BVNN: January 2025

January 31, 2025

There are many ways to save money when you’re on vacation. Don’t eat out for every meal. Pick up groceries for a few days. Don’t buy overpriced treats at theme parks or tourist attractions. Instead, eat a big breakfast and drink water. Don’t bring home silly souvenirs that will become clutter, and don’t buy expensive plane tickets if you can drive to the location in less than a day. Source Link

Smart items in your home need extra steps to ensure that they don't invade your privacy. Select a unique password and use an option for two-step verification, and know how to turn off cameras and microphones on devices. Enable auto-delete of your commands for a voice assistant and check smart phone apps for the latest updates. Source Link

You want a healthy drink without sugar or artificial sweeteners but don’t like the taste of plain water, so add some natural flavor. Infuse it with real fruit, or try naturally-flavored sparkling water. You can even add a teaspoon of honey or plant-based zero-calorie sweetener like stevia to your drink. Source Link

January 30, 2025

There’s more to the cost of buying a car than the sticker price. Paying it off in the shortest term you can afford will save on interest charges and don’t forget sales tax if you have it in your state. Consider insurance premiums for the make and model of car and get several estimates and look at gas mileage for the most economical driving for years to come. Source Link

There’s no upside to sharing your bed with your baby. A study found that bed-sharing did nothing to boost mother-infant bonding and increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, even when parents are careful. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing with an infant but not bed-sharing. Source Link

They call it a “junk drawer” but it still needs an occasional cleanup. Start by removing everything and only keeping what’s useful, like scissors, tape, pens and markers or extra house keys. Get rid of whatever you don’t need and then use drawer organizers for big things and half an egg carton to get 12 pockets to hold those small items. Source Link_

January 29, 2025

Not all debt is created equal. A mortgage lets you build wealth through rising home values and a student loan for an education to get a good job will pay off with much more in lifetime earnings. But debt from credit card balances you can’t pay off every month or an auto loan or lease every few years will have you spending more instead of living within your means. Source Link

A specific way of breathing might help keep your stomach from feeling the effects of stress or anxiety. Try taking deep breaths from your diaphragm that expand your abdomen. This activates the autonomic nervous system and makes your GI tract less sensitive to stimuli that could cause an upset stomach. Source Link

It can be tricky to know what to say to a grieving friend. Don’t say, "I can't imagine what you're going through." Instead, acknowledge how difficult it must be and say you’re there to help. Do say, “I don’t have the right words” to show you aren’t avoiding a talk. And never start with, “At least they’re in a better place” or “no longer suffering” because that minimizes the loss. Source Link_

January 28, 2025

When you've always got your mind on your money, give yourself a break by automating your budget. Experts say you can manage your money without the headaches by using direct deposit of your paycheck with automatic bill payments and automatic transfers to savings. And if you budget correctly what’s left is money you can spend any way you’d like. Source Link

It’s an old debate - should aluminum foil’s shiny side or dull side be on the outside when wrapping foods for cooking? Experts say it doesn’t matter because heat conducts through the foil the same for either side. There’s a dull side because aluminum foil is manufactured with two sheets together and the sides that touch don’t get a shiny surface. Source Link

Using an old telephone tool may be the best way to help stop today’s scourge of scam calls. Unless it’s a number you know, let the call ring through to voicemail. Even declining a call can tell a scammer that it’s a live number with a possible target. If it’s a legitimate call, the person will leave a message that’s more than a few seconds long. Source Link

January 27, 2025

Can the formula “20 over 40” help keep you out of the hospital? In a seven-year study of people over the age of 40, those who got 20 minutes of daily exercise cut their risk of hospitalization for things like pneumonia, stroke, diabetes complications and severe urinary tract infections. The numbers line up with recommendations to get 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. Source Link

Teaching your child healthy eating habits when they’re young can pay lifelong dividends. Help them understand the body’s cues for hunger or fullness and not to eat because you’re bored or doing something else like watching TV. Use child-sized plates to gauge how much food they need for a meal, keep junk food out of the house to avoid temptation, and have them get 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Source Link

That new TV you bring home to your young family should have a life-saving accessory. A tip-over kit lets you anchor the TV to the wall so it won't fall on a small child if they climb up. And avoid displaying or storing items like toys and remotes near a TV where kids might be tempted to climb up to reach them. Source Link

January 24, 2025

Falls are a leading cause of injury in the home and you can avoid this by looking, lighting and laddering. Watch your feet when walking and don’t multitask while using the stairs. Install nightlights or illuminated wall plates to see better when you’re walking in the dark and use a ladder or step stool for reaching things on high, but never stand on the top step or rung. Source Link

Adding more vegetables to your diet isn’t as hard as it seems. Blend cauliflower or spinach into a smoothie or bake egg muffins with vegetables for an easy grab-and-go breakfast. You can even spiralize vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes or beets to mix with your favorite pasta sauce for a tasty meal. Source Link

It’s time to wake up and debunk some sleep myths. It matters what time of day you sleep because your body is built for rest when the sun is down. Being able to fall asleep almost instantly isn’t great and could be a sign of sleep deprivation. And your body needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, so don’t make a habit of getting significantly less. Source Link

January 23, 2025

Here’s a tip that might help reduce online impulse shopping. Don’t save your credit card information on websites where you frequently shop. Having to grab your wallet to pay for an impulse purchase adds an extra step and gives you more time to consider whether you really need the item. Source Link

Creating a family password to be used in emergencies can help you avoid becoming a victim of scammers who pose as a relative in need of help. If the caller can’t provide this pre-agreed passphrase, you’ll know it’s a fraud. When creating a password, avoid any information like street names, birthdays or a pet’s name that may already be shared online. Source Link_

There’s only one time of the day when you should be stepping on a scale to weigh yourself. Do it first thing in the morning after you use the bathroom but before you eat or drink anything. Any other time could include weight from food on your stomach or water weight. If a daily weigh-in makes you anxious, cut back and step onto the scale just once a week. Source Link_

January 22, 2025

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

You can look at winter in a new light to help avoid the seasonal blues. Natural light in the living room or kitchen from full-spectrum light bulbs can improve emotional well-being and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. And warm-color lighting might work in the bedroom to help you calm down after a stressful day. Source Link_

These hotel room hacks can make your next stay easier. That ironing board in the closet can double as a luggage stand and you can make a toothbrush holder that won’t fall over by poking a hole in the bottom of a paper cup. And pack a roll of duct tape to childproof electrical outlets or tape over a bright indicator light on a TV. Source Link_

January 21, 2025

The bathroom scale may not be the best way to see if your diet plan is working. Health experts say things like water weight can throw off that measurement. What’s a better way to track your progress? Use a tape measure on your chest, waist, hips and thighs once a week and see if your clothes are beginning to feel loose. Source Link

Home buyers should beware of these red flags that warn of high maintenance ahead. Those soaring high ceilings increase heating and cooling costs and may require rented scaffolding for painting. Lots of natural stone flooring or tiny tiles takes extra work to keep clean, and a complex roof design with many angles and gables will require more maintenance. Source Link_

Try these cleaning tips to help make your phone feel brand-new again. Remove the case and clean it with soapy water or a damp microfiber cloth and gently remove dust and gunk from the charging port. Finish up inside by uninstalling any apps you don’t use or reinstall space-hogging apps to clear memory and help your phone run faster. Source Link_

January 20, 2025

January 17, 2025

Keeping bones stronger as you age may mean hitting the pavement harder. In a study, older adults who got more high-impact physical activity each day had less decline in bone mineral density. You can do this with running, brisk walking, climbing stairs or even an exercise like raising up on your tiptoes and then dropping down onto your heels. Source Link

Hit the “cancel” button on streaming services you don’t use to cut those monthly subscription costs. Drop the sports add-ons when your team’s season is over and take a hard look at what you watch or don’t watch regularly. Drop services that aren’t part of your viewing on a weekly basis and re-subscribe later to see a new show. Source Link

This kind of audit could save you money. A professional energy audit of your home looks at doors, windows, insulation and more to determine where you can seal leaks and stop wasting those heating and cooling dollars. And Uncle Sam is offering federal tax credits that could mean thousands of dollars back when you complete energy-efficient improvements. Source Link

January 16, 2025

Brown-bagging your mid-day meal doesn’t have to be boring if you can think outside the lunchbox. Try adding one new vegetable or fruit each week and pack more than lunch with healthy snacks to make it through the day. And watch out for too much sugar at lunchtime because it can fuel a mid-afternoon energy crash. Source Link

A few simple steps can make that guest room in your home more inviting for visitors. Dimmable lighting lets your guest set the scene to their liking and blackout drapes offer a perfect atmosphere for sleep. And stock that ensuite or nearby bathroom with fluffy towels, a cozy bathrobe and fresh greenery to give it a spa feel. Source Link_

It’s something your mother probably did, but these days there’s little need to separate laundry before washing. Synthetic fibers and colorfast dyes in most of today’s clothes stand up better in a cold water wash that’s recommended for most items. The exception is athletic gear that’s moisture-wicking or breathable and needs to be washed separately. Source Link_

January 15, 2025

Diet sodas may not be a healthy alternative because they’ve been associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart disease and heart attack. If you like the sparkle of soda, try plain seltzer with a squeeze of citrus fruit, grated ginger, chopped mint or a teaspoon of vanilla. Or replace soda with milk for more protein and calcium. Source Link

You probably have some things in the fridge that don’t need to stay there. Barbecue or hot sauce loses some kick in the cold, so pull it out to warm up before use. Jams and jellies can crystallize in the fridge and keep pickles on the pantry shelf because they’re already preserved. And warm-weather fruits like oranges or bananas taste best when stored on the counter. Source Link_

Traveling with kids requires some savvy packing to keep them happy. Bring along comfort items like a favorite stuffed animal or familiar books for bedtime reading. For older kids, pack a book for them to read before any screen time. And on car trips, have a travel bingo game ready for fun involvement with what’s going by as you drive. Source Link_

January 14, 2025

Just a few minutes of vigorous activity every day could help control blood pressure. Researchers found benefits from as little as five minutes of exercise that gets your heart pumping and meaningful results at 10 or 20 minutes. Cycling, running or stair climbing are among the things you can do to improve blood pressure. Source Link_

Here are some ways to make winter more manageable. Switch to daylight color bulbs in rooms you use first thing in the morning to mimic the benefits of natural light. Pick up slow hobbies like reading, doing puzzles, crafting or knitting. You can also bring outdoor plants inside or add a pop of blue or green to a room for a warm weather feel. Source Link_

A will isn’t just for distributing physical assets because your digital life also needs to be dealt with after you’re gone. Create a list of all social media, email, cloud photo storage and other online accounts you use and include usernames and passwords. A password manager is an easy way to do this and you can give the manager’s master password to your digital executor. Source Link

January 13, 2025

A good workout may be the cure for the “winter blues.” You can counteract the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder with exercise, and it doesn't have to be running or lifting weights. Things like yoga, tai chi and even meditation can help, but you need to commit to doing this every day. Source Link

More people say they’re lonely, but what can you do about it if that’s you? First, acknowledge that what you’re feeling is loneliness, and take steps like writing down happy memories, walking in nature, phoning a friend you haven't seen for a while, or listening to happy music or watching something funny. You can also focus outside of yourself by volunteering to help others. Source Link

Fighting identity theft means moving fast if you are targeted. Get free credit reports from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion and look for suspicious activity. If there are accounts in your name that you haven’t opened, put a 90-day fraud alert on your credit report to flag lenders to contact you before opening an account and report this to your bank and creditors. Source Link

January 10, 2025

Remember the acronym “FORD” when you’re stuck without a topic to make small talk. F is for Family and you can ask about relatives. O is for Occupation – dig deeper into their job. R is for Recreation and can cover favorite hobbies, activities or books, movies or TV. And D is for Dreams – ask about what they dream of doing some day. Source Link

A “fake” credit card number could be a tool to avoid a real online hack where you foot the bill. Many banks and credit card companies offer virtual cards that use a different number but link to your account. You can use a virtual card to make purchases online and if the number is stolen, you simply deactivate it. Source Link

It’s time to forget the old advice to, “feed a cold and starve a fever,” because treating both requires adequate nutrition. Fever is the body’s natural defense to fight infection and all immune responses like this require the energy you get from eating. Comfort foods like chicken noodle soup can provide nutrition and keep you hydrated. Source Link

January 9, 2025

This five-second rule might uncover a balance problem for older adults. If you can’t stand on one foot for at least five seconds, you’re at higher risk for falls. The longer the better and getting up to 30 seconds is great. You can build balance by alternating standing on each foot for as long as you can while brushing your teeth. Source Link_

Thrifty shoppers know the early bird gets the deals in a second-hand store and that means shopping early in the day and early in the week. Many thrift stores restock the floor after getting more donations during the weekend, so plan your shopping trip for a Monday or Tuesday to get the first pick of new items for sale. Source Link_

Make laundry day easier on you and your clothes with a shortcut that’s built into many washers. The “express cycle” has a shorter wash time and a high-speed spin cycle for quicker drying. And that shorter wash cycle can lengthen the life of clothes because it means less time that items are rubbing together in the washer. Source Link

January 8, 2025

Ultra processed foods may be linked to a number of health problems but finding swaps can be easy. Try making overnight oats instead of eating boxed cereal for breakfast or consider a fresh meal service to replace a few takeout stops each week. The goal is to get up to 80 percent of your diet from whole foods. Source Link_

What are some alternatives to staring at a screen for kids cooped up inside because of winter? Play an exciting board game or organize an indoor treasure hunt. Try real-life high-energy activities such as dancing, exercise or an indoor obstacle course or challenge them to learn a new skill. Source Link_

Deep breathing may ease anxiety and it’s easier to do when you remember two shapes. Box breathing has you breathe in, hold, breathe out and hold again for four seconds in each step.. Triangle breathing does the same in three steps and visualizing a box or a triangle as you breathe can help set a good rhythm. Source Link

January 7, 2025

If you’re adding a child to the family phone plan, think inexpensive and take control. Offer them a hand-me-down iPhone or a low-cost Android device. Establish ground rules like you get all passwords and can check their phone at any time. And set up parental controls on the phone for kid-safe searches and to limit what apps they can download. Source Link

You can have more success with your workouts with these trainer tips. Don’t race through a workout because that bad form can lead to injuries and shorten your routine instead of skipping it if you’re tired or rushed for time. And dress the part in exercise wear that makes you look good and feel comfortable. Source Link

When should a senior citizen hang up the car keys for good is a question that can be answered with the help of a primary care physician who understands their health conditions, capacities, and challenges. Vision, thinking skills and physical function all play a part and families should start the discussion early before a driving mishap forces the issue. Source Link

January 6, 2025

Getting enough vitamin D every day can be a challenge when winter weather blocks the most natural source of it. Instead of depending on exposure to sunshine, try eating more foods high in Vitamin D, like fatty fish, egg yolks and foods that add vitamin D. If you use a supplement, choose Vitamin D3 that’s absorbed more easily by your body. Source Link

When you ask, “How was your day?” your child may only say, “Fine” or “Okay”, so try these other questions. For young children, ask about stories they read in class or something they learned today. Tweens and teens might respond to, “What’s the most unexpected thing that happened?” and most kids can probably tell you what was their favorite part of the day. Source Link

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruits and vegetables all make meal preparations easy. And fruits, vegetables and whole grains provide you with nutrients and dietary fiber that can help lower your risk of developing cancer. To eat more of these, start by filling at least half of your dinner plate with fruits or vegetables. Source Link

January 3, 2025

Billions of spam texts are sent every month and here’s how you can handle yours. Sign-up for your carrier’s spam-blocking protection and see if your provider lets you forward spam texts to “7726” to auto-block them. And never reply to a spam text asking them to stop because this verifies they have a working number and you’ll get even more spam. Source Link

Before you exercise, just say “no” to some common fitness myths. Instead of stretching, do warm-ups first to get the blood flowing. More reps with a lighter weight can be just as effective as a heavier lift to build muscle, and skip that ice bath after every workout because it could counteract the body’s natural process of repairing muscle. Source Link

Is it smart to turn clothes inside-out before washing? Some say it protects the fabric outside to make it last longer and gets to body odors on the inside. The downside is that it’s less effective on external dirt and grime and may damage delicates. You can save a step using this method by turning your clothes inside-out as you take them off. Source Link

January 2, 2025

Your cell phone could be carrying more germs than a toilet seat but there are ways to clean it up. Keeping your phone out of the bathroom will help along with an occasional cleaning with a microfiber cloth or a solution of water and rubbing alcohol. And wash your hands frequently because that’s how most germs make it to your phone. Source Link

It’s easier than you think to pack a healthy lunch for your kids. Concentrate on basics like whole-grain bread, lean meats and lettuce and tomato for sandwiches. Add raw vegetables and a low fat-low sugar dipping sauce and favorite fruits for snacks. If kids buy lunch at school, remind them that hot dogs or mac and cheese should just be occasional foods. Source Link

Some of your home improvement tools might work well in the kitchen. A straight ruler can cut dough for a lattice crust and self-adjusting pliers make a great nutcracker. Painters tape is a durable label for freezer leftovers and comes off clean months later. And office binder clips can hold open a cookbook while you’re working from a recipe. Source Link

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