April 30, 2024

 Now's the time to think about preparing your kids to handle allergies during summer camp. Consult with your allergist who can provide a care plan to share with the camp and teach your child to advocate for themselves and watch for food allergens. If your child suffers from asthma or food allergies, consider sending them to a camp that specializes in these conditions. Source Link 

Simple tricks can make a big decluttering job easier to handle. Set a timer to work for 15 minutes a day and pick five things each day to donate or discard. Focus on one spot at a time like a drawer or shelf, start with easy things and identify trigger items to skip for now. And create boxes for what you may want to hold onto with a deadline of a few weeks, a few months or a year to keep or say “goodbye.” Source Link

Bedbugs are a travel companion that no one wants, so learn how to spot these pests in a hotel room. First, place your luggage in the bathtub or shower and check the bedding, headboard and any fabric-covered furniture for rusty or reddish specks of blood; tiny, black dots, or whitish, oval eggs the size of apple seeds. If it’s all clear, stow your bags on a luggage rack away from the walls. Source Link

April 29, 2024

 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 

Unclogging a toilet without a plunger requires two simple tools – dish soap and a big bucket of hot water. Squirt a good amount of dish soap into the hot water and pour that into the toilet at a steady pace. Don’t stir up the water and be patient because the technique may not eliminate the clog instantly. Source Link 

What’s the right way to pet a dog you don’t know? Remember that dogs depend on smell so offer your curled hand for a sniff before you touch them to avoid any bitten fingers. If the dog seems comfortable, try a friendly scratch under the chin, but avoid patting his head or touching a strange dog’s belly, even if they roll over. Source Link

April 26, 2024

 Avoiding injury when you’re a weekend athlete takes a week-long effort. Get at least ten to 15 minutes of stretching or strengthening each day to help prime your body for weekend activities. And eating a healthy diet all week long with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein will give your body the nutrients it needs to perform. Source Link 

People who are always running late might try these tips to get back on-time. Use analog clocks to give you a visual cue of passing time and set multiple alarms for when to start preparation, as well as departure time and arrival time for an appointment. Figure out exactly how long it takes to get somewhere and then build in extra time, and plan what to do if you’re early to eliminate that excuse for leaving later. Source Link 

Most of us don’t know how to look for signs of oral cancer, but it can be as simple as saying, “Ahhh.” White or gray batches in your mouth or throat that you can’t scrape away could be a warning sign, just like a sore on your lips or mouth that doesn’t heal within a few weeks. Difficulty swallowing and new hoarseness in your voice should also be checked out by a dentist. Source Link

April 25, 2024

 Don’t get fooled by these car care tips that could hit you hard in the pocketbook. Overfilling your tires won’t improve mileage but will give you a rougher ride and wear out the tires sooner. Taking more than 30 seconds to warm up your car before driving wastes gas. And don’t drive with less than a quarter-tank of gas because that makes your fuel pump work harder and wear out faster. Source Link 

Making new friends can be hard when you’re an adult but a few simple steps might smooth the process. Start conversations and let others share about themselves; join a new club or organization, or create friendships with friends of friends. And take a tip from actors doing improv and say “yes” to show you’re open to wherever the encounter takes you. Source Link

Being a couch potato doesn’t mean you can’t see health benefits from taking more steps per day. Researchers found that people who were sedentary for more than 11 hours a day gained the same health benefits from walking as more active people did. And that benefit began with as little as 2,200 steps per day. Source Link

April 24, 2024

 Be sure to mind these rules of the sky if you want to be a good fellow passenger on your next flight. The middle seat gets both armrests; don’t recline in economy seats and don’t grab the back of seats while walking down the aisle. And stand up when someone needs to get past you and into the aisle. Source Link 

A healthy late night snack is one that satisfies hunger but doesn’t keep you awake. Combining protein and carbs can boost the brain chemical that helps with sleep, so try cereal with low-fat milk or yogurt and melon. And cheese and whole grain crackers is a classic snack that will top you up and help you get to sleep. Source Link

Many items for an emergency survival kit are probably around your house now. Binder clips can secure a tarp or hold a rope to a tree and zip ties make great hangers for things that need to stay off the ground. Dental floss can serve as a snare line or sewing thread and duct tape has lots of uses, from patching holes to serving as a great fire starter. Source Link

April 23, 2024

 If you’re tasting chocolate in your head and it’s making you hungry, try putting the other senses to work to combat food cravings. Picture an image of some place or something you enjoy that’s not food or look at actual photos that you load to your phone. You can also counter the real aromas of food with a whiff of perfume or scented oil carried in a small vial. Source Link

You can combat procrastination by committing to a schedule rather than a deadline. The idea of being "in the zone" is a myth because the best way to get work done is to commit to a schedule and stick to it, even if you don't feel like it. Maybe you can only spend a few minutes on a task, but that’s better than skipping it altogether. Source Link_

Cracking your knuckles is a common habit that’s often discouraged because people believe it can cause arthritis. But studies have shown that knuckle cracking is not associated with an increased risk of injury. It may be annoying for others, but cracking your knuckles isn’t likely to cause any long-term damage. Source Link_

April 22, 2024

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

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

What are some tell-tale early signs of hearing loss? You might be asking people to repeat themselves often during a conversation, or you can’t hear background noises such as birds chirping, leaves rustling or a beep from a kitchen appliance. And ringing in your ears can be a sign of hearing loss because that’s how the brain compensates for a deprivation of sound. Source Link

 

April 19, 2024

 Starting a garden can teach kids about where fruits and vegetables come from and make it easier to get more of them into their diet. You can grow in containers or create a garden in the yard and let children plant seeds and help with watering and weeding. After harvesting, use your fruits and vegetables in a meal, like lettuce or tomato on a hamburger or fresh-picked berries for a fruit smoothie. Source Link 

These basics of car maintenance are things that any driver can handle themselves. Know how to check and refill your oil, top-off tire air pressure, or jump-start a dead battery. And you should know the car’s year, make and model because those are needed to find the right parts for D-I-Y work. Source Link 

Here are some ways to make that next moving day go easier. Start packing as early as possible and clearly label all boxes with what’s in them and the room they go to. Declutter first so you’re not moving junk and set up utilities and change your mailing address before moving day. And try to pick a weekday morning or afternoon to save money on paying the movers. Source Link

April 18, 2024

 Grocery shopping by color can be your first step toward a healthier heart. Choose foods with lots of color by starting in the produce section to stock up on a rainbow of fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid white in bread, potatoes and rice and check labels to skip the added salt and sugar that can be found in many processed foods. Source Link 

There’s a way to read a book that has more benefits for your brain. Instead of reading for a goal of learning or finishing in a certain time, “mindful reading” focuses on the pleasure so you remain fully present and understand what you’re reading. It’s best done with a paper book because reading on a phone or tablet has distractions like notifications and the urge to multitask. Source Link_

Try these hacks to make better use of household tools you already have. A vegetable peeler can shave thin slices of onion faster than slicing and the hole in that spaghetti spoon helps you measure one portion. And wedging the teeth of a staple remover into a key ring can make it easier to slide on a new key. Source Link_

April 17, 2024

 Eating well doesn’t have to be expensive when you look for foods that are good for you and easy on your wallet. Eggs are a great source of protein and a real value and plain oatmeal is a fiber-rich food for pennies a serving. Chicken is a better buy than beef and bananas and fresh in-season produce are usually a good buy. Source Link 

The 90-90 Rule may help you declutter that overstuffed closet one season at a time. Ask yourself if you’ve worn an item in the past 90 days or if you plan to wear it in the next 90 days. If both answers are “no,” it’s probably a seasonal item you no longer need or something that needs to move out to make way for this season’s clothes. Source Link_

A lost or broken smartphone can turn your life upside down, so take a few simple steps to stay connected to your digital world. A sturdy case can lessen the risk that a drop could disable your phone. Use cloud backup for your contacts and photos, and enable location services but adjust the access that apps can have to your location in the settings for privacy. Source Link_

April 16, 2024

 Maybe cereal, eggs or oatmeal don’t sound good for breakfast but you can mix it up with that first meal of the day. Try leftover veggie pizza or peanut butter and sliced bananas on whole wheat toast. Or roll up a tortilla with sliced turkey, lettuce and low-fat cheese for a homemade grab-and-go breakfast. Source Link 

There are many easy and affordable ways to refresh the look and feel of your home. Small changes like replacing kitchen cabinet hardware or toilet seats, or adding motion-sensor lights can make a big impact. Upgrading your light fixtures, adding dimmer switches and installing USB charger outlets are other affordable options. Source Link

Over half of employers conduct job interviews through videoconferencing and you need to avoid these virtual pitfalls when you’re on-screen and hoping to be hired. Keep your eyes on the camera as you would maintain eye contact face-to-face and be mindful of a messy room behind you. Likewise, close any inappropriate tabs or apps that could appear when sharing your screen. Source Link

April 15, 2024

 Lots of things are part of everyday life thanks to NASA. That cordless vacuum cleaner, drill or saw uses battery technology developed for the space program, along with memory foam and the sensors in your smartphone camera. And NASA research uncovered a natural source of the omega-3 fatty acid only found in breast milk that’s now used in baby formula. Source Link 

There are scientific reasons why a late-night meal can add more pounds to the scale. Researchers found that when a meal is delayed by four hours and everything else stays the same, you burn fewer calories and want more food. Plus, the body’s fat tissue undergoes changes that promote weight gain. Source Link 

When you’re in decluttering mode, it can be hard to decide what to keep and what to part with, so put everything to this test – is it the best, the favorite, or necessary? If something doesn’t tick at least one of those boxes it needs to go, to help you weed out multiples, items you don’t need, or those that aren’t your favorites. Source Link

April 12, 2024

 Gardening can benefit your body in three ways. Growing some of your own food gives you fresh and healthy alternatives to processed food and maintaining a garden can be good exercise. And gardening has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety, especially when you’re working with others in a community garden. Source Link 

You can battle spring allergies with some unique weapons. The herb butterbur is a natural antihistamine. Green tea can reduce sneezing and itchy eyes, and spicy food can help clear nasal congestion. Or add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of steaming water to breathe in a natural remedy for allergies caused by inflammation. Source Link 

Anxiety can hit right when you’re ready for bed, and you can keep those worrying thoughts from ruining a good night’s sleep. Cut off caffeine consumption at least five hours before bed and try getting rid of your worries by putting them down on paper with journaling. And give yourself something to look forward to in the morning, like a nice breakfast, a walk or a favorite podcast. Source Link

April 11, 2024

 You don’t need a closetful of them, but your feet will thank you if you don’t wear the same shoes every day. That can cause fatigue and pain because you’re always using the same areas of the foot for support and walking. Have a few pairs of comfortable shoes and rotate them throughout the week. Source Link 

You can be a more-savvy spender by avoiding lures like major online shopping sites, daily deal and coupon websites, and subscription services. Shop intentionally for items you need, comparing prices across different platforms. And focus on coupons and deals for products you plan to buy rather than letting discounts dictate your spending habits. Source Link

Let’s add prolonged sitting at work to the list of things that may increase your risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Researchers say the solution is 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day that you can break up in 10-minute sessions. Taking frequent breaks from sitting throughout the workday can also help. Source Link

April 10, 2024

 For the best use of antibiotics, ask about what type is being prescribed. Some that attack a broad spectrum of disease-causing bacteria may not be necessary and could lead to drug resistance. And be sure testing has shown that an antibiotic is needed before it’s prescribed. Source Link

Some small steps could make upping your daily fiber intake easier. Start by leaving the skin on fruits and vegetables that you eat, choose fiber-rich pasta alternatives, skip juices and make smoothies instead, or try air-popped popcorn as a snack. And aim to eat at least one vegetable in every meal. Source Link 

One way to combat inflation is to shop at a warehouse store and some of those great buys don’t need a shopping cart. Prescription drugs, eye care, hearing aids, gasoline and even gift cards can have big discounts at warehouse stores that also have in-house travel agents to arrange discounted vacations including, airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises. Source Link

April 9, 2024

 Keep these “do’s” and “don'ts” in mind when updating your resume. Don’t list every job you’ve held unless it relates to the position you want and do not use cliché phrases like “hardworking” or “detail-oriented.” But do explain any gaps in your work history that might be a red flag for would-be employers. Source Link

Sitting could be a way to reduce high blood pressure, but your butt won’t touch a chair or the floor. With a wall sit you lean your back against a wall and lower until you’re in a sitting position. Holding a wall sit for two minutes in four reps with a two-minute break between each three times a week could lead to a meaningful reduction in blood pressure. Source Link

Tending a garden can help young kids develop healthy attitudes about food that will influence their health years later. Researchers found that kids who participated in a gardening and food education program during elementary school were more likely to eat healthier as they grew up. The test program started with three-year-old's and continued through fifth grade. Source Link

April 8, 2024

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 

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 

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

April 5, 2024

 Before you start running for exercise, remember these steps to get off on the right foot. Begin with a good pair of name brand shoes that are fitted for you at a sports shoe store. Learn how to do a dynamic warmup with air squats, lunges and jumping jacks to prepare leg muscles for running. And start off by walking a block, jogging a block and then running a block. Source Link 

Here are some smart hacks that make it easier and cheaper to fill your home with WiFi. Don’t hide the router in a cabinet – get it up high in a central part of your home. To save money, consider buying your own modem instead of renting one from your internet provider. And start with a more-affordable lower-speed service that might work fine for you. Source Link 

Cleaning a cast-iron skillet the right way involves some special techniques and cleaning tools to preserve the seasoning. Add some warm water a few minutes after removing it from the heat and scrape with a wooden spoon or soft-bristle brush. For stubborn, stuck-on foods, sprinkle some kosher salt in the pan without water and then scrape. Source Link

April 4, 2024

 Drinking too many calories is a problem for people who are trying to watch their weight. Start by making water, black coffee or tea your default drink. Beware of any beverage that gets most of its calories from sweeteners, whether real or artificial and keep smoothies to the smallest size with only non-fat yogurt or milk and real fruit with no added sugar. Source Link

Certain visual problems could be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Difficulty writing, judging whether an object is moving or stationary, or having trouble easily picking up a dropped item could signal the impending arrival of Alzheimer’s. These tasks can become difficult even if a person’s eye exam comes out fine. Source Link

The 20-5-3 rule could be a stress reliever and all you need to do is go outside. To improve feelings of well-being, spend 20 minutes in an urban park or other green space three times a week, and five hours each month in a semi-wild place like a state park. But do this without tech distractions because people who looked at their phones during a nature stroll did not see any of the benefits. Source Link

April 3, 2024

 It’s a twist on the old suggestion to beat sleeplessness by counting sheep. If you suffer from insomnia caused by stress, try counting every breath in and out and count up as far as you can. Another technique to get back to sleep is to stare at a point on the wall until your eyelids get so heavy you have to close them. Source Link

These long standing myths about water don’t wash in the face of scientific study. Moderate use of caffeinated drinks will not make you dehydrated and few people exercise hard enough to need a sports drink instead of plain water. And drinking water only helps with weight loss if it’s used as a substitute for sugar-sweetened drinks. Source Link

How can you resist those “buy one, get one free” or “free gift included” offers when shopping? Ask yourself whether you’d spend the money without a gift and whether it’s cheaper elsewhere. Focus on the bottom-line cost because it’s only a deal if you needed that second item or free gift in the first place. Source Link

April 2, 2024

 Think about all the things in your wallet that you’d have to replace should you lose it and pare down what you carry with you. Never carry a Social Security card, keep store membership cards in the glove box of your car and only carry one credit card. And throw away any old receipts because those could have useful information for an identity thief. Source Link 

What are some habits that can keep you from becoming a victim of cyber crime? Only use trusted apps with two-step verification whenever possible and never conduct any financial business while you’re on public Wi-Fi. Use a password manager to create strong ones that are easy to work with and don’t store credit card information on a website. Source Link 

Maybe math has never been your strong suit, but it doesn’t mean your kids have to struggle. You can start them early with counting games like tallying the number of spoons and forks in a drawer, counting items as you unpack groceries, or looking for a certain number on the pages of a book. And resist talking about your dislike of math in front of your child. Source Link

April 1, 2024

 You can avoid being ripped off at the auto shop by doing a little work of your own before your car needs some. Shop around for a mechanic by asking friends or checking online reviews and take your car in for a small service to see if you’re comfortable there. And don’t be afraid to have your car towed somewhere else if you feel like you’re being cheated. Source Link

Parents who hang on next to the crib until the baby falls asleep may be sabotaging themselves. That's because if your baby sees you there as they drift off to sleep they’ll expect you to be there every time they wake up during the night. Putting a baby to bed while awake helps your infant learn to fall asleep without you in the room. Source Link 

The average American throws out hundreds of dollars worth of food each year, so how can you stop wasting and lower your grocery bill? Creating a weekly menu will help you match activity plans with food shopping. Leftover fresh produce can be frozen for use in smoothies, sauces or casseroles. And remember that “sell by” dates are about quality and not safety. Source Link