July 29, 2022

  Building a better breakfast sandwich starts with what it’s made of. Skip the croissants or biscuits and try a whole-wheat English muffin, tortilla or pita wrap. Include four ounces of protein from eggs, turkey sausage or lean meat leftovers like chicken along with plenty of veggies and add some kick with salsa or hot sauce. Source Link 

You might lower blood pressure, ease depression, improve digestion and sleep better without medicines or treatments by practicing meditation. Start by sitting or laying down for about 5 minutes and let your mind wander without trying to control it. Another technique is to focus on your breathing or stare at an object. Source Link 

TV binge-watching may seem fun but your body and brain might beg to differ. Sitting for long periods and eating junk food isn’t good for your body and watching show after show can have the same effect on your brain as compulsive gambling. Make sure a TV binge doesn’t interrupt your sleep, try standing up for five minutes during each episode and pick healthy snacks. Source Link 

July 28, 2022

  It’s what you eat and when you eat it that can make it easier or harder to watch your weight. Front-loading your calories to eat more earlier in the day has been shown to help with weight loss. You can also try a four-meal-a-day plan with a second lunch that you eat at mid-afternoon instead of snacking after dinner. Source Link

Here's a three-step plan to avoid being a victim of online hacking. Start by using a password manager for automatic strong protection that you won’t have to remember. Log onto financial sites using only one device like an old phone, tablet or laptop. And set up alerts so your bank will email or text you about any large transactions. Source Link 

If you have a traditional IRA now might be a great time to switch and save on taxes. Converting to a Roth IRA and paying taxes now could cost you less than doing it later. That's because experts say it’s unlikely individual tax rates will drop any lower in the years to come when Congress will have to deal with a growing budget deficit. Source Link

July 27, 2022

  Adult coloring books are more than a pleasant pastime. Coloring can give your brain a break from the everyday stress of so many decisions and help you maintain dexterity as you age. And picking up a coloring book instead of your phone or tablet before bed can help your wind down more easily and may even improve your sleep. Source Link 

It’s what you eat and when you eat it that can make it easier or harder to watch your weight. Front-loading your calories to eat more earlier in the day has been shown to help with weight loss. You can also try a four-meal-a-day plan with a second lunch that you eat at mid-afternoon instead of snacking after dinner. Source Link 

It can seem like there’s no longer wait than the one when you’re charging a phone but you can speed up the process. The fastest charge comes with your phone off or in Airplane Mode and using a wall outlet instead of plugging into a computer will make it faster. Remember that heat slows down charging so remove the case and keep the phone out of the sun. Source Link 

July 26, 2022

 If you use an app to remotely deposit checks into your bank account, don’t be quick to toss out that paper. Hang on to the check for two weeks in case the deposit doesn’t clear and you need to provide it to your bank. And when it’s safe to dispose of the check be sure to shred it so it can’t fall into the wrong hands. Source Link 

Are there “superfoods” that can boost your brain health? Health experts say there’s no one food that can be the answer but an eating plan like the Mediterranean Diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts can lead to better cognitive abilities in old age. On the other hand, the sluggishness you feel after a heavy meal is your brain reacting to all that fat and sugar. Source Link 

Be sure your next load of laundry doesn’t include these items. Washing a rubber-backed mat may damage the pump from pieces of rubber that can break off. And if you put running shoes in the washing machine remove the insoles and place each shoe in a separate pillowcase. Then, wash the shoes with bath towels to act as cushions. Source Link 

July 25, 2022

 Want to put your photo skills to work making money? Many websites buy photos from amateurs for sale in a stock library. For subject matter, think about timeliness to match current search trends. Create images that can portray a concept instead of an object or a place and shoot photos with people to illustrate this. Source Link 

Thinking outside that box of Mac and Cheese can really help when you’re donating to a local food bank. Some simple things like spices, salt and pepper, tea bags, sugar, flour and coffee are always welcome. Better yet, donating money to a food bank lets them purchase items at prices far lower than what you’d pay at the grocery store. Source Link 

One simple move may help your child have a better credit rating when they’re older. Adding a child as an authorized user to a credit card helps them benefit from your good habits. Having a healthy credit score can be important for young adults who want to rent an apartment, sign up for utilities or get their own cell-phone plan. Source Link 

July 22, 2022

 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 

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 

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 

July 21, 2022

 Preparations to send your child off to college should include some straight talk before moving day. Discuss what decisions you expect them to tackle on their own and when to ask for help. Talk about academic priorities and healthy ways to manage stress and plan for weekly video chats or occasional visits to look for any worrisome changes. Source Link

You want to take a vacation somewhere on a budget and the folks at Google are ready to help. Go to google.com/travel and click on ”Explore.” Enter your departure city and choose specific dates or a time period up to six months from now and you’ll get recommendations including airfare and hotel or vacation rentals that you can book now. Source Link_

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 

July 20, 2022

 Getting rid of car clutter is easier with these simple steps. Keep an envelope in the glove box to quickly stash receipts and then check it once a week to see what you need to keep. A silicone muffin tin liner can protect a cup holder from dirt and spills and use an empty tissue box as a trash container. Attach Velcro strips and stick it to the carpeting near the passenger seat. Source Link 

Here's a question to ask when your child is going to a friend’s home - “Is there an unlocked gun in the house?” If the answer is “yes” ask them to come to your home. Young children are curious and often don’t follow safety rules and teens can be impulsive, and both can lead to deadly accidents with unsecured guns. Source Link

Reducing credit card debt through a consolidation loan could be a fast way to boost your credit score. Researchers found that paying down $10,000 in credit card debt boosted scores by an average of 49 points. Taking out a loan for that money does affect your rating but you'd still come out way ahead in your overall score. Source Link_

July 19, 2022

 An old school way to tell time might help you avoid jet lag on your next cross-country flight. A few days before leaving, start wearing a watch that’s set for your destination’s time zone. Using this throughout the day will help your brain adapt the body’s circadian rhythms to the different time before you leave. Source Link_

When your summer vacation is in a warm place you should prep yourself before the trip. Know the signs of heat exhaustion like headaches, cold skin and weakness and make sure you're drinking enough water or non-alcoholic beverages. And ease into any strenuous vacation activities like hiking or biking. Source Link 

Your wallet might thank you if you skip that complimentary cup of coffee during your next shopping trip. In a study, people who sipped coffee while shopping spent 50 percent more money. The caffeine in coffee leads to a higher energetic state that can make you more impulsive and less able to control your spending. Source Link_

July 18, 2022

 You can do a lot with your old smartphone after you buy that new one. Besides being a hand-me-down, your old phone could be a hands-free screen for use with Siri or Google Assistant or you can put it to work as a dedicated remote for your TV or smart home system. And that old phone can be a new handheld gaming device for young children who won’t need to play with your new phone. Source Link 

Should brushing your teeth be part of the morning ritual right after breakfast? You want to brush every morning but doing it immediately after breakfast or any meal can be hard on tooth enamel that’s been softened by acids in the food we eat. Waiting for 30 minutes to brush can protect your teeth from damage. Source Link 

Here’s a heart health test that you can do yourself just by taking the stairs. A study found that people who could climb four flights of stairs in less than a minute had a heart that was in good shape. If it takes you more than a minute-and-a-half to climb four floors it’s probably a good idea to consult a doctor. Source Link 

July 15, 2022

 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

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 

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 

July 14, 2022

 The fake job opening is a scam that can cost you plenty. Bogus listings may ask you to pay something to get a job or send you a check to deposit that ends up bouncing and leaving you holding the bag. Visit a company’s website to verify job openings before you apply and search the company name along with words like, “scam” “review” or “complaint.” Source Link_

You can prevent tragedies from happening in a hot car by remembering to “ACT.” “A” is to avoid ever leaving a child alone in a car. “C” is to create reminders like putting your briefcase or purse next to the child, and “T” is to take action -- call 9-1-1 if you ever see a child alone in a car. Source Link 

A ten-second test you can do at home might reveal your odds of living a longer life. A long-term study found that middle-aged people who couldn’t stand on one leg for 10 seconds were nearly twice as likely to die within a decade. Good balance is essential to avoid falls that can cause crippling injuries. Source Link_

July 13, 2022

 'Tis the season to know the signs of heat-related illness. Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, headache, lightheadedness or weakness are early warnings and muscle spasms in the legs or stomach can be a sign of heat cramps. A good starting treatment is to move to a cool place and give small amounts of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks. Source Link_

Summer is salad time but there are some kinds that aren't very healthy. A taco salad can pack as much fat as a cheeseburger and a chef’s salad is often loaded with processed meats with nitrates and cheese that’s high in saturated fat. And that Caesar salad is topped with a heavy, creamy high-calorie dressing, so order it on the side and use it sparingly. Source Link 

You can easily tighten your budget by not spending money on these things. An extended warranty is rarely used, and don’t go to a gym that requires a long-term contract. Eat breakfast at home, bring your own snacks and reusable water bottle to work, look for free smartphone games and don’t pay for rental car insurance if your credit card covers you. Source Link_

July 12, 2022

 Using a wire brush to clean your grill could be adding a dangerous ingredient to that burger or steak. Tiny bits of wire brush can stick to the grill during cleaning and end up in your cooked food. It's better to wipe down your grill every time before you cook to remove anything that's sticking to it. Source Link 

A summer heat wave can be hard on your heart, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or are obese. Triple-digit high temperatures may double the number of deaths from heart disease and strokes can be more severe. Staying hydrated is important and don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Drink water regularly throughout a hot day. Source Link _

Scammers who impersonate someone else are the number-one source of fraud but you can fight back. Remember that government agencies will never contact you to ask for your Medicare or Social Security number or a password, and don’t click links in emails or texts that look official. Visit the agency’s website separately. And use free spam blocking apps offered by wireless carriers to limit junk calls. Source Link_

July 11, 2022

 Want to add more fruit to your diet conveniently without stocking-up in the Produce section? Dried fruit can help because it’s portable, shelf-stable, and may even be cheaper than fresh. Just be sure to watch your portions and choose unsweetened dried fruit without added sugar. Source Link 

The tools to improve your health don't have to carry a price tag. Meditating to reduce stress and improve sleep is free, and you’ll find plenty of free workout videos on YouTube. You can improve your mental health with a pen and paper by journaling and swapping water for soda is more healthy and will save you money. Source Link 

Follow these tips for safer house cleaning. When working with liquid cleaners, wear gloves to protect your skin and consider using a diluted vinegar solution or baking soda instead of stronger chemicals like bleach or ammonia. And remember to open a window and get fresh air in while you’re scrubbing with a strong cleaner. Source Link 

July 8, 2022

 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 sound bar or set of speakers you can adjust the volume of the center channel that carries most of the dialogue. Source Link 

There are some things you should never do on a 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 

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 

July 7, 2022

 Your child's sleep schedule can take a beating during summer but there are ways to help them get their Z’s. Younger children often wake up at the same time every day whether or not school is in session so keep them to within an hour of regular bedtimes. Most teenagers have mastered the art of sleeping in but you should limit that to a few hours each day. Source Link 

The way you charge your smartphone could limit the life of the battery. Don’t use cheap power cables, wall plugs or wireless chargers that may damage your phone. Don’t let the battery charge drop to zero and avoid keeping a phone on and charging overnight because both can be bad. Your battery works best when it’s charged between 20 and 80 percent. Source Link_

What you eat can help your body weather those hot temperatures during summer exercise. Don’t start a workout hungry and look for foods with high water content like melons, soups, smoothies, apples, berries or tomatoes. If you’re sweating a lot, try a sports drink along with plenty of water breaks. Source Link_ 

July 6, 2022

 There are ways to offset the carbon footprint of your Amazon shopping habits. If you don’t need an item right away, choose the slowest shipping time like Amazon Day delivery to consolidate multiple orders into one weekly drop-off. And look for a “Used” listing for the item because you’ll be recycling and often get a product that works fine and costs less. Source Link_ 

Scammers are out to spoil some special connections in your summer travel plans. Think twice before hooking-up to free airport WiFi because some networks with familiar names could be powered by a hacker’s hot spot. There are other ways to steal your data so don’t charge your phone with a USB cord that’s not yours. And use a charger that plugs directly into a power outlet and not into a USB charging port. Source Link_ 

When keeping close watch on a household budget isn’t your thing, try the 80-20 rule to simplify it. The first 20 percent of your paycheck should automatically go toward investments, savings or debt repayment. The other 80 percent goes toward needs and wants, including food, rent and entertainment. How you choose to spend that money is up to you. Source Link_

July 5, 2022

 Your dog needs some special help to stay safe in summer. Dogs will push themselves to please you no matter the temperature, so avoid strenuous play during the hottest times of the day. Not all dogs can swim, so use a doggy life vest if you're in deep water and make sure your dog has protection from ticks that are abundant in summer. Source Link 

Six out of ten Americans suffer eye strain from too much screen time, but there are some simple remedies. Position a computer monitor so your eye level is 15 inches above the center of the screen and remember the 20-20-20 rule -- every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Source Link 

You can combine some basic cleaning solutions with paper towels to make your own biodegradable disinfecting wipes. Soak paper towel sheets in hydrogen peroxide or 60-percent isopropyl alcohol, or in a mixture of four teaspoons of bleach in a quart of water. Store these in a sealed container and throw them away in the trash and not down the toilet. Source Link_ 

July 1, 2022

 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 

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