September 30, 2022

 A vacuum sealed freezer bag can keep food longer but you don’t need a sealing machine to do it. Place the food in any freezer bag, squeeze out the air and zip it closed. Put a piece of aluminum foil over both sides of the end of the bag and then run a hot iron over the end to seal the bag for storage in the freezer. Source Link 

Malware-infected apps and clicking on bogus links in text messages or emails can let a hacker inside your phone and there are warning signs to watch for. Your phone may be hot to the touch from malware that’s running at top speed or your battery is draining faster or data use is spiking. Also watch for emails or text messages sent from your phone but weren’t written by you. Source Link 

A vacation from work is something your body needs. The physical response to workday pressures is to create hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that help you meet deadlines and other challenges but without breaks this process goes into overdrive, causing anxiety and burnout. A vacation is a hard reset that interrupts this cycle. Source Link 

September 29, 2022

 Six out of ten Americans suffer digital eye strain from too much screen time and 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 

 We all like to check online reviews before making a purchase, but how can you tell the honest ones from the fakes? Red flags to look for are a high percentage of five-star reviews, a lack of detail or vague praise, and generic review titles like, “nice product.” And look for multiple reviews on specific dates, especially if there are long gaps of time between those dates. Source Link 

Getting the most out of a weekend can take more than just getting away from the job. Make some plans ahead of time to have something to look forward to during the week and avoid lots of scrolling through social media or watching TV because those can make time seem to pass faster. And look for a hobby or activities that are different from your type of day-to-day work. Source Link

September 28, 2022

 Getting the most from your health insurance isn’t something to do only when you’re sick. Many policies include wellness programs to improve your health and help you avoid chronic conditions. Nutrition, smoking cessation, fitness, combating substance abuse and stress management are among the common wellness offerings that are often free or discounted. Source Link 

 Creating a will can help your heirs if you don’t make these mistakes. Name one person as the executor and then have alternates and be sure all of your accounts and property have a beneficiary upon death or a co-owner. And be specific about who gets any item with sentimental value to avoid a family feud after you're gone. Source Link 

Talking with your hands can make you more persuasive. Gesturing with a thumb and forefinger together and holding up fingers as you talk about a series of things are both powerful visual cues. So is holding your hand over your heart or holding both hands with palms up and moving them up and down to demonstrate weighing two options. Source Link 

September 27, 2022

 You need a late-night snack that won’t keep you up until the break of dawn. Look for foods that give you the most nutritional bang for your buck and won’t upset your stomach, such as walnuts, bananas, Greek yogurt, or a rice cake with peanut butter. Dark chocolate-covered nuts are another choice, but go easy on them because the caffeine in chocolate can be a real eye opener. Source Link_

Medicare fraud is a major problem and there are ways to spot a scam before you get taken. Medicare will not make an unsolicited contact to verify your information and watch out for an offer of free medical supplies that asks you to give up your Medicare number. And never let anyone but your doctor review your medical records to recommend services. Source Link_

If you love microwave popcorn you may want to think twice about that fast snack. Nearly all microwave popcorn comes in packaging with chemicals that accumulate in your body and may interfere with your immune system. The safer choice is to use an air popper or a pan on the stove with a dash of oil to make your popcorn. Source Link_

September 26, 2022

 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 

September 23, 2022

 Behold the lowly bar of soap – it’s a great tool for those home repair projects. Rubbing soap into a nail hole can fill it until you paint and when you’re painting trim next to a window you can rub soap along the glass to keep splatters from sticking. And rubbing a bar of soap on door hinges and even floorboards can silence those squeaks. Source Link 

When you store food in freezer bags, try this tip to make it an easier fit. Slip a zipped bag of food into an empty cereal box and put that in the freezer. Once frozen, take it out of the box and stack your frozen food like bricks. This will also help the freezer operate more efficiently with less air space between items. Source Link 

Prices at the dollar store aren’t what they used to be but you can still find bargains by shopping smart. Disposable items like gift wrap, paper plates, napkins and cups are a better buy but avoid breakables that aren’t as sturdy and shy away from electronics that may not last. And come with a shopping list because a cart full of impulse buys even at the dollar store will add up fast. Source Link 

September 22, 2022

 If yo-yo dieting has your weight going up and down the scale, try these tips to stabilize that number. Eat in moderation and practice mindful eating to be aware of what you’re eating and why. Weigh yourself every day and aim for small changes over time and find ways to reward yourself that don’t involve food. Source Link

Having the hottest smartphone isn’t a good thing when you’re talking about temperature and not popularity. If your phone feels warm to the touch, start by removing the case and don’t store it in the sun or have it directly touching your body. Some things that can overheat a phone are shooting video, playing graphically rich games, or using your phone as a mobile hotspot. Source Link_

Some Airbnb hosts are using hidden cameras to keep an undercover eye on guests and there are ways to spot them. Turn off the lights in a room and use your phone’s flashlight to slowly scan and look for reflections from a tiny camera lens. Examine out-of-place objects that could have a hidden camera and unplug or cover up anything that might be suspicious. Source Link_

September 21, 2022

 The bathroom accounts for about a quarter of water use in the home and it’s a good place to begin conservation efforts. Install WaterSense-certified shower heads and faucets that work effectively and save on water use. And stop using your toilet as a garbage can. Only toilet paper and what comes out of you should be flushed. Source Link_ 

While packing for that next trip, think about what to carry with you on your phone. Many streaming services allow you to download content to enjoy music or movies when you don’t have a data connection. And while GPS won’t work without the internet, you can download directions and maps from Google Maps for offline use. Source Link 

You may believe in the old adage, “No pain, no gain” but when is that pain after exercise an injury? Look out for swelling or stiffness around a joint after a workout, especially if it slows you down when walking. And notice how quickly the discomfort starts because soreness can take a day or so to appear but you’ll feel an injury right away. Source Link_

September 20, 2022

There are plenty of reasons why giving kids an allowance is a good thing. It teaches them how money comes with responsibilities to save and be charitable and it helps them distinguish between needs and wants with what they can afford. And successfully managing money from an allowance can build a child’s self-confidence. Source Link_

So, you need to find ways to tighten that budget belt and save money? Take a look at monthly bills to weed out services you don’t use and find simple savings like a discount for paperless billing. Sign up for grocery loyalty cards, check prices before you shop and go to the store with the best deals. And earn money by spending with a flat-rate cash-back credit card but be sure to pay off the balance every month. Source Link_

Keep your virtual world safe from intruders by taking extra steps on your most important accounts. Check your Google and iCloud accounts to make sure your old phones or tablets can’t be used with them. And set up two-factor authentication using a special app that prevents anyone from getting into an account with only a stolen password. Source Link_

September 19, 2022

 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 

September 16, 2022

 You probably have one of the main ingredients for several DIY cleaning products right in your home. Rubbing alcohol combined with dishwashing liquid and ammonia can make an all-purpose liquid cleaner or change up the mix to create a heavy-duty window cleaner. Or combine rubbing alcohol with dish soap and water for a cleaner that tackles the dirt on your granite, quartz or marble countertops. Source Link 

If you’re going to post a screenshot with sensitive information showing, don't just blur it out. Often the pixilation that creates a blurry look can be reversed with commonly available software. Instead, open your photo app’s editing tools and add a solid black rectangle that covers the spot and can’t be undone. Source Link 

Buying hamburger in bulk can save money and there’s an easy way to store it in the freezer. Separate the meat into one-pound portions and seal each in a medium-sized freezer bag. Now use a rolling pin to flatten it and you’ll have an easy-to-stack package that also defrosts faster because it’s flat. Source Link 

September 15, 2022

 These things may not be on your packing list for that next trip, but they should be. Bring a reusable water bottle and consider one that’s collapsible for easy storage. Grab a handful of dryer sheets to deodorize a suitcase filled with funky smells from dirty clothes and pack a few plastic grocery bags to store dirty laundry, shoes, or wet swimsuits. Source Link_

Making fitness a habit takes some lifestyle changes. Decide what you’ll cut back on, like TV watching or scrolling through social media, to make the time to exercise. If you go to a gym or workout at home, look at what time of day fits best for you. And find ways to add exercise to everyday life such as walking with the whole family. Source Link 

We’ve all been in meetings where you have to introduce yourself, and here’s an easy three-step way to do it. Start with a present-tense statement about yourself, maybe with your name and occupation. Then touch on the past with a few points about your background. And finish with the future and say what you hope to offer and get from the meeting. Source Link_

September 14, 2022

 If you didn’t sleep well last night, here’s how you can avoid problems the morning after. Don’t sleep in too late because that can mess with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and get 15 to 30 minutes of sunlight to boost hormones that help you feel alert. And consider going to bed a bit earlier tonight to help your body catch up on some of that lost sleep. Source Link_

It takes more than ultimatums to manage your kid's screen time. You need to monitor with tracking apps or in-person to know what they’re doing, and spend time together on that phone, tablet or TV and model good behavior yourself. Studies show most kids get about twice the screen time that parents estimate. Source Link 

You can help your brain build up reserves now to avoid memory and thinking problems later in life. Never stop being curious and always be learning something new, like playing a musical instrument, learning a new language or starting a hobby. Go on daily walks to make exercise a good habit and stay active with others and socialize by keeping in touch with family and friends. Source Link_

September 13, 2022

 Being a homework helper for your child has its limits. Don’t hover and encourage them to go back to the book or their notes to find answers. Check homework to see if it’s complete but don’t evaluate for quality because that’s the teacher’s job. And know how to contact the teacher for help if your child is struggling with homework. Source Link 

You won’t find a D-I-Y way to whiter teeth with these popular hacks. Rubbing orange peels or strawberries on your teeth can expose them to damaging natural acids. There’s no proof that coconut oil or store-bought hydrogen peroxide can whiten teeth, and making your own abrasive toothpaste from charcoal or baking soda can damage soft tissues in the mouth. Source Link_

Making small talk at a party can be hard for an introvert, but you can get the ball rolling by being observant. Look for conversations where the circle of people is more open and they’re smiling or laughing. Talk with others who are hanging back and consider how long it’s comfortable for you to mingle. You may only have the energy for an hour of socializing. Source Link_

September 12, 2022

 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 

September 9, 2022

 Having a dog may keep you healthy and able for longer in life. Researchers found that older adults who were dog owners were only half as likely to have a disability as were non-dog owners. Exercise with dog walks and companionship were among the contributing factors. Cat ownership was not connected to any difference in disability risk. Source Link 

You can take a stand against the effects of binge watching without giving up that streaming marathon. Stand up and take a few minutes between episodes to move or walk a bit. This will improve blood flow to your legs to reduce the risk of blood clots and make it easier for your heart to do its work. Source Link 

Stronger muscles in a count of three might be possible with an intense and super-short workout. Study participants who contracted their arm muscles as tight as possible for three seconds every day for a month increased their bicep strength by up to 12 percent. Like other high-intensity short exercise, tightening muscles might trigger a biological response that leads to better fitness. Source Link 

September 8, 2022

 It's a checkup you should do now to avoid a nasty surprise in the new year. If you have income that isn't subject to withholding tax, the IRS has an online calculator that can help determine if you're on track to avoid a bigger tax bill for 2022. Go to irs.gov and search for "tax withholding estimator." Source Link 

There are some simple ways to get your child to take medicine. Give them choices, like taking a liquid dose in a dropper or a cup, or choosing water or juice to wash down a pill. Be consistent with medicine times and explain simply how the medicine helps them. And don’t hide medicine in food because if your child discovers this, it could lead to eating problems. Source Link_

The convenience of scanning a QR code to reach a website can have a dark side. Scammers use QR codes to link you to phishing websites, fraudulent payment portals, and downloads that infect your phone with viruses or malware. Check with the source before you use a QR code that’s in an email or is posted in a public area. Source Link_

September 7, 2022

 How can you keep a social media life from interfering with your work world? Use automation tools to write posts on your own time and schedule them for later publication. Have separate personal accounts that make it clear you’re not speaking for your employer, and remember that any post can be set for friends-only viewing. Source Link 

It means an early wake-up call, but booking that first flight of the day has some big advantages. The risk of thunderstorms and turbulence is lower. The flight crew is rested and ready and the plane is clean. Delays will be shorter because you’re first in-line for that route and the ticket price will be lower than a late-morning or afternoon departure. Source Link_

Having a seat in the dentist’s chair could uncover more than problems with your smile. Nearly 100 diseases can show symptoms in the mouth, like severe gum disease that could be a sign of undiagnosed diabetes. Dentists who perform a blood pressure check can also find warning signs of hypertension that can lead to heart disease or stroke. Source Link_

September 6, 2022

 The calendar still says Summer but your doctor will tell you it’s flu shot season. The vaccine is most effective when given before the end of October and the sooner the better. This year's flu shot can protect against four strains that are expected to be dominant. Source Link 

That old cell phone or unused tablet can help make your home safer. Turn it into a security camera with an app that records when something moves and stores images on the device or in the cloud. Set up outdoor motion lights that can catch a prowler in the act, and stop hiding keys under a rock by using a smart deadbolt that has a keypad or a phone app to unlock your door. Source Link_ 

Many people will agree that flying these days can bring you to tears, and it’s not just the stress of it all. The air pressure inside a plane at cruising altitude is similar to when you’re a mile or more above sea level. That reduces the oxygen in your blood and combined with the effects of dry air can heighten emotions and make it more likely you’ll cry during that sad in-flight movie. Source Link_

September 2, 2022

 No one wants to sleep through a morning alarm and be late for work but there are some fixes for this. Create a morning routine with something you enjoy doing or wake up to natural light. Try an alarm app that makes you complete a task before it shuts off or put your phone or clock out of reach so you have to get out of bed to shut off the alarm. Source Link 

How can you get all the value from all those dollars you’re paying for gas? Use apps that let you price-shop before you head out to fill up and maintain correct tire pressure for the best fuel economy. Remove roof racks when you don’t need them, avoid jackrabbit starts or fast braking and skip the premium gas unless your owner’s manual says it’s a must. Source Link 

You don’t want to resist this kind of exercise that might help if you have trouble sleeping. A study found that lifting weights or using resistance bands was the best for helping people sleep better. The body’s process that builds muscle after a resistance workout may also trigger the brain to keep you asleep longer to get the job done. Source Link 

September 1, 2022

 If elective surgery is in your future there are things you can do now to make recovery easier. Aerobic exercise will strengthen the lungs to prevent breathing problems after anesthesia. Learning deep breathing can help calm that pre-surgery anxiety. And a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains can boost your body’s ability to heal. Source Link 

Cleaning your glasses isn’t something you should do with a shirt tail or sleeve. Cloth, paper towels, napkins, tissues and toilet paper can scratch lenses. Use a microfiber cloth, but skip the household glass cleaner and your hot breath which can damage lenses or make those smudges worse. Plain water or a lens cleaning spray will do the best job. Source Link_

A few simple steps can help to keep hackers out of your phone. Use two-factor authentication on your Google account or for your iPhone. You can sign out of unknown devices that are connected to your Google or iCloud account. And strengthen passwords by adding symbols like an exclamation point or pound sign for added protection. Source Link_