Home | Pets

4 foods to avoid for better bone health

4 foods to avoid for better bone health
Bones are the foundation of the human body. Several factors affect bone health, including lifestyle habits, exercise routines, the environment, and, most importantly, nutrition. Some foods, like green leafy vegetables, nuts, fruits, fatty fish, and milk, are suitable for the bones, while others are harmful if eaten too often. Here are a few foods to avoid to prevent conditions like osteoporosis and maintain better bone health in the long run. Coffee Caffeine is among the worst beverages for bone health. Caffeine reduces the bones’ capability to absorb calcium, an essential nutrient that keeps them strong. As a result, people who drink coffee several times a day for years are likelier to develop brittle bones and similar issues. Beef liver Animal-derived vitamin A is loaded with retinol, an element that speeds up osteoclast activity within one’s bones. This activity leads to conditions like osteoporosis and increases the risk of frequent bone injuries. While beef liver is incredibly delicious and has a host of health benefits, its high retinol levels make it dangerous for the bones. As a result, individuals wanting to build healthy bones should eat it in moderation or leave it out of their meals entirely. Soda Sodas and soft drinks have high amounts of phosphoric acid, which can weaken the bones.

5 common mistakes to avoid when moving into a new home

5 common mistakes to avoid when moving into a new home
Moving into a new home can be exciting. It provides individuals with an opportunity to explore a new neighborhood and meet new people. However, the entire process of moving out and moving in can be pretty complex and chaotic. As a result, many people make mistakes that cost them more money and lead to hassle. Here are five such mistakes one must try to avoid when moving into a new home. Packing at the last minute One of the most common mistakes individuals make when moving is procrastinating packing. Packing at the last moment can lead to chaos and disorganization. For convenience, individuals should pack early, starting with the rarely used items and gradually moving to the essentials. Beginning early gives one enough time to label the boxes and organize their belongings well. Not hiring professional movers Seeking help from friends and family for moving may seem cost-effective, but it can be more stressful and chaotic. Professional movers can perform this task more efficiently. They transport delicate items using the appropriate equipment and expertise, providing peace of mind. Not keeping a checklist It is easy to misplace or lose items amid the hustle and bustle of moving. Hence, when packing, individuals must keep a checklist.

3 ways to improve digital customer experience

3 ways to improve digital customer experience
Over the years, the digital experiences of customers have undergone many transformations. As a result, it is now crucial for businesses to evolve their digital communications to deliver seamless experiences to existing and potential customers. Since a high percentage of customer interactions now happen digitally, businesses are expected to find ways to consistently improve their digital customer experience. These will help to offer instant and personalized digital experiences that meet the customers’ preferences and needs. Use data to measure customer  experience The first step to improving digital customer experience is to measure it. This can be done in several ways based on the industry, marketing funnel of the business, and other factors. From customer surveys to review boards and analytics, various methods can be used to find out what customers are saying about a business’s level of service. These methods also give businesses a rich trove of information that can be used to analyze customer behavior, enabling them to tweak their strategy to get the most effective results. Offer more control to  customers One of the primary ways to improve digital experiences is to offer more control to the customers.  This  involves letting them dictate how they would like to be communicated with instead of being bombarded with unwanted messages or calls at all times.  To achieve this goal , a business must practice digital empathy, allowing customers to be proactive in their digital experiences.  This  means that instead of offering a rigid and impersonal interface, it should be a two-way communication where the customer can actively participate.

Top 3 benefits of restaurant management systems

Top 3 benefits of restaurant management systems
A restaurant management system is software designed to help food establishments keep track of all aspects of running a food business. It is a point-of-sale software and automation tool that enables restaurants to manage sales, inventory, staff, orders, and much more. It also streamlines processes, lowering the risk of delays. With a tool as versatile and comprehensive as this, restaurants can ensure smooth daily operations with reduced risk of human errors.  1. Money-saving tool Investing in a restaurant management system (RMS) can be a costly affair. But, in the long run, the tool can help restaurants save money. For starters, a tool like this can improve internal coordination. Many studies have found that miscommunication and a lack of coordination are two key reasons that restaurants lose money. An RMS can it easy for staff and managers to communicate with each other. With all the information relevant to the employees available on a single platform, the RMS, the risk of miscommunication is lower. Additionally, once communication is streamlined, the coordination follows suit, and all the stakeholders can work together seamlessly like a well-oiled machine. 2. Improved customer management During busy hours, the restaurant staff is likely to be pretty occupied and will find it difficult to manage all customers and provide them with the best service possible.

6 telltale signs of charity scams

6 telltale signs of charity scams
Recent FBI reports show that charity scams have defrauded individuals of approximately $4.4 million. Charity scams are fraudulent activities where individuals or organizations pose as legitimate charities and exploit the generosity of people who want to contribute to a cause. These scams can happen through online or offline means. While individuals often donate with good intentions, they should always look out for the following signs to safeguard against potential charity fraud: Refusing to reveal information A fake charity is usually reluctant to delve into details regarding their operations, work, outreach, location of their offices or headquarters, or EID number. They may also have vague mission statements and no clear knowledge about how their funds are utilized or the impact of their “activities.” If one feels that a charity that has reached out cannot answer these questions or is evasive, it’s highly likely that the organization is a scam. To steer clear of this and gauge the credibility and legitimacy of an organization, one should always ask questions and check the charity’s online presence, BBB ratings, reviews from past donors and recipients, if any, and ask for any documents or financial statements. Showing fake documentation Scammers may provide fake documentation, such as tax-exempt certificates or receipts, to make their scams appear more convincing.

4 mistakes to avoid when donating to a charity

4 mistakes to avoid when donating to a charity
Very few things are nobler than donating money or other resources to charity. Donations are often made with the purest intentions, so donors usually do not intend to sneakily gain any advantage from giving money away. Unfortunately, there are plenty of mistakes one could make while donating to charity. Some such mistakes are easy to spot and sidestep, while others are harder to avoid. One needs to avoid these mistakes when donating to a charity: Not researching One must thoroughly research any charitable organization or NGO before donating money to them. This involves understanding the causes and issues that the organization supports, as well as their reputation. Potential donors can check critical documents such as impact reports and annual reports to see the financial and charity history of organizations they are looking to put money into. Failing to research may prove to be costly in multiple ways. For instance, one may donate to organizations that do not align with their causes and beliefs. Alternatively, donors may give less money than needed if they do not read the minimum requirement guidelines that such organizations enlist. Donating only once a year A donation should never be an obligation for anyone. People who follow a “one-and-done” philosophy to charity may as well avoid it if they cannot support multiple causes and charitable organizations throughout the year.

Must
Reads.

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.

Our
Blog.

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.
Read More
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.
Read More