November 30, 2023

You’ve heard of spring cleaning, but what about seasonal chores you do before winter? Getting those windows clean will help you make the most of the heating power of sunlight and a good vacuuming of rugs will remove any fall allergens. And be ready for holiday cooking by going through your pantry to toss out expired items like spices, canned goods or boxed food. Source Link

How you wear your glasses could be a real pain. Glasses that sit too tight on your temples can cause headaches and those worn further down your nose can make the eyes work harder to focus and cause strain. And full-size reading glasses may be easier on your eyes than biofocals that have you looking down to see close-up. Source Link

Taking the scenic route might make for a better day on the job. Researchers found that people whose commutes took them through wooded areas, parks and other natural settings were more likely to demonstrate stronger mental health. It doesn’t have to be the wide open spaces because any view with green or blue can improve your mood. Source Link

 

November 29, 2023

 In just a few minutes you can get exercise that might cut your risk of heart attack or stroke. Aim for short bouts of moderate or vigorous activity for one to three minutes. This can be a simple thing like walking the dog, gardening or vacuuming, but you need to step up the pace just a bit to get full benefits. Source Link

Drivers of cars from the early aughts should check to see if there’s a recall that might force you to park those wheels until it’s fixed. Thousands of vehicles have “Do Not Drive” warnings because of dangers like exploding air bags or severe fire hazards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has an easy-to-use database you can check at nhsta.gov/recall. Source Link

What can you do when you’ve forgotten your phone charger on vacation? Turn on the TV. The USB port on many hotel room TVs can serve as a charging station, but it will be slower. The better solution is to buy a separate charger that always stays in your suitcase so you never forget to pack one. Source Link

November 28, 2023

 One in ten seniors is injured in a fall each year and you can take steps in the home to prevent this. Remove throw rugs and floor clutter that can trip someone up, keep extension cords out of walking paths and try to make everything accessible at eye level so there’s no need to climb to get something. And trade those flip-flops and slippers for indoor shoes with traction. Source Link

You’re not the only one having trouble understanding what’s being said in TV shows because of a noisy sound mix. Solutions include turning off any “dynamic range” setting on the TV or simply lowering the bass and increasing the treble in the audio. Some sound bars include special settings to enhance dialogue. Source Link

Downsizing your home is a go-to move for many empty nesters nearing retirement but it’s not as simple as it once was. Buying a smaller home means paying today’s higher prices and interest rates to get less space. On the other hand, a new construction home can mean fewer maintenance concerns that are often an issue for older adults. Source Link

November 27, 2023

 When planning your holiday menu you can make healthy choices without spoiling the season. Skinless white meat turkey is high in protein and low in fat. Skip the gravy and serve homemade cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes minus the sugar, butter and marshmallows. A baked apple with cinnamon and nuts is a sweet way to top off your holiday meal. Source Link

How can you shop for the holidays without a store? Experts suggest an “experience gift” that can help create a memorable moment. This could be tickets to a concert or play, an introductory flight lesson or a cooking class. And the best gifts are experiences that can be shared with someone else. Source Link 

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

November 24, 2023

 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

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 “dont's.” 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

November 22, 2023

 Stamp prices just keep going up, but shopping on social media to find a discount might have your letters being “returned to sender.” The US Postal Service says scam artists are using Facebook and other social media to sell counterfeit stamps at up to half-off claiming they are closeouts. But it’s likely that the stamps won’t make it through letter-sorting equipment that checks for fakes. Source Link

Is your daily dental hygiene routine being done in the wrong order? You should start with a rinse to kill bacteria that multiply in your mouth overnight and then clean between your teeth with dental floss. The final step is two minutes of brushing but don’t cap it off by rinsing again with water because this will wash away the active ingredients in toothpaste that stay on your teeth. Source Link

The biggest burn hazards for kids aren't found in the kitchen. Curling irons and hot combs cause thousands of burn injuries each year when children touch a hair styling tool that can reach temperatures up to 450 degrees. Educate kids about the hazards of these appliances and be sure there’s adult supervision if a younger child is using it. Source Link

November 21, 2023

If you avoid candy because it’s not good for your teeth you’ll want to skip these foods that are bad for your smile. Dried fruit has the one-two punch of sugar and stickiness and the flavoring on those potato chips might be like sandpaper to your teeth. And bottled water that isn’t distilled can be higher in acids that are tough on tooth enamel. Source Link 

Home values take a hit when you make these mistakes. Don’t neglect necessary maintenance or repairs, and don’t try to DIY a solution unless you’re sure of your abilities. Over-personalizing your home makes it hard for buyers to see themselves living there, and skipping energy upgrades with windows, insulation and HVAC systems can hurt a selling price. Source Link

Scams and fraud come in many forms but it’s easy to report a problem with an all-in-one online tool. The government website usa.gov has a feature that lets you report scams and fraud in just a few mouse clicks. You’ll get links and phone numbers to the right government agency that can help you. Source Link

 

November 20, 2023

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

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

With the flip of a switch you might be able to spend less on heating costs this winter. Ceiling fans have a switch that lets you reverse the airflow so it’s pushing air up. Instead of getting that cool downward breeze, changing the fan’s direction pushes warm air near the ceiling down towards you. Source Link 

November 17, 2023

 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

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 

November 16, 2023

 There are plenty of places in the typical office where germs are just waiting for you. Things that get lots of touches like elevator buttons, escalator railings or door knobs are hot spots and so is the conference room phone. And watch out for break room coffee cups and disposable lids that might be handled by others as they grab for one. Source Link 

A panic attack and a heart attack can feel the same, but how do you know which one it is? If you have a history of anxiety it’s probably a panic attack. A heart attack is usually accompanied by weight or pressure on the chest that radiates to the left jaw. But in either case, it’s wise to err on the side of caution and call 911 and get medical help. Source Link

What foods are good for your eyes? Carrots are first in mind for many people, but any orange-colored vegetable or fruit with vitamin A will help, including sweet potatoes, cantaloupe and apricots. Vitamin C from oranges, grapefruit, lemons, peaches, tomatoes and strawberries has antioxidants to prevent or delay age-related macular degeneration. Source Link

November 15, 2023

 Black Friday deals might make streaming TV more affordable for you. Last year, many services offered deep discounts on subscriptions during Black Friday weekend and they’re expected to do the same this year. To take advantage of many of these special offers you must be a new subscriber or one who’s returning after canceling the service before the sale begins. Source Link

A three-pronged approach to fitness over 50 should focus on muscle, heart and head. Resistance training can delay the loss of muscle mass that happens as we age and aerobic exercise will get your heart beating faster. And balance exercises can help prevent falls that are the number-one cause of disabling injury for seniors. Source Link 

Top to bottom and wet to dry is the right way to do your housecleaning. Start by spraying any cleaners you use in the bathroom or kitchen and let them sit and work while you move on. Then dust from high to low, put away any clutter, finish in the bathroom and kitchen and clean floors last. Source Link

November 14, 2023

 Cold season has arrived and it’s a good time to review the difference between a cold and the flu. Think “wet versus dry” because a cold usually comes with symptoms like a drippy nose and sneezing while the flu brings a dry cough. Both can hit you with achiness and fever, but the flu comes on fast while a cold takes a few days to develop. Source Link

A good reason to keep your phone on “Airplane Mode” during a flight has to do with what’s on the ground. When your phone is on, it’s constantly trying to connect to a cell tower and it passes over hundreds of them during a flight. This can bog down the cell network on the ground and drain your phone’s battery fast. Source Link_

These simple steps can help you save money on food. Don’t buy bottled water. Instead, use tap water with a water filter pitcher. Throw almost-spoiled fruits and veggies in the freezer for use with smoothies. And speaking of that freezer, make sure it's full and you’ll use less energy to keep things icy cold. Source Link_

November 13, 2023

 Unclogging a toilet is a tough job that’s even harder without a plunger but there are other ways to get your flush back. Pour in a half-cup of liquid dish soap or chop up a bar of hand soap to lubricate the clogged pipe. You can follow that with a bucket of hot bath water. Pour it in holding the bucket at waist level to let the force of gravity do the work. Source Link

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

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

November 10, 2023

 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 

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

November 9, 2023

 Preparing to paint means taping off those edges for a neat job, but how do you keep from getting paint on something round like a doorknob? Wrap it in aluminum foil. It’s a snap to get a perfect fit and the foil can be removed easily after the paint has dried. Source Link _

Be sure to pace yourself when you’re ready to add more fiber to your diet. Natural fiber found in fresh fruits, leafy raw greens, nuts, beans, whole grain bread, brown rice or even popcorn can help you feel full without adding all those calories. But ramping up your fiber intake too fast can be tough on your digestive system, so add more fiber gradually each day. Source Link 

You may want to do a bit of housecleaning when checking into a hotel. Bring some antiseptic wipes and target the high-touch spots, like the TV remote, light switches, coffee maker and handles on the dresser, door, fridge and toilet. And here’s a bonus tip – protect your feet by packing a pair of flip flops for wearing when you’re in the hotel room. Source Link_

November 8, 2023

A pants hanger can double as a second set of hands when you’re whipping up a dish in the kitchen. Use the clips on the hanger to hold a recipe book open and then hang it from a cabinet handle. Now you can concentrate on your food creation without needing to juggle that recipe book. Source Link_

Contact lenses are convenient and safe to use when you follow these cleaning rules. Rub your contact lenses while cleaning them to loosen bacteria and protein build-up, never use water to clean contact lenses, and rinse the case and leave it open to air dry. And take a contact lens holiday by not wearing them for a few days if your eyes are irritated. Source Link_

Your body’s sleep clock is changing with the switch back to Standard Time and there’s an easy way to see if your slumber is sufficient. On the weekend, don’t set an alarm and sleep until you wake up on your own. If that’s longer than your typical shuteye, adjust your weekday routine to get that much sleep every night. Source Link

 

November 7, 2023

 You know to keep tabs on our credit report, but other records could affect your chances of getting a new job. Doing a background check on yourself could uncover mistaken arrest warrants or ID theft that led to a suspended license. But you need a professional background check and not the kind offered to consumers online. Source Link 

You have two things to heat in the microwave and they both won’t fit on the tray, so think about cooking at a different level. Use a mason jar or other glass piece of kitchenware to prop up the second container of food and cook both together. Just remember that you’ll probably need to increase cooking time. Source Link_

Gut health is an important part of overall health and there are things you can do to keep that microbiome in good shape. Instead of popping a pill, eat foods that are rich in probiotics like plain yogurt, kimchi or sauerkraut. Get your daily quota of fiber and stay hydrated, and avoid ultra-processed foods with huge amounts of added sugar and sodium. Source Link_

November 6, 2023

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

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

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

November 3, 2023

 What can you do with an old USB stick? Load it with portable applications that can be used on any PC without installing them. Create a rescue kit with apps that find malware or help recover from common computer problems. You can even load a complete portable operating system onto a thumb drive that can be used without needing to change a computer’s current setup. 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 

November 2, 2023

 You’re making a healthy choice by eating at the salad bar but don’t ruin it with unhealthy toppings. Mounds of shredded cheese and croutons or crispy noodles can add lots of calories and skip the taco or bread bowl. Grated cheese, fresh avocado or a spoonful of nuts or seeds can soup-up that salad without ditching your diet. Source Link

What kitchen tool comes in handy at Christmas or anytime you’re opening a gift? A can opener can make quick work on the edges of those rigid plastic cases. Line up the can opener along the edge, ensure a tight grip, and turn the opener as you would with a can to safely open that packaging. Source Link_

A sticky household staple should also be part of any home emergency kit. Duct tape along with plastic sheeting can be used to cover a broken window, patch a leaky roof, or build a makeshift shelter. Duct tape can also mend torn clothing, or a hole in a shoe or glove, patch a leaking hose on your car’s engine or even reinforce a sprained ankle or keep a bandage in place. Source Link_

November 1, 2023

 High-tech and old-fashioned tools can help you lose weight and keep it off. Using a diet app to track the food you eat and writing a weekly meal plan can help to keep you disciplined. If you can’t plan ahead a cooked rotisserie chicken is a good choice for a quick meal and stock up on fresh fruits and nuts to help at snack time. Source Link

When lawn care season is over, be sure to stow that mower correctly. Clean the deck with a garden hose to remove all grass and use a paint scraper on that caked-on crud. Remove the battery if it’s electric or run the gas engine until the tank is empty, and then add some stabilized fuel and run it again to prevent damage from old gas sitting in the engine all winter long. Source Link_

When you can’t wait for that beer or soda to get cold, a hack that uses a paper napkin can speed up the process. Wet the napkin before wrapping it around the drink’s container. Now set the beverage in the freezer for 15 minutes to enjoy a frosty drink in a fraction of the time. Source Link _