Fleas and ticks are parasites that cause discomfort and health risks to dogs and nuisance to pet owners. While commercial products are available to help fight these parasites, some people opt for repellants made of kitchen ingredients that are commonly available and have properties that help eliminate fleas and ticks effectively.  These products do not include harmful chemicals. They also suit individuals who are concerned about the environmental impact of alternative pest control techniques. Lemon juice Lemon juice is one of the most effective kitchen ingredients for fighting fleas and ticks. There are two ways in which one can use this common kitchen ingredient for this purpose. Firstly, one can prepare a bath for their dog with diluted lemon juice. For this, combine two cups of water with half a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. One can then add their dog’s regular shampoo to the mix, which will create the perfect bath to eliminate fleas and ticks. Another way to use lemon juice is to dip the dog’s comb into fresh lemon juice and run it through their fur. Apple cider vinegar One can also make use of apple cider vinegar in multiple ways to eliminate fleas and ticks. One of the recommended approaches involves creating a spray solution by diluting six cups of apple cider vinegar with four cups of water, supplemented with some table salt. This will create the perfect mixture that one can spray onto the dog’s fur to get rid of parasites. Besides this, one can also mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with four cups of their dog’s drinking water. If the dog likes the taste of this, it can be an effective remedy to get rid of fleas from its fur. Baking soda with salt If a dog has fleas or ticks, there is a good chance that the pests have infested the house, too.

Teeth veneers are covers attached in front of your natural teeth to give them an enhanced appearance. They are wafer-thin shells permanently fixed to the teeth that are made of porcelain or resin-based composite. They are often used to hide chipped, broken, or discolored teeth or fill the gap between them. Here are some factors you need to know before opting for this procedure: Cost Porcelain teeth veneers are more expensive than composite ones since they last anywhere between 15 and 20 years. This type of teeth veneer is less likely to stain. According to American Dental Association, they cost anywhere between $925 and $2500 per tooth. Composite veneers cost between $250 and $1500. They have a lifespan of five to seven years but can easily stain or break if proper care is not taken. The prices of teeth veneers may vary due to certain factors like geographical location, fees of the dental surgeon, the material used, and the number of teeth being treated. Most insurance companies do not cover the cost of teeth veneers since they fall under cosmetic surgery. Procedure Teeth veneers take about two to six weeks to place. First, your dentist will diagnose and examine any oral health concerns you may have. You will get to choose your teeth color from a special shade chart. Next, your dentist will administer an anesthetic to minimize any pain, and the natural tooth will be minimally reshaped using a rotational device called a bur. For composite resin veneers, your dental surgeon will apply the shaded composite material on the tooth and harden it with a high-intensity light. In porcelain veneers, an impression of your teeth will be taken to build a mold. A temporary custom-fit will be made and tested on your teeth for any adjustments. After this, a final one will be permanently fixed to the teeth.

Smartwatches are all the rage these days. Traditional watches only tell you the time, but smartwatches present the world at your fingertips. From fitness tracking to navigation and GPS, they come with unique features you just can’t imagine. But since there are so many options available, picking the right one can get tricky. To help you in your search, we’ve put together some essential features you must have in your new smartwatch. Alerts and notifications This is the most basic feature to look for. You should be able to check notifications without accessing your phone. Many smartwatches vibrate when you receive an email, have an upcoming meeting, or when there’s something that needs your attention. This feature will not only keep you updated but also fetch you a great deal if you resell your smartwatch on sites like Trademore in the future. Calling and texting The call and text feature allows you to use the watch to respond to incoming calls and messages. It’s a great feature to have when you’re in an important meeting and just need to know who the caller is and hang up with an automatic “I’ll call you back later” note. Some smartwatches even have built-in cellular connectivity. Smart navigation You no longer need to stare at your phone or tablet to view maps. Some smartwatches use vibrations to tell you where you need to turn or stop, making navigation easier. However, such features can demand a hefty price. So, if you’re on a budget, don’t forget to check out the smartwatch collection at Trademore. If you can’t decide, here are some top models with the best features to consider: Fitbit Sense Fitbit is one of the leading brands in smartwatches. They have different models, each offering unique features. One model that stands out is the Fitbit Sense.

Nutrition plays an essential role in overall health and helps in reducing symptoms associated with overactive bladder. Statistics suggest that more than 30% of women in the country have bladder control issues. While there are medications that can help manage the condition, changes in your food regime can help prevent the condition as well. Read on to know more about the foods to avoid and the medication options to manage bladder control issues. Foods to avoid Caffeine Caffeine products such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, and carbonated drinks are some of the primary triggers that can be counterproductive for bladder control. This is because they have a diuretic effect, which means they worsen bladder control by promoting frequent urination. Alcohol Like caffeine, alcohol is also believed to have a diuretic effect as well, aggravating bladder control issues. It increases the pressure in the detrusor muscles, reducing the control over natural signals indicating the brain to empty the bladder. So, an occasional indulgence in wine or beer may not harm, but binging on hard liquor can affect bladder control. Spicy foods Bladder-related issues such as bladder leakage are typically seen more in women. Bladder leakage can also be greatly affected by spicy foods that contain chili powder, peppers, horseradish, and other pungent spices. They worsen bladder control by irritating the inner lining of the bladder and increasing the urge to urinate. Moreover, consuming spicy foods also increase the tendency to drink more water, further worsening urinary incontinence. Artificial sweeteners Artificial sweeteners can also worsen bladder control as they contain compounds that can make the bladder muscles hyperactive. This increases the risk of suffering from urinary tract infections, especially in women due to frequent urination. This can make urinary incontinence difficult to control. Medications These food regime changes can help manage bladder control.

Cats are smart animals who are typically mindful of what they eat. But sometimes, seeds or pollen of a toxic plant get stuck in their fur or on their paws, and cats may ingest toxic substances while grooming themselves. To avoid this and keep your cat safe, all pet parents should take some time to learn the names of plants that are toxic to their health. Some of these plants are mentioned below. Peace lily (spathiphyllum) All its parts, including the leaves, roots, petals, and pollen, should be kept away from cats. If cats ingest peace lilies, they could get acute kidney failure. Other symptoms of poisoning would include vomiting, irritation of the mouth and GI tract, excessive drooling, and in rare cases, difficulty swallowing or breathing. Sago palm (cycas revoluta) Sago palm contains a toxic substance called cycasin, which, when consumed, may result in liver damage in cats. It could also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and black, tarry-looking stool. It could also lead to bruising, excessive thirst, lethargy, and in rare cases, death. Eucalyptus (myrtaceae) Eucalyptus can cause complications like drooling, vomiting, decreased appetite, and diarrhea in cats. The toxicity level of this plant is low, and the symptoms often disappear within 24 hours. But higher concentrations can cause serious problems. Dieffenbachia Dieffenbachia may be known by its various other names, including dumb cane or tropic snow. It is a part of a genus of tropical flowering plants in the Araceae family. Dieffenbachia contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause a burning sensation in the mouth if consumed by cats. It can also lead to excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Kalanchoe All parts of this plant are toxic to cats, as it contains bufadienolides. This can cause gastrointestinal issues like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. If cats eat this plant, they can experience heart arrhythmias and seizures.

Hemophilia is a rare disorder wherein the blood doesn’t clot as it should due to the lack of sufficient blood-clotting proteins. So a person affected by the condition will experience bleeds for longer spans before clotting occurs. Hemophilia can also trigger internal bleeding, especially bleeding inside the knees, elbows, and ankles that might be life-threatening. Though treatments cannot cure hemophilia, here are five tips to stay healthy when dealing with hemophilia. Eating specific foods The food we eat plays a vital role in providing the necessary nutrition to the body. It also improves one’s overall well-being. As for hemophilia, people affected by the condition must eat foods like oats, whole wheat, barley, brown rice, broccoli, spinach, and dried beans. These foods are abundant in protein, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B12, copper, vitamin B6, and folic acid, which are involved in red blood cell production. Maintaining oral hygiene Brushing teeth is essential for healthy living in patients with hemophilia. Those with the blood disorder can bleed heavily from injuries sustained to their teeth or gums. Therefore, brushing helps stay away from visits to the dentist that may result in gum bleeding. Maintaining oral hygiene also helps eliminate germs from the teeth and gums. Exercising regularly Simple exercises, such as swimming, walking, and cycling, are beneficial to improving a patient’s condition. These exercises promote muscle and bone strength and help maintain healthy BMI. However, contact sports, including football and basketball, are more likely to cause injuries and trigger excessive bleeding. Securing a child from hazards Most children love to play. Therefore, proper care is required when kids go out to play. Parents must ensure their kids wear safety equipment when they go cycling. Kids must also wear a seatbelt whenever they sit in the car. As for the home, avoid sharp corners on furniture or other hazards that may cause them to sustain injuries.

As a dog owner, one of the biggest concerns to tackle is fleas and tick infestation. These parasites feed off the pets’ blood, causing excessive scratching and irritation. There is a variety of flea and tick repellents in the market. However, it is necessary to be aware of natural remedies. The following article lists some of the most effective treatments to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs at home: Clinical options Before discussing natural remedies to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs, it is also important to be aware of clinical treatment options.  Simparica® This is one such option that prevents flea and tick infestation in dogs. The FDA-approved oral treatment option can be given once a month which remains effective for up to 35 days. Other treatment options Other options include Bravecto® and K9 Advantix®, where the latter is a topical treatment used on a monthly basis, and the former is an oral treatment option used once in three months. Bravecto® can also be used for getting rid of heartworm. Foods to eat Experts say that fleas and ticks are likely to attack weak and unhealthy animals. If your dog is given healthy and nutritious foods, fleas and tick infestation won’t be a problem. Make sure your dog’s meal comprises of fresh whole foods and unprocessed proteins. Nutrients such as B vitamins, probiotics, sulfur, omega-6 fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for their health. These nutrients can be acquired from foods like meats, organ meats, fatty fish, flaxseed, poultry, eggs, broccoli, cauliflower, and more. Natural home remedies Essential oils The topical application of essential oils is one of the best natural remedies for treating fleas and tick infestation in dogs. It’s best to use essential oils like lavender, peppermint, lemongrass, cedar oil, or eucalyptus oil.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a health condition where one experiences a frequent urge to urinate. They also find it hard to control, leading to involuntary loss of urine. About 33 million people across the country are diagnosed with an overactive bladder, and women are more prone to the condition than men. Read on to learn about the treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle changes to manage the symptoms of an overactive bladder: Treatment options Besides simple home remedies, several oral treatments help manage the symptoms of an overactive bladder. The most common FDA-approved options include GEMTESA, MYRBETRIQ, and TOVIAZ. These work in different ways to relax the bladder muscles, help the bladder hold more urine, and keep it from squeezing often. If used correctly, they can reduce the frequency and urgency of going to the bathroom. Meal plans A balanced food plan can help cope with the symptoms of an overactive bladder. Patients must avoid sodas, canned juices, flavored yogurt, and ice cream. These have added sweeteners and preservatives that irritate the bladder, squeezing it and making it difficult for the muscles to relax. Instead, one can opt for fresh juices, high-protein home-cooked meals, whole grains, and fiber. Creating a meal plan makes it easy to have the ingredients ready for different recipes. If unsure, one can consult a doctor about the foods to eat and avoid. Lifestyle changes Doctors advise patients to follow an active lifestyle besides using treatments and eating the right foods. A 40-minute workout can be rewarding. One can choose a sport, go for morning or evening walks, or join a fitness club. Specific exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, helping control the urge to urinate for longer. However, strengthening the pelvic muscles can take some time, and patients must seek the advice of an expert to perform the exercises correctly.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease caused by the immune system attacking the joints in the body resulting in swelling, pain, and inflammation. This illness can affect people of all age groups. The exact cause is still unknown, and there is no permanent cure for the condition. However, early treatment and lifestyle changes can relieve the symptoms and discomfort associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Important changes include adding certain foods that help combat inflammation.  Best foods to manage symptoms Although several treatment options can help relieve the associated symptoms, adding certain foods to one’s daily meals may also ease the discomfort. Some of these foods are:  Beans This food is packed with fiber, which can help lower the level of C-reactive protein (CRP), leading to less inflammation. Beans are also a rich source of magnesium, protein, folic acid, zinc, and potassium. So it is advised to regularly consume kidney, red, and pinto beans to fight inflammation and boost immunity.  Cherries Cherries contain anthocyanins—a chemical that is a potent antioxidant and helps manage inflammation. In addition, the fruit also helps in fighting against cell damage to make the bones and joints get stronger. So, people with the condition should opt for freshly picked cherries every day to help build strength and reduce the inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis.  Carrots Carrots and other orange-colored vegetables are rich sources of beta-carotene and vitamin A, which help the body fight against inflammation. These vegetables can be cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces. Fish Omega 3 fatty acids, often found in fish like tuna and salmon, are extremely beneficial for the health of rheumatoid arthritis patients. They help fight inflammation and decrease the discomfort caused by symptoms like morning stiffness and aching joints. However, one should ensure that the fish is not overcooked. One can bake or grill it twice a week.  In addition to the above-mentioned foods, one should consult a healthcare expert for treatment options that can help slow the disease’s progression.

We spend at least a third of the day in our beds. And that’s just for getting some rest or for sleeping. Factor in a few more hours of the day if you’re binging on TV or scrolling through social media. While everyone’s bedtime routine looks different, one thing remains constant – no one likes the feeling of a dirty bed or mattress. Here are six habits that could be making your mattress dirty: Eating in bed While the idea of curling up in bed with snacks is comforting, eating in bed can leave behind crumbs and spills which attract bugs. Hence, it is best to avoid eating in bed and preserve it as a sanctum of comfort and sleep. Putting the day’s bags on the bed Your bag has seen all your day’s adventures, collecting dust and germs on the way. Putting it on the bed can transfer these impurities onto your bed, making it dirty, and grimy, and therefore impacting health and sleep quality. Getting into bed as soon as you get home Just like your bag, your outfit has also been in contact with outside bacteria. Getting into bed with the same clothes can transfer these bacteria onto your bed. Working in bed Even with pandemic restrictions reaching their natural end, many of us continue to work from our beds at home. Not only can this prove counterproductive, but also unhygienic, as it doubles the number of germs in our beds. Not cleaning up pet dander According to a study, one of the most common allergens found on beds is pet dander, including fur and bacteria. To avoid this, bathe your pets twice a week, and clean their paws before allowing them into bed. Not washing your sheets often Our beds have a lot of dry skin cell deposits on them.

Exercising is a treasure trove, making one achieve optimum health, among other benefits. With daily exercise, one can also expect better concentration and a massive energy boost to last throughout the day. The best part? One does not have to pay for a gym membership to access these benefits. Workouts can be simple and highly effective, even when done at home. So, here are some easy at-home exercises one can add to their daily routine: Squats Squats boost one’s core strength and lower body flexibility. One can start by standing straight, with the feet slightly apart. Then, they will need to brace their core and bend their knees as if they were sitting on an imaginary chair. While bending down, the chest and chin must be up, and the hips must be pushed back. The knees must not be outward or inward, and the thighs must be parallel to the ground. After holding this pose for a second, one can rise and repeat. Dumbbell rows Useful for the back and other upper body muscles, this exercise involves holding a 10-pound dumbbell in each hand and bending forward at the waist, with the back at a 45-degree angle with the ground. The back and neck should be straight as an arrow, and the arms should hang down. Then, one can gently pull the dumbbells up by bending one elbow and stopping just below the chest. One can follow the same steps on the other hand and alternate between the two. Planks Planks help tone the abdominal muscles and stabilize the abs without straining the back. Here, one should first plant their toes and hands on the floor while keeping their back straight, parallel to the ground, and their abdomen tight. For beginners, the plank position should be held for 20 seconds, with each subsequent one held for longer durations as the strength increases.

Everyone knows that a sedentary lifestyle needs to be avoided to help maintain heart health. But that’s only part of what needs to be done. Maintaining a positive outlook and changing your approach to food and lifestyle habits go a long way in ensuring a healthy heart. So, for example, you must have nutrient-rich foods instead of just counting calories. In the meantime, you need to relearn that tasty food can be healthy too. Avocado Avocado is a fruit loaded with good fat or monounsaturated fatty acids. It minimizes the risk of blood clots and lowers blood cholesterol levels. Avocado smoothies and toasts are tasty treats that support a healthy heart. Coffee Some of you can’t imagine kicking the day off without your morning cuppa, Joe. This is one of those habits your heart will thank you for. Having coffee during the day is undoubtedly a tasty and healthy way to ensure the body gets its antioxidants and the inflammation levels are lowered. In addition, the high antioxidant levels in coffee or tea help significantly decrease heart disease risk. Dark chocolate Keeping your heart healthy does not have to mean giving up on your favorite chocolate or chocolate dessert. All you need to do is select the right kind of chocolate. The higher the amount of cocoa, the more its fiber content. That does not mean you have to torture yourself with a bar of bitter chocolate; instead, opt for the percentage of cocoa that you find palatable. Alternatively, sipping on a high cocoa hot chocolate is another tasty way of keeping your heart healthy. Berries Regardless of the berry you prefer, they are all packed to the brim with antioxidants. These antioxidants are present in the form of anthocyanins that are also responsible for the blue and red color of the berries.