Call centers help businesses earn more money by improving customer service and boosting sales. On a typical day, they speak to people on the phone, tell them about the company’s products, solve their queries, and take orders. Since call centers play an important role, one must ensure they work well and be productive. Employees can take several tiny measures to improve customer satisfaction and try to convert every call into a sale! Prioritize solutions over the product or service Of course, to drive more sales, one must market the business’s product or service. Letting potential customers know their product is better than their competitor’s offering is a good sales technique. But it is not something customers wish to hear. They approach call centers for solutions to their problems. So, one should be clear about how the product or service can solve their problem. Businesses can prepare their agents to respond promptly when a customer asks a question. While it will increase training time, it is a great way to sell a product using a call center. Streamline the order-taking process Call center agents must not hide details like the product’s price or availability when someone makes an inquiry. Doing so complicates the order-taking process. Even if the price of a particular product is a bit high, one should not be afraid to state it. Customers who believe in the product and its value will purchase it, regardless of the price. Being transparent about the price, delivery process, and after-sales services can simplify order-taking and boost sales. Provide personalized service Besides responding to calls quickly, call centers must provide customized service to each caller. For example, when dealing with a new (first-time) customer, one can lure them with discounts and tell them about loyalty offers if they continue this association. It will make them call again for future orders.

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.

Leukemia is a cancer that involves blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow as well as the lymphatic system. It is the sixth most common type of cancer diagnosed in the country. It primarily impacts the white blood cells that are responsible for the body’s ability to fight against microbial and parasitic infections. Listed below are a few treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle changes to manage the symptoms of leukemia: Treatment BLINCYTO® BLINCYTO® is used in the treatment of some types of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). It works by directing T-cells to target and bind with a particular protein within lymphoma cells. TASIGNA® TASIGNA® contains nilotinib, a compound that is used in the treatment of certain types of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML). It works by slowing down the progression or stopping the growth of cancerous cells. Foods to eat and avoid Patients undergoing treatment have a compromised immune system that makes them more susceptible to food-borne illnesses. It is important for them to be more mindful of the food they consume. Whole grain Whole grains are rich in minerals and vitamins. Including whole grains like rice, buckwheat, oats, and quinoa will give leukemia patients the nutrients they need. Fruits and vegetables Cruciferous vegetables and legumes are highly recommended for patients. Fruits like apples and berries can also be consumed. They help the body in fighting off the side effects of the condition and the treatment. Unpasteurized dairy products Leukemia patients are advised to stay away from dairy and dairy products. They can cause stomach infection or food poisoning. Raw meat Raw meat carries parasites that can prove dangerous to patients. These parasites can either cause food poisoning or lead to other diseases and illnesses if the meat is not cooked properly. Lifestyle changes Active routine Leukemia patients can adjust their daily exercise routine according to the energy they have that day.

One of the main concerns for new pet parents is toilet training their feline friends. Cats are smart species; they understand the tricks within a few weeks. However, teaching them the correct techniques from day one is essential as it will gradually mold the cat’s behavior toward using the toilet bowl or litter boxes. The transition can be challenging, so we have listed seven simple steps to help with the process. Decide and prepare a designated bathroom Choose a bathroom that is easily accessible to your pet. And place the litterbox close to the toilet. The idea is to get your cat to “go” in the litter box and train it to use the toilet bowl gradually. The cat will get familiar with the new spot eventually.  Move the litter box closer to the toilet bowl Move the litter box an inch closer to the toilet bowl. It will also be convenient for the pet parent to clean the box when they want to. Get rid of a layer of litter to a point where there’s a thin layer left in the box.  Raise the height of the litter box Stack a pile of newspapers, old magazines, or cardboards under the litter box, and gradually raise the height, so that the cat can easily jump onto the box. Initially, the cat will get confused by the height change. But gradually, it will understand the process and jump onto the toilet seat. Make sure you pay attention to your cat adjusting to the new method while training.  Use a training box Gradually, replace the litter box with a training box, and place it over the toilet seat; many options are available online. The training box is made for the pets to become accustomed to the new spot.  Make the transition After a few days, replace the litter box with a training seat.

Fleas and ticks are probably the most annoying things you have to deal with as a pet parent. You might have tried it all, and everything must have worked fine. But the moment you grow lenient, they are back. Ticks do not go away permanently, so you have to be vigilant round the clock. One way to deal with these parasites is to grow plants that repel ticks in outdoor and indoor gardens. Sage Many use sage leaves to enhance the taste of food. Interestingly, the plant is also great at repelling ticks and protecting your pets. So, consider growing sage indoors to prevent infestations. Lemongrass As the name suggests, this plant smells like lemon. While the fragrance may be appealing to you, it repels parasites. Many prefer growing this plant to repel ticks as it requires little maintenance. Lavender While this plant is known for its calming properties, insects would beg to disagree. Lavender is an effective repellent against moths, mosquitoes, and ever-annoying ticks. Its color, as well as its scent, are unappealing to the blood-feeding parasites. Garlic Ticks find the scent of garlic abhorrent. So, if you are looking up for plants that repel ticks from your household, grow this one in your outdoor and indoor garden. Rosemary This herb has a long list of benefits, and repelling parasites is one worth mentioning. Brushing the leaves of the rosemary plant releases fragrance and oil, which protects against ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and other pests. Your pet may need treatment in case of a severe tick or flea infestation. Here are a few options: Simparica Trio These are available as chewables to be used once a month. The effect of a single chewable can last for weeks, protecting against fleas, ticks, and heartworms. FRONTLINE Plus It is a topical solution to be applied to the pet’s skin.

Over 50 million people live with allergies every year and many of them have seasonal pollen allergies. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) studies over 100 cities every year to curate a list of the best and worst cities for people with spring or fall allergies. Factors such as seasonal pollen scores, over-the-counter treatment use, climatic conditions, and availability of board-certified health professionals or allergists are taken into consideration. Based on these reports, here are the 10 worst cities for people with allergies to live in: Scranton, PA Scranton is surrounded by forests and grasslands, which are pushed into the city by the fall winds, causing higher-than-average pollen levels, making it one of the worst cities for allergy sufferers. Wichita, KS The city of Wichita is windy and flat. With pollen flowing down the plains and virtually no trees to stop them, the city is one of the worst places to live for people with allergies. McAllen, TX McAllen faces hot weather in the summer with abundant pollen and flowering plants. Over the last few decades, the city has also seen a stable rise in ragweed pollen, worsening the situation for allergy sufferers. Richmond, VA Richmond is known for its subtropical climate and excessive humidity. Coincidentally, these are some features that make it intolerable for many people with allergies. San Antonio, TX Ragweed in Texas can grow taller than a person, producing massive amounts of pollen and triggering seasonal allergies for many people. Oklahoma City, OK The city of Oklahoma has dry weather, with little-to-no rainfall, which causes pollen and smoke to remain suspended in the air. Thunderstorms compound this situation by spreading pollen across the city, making it unpleasant for allergy sufferers. Hartford, CT Hartford is a highly urbanized city situated close to greenery and forests. This causes high pollen suspension rates, which may be troublesome for many.

Sliding window blinds are gaining popularity because of their versatility and style. They offer an ideal solution for spaces needing privacy, light control, and energy efficiency while enhancing the room’s overall aesthetic appeal. Going for sliding windows might be one of the best options for window replacement or home remodeling. Let’s delve into the benefits of sliding window blinds, the different types available, and how to choose and maintain them. Advantages of sliding window blinds Privacy Sliding window blinds provide excellent privacy, making them perfect for areas such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and other spaces that require privacy. Light control Sliding window blinds offer excellent light control, making them ideal for spaces needing varying lighting levels, such as media rooms or home offices. Energy efficiency Such window blinds help conserve energy by minimizing heat loss in the winter and reducing heat gain in the summer, making them a practical choice for energy-efficient spaces. Style and aesthetics These window treatments are available in various materials like vinyl and wood, colors, and styles, making them a perfect option for adding style and aesthetics to any room. They can elevate a space’s look and feel while serving a functional purpose. Types of sliding window blinds There are several types of sliding window blinds to choose from, each with its own features and benefits. Some of the most popular types of sliding window blinds are listed below. Vertical blinds These blinds are ideal for sliding glass doors and large windows, providing easy outdoor access and offering privacy and light control. Panel track blinds These blinds are a modern alternative to vertical blinds and offer a sleek and contemporary look, making them perfect for large windows and sliding glass doors. Roller blinds These blinds are an excellent option for any space that requires light control and privacy.

Eczema is a health condition in which the skin gets extremely dry, leading to itchy patches. A disciplined lifestyle can help manage the symptoms, but since this is a chronic disease, it can get increasingly uncomfortable and overwhelming. Therefore, loved ones should provide those with eczema a safe space to share their troubles and educate others on the subject. Here are some facts about eczema to create more awareness and empathy. Eczema is not “just a rash” Unlike what most people falsely assume, eczema is more than just a rash. It is a chronic condition that needs extreme care and attention to be managed on a daily basis. This involves staying away from environmental triggers, soaps, shampoos, and any product that may lead to unprecedented flare-ups. Even food choices need a lot of screening. Itchy skin can cause insomnia Eczema flare-ups can also occur during the night. When that happens, it gets incredibly uncomfortable for patients to sleep due to itchy skin. This sleep disruption affects anywhere between 33% to 87.1% of adults and close to 83% of children with the condition. A lack of sleep, in turn, causes other complications like stress and irritability. Poor hygiene is not the cause Eczema is an auto-immune disease and does not occur due to poor hygiene. However, those already suffering from the condition may experience flare-ups due to improper hygiene. Therefore, patients need extreme care when it comes to cleanliness. Choosing shampoo, soap, cleaning products, and even clothes can be difficult, and keeping a checklist of things can get exhausting. It affects mental health While eczema is a physical condition, its complications and flare-ups can easily lead to stress and anxiety, not to mention the taboo around the disease and social perception, which can give rise to alienation and loneliness. It is important for patients to have a support group that helps them navigate through the complicated emotions they may experience while battling the disease.

From cleaning supplies to food storage containers, did you know that many daily-use household items have been linked with cancer? However, it can be challenging to avoid these products, making it essential to consider the compounds they comprise, know the potential risk factors, and steps to be taken for safety. To begin with, it is vital to acquaint yourself with this list of household items that have been linked with cancer to avoid adverse effects. Cleaning products Benzene and formaldehyde are common compounds in cleaning products and these have also often been linked with cancer. They can be present in household items like disinfectants, bleach, and air fresheners. Pesticides Pesticides are commonly used in gardens and on houseplants to control the activity of pests. However, pesticides contain chemicals like glyphosate. It is important to either use natural alternatives or use these chemicals with caution to avoid the harmful effects of this carcinogenic compound. Canned foods Bisphenol-A or BPA is a commonly found chemical in canned goods. This compound that lines most canned foods is associated with cancer. It is advised that people choose frozen or fresh produce instead of canned ones. If that is not possible, look for canned foods with a BPA-free label on them. These are considered safer alternatives to cans that might increase cancer risk. Plastic containers Like canned foods, most plastic containers also contain BPA in them. They can release harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures on heating or after being exposed to sunlight. It is best to use stainless steel or glass containers to store food as much as possible. Non-stick cookware Perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, is a primary compound found in the coating present on non-stick cookware. This has often been linked to cancer. It is therefore recommended to stick with safer cooking utensils like stainless steel or cast iron that are free of such carcinogenic compounds.

There can be minor variations in a woman’s menstrual cycles. While the average cycle lasts 28 days, it can, at times, occur after every 24 to 31 days. When a woman’s cycle unexpectedly falls outside of the usual range, she may be experiencing irregular periods. A disrupted menstrual cycle can lead to excruciatingly painful symptoms. A number of factors can be responsible for this, some of which are listed below. The reasons for irregular menstrual cycles The following are the primary causes for skipped or irregular menstrual cycles. An unhealthy meal plan The thyroid and adrenal glands are affected due to a meal plan that’s high in stimulants but lacking minerals, antioxidants, and probiotic foods. For instance, a meal plan high in sugar, hydrogenated fats, and chemical additives has been related to thyroid problems and adrenal exhaustion, which can cause cortisol to rise. This could lead to a longer cycle and anovulation. If cortisol remains high for an extended time, periods can become irregular or even less frequent. To avoid this, make sure to eat foods that are nutrient-dense and contain enough protein. Low BMI A low body mass index (BMI) of below 18 or 19 may lead to irregular periods. Women with low BMI do not produce the required amount of estrogen. An abnormal menstrual cycle or amenorrhea can occur as a consequence. Extremely low-calorie meal plans can cause nutritional deficiencies, leading to irregular periods. Food sensitivity and allergies A woman’s hormone levels can be impacted by celiac disease or gluten sensitivity that has not been adequately identified. These disorders have the potential to cause nutrient deficiencies, have a terrible impact on intestinal health, and put chronic stress on your adrenal glands, which can impair the synthesis of sex hormones. Exercising excessively Moderate exercise is vital for heart health, mental health, and a regular sleep schedule.

Tinnitus is a widespread illness that affects millions of people globally. It can be identified if a person can hear in their brain or ears but not from an external source. Noises akin to ringing, buzzing, humming, and hissing are the hallmarks of tinnitus. While tinnitus is not a disease in and of itself, it can be a symptom of other conditions such as hearing loss, ear or head trauma, or circulatory issues. Common causes of tinnitus Given that the illness can have a variety of causes, it may occasionally be challenging to determine the exact underlying cause of tinnitus. Some of the most frequent tinnitus causes are listed below: Loud noise exposure Loud noise exposure, whether from a single incidence or recurrent exposure, can damage the hair cells in the inner ear and result in tinnitus. Hearing loss as people age Tinnitus and hearing loss are brought on by harmed or dying inner ear hair cells. Earwax buildup Blocking sound waves in the ear canal when earwax builds up might result in tinnitus. Pharmaceuticals Some anti-inflammatory prescription treatments can cause tinnitus as a side effect. Medical issues Conditions like Meniere’s disease, high blood pressure, and temporomandibular joint abnormalities (TMJ) can cause tinnitus. Injuries to the head and neck Tinnitus can be brought on by head and neck injuries like whiplash. Stress and anxiety In rare instances, emotional tension and anxiety may cause tinnitus. It’s important to remember that there are numerous contributing factors because the exact cause of tinnitus is frequently unclear or complex. A hearing healthcare professional can make appropriate treatment recommendations and help determine the underlying cause of tinnitus. Symptoms of tinnitus The underlying cause might affect a person’s tinnitus symptoms, which can vary from person to person. However, typical signs include the following: Difficulties with sleep or concentration that are intermittent or constant Hearing ringing, buzzing, or similar noises in the ears or brain.

When people think of cleaning tools, certain images may pop into their heads; a brush, a suction cup, a cleaning cloth, a vacuum cleaner, a mop, a scrubber, and so on. However, besides these, there are a host of unconventional tools and solutions that be just as effective in cleaning surfaces and items. Most people may not know about these and, therefore, will never have experienced their effectiveness. Here are some such cleaning tools: Advanced baking soda spray Many people know about baking soda’s underrated cleansing properties, but not many may try baking soda spray to clean furniture upholstery. All one needs to do is take warm water and mix about three tablespoons of baking soda. People can add a few drops of scented oil into the mix for fragrant results. This spray is useful for cleaning fabrics. Before using a baking soda spray, all one needs to do is mix just the right amount of baking soda and sweet-smelling oils so that the odor never becomes overwhelming and the soda’s residue does not stay behind on materials. Sliding door track cleaning brush A sliding door track is incredibly useful to clear dirt and dust from the track of a sliding door. As one knows, cleaning those tracks is a difficult task, so having a flexible tool that enables people to do so without breaking into a sweat can be a blessing in disguise. Barbed drain snaking device A snaking device is not exactly a novelty, but most people may not use it to cleanse their clogged drainage systems. In that sense, this tool falls perfectly into this list of unusual or weird cleaning tools out there. One really needs to try this tool out before believing its sheer effectiveness in yanking out clogged trash, dirt particles, hair, paper, and other items that may choke the drainage system.