunch. Source Link 

June 24, 2022

 You can make your medicine cabinet safer and easier to use. Toss out expired over-the-counter meds and dried-out makeup and prioritize the shelves to put the items you use most often on the lowest one. And forget the name and move all medicines to a cool, dry shelf in a closet or cabinet outside of your bathroom. Source Link 

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 

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 

June 23, 2022

 You love to barbecue but how do you avoid the cancer-causing compounds that can come with char-broiling? Think beyond red meat and grill more vegetables, poultry, fish or scallops that don’t pose the health risk. And when you grill red meat, choose less-processed cuts like steak rather than burgers, brats or hot dogs. Source Link 

Some common items in the home can slow down your WiFi signal. Keep your router away from a fish tank, bookshelves, large mirrors and TV’s that can interfere with WiFi transmission. Large metal objects like kitchen and laundry appliances and metal decorations can also interfere with a WiFi signal. Source Link

A daily dental hygiene step that’s practiced by many people could be too much of a good thing. Using a mouthwash with alcohol kills almost all the bacteria in your mouth, including the good kind. That leaves only the strongest bad bacteria to disrupt the balance of your mouth’s microbiome and that can lead to problems. Source Link

June 22, 2022

 When you're tired of celery sticks and carrots as healthy snacks you can try some 50-calorie substitutes like a cup of raspberries or blueberries that are high in fiber or two cups of cherry tomatoes. Half a medium bell pepper and a tablespoon of dip keeps you under 50 calories or try a cup and a half of air-popped popcorn. Source Link 

If your wallet is bursting at the seams from too much stuff, take these things out right now. Spare keys, a social security or Medicare card, birth certificate, passport card, a blank check, old receipts and that password cheat sheet all need to go. And carry one credit card to use and a backup instead of a wallet full of plastic. Source Link_

Consider these new uses for an old garden hose. Cutting a slot in a short length of hose can make a bucket handle grip, a safety guard for saw blades or cover swing set chains to protect tiny fingers from pinching. And using a nail to poke holes in that old hose could make a free alternative to buying a special hose for drip watering. Source Link_

June 21, 2022

 You can keep ticks away by wearing clothing with built-in insect repellant. Testing showed that insecticide-treated clothing stopped ticks from biting or caused them to fall off. You can treat your own clothes with permethrin spray but clothing made with the insect repellant already in it can work for up to 70 washes. Source Link 

There’s more to the cost of buying a car than the sticker price. Paying it off in the shortest term you can afford will save on interest charges and don’t forget sales tax if you have it in your state. Consider insurance premiums for the make and model of car and get several estimates and look at gas mileage for the most economical driving for years to come. Source Link_

Medicare is a great program if you’re 65 or older but it doesn’t pay all your healthcare costs. Long-term care isn’t included and you’ll need to pay separately for Part D or have a Medicare Advantage plan to cover drug costs. Routine dental and vision care isn’t included and regular Medicare still has deductibles and co-pays that’ll come out of your pocket. Source Link_

June 20, 2022

 You need to lower your blood pressure and you can do it faster with these foods. Dark chocolate, chamomile tea, berries and olive oil for cooking are great for the heart. You can also lower your blood pressure by keeping sodium intake under 1,500 mg per day. Source Link 

Not all debt is created equal. A mortgage lets you build wealth through rising home values and a student loan for an education to get a good job will pay off with much more in lifetime earnings. But debt from credit card balances you can’t pay off every month or an auto loan or lease every few years will have you spending more instead of living within your means. Source Link 

You want a snack but want to stay under 100 calories? Try a salty treat like 2 tablespoons of guacamole and 5 tortilla chips, or get some crunch with 3 cups of air-popped popcorn. Satisfy a sweet tooth with 2 tablespoons of frozen yogurt sandwiched between 2 graham crackers or get tart with 6 ounces of no-fat lemon yogurt. Source Link 

June 17, 2022

 Peanuts and potato chips might be a tasty nighttime snack but your bladder would beg to differ. In a study, people who cut down on salt had half the number of nighttime trips to the bathroom. Those who consumed more salt had twice the average in overnight potty breaks. Source Link 

Having a cell phone can take a big chunk out of your budget but there are ways to save money. Most carriers offer a discount for paperless billing and autopay and you could skip the insurance and buy a good phone case instead. And ask yourself if you really need a phone priced over $1,000 when a mid-range model will do, or look for a pre-owned phone for even more savings. Source Link 

Natural disasters strike in every season and being prepared year-round can help when the worst happens. Have a supply of shelf-stable food and water, along with a flashlight with fresh batteries. You’ll also want some cash in case ATM’s and credit card readers are down. Create a folder with copies of insurance policies and ID’s and pack a whistle to attract help. Source Link 

June 16, 2022

 Cleaning by number is one way to tackle the clutter in your home. Pick a number of things you’ll put away in one cleaning session and focus on one thing at a time, like stray shoes or getting rid of unneeded extras of some item. And always keep one box or bag ready to hold items that can be donated. Source Link 

You know it’s good for you but not all dietary fiber is created equal. In a study, the fiber found in fruits and vegetables didn’t lower cholesterol like the whole grain fiber found in breads and cereals and in supplements like Metamucil. And researchers said neither type of fiber lowered blood sugar. Source Link_

An old school scam is hitting a new generation of victims when people are promised big bucks or lots of free merchandise for being a secret shopper. That’s a real job but one warning sign of a scam is an offer that sends you a big check to buy a few things and return the change. The check bounces after you deposit it and you’re on the hook for all of the money. Source Link_

June 15, 2022

 Most of us aren’t very good at picking strong passwords. Some of the biggest no-no’s are using names of sports teams, brands or pop culture references, or reusing passwords with slight variations. A simple solution is to use a password manager program or app that creates strong unique passwords and remembers them for you. Source Link 

More exposure plus more fun equals kids eating more vegetables. Researchers found that offering toddlers a bigger variety of vegetables more often meant they ate more kinds of them. And following up with a fun non-food reward when they tried something new could encourage kids to eat an even bigger variety of veggies. Source Link_

Traveling overseas brings its own special health challenges and you should be prepared before you take off. At least four weeks before departure get up-to-date on all vaccinations including ones needed where you’re going. And take an ample supply of prescription medications and over-the-counter products like pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medicine or remedies for air or sea sickness. Source Link_

June 14, 2022

 If all the bad news of the world has you stressed there’s a good solution. Making a donation to a charitable cause or volunteering your time can ease feelings of helplessness from the weight of the world’s problems. You can also connect with others by joining a club or group to do something you enjoy. Source Link 

A yard sale deal is great but some bargain items shouldn’t make it home with you. Don’t buy a baby car seat second-hand because those come with an expiration date and may not be safe anymore. Likewise, a bike helmet may have been through an accident and can no longer protect you properly. Source Link_

It’s easier to spot a scam when you remember these five P’s. Scammers pretend to be from an organization you know, say there's a problem or that they have a prize for you. They may also pressure you to act immediately or tell you to pay in a specific way, like through a money transfer company or by using gift cards. Source Link_

June 13, 2022

 Have you tried these old school cleaning tricks? Coffee beans neutralize unpleasant odors and plain white toothpaste will polish silverware. Leaving salt to dry on a stain can remove much of it and a paste of baking soda and water can conquer burnt-on food in pots and pans. Source Link 

Your kitchen and bathroom may be safe from tiny hands, but is your technology toddler-proofed? You can disable power buttons on laptop or desktop computers and use power strip covers to prevent accidental switch-offs. And be sure your smartphone has a good screen lock to keep a curious child from opening apps or dialing a call. Source Link 

Here are some ways to safeguard your personal information in case of a major website hack. Consider using a master email address that’s only for recovering account information. Make sure you're not searchable by phone number on LinkedIn or Facebook, and avoid sharing too much information by not using social media accounts to log in to other websites or apps. Source Link 

June 10, 2022

 One important part of a good night’s sleep needs to be replaced every year or two. A pillow past its prime loses firmness and that can cause neck and shoulder pain. To test yours, hold out your arm and drape the pillow across it. If it hangs down on each side, it’s time for a new one. Source Link 

They’re dark purple and wrinkled and could be the perfect snack when you’re watching your weight. In one study, eating prunes helped people control appetite better to consume fewer calories and lose more weight. Nutrient-rich prunes may be better than other snacks because they can make you feel full faster. Source Link 

When you’re overweight you might avoid seeing your body in a mirror but that may be one way to help you lose those extra pounds. Researchers found that looking in the mirror encouraged overweight people to engage in more healthy activities. They say looking at your reflection seems to reduce anxiety and body dissatisfaction, while improving self-awareness. Source Link 

June 9, 2022

 Here’s a safety tip you can count on every time you fly. Make note of the number of rows between you and the nearest exit. Now you can reach out and count the seats by touch as you pass them to make it to the exit in the dark, in a smoke-filled cabin or even if the plane is in the water. Source Link 

When your budget is hit by inflation it’s important to look for smart ways you can save money. Don’t pay a monthly service fee for a checking account or fees for using an out-of-network ATM. Review credit card statements and cancel any services you don’t use. And hit the pause button for 24 hours before purchasing something big that’s on sale to see if that excitement about getting a deal wears off. Source Link_

Your brain might benefit from a vacation getaway that doesn’t involve travel. In a test, people who stayed off social media for a week gained about nine hours of free time and improved their mental well-being. Other research has shown that taking a brief break from TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter can ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Source Link_

June 8, 2022

 You found a bottle of sunscreen from last summer, but should you worry about it being expired? Probably not. Sunscreen can start to lose its potency after two or three years but the bigger problem is that people don’t use enough of it. You should start the equivalent of a shot glass full of sunscreen and re-apply it every few hours. Source Link 

There are many ways you can show support when a friend or family member is dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Send handwritten cards that they can save and look at later. Be a good listener and connect them with support communities. And instead of asking what they need, tell them how you’ll help, whether that’s with household chores or starting a fundraiser to defray hospital bills. Source Link_

Stocking a freezer with meat when it’s on sale can be a great way to save money, but how long will it keep? Steaks, chops, bacon, chicken breasts and hot dogs can be good for six months, and ground meat up to four months in a freezer at zero degrees. You can freeze meat in its original packaging but overwrap it with foil, plastic wrap or put the package in a plastic bag. Source Link_

June 7, 2022

 How do you find something tasty and healthy in the vending machine? Start by getting a little nutty. Bags of peanuts or almonds will provide some healthy fats and protein, and look for trail mix with nuts and dried fruit. Granola bars are a good choice and plain popcorn is a whole grain snack that’s packed with fiber and antioxidants. Source Link 

Supply chain issues have been bad news for people who need furniture but there are some ways around it. Buy from multiple vendors when you need a furniture set or purchase a floor model. Think second-hand and buy from online marketplaces or keep what you own and consider reupholstering, refinishing or adding a coat of paint for a fresh look. Source Link

A flood can happen fast and it’s a good idea to be prepared before the water rises. Declutter drains and gutters and consider installing check valves to stop rising water. Build a “go kit” of supplies you’ll need if you evacuate and include rubber boots and waterproof gloves. And investigate flood insurance now because most homeowner policies don’t cover flooding. Source Link 

June 6, 2022

 Your nose knows something’s not right but what’s causing those strange home smells? A slight whiff of smoke when you turn on a light switch could be faulty electrical wiring and a fishy smell can be caused when bad wiring starts to melt plastic or rubber in an appliance. And a musty odor in the kitchen might be caused by an unseen leak in a sink pipe. Source Link 

Here are four cornerstones to raising kids who will have a good relationship with money. Help them understand that you earn money for the work you do and that saving now helps you afford a major purchase later. Explain that it’s important to be patient and satisfied with what they own now and to think of others and be charitable. Source Link

A question like, “How was your weekend?” may be a key to boosting productivity at work. Researchers found that simple small talk between co-workers made people happier and enjoy their tasks more. But the casual conversations need to be about things that are not related to your work. Source Link

June 3, 2022

Why should you skip the tablet and grab a book when reading to your toddler? Testing showed that young children paid more attention to parents when sharing a paper book and were less likely to act out. Holding a real book was less distracting than using a screen that may encourage a child to play with it. Source Link 

With more people shopping online, more scammers are trying to steal from you. It’s a red flag if you’re unfamiliar with a company and its ad shows up in your social media feed, and a super-low price might get you a counterfeit or pirated product. You can check out unfamiliar websites with review services at bbb.org or ScamAdvisor.com. Source Link 

Meal delivery or takeout can be a convenient alternative when you want a night off from cooking but making healthy choices from an online menu can be a challenge. Avoid items that have the words “fried,” “crispy,” “creamy” or “breaded” in the name and tend to be high in saturated fat. Instead, look for terms like “baked,” “grilled,” “roasted,” and “steamed.” Source Link 

June 2, 2022

 Here’s a good reason for men to schedule a visit to the dentist – treating gum gum disease may help with prostate problems. Researchers say the inflammation associated with gum disease can have an adverse effect on the prostate, but conditions improved after dental treatments. Source Link 

Why might airline food taste different at 35,000 feet? Airplane noise can affect your perception of taste, enhancing some flavors while dulling others. In testing, airplane noise reduced the taste of sweets, but increased the flavor of umami, which is found in soup, meats, cheeses and tomatoes. Source Link 

That Zoom meeting might be fine for most things at work, but it could turn off the creative juices. Researchers found that video conferencing locked your attention to a screen and prevented the mind from wandering around the room as it might in a real meeting. That tunnel vision makes it hard to expand your thinking and maybe come up with the next great idea. Source Link_

June 1, 2022

 What’s the secret to living to be 100 years old? A survey of centenarians found that being around loved ones, laughing and having a sense of humor were tops on the list, followed by a positive attitude. And don't focus on your age in years, because the typical 100-year old said they didn’t start to feel old until they were in their 80s. Source Link 

Buying in bulk may seem like the answer to higher food prices but there are some things that aren’t a good deal. Meat, milk and produce are hard to store for long periods or can go bad fast. The same is true for whole-bean coffee. And buying snack foods in bulk may encourage you to eat more of them, erasing any savings and maybe adding to your waistline. Source Link_

Unlike closing the barn door after the horse is gone, you can protect your smartphone after it comes up missing if you act fast. For an Android phone, log into your Google account in any browser, select the phone and click on “Secure Device.” You can do the same with an iPhone at iCloud.com. But don’t use the option to erase everything on your phone until you’re sure it’s gone for good. Source Link_