5 cleaning mistakes that can lead to an unhygienic home

5 cleaning mistakes that can lead to an unhygienic home

You may love a squeaky clean home. To get the job done, you may even have all the essential tools, including the mop, vacuum cleaner, and a broomstick. However, taking the initiative to clean the home thoroughly is no easy feat. The job is tedious and time-consuming. Sometimes, to keep the house clean, people end up making their living space dirtier. Here are five cleaning mistakes that make your home dirtier. Rubbing a stain before blotting Dropping food or beverages on the floor is a common accident in all households. For most people, the first instinct is to scrub such stains instantly. But doing so can cause the spill to spread and lodge its composition deeper into the floor material. Instead, you must blot the stain with a clean white cloth to extract the residue. You must then use an appropriate stain removal method based on the material of your floor. Disinfecting before cleaning Disinfectants are cleaning agents that can eliminate germs. However, the floor is generally masked with a layer of dust and germs. If you use a disinfectant when there is dust on the floor, it may prevent the chemical from working effectively. Therefore, you must sweep off any dust before disinfecting the floor. Using a sponge to clean surfaces If you use a sponge to clean surfaces like the dining table or the kitchen counter, it’s time to stop. A sponge used regularly to clean such surfaces might be unhygienic and infested with bacteria. If you insist on using a sponge, disinfect it regularly. Alternatively, you can use a microfiber cloth to clean these regions of your home. One cleaning cloth for multiple surfaces While using a single cloth to clean all areas of your home may seem like the easy way out, it is unhygienic. Using the same cleaning product may trigger the spread of germs and harmful bacteria from one surface to the next and may lead to diseases.
3 ways to manage blood sugar levels and control diabetes

3 ways to manage blood sugar levels and control diabetes

High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, is a primary concern for people with diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic health condition affecting about 13% of the adults in the country. Maintaining healthy levels of blood sugar is vital, as raised blood sugar levels for long periods can lead to various complications, including heart, kidney, eye, and nerve diseases. Here are the most effective ways to lower blood sugar for diabetes management: Treatment These prescription treatments can help manage diabetes: GlucoTrust It’s an FDA-approved, 100% natural supplement for type 1 and type 2 diabetes treatment. INVOKANA® INVOKANA® helps control blood sugar and lower the risk of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes. Kerendia® This is a once-daily tablet for type 2 diabetics. It helps decrease the rate of kidney damage and the risk of cardiovascular, heart attack, and more. Another effective method to control blood sugar levels is insulin therapy. All people with type 1 diabetes and some of those with type 2 diabetes need to take insulin, which is typically administered through a shot or insulin pump. For better diabetes management, it’s advisable to use tools like the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. It’s a modern, feature-rich device that helps manage diabetes without fingersticks or calibration. Things to avoid It’s crucial to avoid doing anything that can counter an individual’s effort to manage diabetes. This primarily includes steering clear of foods that can raise blood sugar levels and increase the risk of diabetes complications, such as French fries, margarine, white rice, flavored yogurt, and sweetened breakfast cereal. It’s also important to limit or avoid intake of refined carbs, such as cakes, candies, sodas, and fruit juices. One must also limit or avoid processed foods or meats as they’re full of salt and oil. In addition, one should not exercise on an empty or full stomach and try not to miss any oral prescription treatment. Apart from these factors, it is also crucial to avoid stress.
Top 10 best coffee makers deals to look out for on Black Friday 2022

Top 10 best coffee makers deals to look out for on Black Friday 2022

Coffee is the most popular beverage enjoyed by people worldwide. This is also because there are several health benefits associated with this drink. However, preparing it in pots and kettles proves to be cumbersome. The coffee maker was devised to reduce this effort and let people enjoy a perfect cup each time. The Black Friday sale lets people get one at an exciting price. Here are the top 10 deals that might be available this year. Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty System The coffee maker proves extremely versatile, as it lets you make single cups. The machine comes with a 12-cup thermal carafe which not only works with pods but also with coffee grounds. The coffee machine has a frother, a large reservoir, and a hot water dispenser. The machine was available at a discount of more than $50 during the last Black Friday sale, and this year too, it is expected to be available at a similar price. Calphalon Special Brew 10-cup This coffee maker is a perfect companion for people who intend to prepare their beverage in advance as it lets you brew 10 cups of the beverage 24 hours in advance. The machine also has a strength and flavor adjuster that lets you enjoy the same perfect taste every time. Moreover, the product is expected to be available at a discount of $25 at BestBuy during the holiday season. Nespresso Vertuo Next If you are looking for a stylish and versatile coffee maker that specializes in making both single and double espresso then this machine proves the best. This coffee machine uses Nespresso vertuo capsules that can be availed in 30 aromatic blends. The one-touch machine is also expected to be available at a discount of $20 during the Black Friday sale on Amazon. Hamilton Beach 2-way Brewer Coffee Maker This coffee machine has two methods to brew your favorite beverage.
Hyperkalemia – 10 foods to avoid

Hyperkalemia – 10 foods to avoid

Potassium plays a huge role in the health of our heart muscles and nerve cells. And high levels of this element in the blood cause hyperkalemia. If you consume meals high in potassium, your doctor may advise you to decrease portion sizes and concentrate on fruits and vegetables with a lower potassium content. Here is a list of foods rich in potassium that must be avoided if you have hyperkalemia. Yogurt and dairy products A serving of nonfat yogurt weighing eight ounces has roughly 625 mg of potassium, making it one of the dairy aisle’s highest sources of potassium. Even reduced fat milk contains 366 mg of potassium in a glass of cow’s whole milk. Ricotta and cottage cheese are also high in potassium. Goat cheese is a low potassium food, proving that not all cheeses are made equal. Likewise, About 131 milligrams of potassium may be found in a half cup of vanilla ice cream. Bananas When people consider foods high in potassium, bananas frequently come to mind. A banana normally contains 422 mg of potassium. Among all the fruit, bananas are athletes’ favorite as they provide energy. However, it could be highly dangerous for someone suffering from hyperkalemia. Consult your doctor if you have hyperkalemia and stick to fruits such as apples and berries. Leafy vegetables About 420 milligrams of potassium can be found in only a half cup of cooked spinach. Raw spinach, young or mature, has roughly 167 mg per cup. Fennel, bok choy, beet greens, and Swiss chard are also high in potassium. You can opt for kale instead. Kale has more nutrients than these other dark leafy greens, but it has less potassium. 73 mg is present in one cup of raw kale. Fish Clams, which provide 534 mg of potassium in just 3 ounces, are the finest source of protein from seafood.
Top 10 2022 Black Friday deals on smartwatches

Top 10 2022 Black Friday deals on smartwatches

Black Friday brings with it a lot of excitement, especially for shoppers on the lookout for gadgets like smartwatches. This is an expensive product, so this sale is the perfect time to score some great deals. Based on past years’ sales, you can expect massive discounts this year, which can help you plan for the big sale day. So here are the top smartwatch deals to expect during the 2022 Black Friday sale: Fitbit Versa 3 One of the most stylish smartwatches, the Fitbit Versa 3 monitors your heart rate, steps, calories burned, and distance traveled. It has Alexa assistant support to manage your calls, texts, and other notifications. On Black Friday, you might be able to get this watch at $170 instead of its original price of $230. Garmin Forerunner 45 If you are a fitness enthusiast, this smartwatch can be your ideal workout companion. It has a large display that notifies you about your daily steps, heart rate, and stress levels. It comes with Incident Detection, handy for times of emergencies. This smart gadget could be bought for $126 this Black Friday instead of the original price of $200. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 This is one of the most feature-rich watches and is perfect for gym and office use. The Android watch is sleek, lightweight, and comes with a 1.2-inch screen. It has a great set of features, including extensive body readings such as BMI, muscle mass, and ECG monitoring. This Black Friday, you might be able to pick this watch up for $200 instead of its original price of $309. Skagen Jorn hybrid HR This super cool hybrid smartwatch has an amazing display consisting of physical hands over a low-power e-link display. It delivers text and phone notifications while tracking your movements. With incredible battery life, it lasts up to two weeks on a charge.
Beware of these skincare mistakes that can trigger premature aging

Beware of these skincare mistakes that can trigger premature aging

Premature aging is a condition when the natural effects of growing old start early. The condition makes a person’s skin appear older than its actual age. The most visible signs of aging are age spots, dryness, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and more. The aging process could also accelerate due to multiple skincare and lifestyle missteps. Here are some commonly made mistakes that one must avoid to maintain skin healthiness and counteract the signs of aging. Avoiding sunscreen Premature aging happens when you ignore sunscreen as part of your skincare routine. Sunscreen aids in protecting the skin against harmful UV rays from the sun, thus, preventing skin damage. When sunscreen is not applied to areas of the body exposed to sunlight, it can result in problems such as dark spots, damage to collagen, dilated vessels, and wrinkles. It is important to wear proper sun gear to save the body from UV rays. It is also significant to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is sweat and water-resistant. If you want extra protection, you can also choose to wear clothing with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) tags. Extreme exfoliation People use scrubs to get rid of dead skin cells and gain soft, smooth skin. However, this can often cause bruising of the facial skin and inflammation. Furthermore, using scrubs can cause the pores to open, making the skin dry. It can lead to premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles. Constant rubbing and tugging while scrubbing the skin can cause damage and compromise the protective layering of the skin. Therefore, it is essential to undertake exfoliation gently through the fingertips or a silicone scrubbing pad. Going to bed with makeup A daily skincare routine should involve properly cleansing the skin and removing all makeup before sleeping. It is crucial because the skin gets exposed to various kinds of dirt, bacteria, and pollutants in the environment.
7 silent warning signs of thyroid cancer

7 silent warning signs of thyroid cancer

The thyroid gland is situated at the base of the neck. It helps produce hormones to regulate crucial body functions like heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure. An uncontrolled growth of cells in this gland is known as thyroid cancer. While most thyroid cancers are curable, it is vital to identify the symptoms early for effective treatment. Here are seven must-know silent warning signs of thyroid cancer that help diagnose the condition. Sleep changes Abnormal cell growth in the thyroid gland can cause it to produce excess amounts of hormones like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones overstimulate the central nervous system and lead to insomnia. Therefore, if an individual’s sleep patterns change abruptly, it could indicate thyroid cancer. Fatigue The human body often tires after a hard day’s work or strenuous physical activity. But those with thyroid cancer may experience fatigue upon waking up after a good night’s sleep. It is because an underactive thyroid may lead to lesser production of the hormones necessary to stay energetic. Bowel irregularities The thyroid gland helps keep the digestive tract running smoothly. So, someone with thyroid cancer may have subtle signs of an underactive thyroid, including poor hormone production, which may lead to regular constipation. On the contrary, an overactive thyroid may lead to symptoms like diarrhea. Increased sweating The thyroid gland helps regulate the body’s energy production. However, cancerous cells in the gland may lead to higher hormone production. This phenomenon may increase the body’s metabolism, causing people to feel warmer and sweat. Therefore, people who sweat without exerting their bodies should get checked for thyroid cancer. Mood changes Mood changes are another silent warning sign of thyroid cancer. For example, a person might feel sudden bursts of anxiety even if they have never experienced these symptoms before. Voice irregularities It is normal for people with the common cold to experience temporary voice changes.
Fitness trackers – 10 best Black Friday deals

Fitness trackers – 10 best Black Friday deals

A fitness tracker will be on many Black Friday shopping lists this year. While it is on November 25, multiple deals are expected to pop up from early September to late October. Whatever your fitness mantra, high-tech fitness trackers can help you achieve your goals. And getting them at a discounted price is the cherry on the cake! Let’s check out some amazing Black Friday fitness tracker deals for the year 2022. Fitbit Versa 3 Continuous heart-rate monitoring, SpO2, support for NFC payments, a microphone for taking phone calls, and Google/Alexa assistance are some of the many incredible features offered by this tracker. Plus, unlike its previous variants, Versa 3 provides a built-in GPS for navigation. During the sale season, you might also find it priced under $200. Fitbit Charge 5 Fitbit Charge 5 delivers many upgrades to cater to your needs. Many online platforms offer it for under $150 for a limited period. Its features, like the bright OLED screen, electrodermal activity sensors, contactless payments, notifications, sleep tracking, heart monitoring, and timers, make it one of the most highly dependable fitness trackers. Garmin FENIX 7 Series A week’s worth of battery, topographical maps, touch screen, military-grade standard, up to 10 ATM water resistance, insightful training guides and programs, solar charging, and astonishing real-time stamina feature are the traits that make the 7 series an absolute hit. This series starts at $699.99, but you can get it for better deals during the Black Friday sale. Apple Watch SE Built-in GPS, cellular activity, contactless payments, and fall detection are the noteworthy features this watch provides for a sale price under $279. However, this mid-tier watch lacks features like EKG, always-on display, and SpO2. But it still offers abnormal heart rate alerts to keep your health in check. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 If you are a Samsung phone owner, purchasing this watch for full-fledged fitness tracking is a decision you won’t regret.
Top 10 Cyber Monday 2022 deals on smart home devices

Top 10 Cyber Monday 2022 deals on smart home devices

Smart home deals can help you build the high-tech home of your dreams without breaking the bank, especially during the Cyber Monday sales. This year, save money on smart home products that make your home safer and more secure and your daily life more convenient. Check out some of the best deals on smart home devices available last year, so you know what to expect this year. Smart Doorbell The Ring Video Doorbell Pro allows people to answer the door from anywhere and can help secure their homes. The Ring Pro communicates with Alexa and sends alerts to Echo devices, allowing users to hear and speak to visitors completely hands-free. This holiday season, Amazon might offer it for as little as $100. Security Cam Arlo Pro 4 offers one of the best outdoor security cameras. This bundle includes three cameras, their respective batteries, and some extras such as a yard sign and anti-theft mounts, all for the same price as buying two of these cameras separately. At $200 off on Cyber Monday, this would be an offer you wouldn’t refuse. Smart Locks The August smart locks are remarkable for their convenient features and ease of connectivity. They include automatic locking and unlocking, a guest access record to monitor arrivals and departures, and electronic keys for visitors. The August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, which provides remote control via the August app and voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, is included in the discounted price of $120, while the Wi-Fi Bridge usually costs $79. Thermostat The smart thermostat uses technology to recognize your habits and make adjustments to save energy. The Nest thermostat, for example, often reduces heating and cooling costs by 10-12% and 15%, respectively, so it pays for itself. You can use the Nest app on your phone, tablet, or laptop to manage your thermostat from any location.
5 common medical conditions causing osteoporosis bone loss

5 common medical conditions causing osteoporosis bone loss

There are certain common medical conditions that are specifically linked with osteoporosis bone loss. Here’s what you need to watch out for. The bone is a living tissue, and as such it is constantly being broken down to create new bone. However, when the rebuilding process is slower than the breaking down process, the bones become fragile and brittle. This is what happens when you develop osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is more common in women than men, and affects about 200 million women all over the world. Even though this disorder affects women of all age and races, it is more common in older white and Asian women. When you are suffering from osteoporosis and it reaches an advanced stage, fractures become a part of daily life. The fractures that are associated with osteoporosis usually occur in your spine, hip, and wrist. The bones become so brittle that even everyday activities like bending over or stepping on to the pavement can result in fractures. Early stages of osteoporosis do not show any symptoms, but when it reaches an advanced stage, symptoms like loss of height, back pain, neck pain, fractures, and stooping posture can be seen. A simple bone density test that shows the extent of osteoporosis bone loss is used when you want to diagnose this disorder. Some of the risk factors of osteoporosis include body frame size, age, family history, race, sedentary lifestyle, sex, and eating disorders. Your treatment plan will include a combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, and dietary changes, and mainly depends upon your risk of breaking any bone. But what exactly causes osteoporosis bone loss? There is no definite answer to this question. However, there are some common medical conditions that are linked with osteoporosis bone loss either because of the medications used to treat them or because of the disease itself.
4 remedies for lower back pain relief

4 remedies for lower back pain relief

Lower back pain is a disorder involving the nerves, muscles, and bones of the back. It is a common problem that everyone suffers from at some point in their life. As the pain affects the lower end area of the spinal cord – the lumbar region, the condition is also called as lumbago. The lumbar region is a complex structure of joints, muscles, ligaments, and nerves all of which perform together to give support to the upper body. Muscles in the L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5 regions of the vertebrae are responsible for flexibility and rotation of the hips. The nerves in this area support the muscles in the limbs. If any muscles or bones are strained in this area, it can impact a person’s routine tasks. The pain symptoms can be in the form of a dull ache to a sudden stabbing sensation that can affect the body’s mobility. Daily activities like standing up straight, bending or moving around may become painful and strenuous. The condition may occur in an acute form as a repercussion of an injury or a health condition. Over time the swelling in the muscles or the nerves heal, and the pain subsides. However, if the pain extends over a few weeks, then the condition becomes chronic, and effective measures need to be taken to assuage the discomfort. Measures to ease back pain If you are suffering from pain in the lower back, here are a few ways to help reduce the distress: Rest In most instances, lower back pain can be improved by putting a break on any strenuous activity – physical or mental. Resting for a few days will take off the pressure from the lower back and allow the muscles relax. Cold and hot therapy A hot application aids in improving circulation in the afflicted area.
3-step skincare regime and products for supple skin

3-step skincare regime and products for supple skin

Everyone wants to look their best. Being appreciated for your looks and beauty is something everyone enjoys. Beautiful, healthy skin is something that you’re often born with. But that said, with the right care you can alter your skin’s texture, look, and attractiveness. A skin care regime is of the utmost importance to improve and maintain your skin’s health. Skin is the largest organ of the body. It’s vital to take good care of your skin to ensure it stays healthy and timeless. Taking care of your skin- The skin being the outermost protective layer of tissue of the body is of great importance to the well being of the human body. It serves the following functions: It helps regulate your body temperature It protects your body from external elements and microbes It acts as a waterproof barrier for your internal tissues It provides a natural complexion to the person It is generally your skin that faces the brunt of harsh environmental elements like heat, cold, pollutants, and dirt. If you neglect proper skin care or other factors that are harmful, your skin can face several problems. Some commonly faced skin problems include: Rashes Disease Skin peeling or eczema Boils Pigmentation Acne or breakouts Blemishes Chronic skin problems To avoid this, it’s essential that you keep your skin clean and get rid of the of dirt and other pollutants you’re exposed to daily. Know the 3-step care for a good skincare regime- Taking care of your skin involves keeping it clean and maintaining its balance. Skin care experts stress that a basic 3-step skincare regime, that you should follow every day, can ensure supple, healthy skin for longer. The 3 essential steps are: Cleansing This mainly involves washing and cleaning the skin with a cleanser that rids the skin of pollutants, dirt, and makeup.