March 31, 2023

 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 

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

March 30, 2023

 If you want to be an organ donor you need to get it in writing. Surveys show that 95 percent of people would like to be an organ donor but only about half take steps to make their wishes known. The supply of donor hearts continues to lag behind the need and most transplant recipients wait up to two years for a new heart. Source Link 

Some of the things that power and light your world need a special send-off. Don’t throw a curly CFL light bulb into the trash because the mercury in it is hazardous. Instead, take it to a store like Lowe’s, Home Depot or Ikea for free disposal. And do the same with batteries that could spark a fire if tossed into your garbage. Source Link_

Your dentist wants you to know a few things to help keep your mouth healthy. Your gums should not regularly bleed while flossing, and skip charcoal toothpastes that won’t whiten your teeth but could make them more sensitive to hot and cold. And don’t self-medicate with alcohol or drugs if you’re nervous about an appointment because the dentist can provide what you need for a pain-free visit.Source Link_

March 29, 2023

Taking steps to prevent smartphone addiction in kids starts with a few basic rules. Don’t allow smartphones in bedrooms because they can disrupt sleep. Use apps or tools from your service provider to filter content and limit data usage. And create a device contract with rules like no smartphones at the dinner table, or no more than an hour of social media use after school. Source Link 

A home warranty can save money on unexpected repairs but be sure to read the fine print. Some warranty companies charge a service call fee each time you file a claim and other plans may only offer a basic replacement or a refurbished model. And getting that installed may take significantly longer than if you paid for it yourself. Source Link_

You don’t want to depend on the hotel house cleaning staff when it comes to these items in a room. Coffee makers often just get a quick external wipe down and that ice bucket is used for many things and might not be sanitized even with a plastic liner. And unless there’s a visible stain, blankets, duvets and bedspreads may only be laundered once a year. Source Link_

March 28, 2023

 When your exercise routine is stuck in neutral, you can get back in gear by getting real. If you use a stationary bike, try riding outdoors on a real bike or step off the indoor running track and into nature by running on a park trail. Interval training with a number of exercises can add new variety and setting a new goal for weight loss or performance can also help jump-start your exercise efforts. Source Link 

How often do you need to replace these things found in the home? A dish sponge may need to be swapped out every week, but that synthetic shower loofah is probably good for a few months, as are mop heads that may be able to go into the laundry. Rotate kitchen wipe-up rags every few days and replace that toilet brush twice a year. Source Link 

Follow these tips to manage video game play for kids. Be sure your child does it in moderation and also gets physical exercise as well as socializing in person. Have them take regular breaks from the screen to decrease eye strain and hand injuries. And play with them because it’s a great way to open the lines of communication. Source Link

March 27, 2023

 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 

Most people know that scratching an itch only makes it worse, but why is that? Scientists say the act of scratching creates pain that cancels out the itching sensation, but the brain overrides that pain and the itching returns. Experts say the best way to deal with an itch is to give the spot a slap or a rub. Source Link 

Cleaning by the numbers is one way to tackle the clutter in your home. Pick a number of things you’ll put away in one 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

March 24, 2023

 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 

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

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

March 23, 2023

 When your home WiFi won’t fly, look to your router for relief. Your home router’s power plug could be the culprit so make sure it’s tightly connected to an outlet. Keep it cool by not placing your router in a cabinet or anywhere with little ventilation. If all else fails, reboot your router by unplugging it for 10 seconds. Source Link 

A slim piece of string could help connect you to better brain health. People who practiced daily flossing and brushing and got regular dental checkups had MRI’s that showed more healthy brain cells, and that could lead to a lower risk for stroke and dementia in later years. Source Link_

Here’s how to dry your laundry faster by putting in more than clothes just out of the washer. Adding a clean,dry towel to a load for about 15 minutes will absorb moisture from wet clothes. You can do the same by adding a few white tennis balls, and remember to wring out any dripping wet clothes before they go into the dryer. Source Link_

March 22, 2023

 When does more money mean less control? When it’s in your checking account. Most people feel they can spend freely when there’s a bigger checking account balance. The solution is to move that extra money to a savings account with automatic transfers or have money directly deposited from your paycheck into a savings account. Source Link 

To lose water weight, avoid this four-letter word. Salt is a big part of processed foods and makes it more likely that your body will retain water. Natural foods, such as vegetables, seeds and nuts are low in salt and help keep water weight down. And drinking more water aids in kidney function that flushes excess salt and water from the body. Source Link_

We’ve all faced a mess in the microwave when food explodes while reheating it, but how do you prevent that? Turn down the power to 60 percent for most foods and 70 percent for denser things like meat. Stop several times and stir foods with lots of liquid and slice thick items into smaller pieces for more even heating. Source Link_

March 21, 2023

Look to what you know and can do for a “side gig” that can help you earn more money. If you’re handy you could make your own specialty jams or preserves or create jewelry to sell on Etsy. An expertise in popular software could be used to host classes or workshops or put your hands-on tech skills to work fixing smartphones or tablets with a repair business that makes house calls. Source Link 

Here’s how you can retrofit a home to make it safer for older people who are aging in place. Create a zero-threshold entry with no steps, widen doorways to 34 or 36 inches, and pick tight-pile carpeting or hard flooring that has more texture to avoid slipping. Add more lighting that’s needed for older eyes and install rocker-style light switches that are easier to work with your hand. Source Link 

A favorite fast meal may be too hot to handle for kids. Instant noodles can cause serious burns to the mouth when they come right out of the microwave or just after you add boiling water. It’s not a meal that kids should be eating without adult supervision to ensure the food is cool enough to prevent burns. Source Link

March 20, 2023

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 

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 

 

March 17, 2023

 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

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 

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

March 16, 2023

 Helping your child balance screen time with the rest of life takes clear goals, prioritizing and persistence. Start by setting real limits like a number of minutes per day or no screens at dinner or bedtime and be ready to enforce this by confiscating devices. And teach kids to prioritize so that screen time isn’t the first thing they do. Source Link 

Make the most of a day off and divide it by three. Spend three to four hours each in three types of activities – relaxation, productivity and pleasure. Relaxing could be sleeping in late, listening to music, drawing or doodling, or people watching. Productivity is getting some tasks done and pleasure is things like reading, playing board games, doing puzzles or binging on TV. Source Link 

Could a plant-based diet be the prescription for survival after prostate cancer? Men who ate plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains cut the risk of progression or recurrence of their prostate cancer by half. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and more fiber that improves glucose control and reduces inflammation. Source Link

March 15, 2023

 It’s something found in most medicine cabinets, but you might want to ditch the cotton swabs. Thousands of children suffer ear injuries each year and many occur when kids try to use cotton swabs by themselves. It might be good advice for everyone because the ear is self-cleaning and a cotton swab usually pushes wax deeper into it. Source Link 

A half-dozen smart habits may help slow memory decline and lower your dementia risk. Doing at least four of these – moderate or vigorous physical exercise, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, cutting back or cutting out alcohol, no smoking, exercising your brain by reading, playing cards or doing puzzles, and engaging with others socially –. helped people avoid memory problems. Source Link 

Your house is a mess and you don’t know where to start the cleanup, so try doing these five things. First, collect trash and dispose of it. Then, pick up clothes and shoes and place them in a basket. Put all your dishes in the sink but don’t do them yet. Everything with a space to store it should go there now, and then find a place for the rest of things to go. Source Link

March 14, 2023

 We’re not quite into Spring but right now is the time to tackle those seasonal allergies. Step one is testing to identify exactly what you’re allergic to and then avoid that. Treatment can include steroid sprays and inhalers or immunotherapy shots or oral treatments to desensitize your body to those allergens. Source Link

Letting your kids help with cooking is a fun way to connect. Involve them in meal preparation, like adding veggies to a tossed salad or mixing ingredients. Younger children can play with food and kitchen-themed toys while you're at the stove, and empty pasta or cereal boxes or oatmeal and spice containers make great homemade toys. Source Link_

When an emergency calls for you to do CPR, remember these “don’ts.” You don’t need certification, don’t waste time checking for a pulse, don’t be squeamish about loosening clothing near the chest, don’t do mouth-to-mouth if it worries you, and don’t be afraid of hurting them. Most of all, don’t wait – start CPR immediately after calling 9-1-1. Source Link_

March 13, 2023

 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 

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 

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

March 10, 2023

 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 

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 

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

March 9, 2023

 If you need to lose weight, you can help everyone when you make it a family affair. Studies show that when overweight parents shed pounds, so do their overweight kids. Even if others don’t need to lose weight, the habits formed with healthy eating as a family can make that a lifestyle instead of a temporary dieting choice. Source Link 

It’s happened to all of us – you settle in to watch that movie on TV and before you know it you’ve dozed off. To prevent this, don’t drink alcohol during your movie night and eat a lighter meal beforehand or when snacking during the show. Don’t get too cozy on that plush couch and never do your movie viewing in bed, because your mind knows that’s the place for sleep. Source Link_

There are some telltale signs that you may be the target of a scam artist. If someone claiming to be a retailer calls to question about a large order you didn’t make, or says they can connect you directly with your bank, or wants to stay on the line while you go to the bank, you’re probably dealing with a scammer. They may also ask you to buy gift cards to send to them or pretend they are police investigators. Source Link_

March 8, 2023

 To finish your next airline flight in good health, try booking a window seat in the middle of the plane. That’s the safest place to sit because you’re away from the aisle and restrooms where you can encounter sick people. But don’t worry about the guy coughing five rows up because that’s too far away for you to get infected. Source Link 

Bite-sized exercise might be the easiest way to get moving throughout the day. Researchers found that five minutes of walking every 30 minutes helped counteract the health risks from sitting on the job. Beyond improving physical health, regular walks to break up sitting can put you in a better mood and help you feel more energized. Source Link_

You hear a lot about having strong passwords, but what about the usernames you pick for online accounts? You want a username that isn’t easy to link to you, so avoid any combination or clever spelling of your first and last name or the city or state where you live and don’t use your birth year. And be sure the username doesn't hint at your password. Source Link_

March 7, 2023

 When the bad news of the world has you stressed, there’s a good news solution -- help others. Making a donation or volunteering your time can ease feelings of helplessness from the weight of the world’s problems. You can also seek social support by joining a club or a group to do something you enjoy. Source Link 

The DASH diet is top-rated for heart health and lowering blood pressure, but what’s in this plan? A typical person eating 2,000 calories a day would need 6 to 8 daily servings of grains, 4 to 5 servings of vegetables, 4 to 5 servings of fruits, 2 to 3 servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy, plus 2 to 3 servings of fats and oils. Sweets are limited to one serving a day. Source Link_ 

Your hand will thank you if you break this habit when holding your phone. Balancing the phone with your pinkie on the back can cause painful compression of a nerve that runs from your armpit to your elbow and into your hand. Avoid that bad balancing act by using a pop-out holder and take breaks from scrolling to rest the muscles in your fingers. Source Link_

March 6, 2023

 Some simple things when done in bed can make it harder for you to sleep. Reading, writing or doing puzzles teaches your mind to associate the bed with activity and lying in bed trying to force yourself to sleep makes your brain think that’s normal. And plan afternoon activities to avoid taking a nap that could leave you awake at night. Source Link 

Finding the perfect roommate takes some extra steps to ensure it’s someone you can really live with. Compare your styles - do you like quiet time at home or having lots of friends visiting? Get details in writing about sharing household costs and chores and consider a test run by sharing a vacation rental. Source Link 

A summertime favorite could be a healthy food choice all year long. Watermelons are full of nutrients and compounds that can help control blood pressure and blood sugar levels and promote better heart health. Eating watermelon may also improve brain health and make it easier to control your weight. Source Link

March 3, 2023

 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 

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 

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

March 2, 2023

 The best way to chart the progress of your healthy eating plan may not be that bathroom scale. Use a tape measure to find your waist size or try on a tight pair of pants every two weeks to know if you’re dropping pounds. If you use the scale, make it a weekly weigh-in on Friday morning because most people eat more on the weekend. Source Link 

Your WiFi router is the fast lane to information on all your home devices and you can keep them safe with a few simple steps. Change the default router credentials and create a strong WiFi password, turn on firewall and WiFi encryption, and create a guest network to protect your devices when others log on. And put your router in a central location further away from drive-by hackers. Source Link_

There are many things that offer quality and a better price when bought used. Jewelry, musical instruments, office furniture and bicycles can be fine when they’re used. And fitness equipment, computers and laptops, and clothes for special occasions are also great second-hand choices. Source Link_

March 1, 2023

You can see if your pet is overweight without needing a scale. Stand over your dog – if you can see a waistline, they’re probably not overweight. Then run your fingers across their sides.With a healthy weight you should feel ribs easily without pressing. And you shouldn't be able to grab a handful of fat on the stomach. Source Link 

Here’s how to win the battle to fit everything in that carry-on bag. Make a packing list and then pare it down, especially with toiletries you won’t use. Fold bulky items and use packing cubes or plastic compression bags to leave you more space. Stash small items inside shoes or boots that you pack, and wear as many layers of clothing on the plane as you can, including a bulky coat to save space in your bag. Source Link_

It doesn’t take a lot to safeguard your privacy online. Switch to a web browser like Brave or DuckDuckGo that doesn't log your every move and use the Duck forwarding service to strip out trackers from your emails before you open them. And use a VPN on your phone or tablet to protect your sensitive data when you’re connecting to WiFi away from home. Source Link_