May 31, 2024

 Hurricanes and other dangerous storms happen in summer, but don’t put your life at-risk after the skies have cleared and the power is out. Carbon monoxide from a gasoline-powered portable generator is a silent killer, so be sure to place it at least 20 feet away from the house and never use a generator on a porch or in a carport. And be sure home CO alarms are working properly. Source Link 

Sunglasses are for more than stopping you from squinting in bright daylight. They protect against harmful UV rays that can damage your eyes and lead to conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. And don’t wear dark sunglasses without UV protection, because that dark tint forces the pupil to open wider and let in more light and more UV rays. Source Link 

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

May 30, 2024

 An age-old rule for laundry day doesn’t wash with today’s clothes. With a few exceptions, you don’t need to separate whites and colors because most fabrics today are made to be colorfast. But do run a separate load and even use a special detergent for athletic wear that’s breathable or moisture wicking because these items are often treated to be water repellent. Source Link 

Don’t fall for a text scam when someone messages to say they have your number but not your name. Thieves can text millions of phone numbers in hopes of finding a few people who will provide their name. And once they have a name with a phone number, it’s easier to piece together other information to steal your identity. Source Link 

To make any cooking pan a non-stick one, just reach for something that may be in your kitchen drawer between the plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Putting down some parchment paper in a pan with a touch of cooking oil can provide that crispy grilled texture without scorching delicate skin-on proteins like fish. Source Link 

May 29, 2024

 When the thermostat in your office is set on “Arctic” there are ways to stay warm without packing the parka. Take a cue from your winter wardrobe and wear shirts with thumb holes or slide into some fingerless gloves. Eating spicy foods can warm you up from the inside and a heating pad can turn your chair into a warm oasis in all that frigid AC air. Source Link 

How can you be sure if the vitamins or supplements really have what you need? Look for third-party verification labels like USP or NSF for vitamins or IFOS for fish oil. And check for expiration dates because supplements that are past their “use by” date may not be effective and could even be harmful. Source Link 

So, how do you properly clean a kitchen counter? It depends on what it’s made of. Avoid abrasive and acidic cleaners with quartz and don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals on granite or laminate. And if soap and water doesn't work on your marble countertop, use a specialized cleaner that’s made for natural stone. Source Link 

May 28, 2024

 Improving a credit score can help you save on loans, auto insurance, or even rent and you can boost that number for free. Use a secured credit card linked to a savings account for everyday purchases and pay off the balance each month. And some credit bureaus let you report on-time payments of bills for utilities, cell phones or streaming services. Source Link 

You don’t need a five-figure home improvement budget because many upgrades can be done for $100 or less. Replace knobs and handles on kitchen drawers and cabinets or add solar lights to outdoor walkways or porches. Limewashing a fireplace can revive it without painting and wall-mounting a TV with hidden cabling makes a room look more open and cleaner. Source Link

You can fight back against higher electric bills by pinpointing energy vampires in your home. Set-top boxes, amplifiers and other audio-visual equipment can be unplugged when not in use and do the same with a TV in a spare room that’s not used often. Install timers or motion detecting switches on room lighting and insulate a fish tank to cut down on heater use. Source Link

May 24, 2024

 Forget these food safety myths. You can’t tell if food is good by looking at it, and the “five-second rule” doesn’t protect you from microorganisms that can transfer to food immediately when you drop it. And food poisoning doesn’t always happen within hours because you can get sick from food you ate up to three days ago. Source Link

You’ve found the perfect pair of jeans and here’s how to make them last longer. Wash rarely. Instead, spot-treat any spills or stains when they happen. And when you launder those jeans, always use cold water and air dry by hanging them from the ankles indoors to avoid damage from the sun or heat from a dryer. Source Link

Walking can be good exercise, but you need to remember some basics. A good arm swing is key, but make sure you’re pumping forward and back, not side-to-side, and keep those elbows in. Have your shoulders back and head up and don’t make your stride too long, because that can lead to pulled muscles in your leg. Source Link 

May 23, 2024

 Your kids can give back to the community and maybe help themselves, too. Researchers found that kids who volunteer are often thriving, physically and mentally. And if volunteering gets kids off their devices and into the world that promotes social engagement. The results might point to using volunteering as a public health measure. Source Link 

Here are some things to consider when you’re ready to hit “mute” on your social media habit. If the posts make you feel bad it’s time to get them out of your feed. Also cut back if your social media usage gets in the way of real life experiences, and ask yourself what else you could be doing instead of instinctively grabbing your phone to scroll that feed and pass the time. Source Link 

Good eating habits can help a teenager avoid putting on extra pounds that may be with them for life. Start them with a healthy, well-balanced breakfast every day and keep unhealthy snacks out of the house by substituting fruits, vegetables, and small portions of nuts and seeds. Encourage activity as a family and be a role model yourself for healthy living for your kids. Source Link 

May 22, 2024

 Improving a credit score can help you save on loans, auto insurance, or even rent and you can boost that number for free. Use a secured credit card linked to a savings account for everyday purchases and pay off the balance each month. And some credit bureaus let you report on-time payments of bills for utilities, cell phones or streaming services. Source Link 

You don’t need a five-figure home improvement budget because many upgrades can be done for $100 or less. Replace knobs and handles on kitchen drawers and cabinets or add solar lights to outdoor walkways or porches. Limewashing a fireplace can revive it without painting and wall-mounting a TV with hidden cabling makes a room look more open and cleaner. Source Link

You can fight back against higher electric bills by pinpointing energy vampires in your home. Set-top boxes, amplifiers and other audio-visual equipment can be unplugged when not in use and do the same with a TV in a spare room that’s not used often. Install timers or motion detecting switches on room lighting and insulate a fish tank to cut down on heater use. Source Link

May 21, 2024

 When you want a mortgage there’s a difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval. With pre-qualification, you ask the lender to look at your credit report to decide if you’re a good candidate. With pre-approval, lenders will want more information like pay stubs, W-2 forms, income tax returns and checking or savings bank statements. Source Link

It’s like Airbnb but for a stay at a National Park and more. Recreation.gov lets you make reservations for campsites and lodges that are managed by over a dozen federal agencies. The website and smartphone app lets you search across the country and nearby. You can also reserve tickets for events and programs. Source Link_

Scammers have joined the flood of calls, emails and texts that try to solicit political contributions from you. To avoid being ripped off, verify them through an official website or phone number, never use an unfamiliar platform to donate and hang up on any high-pressure tactics. You can also use a watchdog site like Charity Navigator or GiveWell for reviews of organizations that ask for donations. Source Link_ 

May 20, 2024

 Baby wipes are great for more than cleaning those little bottoms. A baby wipe does wonders on a dirty keyboard or light switch plate, leather furniture, latex paint on your hands, a whiteboard, or your car’s interior. A baby wipe can also remove your makeup gently and clean makeup stains from clothing. Source Link 

Here are some of the warning signs that you can’t afford your home mortgage. You aren’t able to save money for retirement, travel, education, or a rainy day fund. You might have high credit card bills to cover purchases that don’t fit into a too-tight budget. Or you’re deferring necessary home maintenance because the money isn’t there to pay for it. Source Link 

People who are battling high blood sugar may have another weapon. Researchers found that meditation, yoga and mindfulness exercises to deal with daily stress have also helped those with type-2 diabetes lower their average blood sugar levels. The improvement could be as much as some people see by using medications. Source Link 

May 17, 2024

 How about a diet that can take off pounds and maybe add more years to your life? Studies have shown that low-fat diets in general can help prevent heart attacks and premature deaths, but one stands above the rest. The Mediterranean diet that’s heavy on fish, vegetables and good fats from olive oil and nuts may lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. Source Link 

“Fridge or pantry?” is a question for many kitchen condiments. Open containers of mustard, ketchup and hot sauce are safe when kept in the pantry, but manufacturers say refrigeration maintains the best product quality after opening. Peanut butter also doesn’t need to go in the fridge but you could triple the life of natural peanut butter with cold storage. Source Link 

The key to effective studying isn’t cramming by reading notes or a textbook over and over. Instead, read once and then quiz yourself using questions at the back of a book or with flashcards that you create. Drawing the information in visual form can also help with retention, and give your brain time to absorb information by spacing out study sessions over a few days. Source Link

May 16, 2024

 Most people don’t think about foot care until they’re in pain but some common problems can be prevented with a few simple steps. Always wear water shoes around public swimming pools and in showers at the gym to avoid viruses that can cause nail fungus or athlete’s foot. Wear socks and tights made from breathable fabrics and if shoes hurt the first time you try them on, don’t buy them. Source Link

A monthly computer cleanup can keep your laptop working smoothly. On Windows, go to System and Storage to see what unneeded files can be deleted, remove unused apps and tidy up your browser by clearing the cache of temporary data. And do a physical cleaning of the keyboard and screen with a lint-free cloth and a bit of water. Source Link_

When your young artist has used the kitchen wall to create a masterpiece in crayon it’s easy to clean off. Make a paste by mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with one teaspoon of water and use a wet, white cloth to gently rub this on the crayon lines. Then use another clean and slightly damp cloth to wipe away the residue. Source Link_

May 15, 2024

 What form of exercise can help you beat depression without breaking a sweat? Yoga has been shown to ease the symptoms of depression for those who are on medication and those who aren’t. The deep breathing and precise movements of yoga can release “feel good” brain chemicals and may block others that worsen depression. Source Link

They may not top the list of your favorite foods but some of these are tops for heart health. Broccoli, brussels sprouts, asparagus and cabbage contain potassium, onions and garlic have antioxidants and beets are a natural source of nitrous oxide, and all can decrease blood pressure. Beans, nuts and seeds and fatty fish are also superfoods for your heart. Source Link_

The organization representing America's pediatricians says your 1-to-3-year old child doesn’t need formula. So-called “toddler milk” often has high-calorie sweeteners, vegetable oil and added sodium. Cow’s milk is a better choice for nutrition and costs less than toddler formula. Source Link_

May 14, 2024

 Frozen vegetables can be as tasty as fresh and easy to use when you remember these tips. Be careful not to overcook and try defrosting frozen vegetables in a colander under cold running water instead of using a microwave. You can add vegetables directly from the freezer in soups, stews and chilis and in that breakfast smoothie. Source Link 

Remember these tips when trying to tackle that pile of paper documents, records and receipts. Never discard birth or death certificates, military service, marriage and divorce records, loan payoff statements, or retirement or pension records. Tax paperwork can be scanned and saved for seven years and you can shred any receipts after you get your monthly bill statement. Source Link_

You can plan a museum trip or take one virtually with help from the number-one web search engine. Google Arts and Culture is a special section that offers walkthroughs of many of the world’s museum collections. Use it to preview attractions before you travel or select the “Nearby” feature to find something close to where you are now. Source Link_

May 13, 2024

 Here’s a reason to switch-up your dental hygiene routine and floss before you brush. A study found that people who flossed before brushing reduced more plaque on their teeth. One reason could be that flossing removes more food particles before brushing and that makes it easier for fluoride in toothpaste to do its work. Source Link 

Adding a little olive oil to your daily diet could help to keep your heart and mind healthier. Researchers found that people who ate more than half a tablespoon of olive oil each day had lower rates of premature death from cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's. Olive oil can be a healthy substitute for butter, margarine and other types of fat used in cooking. Source Link 

How do you open a can without a can opener? Friction is your friend. Turn it upside down and rub the top of the can on a rough surface like concrete, a rock, or use sandpaper for about a minute. Wear down the top edge and give the can a squeeze and the top might pop off, or push a knife or other flat tool into the seam to lift off the top. Source Link

May 10, 2024

 A stress headache can be your body triggering the natural “fight or flight” reaction but you can stop that cycle. Try deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, and mind-body exercises like tai chi or restorative yoga. A quick trip to the outdoors is another option because 10 minutes in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve well-being. Source Link 

Here’s the right way to use the crisper drawers in your fridge. Set one for low humidity for items like apples, avocados, ripe bananas, melons and mangoes. The high humidity drawer will keep leafy produce fresh, along with broccoli, carrots, peppers, strawberries and watermelon. And try to keep each drawer at least two-thirds full to get the best performance from it. Source Link 

Online shopping is great, but you may not want to purchase that new puppy from a website. That’s because scammers are setting up fake pages and promising expensive pure breeds but never delivering the dog after a deposit is made. Look for a reputable breeder on social media or consult with Facebook groups or Reddit to see if you’re dealing with a con artist. Source Link

May 9, 2024

 In the race to shed those pounds and improve your health, it doesn’t matter if you're the tortoise or the hare. Research has shown that losing weight quickly doesn't offer any more health benefits than slimming down slowly. Some believe that faster weight loss may be better at reducing risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. Source Link 

The office binder clip is a multi-purpose tool in the kitchen. Use one to seal a potato chip bag or hold parchment paper to a sheet pan when you bake. A binder clip can tame a tangle of power cords on a kitchen counter, hang bags of veggies from a freezer wire shelf or serve as guard rails to keep horizontal bottles from rolling around in the fridge. Source Link_

You can find ways to fit in fitness at work. Every 30 minutes, do stretches to relax your neck, shoulders and fingers, or stand up and bend at the hips to touch your toes. Take a walk across the office to talk to someone face-to-face instead of calling or emailing and maximize your lunch break by including a walk or climbing a few sets of stairs. Source Link_

May 8, 2024

 Self-esteem is considered a must for emotional wellbeing but it's also important to know how to give yourself a break. With self-compassion, you can show yourself the same empathy that you extend to others. Being understanding and not judgmental with yourself offers a kind of immunity against negative influences like fear. Source Link 

Teaching kids the value of saving now to enjoy a purchase later might start with one simple word on an everyday shopping trip. When you go into a store, remind them that you aren’t there to buy anything “fun.” If that’s what they want, they’ll need to save money for it. Do this along with creating a savings goal chart for that purchase. Source Link_

A clogged showerhead can ruin your daily routine but there’s an easy way to fix it. Fill a plastic sandwich bag with a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water and attach this around the showerhead with a rubber band. Let it soak for 60 minutes to clean out the mineral buildup and get that shower going full blast again. Source Link_

May 7, 2024

 Is there a big threat to your waistline lurking on desktops and in the break room at work? One study found that the typical worker ate nearly 300 calories a day in food from the office. Think before you grab a free cookie or cupcake and avoid the urge to hit that candy dish by bringing your own healthy snacks to work. Source Link 

The blue spray that keeps your windows clean can do wonders all around the home. Try it as a stain remover on non-silk washable fabrics or a kitchen degreaser for cooktops, cabinet door handles and stainless steel appliances. It’s ideal for cleaning your car’s dashboard and steering wheel and will work on most surfaces in the bathroom. Source Link_

Here are some fast and easy cleanouts for a few trouble spots in the home. Pull out all of the phone chargers and cords you have to see which you still need and recycle the rest. Empty everything from beneath the sink to discard old sponges or cleaners you never use. And only keep enough reusable shopping bags in your car for one grocery run. Source Link_

May 6, 2024

 Posture may be an important factor in how fast that pill you’ve taken begins to work. There’s nothing wrong with taking a pill while standing or sitting up, but testing showed that leaning to your right side could speed absorption by about 13 minutes. On the other hand, leaning to the left could add an hour to the time it takes that pill to dissolve. Source Link 

Finding the best lighting angle for that outside photo is as easy as raising your hand. Hold your hand in front of you with your palm pointing out and turn your body in a circle until your hand has no shadows on it. That’s the direction to point your subject or stand yourself to ensure a shadow-free photo. Source Link 

Just wearing a step-tracking watch can lead to taking more steps per day, even if you never check your progress. Researchers found that people who wore step trackers took about 300 more steps per day than before testing began. They got the “before” numbers by using a little-known feature in every iPhone that automatically tracks your steps. Source Link

May 3, 2024

 You can deal with stress on the job by changing your approach to work. Find things you can control and focus your energy there, like using a lunch break to re-energize. Be intentional with your time and try to plan more of what energizes you, make a manageable to-do list by breaking big tasks into several smaller ones and practice saying “no” to projects that don’t fit for you. Source Link 

Remember these numbers to build a better to-do list – one, three, five. Pick the biggest job of the day and put that number-one on the list. Then choose three smaller, but still important tasks, and complete the list with five small items that you can finish easily. This technique lets you avoid the need to sort your to-do list by time or urgency. Source Link 

When you’re wondering if your child has an unhealthy relationship with social media, ask these questions. Do they do anything significant each day besides going to school or spending time on screens, and how many hours a day do they use social media? Also ask yourself, does your child have a very hard time stopping, and does social media interfere with their sleep, homework or general daily functions. Source Link

May 2, 2024

 Getting kids to eat their veggies starts long before they’re eating anything. Moms can help develop that taste by eating vegetables during pregnancy. Model good habits for infants and toddlers by eating the same vegetables they do during a meal. And let kindergartners help in the kitchen to see how vegetables can be an important part of a meal. Source Link 

Seniors don’t need to be afraid of the weight room because resistance training pays big dividends as we age. Consult with your doctor and a personal trainer and start with free weights that can build muscles and help with balance. Weight training can help the heart learn to pump harder to avoid fatigue. Source Link_

A few common household products may be all you need to keep your phone free of dirt and grime. Use a disposable wipe or a solution of 70-percent isopropyl alcohol on a microfiber cloth to clean the screen every day. And a strip of Scotch tape can pull up any lint or sand that’s struck in crevices on your phone. Source Link_

May 1, 2024

 Many household plastics that go into the trash could have a second life in your home. Gardeners can use yogurt cups to grow seedlings and those clear plastic containers used to package salad mix or berries can store loose items in your fridge. And an old peanut butter jar is perfect for making salad dressing or overnight oats. Source Link 

Your water bottle needs to be cleaned every day to keep you safe from germs. Start by choosing a metal or glass bottle with a wide mouth that makes cleaning easier. Bottles with a straw collect less bacteria than those with a slide top. And don’t use a disposable plastic bottle because the ridges in it make cleaning difficult. Source Link_

Living a happier life goes hand in hand with good health habits. Start by eating a satisfying breakfast every day with more protein and less sweets and fats. Being physically active will improve your ability to do everyday tasks and building meaningful friendships can fend off loneliness. And cut the critical self-talk by imagining what you’d say to a friend with the same problem. Source Link_