February 20, 2025

A free online tool will help you fight back quickly when you’re the victim of identity theft. The website identitytheft.gov run by the Federal Trade Commission helps you create a personal recovery plan and the paperwork needed to undo the effects of identity theft. It also offers advice on specific kinds of fraud, like credit card theft. Source Link 

Can the “work-life” balance we strive for on the job also be a goal when you’re on vacation? Set aside a portion of every vacation day for downtime like a nap, lounging by the pool, reading or doing puzzles. Make mealtimes more leisurely beginning with breakfast and trim that “must-do” list because you’ll still have a great vacation even if you don’t see everything. Source Link

Your kitchen drain is no place for disposing of fats from cooking, so try these alternatives. Line a bowl with foil, pour the grease in it, let it cool and then toss out the wrapped foil. You can do the same “pour and toss” with a resealable plastic bag. Or pour grease into an empty can, let it harden and put the can in the trash. Source Link

February 19, 2025

Here’s how to get back on-track when a New Year’s pledge to get in shape is fizzling even before February is finished. Adjust your exercise goals to make them manageable for the long haul. And if weight loss is your target, consider professional help to create a successful diet plan. Source Link 

You can organize your fridge from top to bottom for convenience and better use of space. Place ready-to-eat foods like salads, fruit or leftovers on the top shelf and raw meat, seafood or poultry on the bottom shelf in sealed containers. Store priority foods somewhere highly visible but don’t put milk in the door because the opening and closing can prevent it from keeping it cool. Source Link_

When your mind is buzzing as you’re heading to sleep, try some mental exercises to get down to drowsiness. List all the vegetables you can think of or count backward from 300 in threes. The goal isn’t to finish but to bore your brain into submission with something mildly challenging so there’s less room to linger on anxieties or worries. Source Link_

February 18, 2025

Looking for a natural energy boost that’s not caffeinated? Hazelnuts, cashews or almonds are rich in magnesium, and whole eggs are packed with protein and B vitamins, which help convert food into energy. Fresh fruit can also provide natural sugar along with beneficial fiber and vitamin C from oranges, kiwi, mangoes, pineapple or strawberries. Source Link

Don’t believe everything you’ve heard about getting good sleep. Exercising within four hours of bedtime can release endorphins to ease stress that can interfere with sleep. You can get good sleep any time of the day as long as you do it in a dark room and it takes at least 15 to 20 minutes to fall asleep, so don’t expect to be out as soon as your head hits the pillow. Source Link

Here are some warning signs that your vacation rental may be a scam. Do a reverse image search on photos that seem too good to be true and see if they’re stock images and pause if a rental price is a lot lower than nearby listings. Don’t be rushed by a host who needs an immediate decision and never pay with gift cards, a cash app, crypto or a certified check. Source Link

February 17, 2025

You’ve decided to spend less time online and here’s how to begin the log off. Treat your internet use like intermittent fasting by going online only during set hours and not every day. If you’re doom scrolling, ask yourself if it makes you feel good or more angry or anxious. And use a free service like Pocket to save articles for later reading to free you up from having to see it right now. Source Link

There’s a lot you hear that’s not true, so let’s debunk some common myths about organ donation. You will not pay a fee to donate an organ and a doctor won’t fail to resuscitate a donor just to have an organ to harvest. And your lifespan won’t automatically be shorter because you’ve donated a kidney or part of your liver. Source Link 

A simple shift in the way you look at your money might help you stop living from paycheck to paycheck. Make a savings account the first thing you fund instead of the last after all your bills are paid. Any use zero-based budgeting that allocates every dollar to savings, paying bills or for spending money. Source Link

February 14, 2025

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 

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

February 13, 2025

Mindless eating often goes hand-in-hand with watching TV, but does what you watch affect how much you eat? Researchers found that action shows prompted people to eat twice as much as talk shows. Sad programs are also more likely to make you pile on the calories compared to upbeat programs and comedies. Source Link 

You face them during every clothes closet cleanout – that pair of jeans or swimsuit that’s too small but you keep as a motivator to lose weight. But if that piece of clothing makes you feel ashamed about your body shape or size, it’s time for it to go. Should you reach a new milestone in weight or size, you can always reward yourself with a shopping trip. Source Link

These myths about healthy eating need to be crossed off your menu plan. Frozen or canned vegetables are as nutritious as fresh, white rice is just slightly lower in fiber than brown rice and microwaving doesn’t zap all of the nutrients in food. And processed convenience foods like frozen dinners can be a nutritious alternative to meal prep kits. Source Link

February 12, 2025

Money may buy you happiness, but it depends on whether you enjoy an instant high or long-lasting comfort. Experts say purchasing something like a car with lasting value can give you long-term happiness, while spending money on experiences like a concert or a vacation can provide more-intense but short-term joy. Source Link 

A warehouse store lets you buy in bulk at a great price but what products can stand the test of time on your shelves? Canned or dried beans, frozen fish, pasta and butter that’s been frozen are among the best long-term buys. Paper products like toilet paper and paper towels are also less expensive when bought in bulk and they’re easy to store. Source Link

You don’t need an expensive bag of ice melt to keep driveways, steps and porches slip-free. Dissolve rock salt or table salt in a bucket of warm water and use a garden sprayer to hit those slick spots, or use a 60-40 mix of vinegar and water. And you can melt ice on a windshield by spraying it with a 50-50 mix of rubbing alcohol and water. Source Link

February 11, 2025

Tin foil isn’t just for cooking or leftovers. Fold a 12-inch long sheet of heavy-duty tin foil into six layers and cut with a pair of scissors to sharpen them or line an ironing board cover with tin foil to press both sides of an item at the same time. And a ball of crumpled tin foil can be used with soap and water to scrub burnt-on food from pots and pans. Source Link 

Timing may be important to keep your bedtime routine from interfering with sleep. Instead of turning on a bright bathroom light to brush your teeth or wash your face just before bed, do those things before you begin your wind-down. That way, you’ll be ready to get into bed and fall asleep as soon as you get drowsy. Source Link

Try these simple steps to make wearing earbuds or headphones safer for your ears. Turn down the background noise to avoid turning up the volume and take a five-minute listening break every 30 minutes to reduce the risk of hearing damage. And use over-the-ear headphones for more protection from outside noise. Source Link

February 10, 2025

The average American spends five hours a day looking down at their phone and that can cause tight muscles and serious pain known as “tech neck.” The condition may require medication, physical therapy, steroid injections, or even surgery in the worst cases. The solution is to hold your phone at eye level as much as possible. Source Link

Doing your grocery shopping online could help you save money in several ways. It stops impulse buying in the store and lets you easily compare items from different brands. And you’ll have a better handle on what you’re spending because an online grocery cart keeps track of the total cost as you fill it. Source Link

How you answer your phone could put you at-risk for being hacked. Because scammers can easily clone your voice with a phone recording, don’t say “hello” when answering. Better yet, don’t say anything and let the caller speak first. The best defense is to not answer calls from unknown numbers. If it’s important, they’ll leave an email. Source Link

February 7, 2025

There are a number of simple ways you can fight a fever at home. Try lukewarm baths, stick to a single layer of light clothing and resist the urge to crawl under a heavy blanket when you have fever chills. And drink more fluids like water, juice, broth or decaffeinated tea with honey. Source Link 

Simple activities may help you cope with grief after losing a loved one. This could be completing a task, getting enough sleep, dining out, connecting with a friend, or spending time with family. Research showed that these uplifts helped just about everyone, regardless of age or financial status. 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

February 6, 2025

Here are some natural ways to keep your home smelling fresh. Avoid the lingering aroma of fried fish by adding a dollop of peanut butter to the oil first. An open bowl of white vinegar can absorb many kitchen odors and a spray bottle filled with unflavored vodka can be used to kill odor-causing bacteria on smelly clothing. Source Link

Your smartphone has a built-in feature to help filter out noise from things like nearby office conversations. On an iPhone, go to Settings, Accessibility, and Audio and Visual to choose from Background Sounds to mask the noise. On Android phones, say, “Hey Google, play ambient sounds” or “play rain sounds.” Source Link 

There are several ways to make a new habit stick. Think ahead and visualize the benefits and track progress, but not perfection to keep from discouraging yourself. Embrace the power of scheduling to carve out specific times to do your new activity and be ready to reevaluate and refine your goals to continue to make progress. Source Link

February 5, 2025

The way you charge your smartphone could limit the life of the battery. Don’t use cheap power cables, wall plugs or wireless chargers that may damage your phone. Don’t let the battery charge drop to zero and avoid keeping a phone on and charging overnight because both can be bad. Your battery works best when it’s charged between 20 and 80 percent. Source Link 

Storing leftovers can stretch your food budget but be sure you’re using the right container. Glass won’t absorb odors or stains and is safe for reheating in the oven and microwave. Don’t put hot food directly in plastic containers that can leach harmful chemicals and don’t save hot foods in takeout containers that aren’t designed for storage or heat exposure. Source Link

Keeping down the dust in your home can help with allergies and there are steps you can take to make it easier. Cut down on knick-knacks and clutter to make surfaces easier to clean and keep indoor humidity to 35 to 50 percent to eliminate dust mites. And wash plush surfaces like bedding in hot water to reduce dust. Source Link

February 4, 2025

When can that drawer full of papers head to the shredder? ATM transaction receipts, financial offers and other junk mail can go right away, but save pay stubs for a month. After a year you can shred utility bills, bank and credit card statements and paid medical bills. Keep tax-related forms for seven years and never throw away birth, death or marriage certificates. Source Link 

How can you know if you’re having a “silent” heart attack that happens without any of the typical symptoms? A silent heart attack may include indigestion, feeling like you have a strained muscle in the chest or upper back, or prolonged, excessive fatigue. Diagnosis after the fact is important because having a silent heart attack increases the risk of heart failure. Source Link

Here are some monthly maintenance tasks for inside and outside your computer. Delete files you don’t need using the Storage Sense feature in Windows that will erase temporary files and save space. Likewise, look at Installed Apps to see unused programs that you can delete. Clean those crumbs out of the keyboard and dust the cooling fans to prevent overheating. Source Link_

February 3, 2025

How you lay when you sleep could have an impact on your health. Side sleeping is considered the best because you’ll reduce the risk of snoring or sleep apnea when sleeping on your back. Sleeping on your left side can help prevent stomach acid from moving up when you lie down, and sleeping on your right side may improve heart function for those with heart disease. Source Link 

Many people are hard-wired to avoid idleness, but you can train yourself to do nothing. Start small and sit quietly for five minutes in a peaceful place with a view of something pleasant. Add five minutes to this routine until you can sit quietly for 20 minutes each day. And remember to turn off your phone and tablet or anything else that can send an alert. Source Link 

All food scraps don’t have to go down the garbage disposal or into the trash. Soak orange peels in a jar filled with white vinegar for two weeks to make a citrus cleaning spray. Do the same with cucumber peels soaked in water for five days to make your own cucumber water that’s great for feeding your plants. Source Link