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.

Who wouldn’t want clean, bright, and white teeth? However, certain DIY teeth whitening techniques and home remedies may do more harm than good if one doesn’t exercise caution. This is why one should always consult a dentist and opt for professional teeth whitening procedures and avoid doing it without expert supervision. So, here are a few risks of at-home teeth whitening that one should consider before opting for DIY techniques: Weakening the enamel This is a common risk involved with teeth whitening techniques. The enamel is a thin but tough outer layer on the tooth that protects it from decay or cavities. However, frequent at-home whitening solutions can weaken or even erode the enamel, especially if extremely abrasive options are used. Certain harsh products or ingredients can chip away at the enamel, leaving the tooth bare—a huge reason why teeth whitening at home may be a bad idea. Uneven whitening There is a clear difference between professional teeth whitening and at-home solutions. Not following precise instructions or overdoing the procedure can lead to unsatisfactory results like uneven whitening, defeating the whole purpose of the process. While uneven whitening may not indicate any effects on oral health, DIY procedures may not do a thorough job of giving one sparkly white teeth. In fact, the procedure may make the stains more visible at times, making a visit to the dentist inevitable.  Increased tooth sensitivity Excessive use of unsuitable home remedies can lead to side effects like enamel erosion, which results in other complications like increased tooth sensitivity. Without the protection of enamel, a layer called dentin is now exposed to food and drinks. Dentin becomes the only layer shielding the innermost section of the tooth, which has all the nerves making it sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. As the enamel erodes further, the sensitivity will worsen.

The year’s biggest and most exciting shopping event, Black Friday, will be here very soon. Most shoppers eagerly await this day that falls after Thanksgiving at the end of November. Like every year, shops will offer some of the best offers on various products to help people save money. While the sales have not been announced yet, you can expect the following shoe deals in 2022 based on past trends! Adidas Supernova Supernova running shoes from Adidas are a top pick for both experienced runners and those lacing up for the first time. Thanks to a hybrid midsole and snug mesh upper design, you can feel the comfort and performance boost with every step. The Supernova collection might be available for just $50 on the official Adidas website as a part of the brand’s Black Friday shoe sale. Skechers Summits Sneakers If you are looking for athletic men’s shoes, Skechers might be a perfect brand. Its Summits slip-on sneakers are sporty and sleek and provide unmatched comfort, so you can wear them anywhere and anytime. The shoes have a comfortable padded tongue and light, shock-absorbing midsole. This one might be on sale at Macy’s for less than $40 this holiday season. Adidas Adilette Clogs Adidas’ Adilette clogs are practical and share many similarities with the Adidas Slide. You can slip your feet into the molded footbeds and step out. Whether walking to the gym or just strolling around, it does not matter. Comfort is top-notch, but it does have a higher price tag. So wait for the Black Friday sale if you want a good deal. You might be able to purchase it for $35. Adidas Running Shoes If running is your sport, nothing will make you feel more confident than a pair of Adidas shoes. Thanks to their excellent cushioning, you can log miles in absolute comfort.

Asthma is a lung-related disease that causes the inflammation of airways, leading to troubled breathing. Chronic asthma can make it difficult for one to talk or be active. Asthma has no specific diagnosis or treatment, and therefore, identifying the causes will help better understand the symptoms. Various allergies, consumption of tobacco, environmental factors, stress, tension, obesity, and even genetics can result in developing asthma symptoms. There are a few visual indicators to identify the cause. Here are some easy home remedies you can incorporate into your daily food regime to help manage asthma. Parsley leaf When it comes to herbal remedies, nothing beats parsley. Tea made from parley leaves will help soothe your throat and take care of any congestion that is causing difficulty in breathing and swallowing. Simple and very easy to make, parsley tea is a great remedy for respiratory symptoms of asthma. Milk and olive oil The combination of warm milk mixed with olive oil might not sound very appealing on the first onset; however, this has proven to be an effective natural remedy. A few garlic cloves added to this combination will open up blocked passageways without much effort or time invested. Herbal tea Two distinct ways of preparing herbal tea, one involves the use of licorice root, and the other is a combination of lime juice, crushed ginger, and herbal tea. Both will help tackle some of the moderate asthma symptoms, though the licorice recipe might taste a bit odd. Bitter gourd juice A tasty paste made by crushing basil leaves and mixing it with honey, incorporated into freshly extracted bitter gourd juice proves to be an effective remedy for people who are suffering from recurrent asthmatic attacks. Soup Soup not only is comfort food but also has time and time proven to be an effective remedy for asthma symptoms.

Keeping your dogs safe from fleas and ticks can be an exhausting job. The constant scratching and biting can be tiring and unhealthy. Not only this, it can bring down the mood of your furry friend, affecting the whole household. Therefore, it is better to stay prepared in case of an unforeseen pest attack. This article talks about some effective and accessible natural remedies that will give you and your dogs some much-needed relief. Home remedies for fleas and ticks in dogs Natural oils Natural or essential oils must be diluted first, after which you can use them as a spray or a pre-bath rinse. Alternatively, you can dilute them with carrier oils and massage them into their coat. Whatever you do, make sure to get your vet’s approval beforehand. Garlic Garlic has various nutritional benefits apart from being an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent. Don’t get too concerned about its strong odor. Add a small amount of crushed garlic to your pet’s food and watch this natural remedy work its magic. Vinegar Another natural remedy that is not only easily accessible but can double up as a flea and tick repellant for dogs is vinegar. You can dilute it with water and use it as a spray. Or, if your dog does not mind its taste, add very small amounts of it to their drinking water. Similarly, you can also make use of apple cider vinegar. While these are all commonly used natural remedies, some pet parents prefer trying medicated ointments or powders to help their dogs get rid of fleas and ticks. It is recommended to consult a vet to know the best course of action before proceeding. Medications for fleas and ticks in dogs FRONTLINE® Plus A powerful topical solution, it can beat ticks and fleas at all stages of their lifecycle.

Nasal polyps are soft tissue growths found inside the nasal passage or on the sinuses. They are a symptom of respiratory diseases, allergies, and common sinus infections. Nasal polyps can cause breathing problems due to congestion and may increase the risk of infections among adults. It is possible to manage the condition with medications and treatments among known nasal polyps info options. The following changes in the food regime also help. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals Vitamin A and foods rich in beta carotene help counter inflammation and protect the sinus membrane. Popular options include dark leafy greens and fresh fruits, including spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, melon, mango, and apricots. Additionally, vitamins C and E can help fight free radicals that cause tissue damage due to oxidative stress. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds that are rich in bromelain and magnesium can further provide relief from sinus infections triggered due to nasal polyps. These foods are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and repair tissues. Foods rich in nutrients Cayenne pepper is rich in capsaicin that helps clear the sinuses and congestion. Additionally, foods that contain quercetin are potent antioxidants that fight inflammation and provide long-term relief. Popular quercetin-rich fruits and vegetables include onions, capers, broccoli, apples, grapes, cherries, raspberries, lingonberries, and cranberries. Turmeric is one of the more potent herbs to combat inflammation as it contains curcumin. Additionally, you can consume healthy probiotics to balance the microbiome content in the gut and promote better immunity. Apart from these common foods and common nasal polyps info options for treatment, it is also necessary to stay hydrated. Water can help thin the mucus and moisten the nasal passage. Foods to avoid Soy, yeast, gluten, dairy, and eggs can trigger sinus-related discomforts. Foods rich in artificial additives and preservatives can trigger certain intolerances that aggravate the symptoms.

Oral health is essential, but despite that, most often easily neglected by individuals. While it is recommended to visit a dentist regularly, there are some tips and tricks that we can use at home to make sure our teeth are healthy, clean, and white! Here are some ways on how you can keep your teeth shiny and white through safe and tested methods. Do speak to your dentist before using these tips regularly at home. Easy at-home teeth whitening tips Whitening trays and strips You can easily find reputed whitening strips and trays which contain a bleaching agent called hydrogen peroxide. These strips are applied directly to the enamel to see desirable results. Activated charcoal whitener Charcoal whiteners have three very effective ingredients, namely activated charcoal, bentonite, and an oil like orange seed oil. These whiten the teeth by getting absorbed into them. Teeth whitening pastes These pastes contain ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate, hydrated silica, and calcium carbonate that remove stains from the teeth and polish them. Whitening packs These whitening packs are to be applied directly onto your teeth. You can do so at night after brushing your teeth. The pack is to be used as per instructions. Teeth whitening light In this, a whitening agent is directly applied to your enamel, and a blue LED light is held above to let the enamel absorb the ingredient in a slow and effective manner. Coconut oil pulling Another popular teeth whitening tip at home is to take 1tbsp of coconut oil and swirl it around your mouth for 10-15 minutes. Spit it out after and just do a quick rinse. Smart whitening brush A mix of whitening toothpaste and gel is the trick to get bright, clean teeth. It is advised to use this combination daily till the desired results are achieved.

Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growth of the tissues that form in the nose or sinuses. If they are too large or there are many nasal polyps, it causes itching, runny nose, sneezing, and breathing difficulty. Nasal polyps are quite common and may be caused by allergies, inflammation, or infection. Surgery is a common treatment option; however, not everyone needs it. Here are some natural remedies to help ease nasal polyps symptoms and avoid surgery. Steam inhalation Inhaling steam can help unblock the nasal passages by thinning nasal mucus. It can also reduce swelling within the airways. An easy way of inhaling steam is to take a hot shower. Alternatively, you may heat a bowl of water and position the face over it while keeping a towel draped over the head to prevent steam from dispersing. Turmeric Turmeric is a yellow spice known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In people with nasal polyps, turmeric can decrease irritation and inflammation of the airways. There are many ways of using this spice. One can make turmeric tea by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of the spice in a cup of boiling water or add turmeric powder to curries, stir-fry recipes, and smoothies. Cayenne pepper Cayenne pepper contains an active compound called capsaicin, which makes the hot pepper taste hot. It can cause a runny nose, which helps get rid of mucus, making breathing easier. Capsaicin can also relieve inflammation and boost immunity. Those who love spicy food can benefit from adding cayenne pepper liberally to multiple recipes. Tea tree oil Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help deal with both symptoms and causes of nasal polyps by reducing itching, lowering inflammation, and combating infection. However, avoid using tea tree oil directly. Dilute it with a carrier oil, like olive oil or almond oil, and apply it to the nasal membranes.

People renovate their homes to improve the functionality of the space. Some people also renovate to change the aesthetic of their house and give it a new look. In either case, home renovations can be exciting and exhausting at the same time. It is a lengthy process that requires your utmost attention. That being said, things can go wrong; home renovation mistakes can cost you your time, money, and effort, and therefore, should be avoided. Deciding on an unrealistic budget One of the biggest errors that many homeowners make during renovation is not deciding and sticking to a fixed budget. When you are renovating your home, it’s easy to go over and above the budget that you have decided. What you need to do when deciding on a budget before you start your renovations is to make sure that you have some leeway. This way, even if you go overboard on your initial budget, you will not have to spend out of pocket. Experts usually suggest having an extra 20% added to your budget to tackle any additional renovations or hidden costs that may come up. Signing on the first contractor Many people choose to work with the first contractor they come across instead of comparing different options and quotes. To avoid this home renovation mistake, talk to multiple contractors. This step is crucial because it allows you to understand the cost of different products and services cost. A little due diligence can save you a world of trouble. Take notes each time you talk to a contractor and compare them before you decide to settle on one. Don’t forget to ask questions about licenses, insurance, experience, and even customer satisfaction. These aspects will also aid in your decision-making process. Using poor-quality materials Home renovations are not a frequent occurrence.

Home maintenance is often one of the most expensive elements when accounting for home budgeting. Raw materials are expensive, and you may have to contract a professional for the job. However, if you know the basics of electrical, plumbing, and woodwork, you could carry out certain repairs yourself, helping save significant maintenance costs. Here are seven DIY home repair tips that could save you from hiring a professional to get the job done. Drain pipes A leaky kitchen or bathroom drain pipe (not concealed inside a wall) is one issue that you can most likely fix by yourself. It may require something as simple as tightening a slip-nut near the P-Trap. A leak from a hole in the drain could be resolved with a flexible coupling with hose clamps. Handing wallpaper Wallpaper is easy to install or replace too. You will need someone to help get it on the wall and match the patterns correctly. If bubbling appears, you might have to remove the paper and install a new strip. But remember that removing wallpaper might require you to order more, possibly exceeding the budget, so avoid doing the job in haste. Clogged garbage disposal Disposal units might seem tough to fix. But, all you may require is a small specialty wrench that fits into a hexagonal opening on the underside of the powered-down disposal. If that does not work, you may need to call a professional. Broken faucet A leaky center-set faucet that isn’t complex and free of various connections on the underside could be resolved with a simple DIY method. And this involves replacing the faucet by following the manufacturer’s installation instructions and taking your time! Running toilets Running toilets can lead to severe water wastage but are usually easy to fix. You will need a DIY toilet rebuild kit available online or at a local hardware store.

A home warranty is a service agreement that pays for the maintenance and repair of specific home systems and appliances that could malfunction due to normal wear and tear. It can help assure homeowners that unplanned repairs won’t be expensive. However, making a home warranty claim can be difficult for some, and the claim may get rejected. Here are the steps for filing a home warranty claim and what to do if it gets rejected. Steps for filing home warranty claims Review your contract The first step in filing a home warranty claim is to review your contract. Check to see which appliances and systems are covered by your home warranty and which are not. Contact the provider of your home warranty Contact your home warranty provider when you need to make a claim. Most home warranty providers offer a customer service hotline that is open 24/7 to help you with your claim. Set up a service call After you’ve reported the problem, the home warranty provider will arrange a service call with a qualified and insured technician after you’ve reported the problem. Service visit During the service call, the technician will identify the issue and propose a fix. If the item can be fixed, the technician will immediately start the repairs. Payment If your home warranty contract covers the problem, you will only be charged the service fee, usually between $50 and $100. If the contract does not cover the problem, you will be responsible for the full cost of the repair or replacement. Reasons for rejection of home warranty claim Unfortunately, a home warranty can be denied for a variety of reasons. Thus, it is imperative to read the contract’s terms and conditions to determine which appliances and systems are covered. If your warranty claim gets denied, you can consider filing an appeal with the service provider.

Cleaning the walls and dusting furniture are essential aspects of home cleaning, but the carpet is one surface on which considerable dust accumulates over time, and cleaning it becomes a challenging task. And contrary to popular belief, carpet cleaning can be a hassle-free process if one follows the right strategies and is aware of certain quick cleaning hacks. This article provides insight into some easy ways to clean a carpet: Clean using basic household products The “solutions” to a spotless carpet are mostly readily available at one’s home. A mixture of club soda and vinegar or baking soda, borax, and cornstarch can do wonders for your carpet, leaving it stain-free and tidy. One may also use steam vapor or a salt and vinegar solution for effective carpet cleaning. Another pro tip for cleaning a carpet is to apply a dab of shaving cream on it, which is effective in removing different types of stains. Blot stains on the carpet A common mistake while cleaning carpets is to rub on stains after pouring a solution. The right way to remove these stains is to blot them using a paper towel, sponge, or even a clean piece of cloth. Use ice cubes Hard, sticky substances like gum can be difficult to clean from carpets. One way to achieve this feat is to freeze these substances by placing ice cubes on them for about half a minute. One may then easily remove the sticky substance using a spoon. Use the heating process to remove wax Removing hardened wax settled over a carpet can be an excruciating task. This wax may be removed using the heating process, which involves placing a cotton cloth on the spot and running an iron over it. The wax may then be scooped off with a spoon once it melts.