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3 popular yard hacks that don’t work

3 popular yard hacks that don’t work
The internet is full of hacks that simplify your life. These also include gardening hacks that may help maintain your yard. However, most of these yard hacks are not as useful as you think. There are chances these might not even work, putting all the labor to no use. Hence, at times like these, you must go for solutions that may help you to achieve your goal. Read on to learn about yard hacks that don’t work: Maintaining a yard – Hacks that don’t work Maintaining a yard isn’t as simple as you might think; it requires a lot of effort and time. You might sometimes come across a few yard hacks that might help you. However, the chances of these working are really low. Some of these include: Using banana peel fertilizer One of the most popular yard/gardening hacks – using banana peel water as fertilizer. The rotting banana peel might have a few nutrients left, but these are in really low amounts and may not benefit the plants or the soil in any way. So, as an alternative to this hack, you can try tossing the banana peels in the compost bin and waiting patiently. This solution might provide the soil and plants with the needed nutrients.

Top 3 safest trucks for families in 2023

Top 3 safest trucks for families in 2023
Pickup trucks are regarded as the real workhorses of national transport, ideal for cross-country driving and hauling. With a massive engine, all-terrain performance upgrades, and spacious cabins, many people in the market are looking for a pickup truck to use in place of oversized SUVs. We have chosen the top three safest pickup trucks ranked by order of affordability and capability to buy in 2023 featuring an eclectic range of trims and modifications. 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz At $25,450 for the base trim, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is one of the more affordable picks in this segment. A powerful 2.5L Inline 4-cylinder engine is just enough for the 8-speed automatic transmission that supports FWD and AWD, depending on the trim variant. The Santa Cruz is built for long-haul driving with enough headroom and legroom to seat five passengers comfortably in the cab. Fully loaded, this pickup can tow 3,500 pounds of cargo attached at the rear. With the AWD trims, this capacity is increased up to 5,000 pounds. And you can customize five unique trims featuring the SE, SEL, Night SEL Night, Premium, and Limited Edition to suit your driving style and needs. 2023 Honda Ridgeline The Honda Ridgeline boasts rugged looks with stylish exterior accents, comes preloaded with the Honda Performance Package (HPD), and has a spacious cabin that comfortably seats up to 5 people.

5 foods to avoid when dealing with atrial fibrillation

5 foods to avoid when dealing with atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation of AFib is a condition that causes rapid or irregular beating in the upper chambers of the heart. This is a type of arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat that can result in a stroke and other heart-related issues if left untreated. The condition can be managed by making several lifestyle changes, including better nutrition. Food is a key component of health and can help avoid a variety of illnesses.  Foods to avoid with atrial fibrillation Caffeine Excessive intake of caffeine can quicken the heartbeat and induce premature heartbeats. Caffeine intake should be reduced to avoid triggering AFib. To avoid accidentally choosing caffeinated foods and drinks, one should read the labels, especially for beverages like sodas, tea, and herbal supplements, to check for caffeine. One can limit the amount of coffee they have in the day if it cannot be eliminated entirely. Salt Excessive salt intake raises blood pressure and increases the risk of AFib. So, people with hypertension, AFib, or sleep apnea should monitor and limit their sodium intake. Although salt is a common ingredient in foods, switching to less processed foods and using sodium-free seasoning can help reduce the daily salt intake. One should also avoid foods with high salt content, such as pizza, soups, burritos, and tacos.

Top 5 camera smartphones to look out for

Top 5 camera smartphones to look out for
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever,” it is rightly said. And when captured by a high-definition camera, the joy becomes multifold. Today, several high-end smartphones offer exceptional camera quality and various features, facilitating enchanting photographs and videos. Other features include superior-quality sound systems, spectacular displays, good speed and storage capacities, and in-built security features. For example, if you are looking for smartphones with the best camera quality, have a look at our listicle: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max This smartphone is known for featuring one of the best cameras in the global market, with a 48-megapixel primary sensor, 1.9 mm pixels, 3X optical zoom features, second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS), and an ultra-wide 12MP sensor. Although the phone does not entail a macro lens, it is equipped to capture visually stunning close-up pictures. Besides, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is also known for its remarkable video quality. OnePlus 10 Pro 5G The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G smartphone consists of a second-generation Hasselblad camera, which considerably enhances its camera quality. The camera comprises a 48-MP primary lens, an 8-MP telephoto lens, and a 50-MP ultra-wide-angle sensor, whose field vision is up to four times wider than other smartphones.

6 silent warning signs of skin cancer

6 silent warning signs of skin cancer
Skin cancer usually occurs because of abnormal cell growth in the body. While the disease is common in areas exposed to the sun, it can develop across other regions of the body. Unfortunately, it is easy to misdiagnose signs of skin cancer for other skin diseases. But statistically, about 1 in 5 people in the country develop the condition by age 70. So, it is imperative to be mindful of these skin cancer warning signs. Lesions Sometimes people develop slightly raised, flat, large lesions on the legs or face. But in the beginning, these may appear as painless spots on the skin, which may not be any cause for alarm. However, if these lesions turn red, purple, or brown, it might be a sign of Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) and should be diagnosed at the earliest. Mole irregularities Unusual changes in the moles present on one’s skin may indicate the presence of melanoma. A few indicators to watch for include when one half of the mole does not look like the other or the mole has irregular borders. The color of a mole may also differ from one area to the other. One should also check if the mole changes in shape, color, and size.

4 healthy foods that help lower the risk of skin cancer

4 healthy foods that help lower the risk of skin cancer
Skin cancer develops when there is an abnormal growth of cells on the skin which is overexposed to the sun. However, that is not the only area where skin cancer can develop, so always look for symptoms in areas not exposed to the sun. Reducing the risk of skin cancer is possible by limiting sun exposure and opting for healthy food choices. Keep reading to learn about foods that keep skin cancer at bay. Carrots They have an abundance of beta-carotene, which helps by converting to vitamin A. Studies suggest that foods rich in beta-carotene have proven to reduce the risk of some cancers, including skin cancer. Some good sources of this compound include orange-colored vegetables like squash and sweet potatoes and fruits like cantaloupe, apricots, and even mangoes. This compound is also known for keeping the immune system strong, which helps fend off diseases. Guava Guavas are a great source of lycopene, a fantastic example of a preventive measure against skin cancer. This red-pigmented compound is found in other food sources like watermelon, tomatoes, papaya, blood oranges, apricots, and even pink grapefruit. Research suggests that people who ate tomato paste regularly, as opposed to those who didn’t, were less likely to be sunburned.

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5 things to avoid doing in hotels

One of the joys of traveling is getting comfortable hotel accommodation for your stay. Just as we expect great service from these hotels, they expect the guests to follow certain protocols to make the experience pleasurable. It is important to understand this tacit agreement. On that note, here are some vital tips to remind you of things that you should avoid doing when you are staying in a hotel. Keep the bathroom door shut Taking a hot shower at the end of the day and sliding into the comfy blanket is one of the perks of being in a hotel. However, make sure you keep the bathroom door shut. The steam from the shower can enter the room and trigger the fire alarm. Don’t cover the smoke alarms Almost all hotels always have a smoking room available for their guests, as they understand it is a requirement for some. However, some guests will take a room that comes with a smoke alarm and cover the smoke alarms whenever they wish to indulge in activities that may set off the alarm. Avoid using the throw pillows Some hotels have these delicate items in the room, like throw pillows to add some personality to the room. However, if you notice, a lot of these items do not have a sleeve cover, and many hotels do not clean these pillows after every guest’s departure. These items could be a hotbed of germs, so it is best to avoid these throw pillows altogether. Stealing bathrobes is a big no-no It is normal to pack the shampoo, conditioner, and tea sachets from hotels. Most people do it, and it is quite acceptable as the customers pay for them. However, some may try to grab other items like bathrobes or coat hangers. Make sure to keep these items in the room after using them.

6 hotel booking mistakes to avoid for the best deals

Planning your travel itinerary is one of the most critical tasks to pay attention to, especially while reserving bookings online. Holiday deals and bundled packages might be tempting at first glance. But there are certain rookie booking mistakes and not-so-obvious pitfalls to avoid losing money. It doesn’t matter if you are a veteran traveler or a first-timer. Pay attention to these 6 common booking mistakes and get the best deal on the first attempt. Not reading reviews When you have website reviews available for reference, use them before comparing cheap hotels in Orlando or other locations. Filter hotels by best reviews and read a few for the chosen place of stay. Learn about their service and quality of amenities, and see whether it is worth booking in the first place. Not booking a refundable room Travel plans can change, so you need to account for contingencies that affect your booking dates. Always book a refundable room even if your plans change on the spur of the moment. Not using the hotel’s website Booking through third-party websites may fetch you cheap hotels in Orlando. But booking a room through the hotel website that offers the same discount or price match can be more beneficial. Guests get assigned the best rooms with better views and even upgrades for using the hotel’s official website. Booking at the wrong time Hotels usually try to fill up as many rooms as possible with advance booking while reserving some rooms for last-minute travelers. Book rooms well in advance, especially if you make plans for the holiday season. Hotels can double or triple their room prices for tourists who fail to book in advance. Not signing up for hotel rewards Hotels offer loyalty programs and membership benefits to frequent travelers. Loyalty points can be redeemed at the hotel front desk or online to book free stays and travel on your next vacation.

4 tips to manage flea and tick infestations in dogs

Flea and ticks are common parasites that carry different types of diseases. These pests thrive in soft and warm environments, and the pet’s fur is a perfect home for them. If left unchecked, they can cause severe complications. But there are simple ways to control and prevent this problem. Here are some effective preventive treatments, plants that repel parasites, changes in daily foods, and DIY remedies to manage the infestation: Effective treatments Simparica TRIO oral chews are suitable for dogs eight weeks and older, weighing at least 2.8 lbs. The tablet should be given once a month.  K9 Advantix II, on the other hand, is another popular monthly flea protection treatment that is effective within the first 12 hours of consumption. K9 Advantix is suitable for dogs seven weeks or older, weighing at least 4.4 lbs.  Bravetco® is a more long-lasting alternative as one tablet can prevent flea and tick infestations for 12 weeks. Bravetco® is available in five dosing options, depending on the size and weight of the dog. Some heartworm prescriptions like Advantage Multi® topical solution and Trifexis® oral chews also help counter flea and tick infections. Immunity boosting meals and foods Consult with a vet to better understand what dogs should eat daily to develop more resilience and fight flea and tick infestations. For example, garlic can ward off parasites and is safe to include in small quantities for most breeds. But ensure the garlic is always freshly chopped. Honey pairs well with this garlic mixture and boosts immunity to combat common allergens that trigger flea infestations. Helpful plants that repel parasites Swapping out old plants for pet-friendly plants can actually help repel fleas and ticks. Basil, catnip, chamomile, chrysanthemum, eucalyptus, plantain, garlic, lavender, lemongrass, marigolds, mint, pennyroyal, rosemary, rue, sage, tansy, thyme, wormwood, and yarrow are all acceptable choices.

3 tips that may help prevent and manage prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer. It is estimated that one in eight men is at risk, and the number gets higher in those above the age of 65. Thankfully, modern treatments and prescriptions have made it easier. Also, certain lifestyle changes, healthy eating habits, and effective measures for prevention lower the risk. Here is how early diagnosis, treatments, and simple suggestions can improve the quality of life. Prescription treatments Xofigo contains a radioactive element called radium RA 223 dichloride. The injection works well in a short-range radius to counter the spread of prostate cancer in the bone. Enzalutamide, marketed under the brand name XTANDI, is an alternative treatment option. Those who don’t respond well to hormonal or surgical treatments can consider these injections to lower and manage testosterone levels. XTANDI works by actively inhibiting androgen receptors to prevent or reduce cancer cell growth. Prescriptions aside, doctors suggest cryotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy for those who respond to regular treatments. However, the treatments vary depending on the spread of cancer and the severity of the symptoms. Best foods for prevention Tomatoes and watermelon are rich in lycopene and beneficial for prostate cancer prevention. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and cauliflower contain phytochemicals that help combat cancer-growing cells. Additionally, citrus-rich fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes, help boost immunity. Tofu, chickpeas, lentils, sprouts, and peanuts contain isoflavones, which help lower the risk of prostate cancer. Note that daily foods must also supplement omega-3 fatty acids and folates sourced from fatty fish, leafy greens, and fortified whole foods. Overall, nutritionists recommend including more foods rich in antioxidants to fight oxidative damage. Effective lifestyle changes Exercise is one of the most significant changes to implement in daily routine. Any form of physical activity, including walking, running, jogging, and weight training, can help maintain a healthy body weight.

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4 ways to overcome an overactive bladder

4 ways to overcome an overactive bladder

Overactive bladder or OAB is a health condition that causes frequent and sudden urge to urinate. Statistics suggest that close to 35 million people in the country suffer from overactive bladder. Some people also experience urinary incontinence or unintentional loss of urine. It can be embarrassing to deal with the condition, as it can limit one’s social and professional life. The following tips can be used to effectively manage an overactive bladder: Typical treatment options Before we discuss tips for managing an overactive bladder, it is important to be aware of some treatment options. GEMTESA (vibegron) is one such treatment option. It activates beta-3 receptors, thereby allowing the bladder to relax and provide relief from being overactive. Apart from this, Myrbetriq can also be used for treating an overactive bladder, as it smoothens the muscles around the urinary bladder, increasing its storage capacity. Other options include TOVIAZ and INVOKANA®. Add cranberries to your food regimen  Cranberries are widely used to treat problems associated with bladder control. Similarly, other berries like strawberries and blueberries are also abundant in vitamin C, which can neutralize bad bacteria and prevent urinary tract infections. Berries also have high water content, which maintains hydration levels and helps manage bladder control. Cranberries can be eaten alone or can be added to smoothies, salads, and other delicious recipes. Limit washing and wiping Sanitary hygiene is essential. However, it can be counterintuitive going overboard. Women with overactive bladder experiencing menstruation might feel the constant need to clean themselves. However, excessive cleaning with soap can make the area dry and itchy, and it can aggravate symptoms of an overactive bladder. Hence it is recommended to avoid going overboard on washing and wiping or use hydrating cleaning products to retain the moisture. Practice exercises for bladder control Changes in certain habits related to urination can ease the symptoms or help retain bladder strength in the long run.
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5 tips to manage migraine attacks

5 tips to manage migraine attacks

Migraine is characterized by throbbing, lingering pain on either side of the head. It is common among those between 30 and 40 and more prevalent among women than men. According to research, at least 39 million people in the country live with migraine. Many people with this condition are sensitive to light and sound. Fortunately, lifestyle changes can reduce the frequency of migraines. Here are some effective ways that can help cope with migraines: Treatments People with migraines need to keep medications handy. Some of the common medicines used by adults for migraine attacks are UBRELVY™, Excedrin, Nurtec® ODT, and QULIPTA™. They block pathways in the brain that are responsible for migraine attacks. A doctor might also recommend preventive medicines if one experiences frequent and severe headaches that don’t respond well to treatment. These medications might reduce how often one gets an attack and reduce its severity. Foods to eat Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are high in antioxidants and fat and are great for keeping overall health in check. Magnesium-rich foods like avocados, apricots, almonds, cashews, and brown rice help the blood vessels relax and prevent headaches. Other items that help prevent headaches include leafy greens, dairy, and calcium-rich foods. Those who experience frequent migraine attacks are also often recommended to reduce the intake of high-sodium foods. Lifestyle choices Having a healthy sleep cycle is very rewarding. It’s good for one’s physical and mental health. Getting quality sleep every night can significantly reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Migraines usually occur when the body doesn’t get enough rest and is stressed. Hydration and cold compress It’s essential to be hydrated at all times to help reduce the frequency of migraines. The body requires a certain amount of electrolytes and fluids to work its best. When one doesn’t replace these fluids and electrolytes, it causes dehydration, triggering migraine.
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