October 31, 2023

 When you raid your kid’s Halloween haul for a sweet treat, try to avoid candies that are tough on your teeth. Caramels, taffy and gummy candies stick around in your mouth, giving them additional time to cause tooth decay and sour candies contain sugar and acids. Healthier choices include Three Musketeers bars, peppermint patties and peanut M&Ms. Source Link 

The perfect internet speed for your home depends on what you do and how many people use it. Typical internet use like web browsing, social media or email may require only 5 megabytes per second, while streaming video or online gaming each need another 10 megabytes of speed. Doing all of this at the same time with multiple users shows how your need for speed can multiply. Source Link

When it comes to a safe sleeping space for your baby, bare is best. The way adults sleep is not safe for young children who need a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet or play yard. Keep stuffed toys, pillows and blankets out of that sleeping space to reduce the risk of suffocation. Instead, dress your baby to be comfortable sleeping without covers. Source Link

October 30, 2023

 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 

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

October 27, 2023

 It’s a popular Halloween prank and there’s a right way to clean up after a tree’s been toilet papered. If it’s dry, you can pull the paper down with a long pole or use a leaf blower to remove it from taller branches. And don’t delay, because if it gets wet, you’ll have to live with a TP’ed tree until all that paper dries. Source Link 

Your dishwasher needs some help getting things clean and the solution may be in the soft drink aisle at the grocery store. A monthly acid bath using unsweetened powdered lemon Kool-Aid can help remove lime scale, soap scum and other stains. Put one package in each detergent cup and run the empty dishwasher for a complete cycle. Source Link

Here’s a quick list of familiar food myths. All fat is not bad, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh, plant-based milks are not more healthy than cow’s milk, and eating soy-based foods will not increase the risk of breast cancer. And roasted, baked or air-fried white potatoes eaten with the skin on are a healthy, affordable food. Source Link

October 26, 2023

 If you like to catch some Z’s on an airline flight, don’t close your eyes unless you’re up in the air. Sleeping through takeoff or landing doesn’t allow you to adjust to rapid air pressure changes. That could leave your ears blocked up and cause dizziness, eardrum damage, nosebleeds or even hearing loss. Source Link 

It doesn’t take that many more steps per day to help older adults with hypertension lower their blood pressure. Research showed that adding 3,000 steps to a typical 4,000 step-per-day routine can help protect against heart failure, heart attacks and strokes. The speed of walking doesn’t matter, as long as you walk a total of 7,000 steps per day. Source Link_

You might be able to save a smartphone dropped in water with some fast steps. Turn off the phone immediately to avoid damage to electronics, wipe it dry with a towel and use a vacuum cleaner hose to suck water out of openings. Putting your phone in rice can lead to a sticky mess. Instead, be ready by purchasing a special drying bag that’s made for smartphones. Source Link_

October 25, 2023

 Halloween could be hazardous to your health if you’re not careful when carving that pumpkin. Thousands of people go to the ER each year with pumpkin carving injuries and a leading cause was using a knife that’s not made for thick pumpkin skin. Instead of carving, a safer alternative that kids can enjoy is to decorate a pumpkin by painting it. Source Link 

Can the order in which you eat the food in your meal make a difference for health? Researchers found that eating fiber-rich vegetables or lean proteins first, rather than bread or carbs may help to lower blood sugar levels. This may also help you eat less because it causes your body to secrete higher levels of the hormone that gives you the feeling of fullness. Source Link_

Using over-the-counter CBD products should be on the list of supplements you share with your doctor. That’s because the active ingredient in CBD may interact with prescription medications. Antidepressants, sedatives and blood thinners are some of the drugs that could be adversely affected by CBD. Source Link_

October 24, 2023

 If you’ve always dreamed of a backyard free of flying pests using a bug zapper, it’s time to wake up to reality. Testing has shown that bug zappers almost always kill insects that don’t bite, including some that prey on mosquitoes. Even if a bug zapper does attract mosquitoes, they’re more likely to move their attention to the person sitting nearby. Source Link_

That blue dish soap you keep in the kitchen can do a great job cleaning things all over your home. Add a teaspoon of dish soap to two cups of cold water to clean tile, cement and vinyl floors, degrease countertops or as a spot cleaner for fabric stains. When mixed with distilled water, blue dish soap makes a great glass cleaner and a few drops can be used to clean the toilet bowl. Source Link

You can build a home gym around the kinds of activities that you enjoy. If that’s walking or running, try a treadmill or elliptical trainer. A rowing machine is great if you like cross-country skiing. A thick, washable mat is a must for floor exercises and strength training can use a simple set of resistance bands, dumbbells and free weights or a multi-station home weight machine. Source Link_

October 23, 2023

 Smudges and dirt make it hard to see a phone or tablet screen but don’t make it worse by cleaning the wrong way. Power down and use a microfiber cloth that you can dampen with distilled water. Never use a tissue, paper towel or all-purpose or glass cleaner. Wipe lightly in a “Z” pattern and then use a fresh microfiber cloth to dry the screen. Source Link

You can support a long-distance loved one or friend who needs help with activities of daily living. Sign them up for a food delivery service, lawn care or house cleaning. Consider hiring a part-time caregiver or ask for help from nearby family members or friends. And stay in touch with video calling tools or digital photo frame to share your life with them. Source Link 

Snagging a better seat on your next airline flight at a lower price might take some patience. Experienced flyers suggest that you buy an economy ticket. Resist the airline’s follow-up offers and ask for an upgrade when you’re at the airport. If the plane has empty seats or you’re a loyalty program member you might get that upgrade to business class at no charge. Source Link 

October 20, 2023

 You don’t need to have a little one at home to put baby wipes to good use. They’re great for cleaning computer keyboards, removing makeup and wiping away excess nail polish, cleaning switch plates, removing latex paint from your hands, and cleaning stains from clothing and carpet.. A baby wipe can even sub for a Swiffer sheet the next time you sweep. Source Link 

Could people who suffer with anxiety and depression get a boost by being kind to others? Those who started adding small acts of kindness into their day showed an improvement in symptoms and better feelings of social connection. Being kind to others may help people with mental health symptoms stop being preoccupied with suffering. Source Link 

When you’re aiming to reorganize and reduce the stuff in your home, don't purchase these things before you purge. Baskets, bins and dividers are great for organization but don't buy new ones until after you've sorted. Otherwise, you'll find yourself filling those new containers with things that should be going. Source Link

October 19, 2023

 Making meals that are affordable and healthy requires some planning that includes checking the calendar. Incorporate fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables that often cost less. You can even stock-up on these and freeze them for use later. And always plan your meals using a shopping list to avoid impulse buying at the grocery store. Source Link_

Staying on top of your credit is easier than ever with a permanent change to the rules about getting a free credit report. All three national credit reporting agencies are allowing you to receive a new report every week. The offer of free weekly reports began as an emergency measure during the pandemic. Source Link_

Cold season is coming soon but don’t be quick to give a young child some medicine for that coughing and sneezing. Experts say over-the-counter cough and cold remedies should not be given to children younger than 6 because there's no evidence they help and store-bought medicines carry potentially dangerous side-effects for kids. Source Link 

October 18, 2023

 Time and temperature are two factors that can help you save on energy costs on laundry day. Always choose a cold water setting for washing because today’s detergents are made to work best in cold water. And set your dryer temperature lower and run it longer to use less energy and still get your clothes dry. Source Link_

Flying with babies is challenging enough but there are ways to make the flight easier when it comes to choosing seats. If you’re flying with an infant, look for a seat in the first row of the coach section. These bulkhead seats may accommodate a bassinet provided by the airline for free that attaches to the bulkhead wall. Source Link_

If eating out is showing up on your waistline there are ways to beat that bulge. Choose a restaurant with healthier fare, like Asian cuisine or Greek or Spanish that feature fish, grilled lean meat and vegetables. Look for online menus and know what you’ll have before you arrive. And instead of an entree try sharing several appetizers and have one dessert for all. Source Link 

October 17, 2023

 When it comes to your teeth, the most effective brushing is not so fast, not so hard and not just on top. Plaque builds up at the gum line so focus your brushing there with smaller, gentle strokes. Don’t hold the toothbrush tightly in your fist - a fingertip grip will help you brush correctly - and be sure to brush for at least two minutes twice a day. Source Link 

If you love to read e-books but hate the cost, you can head to your local library for free titles through your phone or tablet. Apps like Hoopla and Libby offer thousands of e-books that are free to borrow, just like a regular book. But just like books at the library, you may have to wait to borrow the most popular titles in e-book form. Source Link_

Here are some tips for keeping your kid’s home-packed school lunch tasty until the Noon hour. Toasting bread in a sandwich can help prevent sogginess and stuffing the lunchbox with paper towels can absorb moisture from items like chicken nuggets. And you can wrap the top of a banana with tape and plastic wrap to stop it from ripening in a lunch box or bag. Source Link_

October 16, 2023

 To quickly unclog a toilet you need the right tool and a better technique. A flange plunger has a smaller opening that bells out to seal around the toilet drain. And instead of rapidly pumping gently push the flange plunger down to make a seal around the opening and then pull up on it. The backward pressure can loosen a clog faster. Source Link

It’s great on squeaks and bolts that won’t give, but this handyman’s staple also doubles as a painter’s pal. Use WD-40 to wipe away drips and spray some on a brush you ‘ve just cleaned to keep the bristles soft. And here’s a bonus tip – WD-40 is great at removing bugs from a car’s grille, and spraying some on that grille can keep bugs from sticking in the first place. Source Link

Instead of dinner and a movie, an art class or game night may bring the two of you even closer. Couples activities like painting or playing a board game can spark the release of oxytocin, the hormone associated with romantic bonding. Any activity with physical touch, social interaction, novelty and partner encouragement could work. Source Link 

October 13, 2023

Resistance training can be an important part of any weight loss plan. It lowers the percentage of body fat in healthy adults and builds muscle that burns more than twice as many calories as fat does. Weightlifting also speeds up metabolism, improves testosterone levels for men and boosts bone density in women. Source Link 

More screen time for kids at age 2 can mean more problems with communication and daily living skills by age 4. That’s from researchers who say the wild card is more outdoor play time. Youngsters who spent more time playing outdoors improved their daily living skills but it didn’t alter the negative effects of screen time on communication skills. Source Link 

Your dishwasher needs some help getting things clean and the solution may be in the soft drink aisle at the grocery store. A monthly acid bath using unsweetened powdered lemon Kool-Aid can help remove lime scale, soap scum and other stains. Put one package in each detergent cup and run the empty dishwasher for a complete cycle. Source Link

October 12, 2023

 When your mind races after you wake up in the middle of the night you can try these tips to get back to sleep. Get out of bed and read a book - but nothing too exciting - or listen to an audiobook or a podcast that’s not a shoutfest. You can also head to the kitchen for a light snack like whole-grain crackers or popcorn that has carbs to help switch-on the body’s sleep hormones. Source Link

Among the many ways you can avoid becoming a victim of fraud, two are simple and effective. Consider placing a freeze on your credit report with all three national agencies to prevent anyone else from using your name to borrow money. And don’t answer phone calls from numbers you don’t recognize to stop scammers from getting a virtual foot in the door. Source Link_

When a phone upgrade is in your future, be ready to wipe away the past on your old device. First do a backup through iCloud or Google and then factory reset your device. If you paired your phone with a smart watch, remember to disconnect it and then unlink and sign out of services like iCloud or Google Drive on your old phone. Source Link_

October 11, 2023

 It’s an old debate in the world of recycling - do you really need to rinse out items? Probably not. Typically, 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 any leftover food isn’t dripping on the paper. Source Link

You probably know the average body temperature as 98.6 degrees, but science says it’s changing. That standard dates back over 150 years and improved lifestyles since then have led to an average that’s now about 97.9 degrees. Average body temperature readings can vary depending on the time of day, and your age, medications and health conditions. Source Link _

Keeping your family connected in a weather emergency or natural disaster takes some planning and a few simple tips. Enter key contacts into the phones of all your household members and have a point of contact outside of your family that everyone can reach. And in a public emergency, send a text rather than calling to have a better chance at connecting. Source Link _

October 10, 2023

 How can you “clearly” improve the look of your refrigerator and maybe your waistline too? Put small items like yogurt cups in clear plastic bins so they don’t get lost in the back of a shelf. And keep fresh fruit and raw vegetables up front in a clear container so you can see your way to healthy snacking. Source Link

Making a car last 200,000 miles or more isn’t hard if you stick to these care tips. Heed the owner’s manual and perform routine maintenance, including recommended oil changes. Keep the gas tank fuller to avoid sediment build-up and avoid jackrabbit starts and stops that are hard on the drive train. And find a good mechanic and stick with them to get the best service for the long haul. Source Link_

Follow these steps to check your internet speed and see if you’re getting what you’re paying for. Close down Zoom or any streaming audio or video websites or apps and stop any downloading. Run tests at different times of the day for an average and remember that home internet speeds are only guaranteed at the router because WiFi quality can vary widely. Source Link_

October 9, 2023

 A dishwasher tablet can be a miracle cleaner all across your home. Dissolve one in a toilet and clean it or dip a tablet in warm water and use it to scrub a dirty oven door. A wet dishwasher tablet can also clean plastic patio furniture, dried refrigerator spills, and oil stains on a driveway. And toss a few tablets into the washing machine on a hot water cycle to get it clean. Source Link

Beware of thieves that may want to steal parts of your car. Use a locking gas cap to safeguard that expensive fuel and add anti-theft security lug nuts to prevent tires and wheels from being stolen. And park in a well-lit area and avoid leaving your vehicle in the same spot for days or weeks because that can tell a thief that no one is watching. Source Link 

You could be a month away from a decluttered home. In the 30-Day Minimalism Game the day of the month equals the number of items to remove, so one on the 1st, 10 on the tenth, and so on. Lower numbered days can be big items while the last days of the month is time to clean out a large closet or a garage. Source Link

October 6, 2023

 Save time and money on laundry by not over washing some of the clothes you wear. Think about the number of times you’ve worn it rather than how long since it was last washed. Undergarments and socks may need washing after every use but outerwear can be worn two or three times. And try to avoid washing jeans because every laundry cycle can damage denim. Source Link

Is it a bad habit or a secret to better comprehension? Doodling can keep your mind active when you’re listening to something that’s boring. In a study, people who doodled while hearing a boring phone message remembered 29 percent more than those who sat still and listened. Source Link

You can cut clutter by identifying things you don't use and there’s an easy way to do that with a roll of masking tape. Put a piece of tape on each item and take it off the next time you use it. After six months, anything that still has tape on it probably can be sold, donated or recycled. Source Link

October 5, 2023

 There’s a right way to make your morning routine work for mind and body. Instead of jumping out of bed, first bring your knees to your chest to warm up muscles and then drink a glass of water to rehydrate your body. And don’t check your cell phone immediately because that list of notifications can mean a stressful start to the day. Source Link 

With the cost of airfare these days, who wouldn’t want a free ticket? Scammers are using email to entice you to give up personal information. The bogus offers include a so-called “refund” on a previous ticket or free round-trip tickets. They claim to be from an airline, but don’t click on any links. Instead, check your account from the airline’s website or app. Source Link_

How you set up an air purifier in your home can determine how well it works. Get the right size for the area of the room and pick a firm, level and flat spot with 18 to 24 inches of space around it. Close doors and windows in the room for the best results and follow manufacturers recommendations for regular maintenance and cleaning. Source Link_

October 4, 2023

 Sometimes you may be sick of going to the gym, but when are you too sick to exercise? If your cold symptoms are only from the neck up you’re probably OK for an easy workout, but body aches like you get with the flu is a stop sign for your exercise plan. It’s also good for others because you can easily spread cold germs at the gym. Source Link 

There’s pet health insurance and travel insurance and a combination of the two. Your fur baby can get coverage for medical expenses incurred while away from home. Some plans will pay for additional expenses, like if you’re delayed returning home and have additional pet boarding fees. And travel insurance can include trip interruption coverage if your pet gets ill or dies before you leave home. Source Link _

Eating more and feeling full but with fewer calories? It’s called “volume eating” when you choose foods that are high in water and fiber, like leafy greens, cucumbers, celery, broccoli and peppers, or whole fruits such as berries, tomatoes and pears. You can do this by making vegetables the focus of a meal, eating raw produce and avoiding caloric beverages like fruit juice. Source Link_

October 3, 2023

 Trying to earn rewards points or cash back by paying your rent using a credit card could be more expensive than you think. Putting your rent payment on plastic increases the risk of ballooning debt if you don’t pay the entire card balance each month and landlords can charge a service fee for using a card. And that rent payment may be late unless you allow time for the credit charge to clear before the due date. Source Link_

What causes the dreaded “brain freeze” when you eat something cold too fast? The sudden exposure to cold triggers blood vessels in your mouth to rapidly narrow and widen, sending pain signals through nerves in the head and face. Eating that ice cream or milkshake more slowly can prevent brain freeze but if it happens, press your tongue to the roof of your mouth to warm it up. Source Link_

This is promising news if you’re a person who’s always anxious about making a good first impression. Testing found that most people in first meetings underestimate how much the other person liked them. The so-called “liking gap” is important because being over-critical might stop you from wanting to make a new friend. Source Link

October 2, 2023

 You use it to wipe down many things in your kitchen but what’s the right way to clean a sponge? Put a damp sponge in the microwave for one minute or soak it for 60 seconds in a quart of water with a half-teaspoon of bleach. You can keep a sponge cleaner if you wring it out completely after every use and let it dry in a spot with plenty of air circulation. Source Link

There’s a good reason to resist that urge to get just a little more gas in your car’s tank after the pump clicks off during a fill-up. An internal overflow of gas can saturate and damage filters in the car’s vapor recovery system. This can reduce engine performance and fuel efficiency and may lead to a costly repair. Source Link

Is a vegan diet good for a dog? There’s little scientific evidence of this but dogs can get the nutrition they need while eating vegan. They need a lot of protein and a vegan diet should be more carefully crafted to meet that goal. Talk with your veterinarian about your dog's nutritional needs and which products will meet them. Source Link