Tag Archives: fyi

Jun2

Tips For Dealing With Seasonal Allergies

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Tips For Dealing With Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies aren’t fun and when they roll around, it can feel frustrating to have to deal with them. They can often stop you from enjoying the warm weather, particularly when the pollen count is high. With that being said, it’s worth considering some extra advice when it comes to coping with seasonal allergies. Read on to find out more:

Keep The Home Clean:

Just like dust, pollen gets everywhere so it’s important that you’re staying on top of cleaning house. Try to maintain clean surfaces and look out for cleaning products that are going to help tackle pollen and any residue that often lingers around in the air and on surfaces from the outside world. Even though it gets hot, try to keep windows closed when you can or open them just slightly.

By having your home nice and clean on a regular basis, you’re more likely to reduce the amount of pollen that comes inside and have your own space that is safe for your allergies. The more you can be proactive with your cleaning, the better. There’s a helpful guide on how to beat spring allergies with carpet cleaning that’s worth looking at.

Avoid Peak Allergy Days:

Peak allergy days are often a lot to handle and so many will stay indoors. This is likely to be necessary for some but it’s advisable to keep up to date with the pollen count and see just how likely it is that you’ll experience an aggressive allergy reaction. If you have to go out, then try to avoid any areas where there will be lots of pollen in the air, ideally staying in a city environment rather than out in the countryside. It’s a frustration, but one that will certainly help you deal with your allergies by picking and choosing where you go when you’re out.

Have Medication On Hand:

Medication on hand is extremely important because you never know when an allergy reaction might occur and how bad it will get. Making sure that you have some medication on hand or in your home during these peak periods is essential and will help you to reduce the impact on your health and overall productivity throughout the day. There’s a lot on the market when it comes to medication, so do your research and of course, inquire with your doctor to make sure it’s okay for you to take.

Remove Outdoor Clothing When You Get Indoors:

Outdoor clothing of any kind should all be removed when you get into your home. Put the clothes in the wash immediately and you will minimize the spread of pollen throughout the home as a result. It’s all helpful in reducing the likelihood of an allergy reaction.

These tips should, hopefully, help you cope well with seasonal allergies regardless of how high that pollen count rises!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun1

How To Spend Less On Your Family’s Essentials

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How To Spend Less On Your Family’s Essentials

There are some things that we all need to pay for and costs we need to cover. And, thankfully, there are lots of ways in which you can spend on these essentials and manage the costs associated with them. If you want to learn how to spend less and keep the costs low, read on now:

Raise Your Insurance Deductibles:

Insurance is one of the things that we all need to have in place. And for most of us, there are lots of different types of insurance that are needed. In order to keep yourself and your family safe going forward, you’ll need to find the right deals and put the right coverage in place. But you can, nonetheless, raise the deductibles in order to get a better monthly rate on those policies.

Cook Your Own Meals:

If you’re someone who eats out a lot or orders takeout food a little too often, you’ll know how costly that kind of stuff can be. Cooking your own meals can take a huge amount of that financial burden away. You can cook and prepare meals very cheaply when you buy fresh ingredients and put the effort into cooking. It’s not as hard or as daunting as you might think!

Create a Debt Repayment Strategy:

Lots of people struggle with debt and get dragged down each month by the repayments they need to make. You can create a good debt repayment strategy if you want to, and doing so is almost always advisable. When you have a strategy and plan in place to pay the debt off faster, you’ll start saving money because you won’t be getting constantly hit by the interest.

Start Using Coupons Routinely:

If you’re not doing so already, you should definitely think about how you can start using coupons and discounts to your advantage. If you’re a pet owner you can use a Canada Pet Care coupon code for your pet food needs. And there are plenty of discounts, offers, and coupon codes that will help you with your regular shopping, including grocery store purchases.

When doing online shopping, there are lots of websites that you can utilize to find coupon codes for free shipping or percentages off of your purchases (Retail Me Not, Honey, Raise). If your family is in need of new clothes, you can find some great offers at https://www.raise.com/coupons/macys for a one stop shopping experience at Macy’s.

Cut Your Travel Expenses:

When you’re always traveling by car or public transport, it can get costly. There are many ways to cut your regular travel expenses, such as by doing more walking and cycling. Or you can try carpooling to work with colleagues so you can all spend less on gas. Traveling less and doing more activities closer to home might also be a good idea if you really want to cut those costs as well as be friendly to the environment.

Spending less on your family’s basics and essentials isn’t that difficult and it never needs to be. When you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll be surprised by how much you can achieve and how far your money can stretch.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May25

Quick Tips For An Even Better Smile

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Quick Tips For An Even Better Smile

Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. A lot of people worry about how their smile looks, especially in photographs. If you’re worried about yours, try these tips for an even better smile that is healthier too:

Floss daily:

Flossing gets rid of plaque from between your teeth and out from under your gum line, where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. Flossing makes you less likely to suffer from tooth decay and gingivitis. Without flossing, tartar builds up under the surface of your gum lines, which can lead to periodontal disease. This causes bone destruction and tooth loss. To floss properly, wrap the floss around your finger and slide it into the gap between your teeth. Slide the floss gently up and down under the gum line two or three times. If you don’t like the feeling of flossing, you can use an oral irrigater instead. These spray water between your teeth to remove plaque and food without the need for floss.

See your dentist twice a year:

A professional cleaning every six months is a great way to maintain a gorgeous smile by keeping it healthy. If you don’t get a regular cleaning from a dentist, you could have an increased risk of periodontal disease. This causes swollen, receding, and bleeding gums, which is uncomfortable and unattractive. It is also linked to a greater risk of conditions including heart attack, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and sleep apnea. A good cleaning will remove stain and tartar. A regular trip to your dentist also means they can screen for other health conditions. Many health conditions have early signs that show in the mouth, so your dentist or hygienist can catch many problems very early that you can then follow up with your doctor. Your dentist can also advise you on solutions for your smile like whitening, braces, or Freedom Mini Dental Implants.

Limit tea, coffee, and red wine:

Drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine are all known for staining your teeth. They can build up a superficial stain that your dentist will be able to polish away for you, but they could also cause much deeper staining of the tooth enamel that is much harder to remove. Drinking these drinks through a straw can help to reduce the risk of staining, and can also reduce the likelihood of tooth decay. Rinse your mouth with water after drinking anything like this so the dark liquid won’t stay on the teeth, and have a chance to stain.

Buy a quality toothbrush:

Electric toothbrushes remove more plaque and give you healthier gums than manual toothbrushes. If nothing else, buy a manual brush that has soft bristles. Bristles that are too stiff and brushing too hard can cause your gums to recede and will wear down the enamel from your teeth. Use a soft-bristled brush, and brush gently to avoid damaging your teeth by accident.

Ready, set, smile!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

May25

Know About Cigarettes & Your Teeth

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Know About Cigarettes & Your Teeth

It is well known that smoking not only negatively affects your physical health but your oral health too. According to the American Lung Association, approximately more than 7000 chemicals mixed with nicotine are found in tobacco. It’s difficult to stop due to the addictive qualities nicotine has on people, along with the withdrawal symptoms caused. However, the adverse effects are far worse long-term for your oral health, as gum disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, and halitosis are some of the many risks to look out for. Keep reading for a better understanding on these:

Gum Disease:

Gum disease or gingivitis, which could possibly lead to periodontitis, can be caused by smoking. The build-up of plaque on the teeth, which could then harden to tartar, is increased bacteria buildup, creating red, inflamed, and bleeding gums that could develop into an infection. Smoking hinders the healing process, and if left unchecked, the issues could lead to tooth loss. There are multiple symptoms and risk factors, but it’s essential to check it out with your dentist if you see red flag signs. It is crucial to prevent the effects from getting worse over time.

Oral Effects of Smoking:

The adverse effects of smoking lead to tooth decay, teeth discoloration, and bad breath (halitosis) caused by the build-up of tar and nicotine. With this, your sense of taste begins to decrease along with your appetite. Nicotine, when combined with oxygen, is known to cause discoloration. The tar build-up leaves behind yellow or black discoloration on the teeth and an intense build-up on the tongue called the smoker’s tongue. These are a combination of adverse effects caused by the ingredients being absorbed in the mouth.

Prevention & Treatment For Gum Disease and Oral Health:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day
  • Mouth Wash
  • Floss every day
  • See a dentist regularly
  • Deep cleaning
  • Medications (if treatment is needed)
  • Quit smoking

Risk of Oral Cancer:

According to the WHO, smoking leads to multiple forms of cancer and accounts for 90% of them, including oral cancer. It is known to weaken the immune system and make healing harder. If you have regular checkups with your dentist, such as Summer Creek Dental, you can detect the symptoms in their early stages. An oral cancer screening is highly recommended for smokers as 27% of deaths recorded in Europe in 2018 have been positively linked to smoking. Mouth cancer is likely to be developed in the tongue, lips, and throat.

If you can quit smoking, it has been found that the build of bacteria decreases, and your sense of taste and smell start to return. Your mouth can be restored once you quit with your practitioner’s help, which will most likely bring back a bright smile and a better mood. If leaving isn’t entirely on the cards yet, it’s essential to take extra care of your oral health and regularly assist in prevention.

Featured Image By: Pexels

May24

4 “Minor” Health Issues That Could Actually Be Major

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4 “Minor” Health Issues That Could Actually Be Major

We’re all a little guilty of ignoring new health symptoms, especially if they seem fairly minor in nature. We think that we can treat them ourselves or that they’ll go away on their own as long as we don’t do anything to make them worse, and most of the time that may be the case. However, there are numerous “minor” health issues that could actually be more serious than you think. Let’s take a look at them now:

Constipation:

Constipation can be uncomfortable, but it can also be embarrassing, which is why most of us try to deal with it ourselves by taking a little senna or adding more fiber to our diets. Most of the time that’s all that’s needed. But, if you are suffering from constipation that is both prolonged and painful, it could be another story altogether. Persistent constipation can lead to hemorrhoids and even confusion, especially in older people. It could also be a symptom of bowel cancer or an intestinal blockage, so you really should seek the advice of your doctor if you are experiencing constipation over a period of time. However, most bouts with constipation are temporary conditions that can be easily solved. They sometimes might result in hemorrhoids but that too can be treated with hemorrhoid cream.

Gum boils:

If you start to notice boils or sores on your gums, you may naturally just pop to the chemist for some ointment to soothe and cure the problem. Again, that may be all that’s needed, but if you get a lot of sores and boils or if they become infected, it could be a sign of something more serious like gum disease. You should make an appointment with a dental practice like Rivers Edge Dental as soon as possible. If it’s caught early enough, gum disease can be reversed, and if that is not possible, it can be managed so that it doesn’t get worse. If you notice any oral health issues, you should not wait to seek help.

Feeling down:

If you’re feeling blue, you’re uninterested in doing much, and you’re more tired than usual, it could be more than simply feeling down, you could be depressed. Depression is really serious and the sooner you seek help for it and get the right treatment, the more likely you are to get back to your old self and start feeling good again. Not only that, but depression can also be a symptom of several serious physical illnesses including M.E, and even cancer in some cases, so it really does need to be explored.

Pexels

Accidentally peeing:

You might think that accidentally peeing a little when you laugh or cough is no big deal in terms of your health, but it could actually be a sign that there is a problem with your pelvic floor, for example, and there are things you can do about that. So, there is no need to suffer in silence – go and see your doctor and see what can be recommended for you.

They may seem minor, but if you experience any of these symptoms, seeing a medical professional is a good idea.

Featured Image By: Pexels

May22

Buyer Beware!

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Buyer Beware!

Hi! Whether it’s a good or bad review, I like to be completely honest about my opinions or experiences with my readers. You might remember a previous post of mine gabbing about Wildly Untamed Boutique and how pleased I was with their customer service as I ordered heels from there for my wedding. While I still stand by that, I have to retract a statement I made saying that I would order from there again because that has been proven false since my last post.

Unfortunately, the heels I ordered were too big so I contacted Wildly Untamed Boutique’s customer service and asked to exchange them for a smaller pair. Knowing that it takes about three or so days to hear back from them, I ordered the size down so that the heels would arrive in ample time for my wedding. Customer service acknowledged that and I waited patiently for an update after the distributor was contacted.

I was instructed to ship the too large pair back and a shipping label to China was sent to me. I live in Ohio in the USA and my naive self thought “it can’t cost that much to ship back”. So, you could imagine my surprise when an employee from the UPS Store told me that it would cost several hundred dollars to ship the one hundred fifteen dollar pair of shoes back. Either way in this scenario, I would be losing money.

As soon as I returned home, I emailed customer service again and asked if there was any other location that I could ship to because of exorbitant shipping fees. I also recalled that the shoes arrived with a printed shipping address in the USA, not in China (which I have saved). I was told that they had no other locations in the email back, so now I am essentially out two hundred thirty dollars.

Two hundred thirty? Yes. Because not only did I not have the option to return the too big pair of shoes, they did not have my size in the color that I wanted. I ordered a lesser loved color because I needed something that fit. However, that didn’t stop me from searching for the heels in the color that I wanted elsewhere online a few days later. And guess what? I found them on the actual brand’s website for FORTY BUCKS. That’s a marked up price on Wildly Untamed Boutique of seventy-five dollars!!!!!!

If this review doesn’t turn you off completely from shopping with Wildly Untamed Boutique, then I would recommend using caution when purchasing with them. If your order needs returned, chances are, the shipping fees will be more expensive than what you originally spent. They also, obviously, mark up their selection A LOT so you could almost certainly find what you want for cheaper elsewhere. Very disappointing.

Have you ever had a similar situation with online shopping? What did you do to remedy it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May20

How To Discourage Rodent Pests In Your Home

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How To Discourage Rodent Pests In Your Home

Prevention is always better than the cure. Once rodents like mice or rats have moved into your home, it can be very difficult to get rid of them. Instead, if you can, try to discourage them from moving in in the first place. Preventing rodents from coming in is a better option for many reasons, especially if you’re worried about finding humane traps or want to avoid using poisons. Learn more about why rat poison shouldn’t be used here. And learn more about preventative tips here:

Use Caulk And Steel Wool To Seal Up The House:

The best way to prevent mice or rats from moving in is to make sure that there is nowhere for them to get in. Mice can get into very small gaps. In fact, they can squeeze through a hole about the size of a dime. Even if a hole doesn’t start out large enough for them to get in, rodents will just gnaw at the opening to make it bigger until they get through it. Rats in particular can chew through just about anything.

Luckily, they can’t chew through caulk and steel wool. Pay particularly close attention to where any pipes enter the building and along your basement foundations, as this is often where gaps form. Make sure you replace any weather stripping and screen any vents and the openings of the chimney.

Prune Shrubbery Away From The House:

Shrubbery and any branches that reach the house are an open invitation to mice and other pests to come on in. Cut off their route inside by cutting back any shrubbery that gets too close to the house. Make sure that things like stacks of firewood are kept at least twenty feet from the house. Mice love to nest in these piles and could be encouraged inside if the logs are against the house.

Take Away Their Food Supply:

When the weather turns cold, mice will look for warmth and something to eat. A kitchen that is messy and full of crumbs and open packets is a mouse’s dream. Keep your kitchen shelves, cabinets, and countertops clean. Store any unsealed food in airtight containers to limit access. If you have a pet, make sure you don’t leave out food in a bowl all day long, as this will potentially attract rodents looking for something to eat. Mice also eat paper and cardboard, so keep on top of getting the recycling out of the kitchen.

Seal The Bin:

Mice are attracted to trash cans. To make your bin mouse-proof, choose a bin with an airtight lid and keep it closed. You can use rubber cords to secure a loose lid.

Try Essential Oils:

Homemade remedies are not usually very effective for getting rid of rodents, but you can try them to discourage them. Some people think that the smell of peppermint and clove oil repels mice. Soak some cotton balls in these essential oils and shove them into areas that commonly attract mice, like cabinets, drawers, and entry points. It can’t hurt to try.

Better protect your family and home from pests with these preventative tips!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

May13

5 Things They Don’t Tell New Dog Owners

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5 Things They Don’t Tell New Dog Owners

If you have your heart set on having a new canine companion in your life, no one will blame you. According to a recent survey, over 63 million people own at least one pet dog in the United States. Dogs are loyal, loving, and offer owners companionship and happiness.

You’re likely reading this because you’ve never owned a pet dog before, although you may have had a dog in the family when you were growing up, or perhaps you spend a lot of time with friends that have dogs themselves. There are some things that existing dog owners never tell people that are considering getting their first pet dog. It’s not necessarily that they’re deliberately withholding the information; it’s more they assume those people might already know this stuff:

1. Some Dogs Bark a Lot

It’s no secret that dogs have unique and individual personalities in addition to the traits of their breeds. With that in mind, it’s worth knowing that some dogs bark a lot whereas others seldom utter any noise! If you’re planning to get a smaller dog, it might be worth getting the best bark collar for small dogs to help keep noise levels down, especially if you need to leave your new canine friend alone at home sometimes.

2. Some Breeds Have Known Health Problems

You could be lucky and end up with a dog that seldom has any health issues during its time with you. Or, you might end up with a canine companion that spends much of their time at the vets. The fact is, some dog breeds are genetically predisposed to certain medical conditions. For example, greyhounds are well known for having dental problems, and others like dachshunds might have heart conditions. Keep this in mind when looking at purebred dogs.

3. Dog Toys Don’t Last Long

One thing you want to do is ensure that your dog is happy and has plenty of mental stimulation, so you’ll likely buy your new pet some toys to play with and chew. If you thought those toys would last a long time, think again! Dog toys aren’t indestructible, and if you end up with a pet that loves chewing everything all the time, you’ll need to buy new toys for them regularly.

4. Dogs Can Get Jealous and Protective

While some dog breeds are known for having a laid-back attitude, it’s typically the luck of the draw whether you end up with a chill dog or one that gets jealous and protective over you – especially if you are female. If jealousy and over-protectiveness become a big problem in your house, especially when you’ve got a family in tow, you could try engaging the services of a dog behaviorist to help you and your pet.

5. Dogs Can Be Fussy About Their Food

Lastly, don’t assume you can feed your dog any brand of dog food. Like humans, dogs have preferences over the food they consume, and if you give them something to eat they don’t like, they’ll end up being very hungry! Fortunately, it’s relatively straightforward to work out what your dog likes and dislikes at dinnertime.

Getting a pet dog is a huge commitment so do your research well and remember the above when making your choice!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May12

Nothing To Smile About! The Risks Of Poor Oral Hygiene

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Nothing To Smile About! The Risks Of Poor Oral Hygiene

When we are looking to optimize our health with the right practices, we may not necessarily give as much attention to our oral health as we should. While we all know the importance of flossing and brushing our teeth, the reality is that if we do not look after our teeth properly, it could set us up for more problems down the line. If we have poor oral health, we will experience toothache, bleeding gums, and bad breath, but if we neglect our oral health, we could end up with one or more of the following conditions:

Cardiovascular Disease:

If the gums are inflamed, the risk of bacteria getting into the bloodstream increases. There are many reasons that your teeth could allow bacteria into the bloodstream, even if you brush them properly. Misaligned teeth may hide a number of germs that you are not able to access. Furthermore, wisdom teeth that hide underneath the gum could also harbor bacteria. In order to prevent any form of the disease, cardiovascular or gum, proper oral hygiene is crucial. A winning combination of regular trips to the dentist, while also aligning your teeth with products like Invisalign or braces make sure that any hidden debris that is hard to access is greatly minimized.

Respiratory Infections:

Surprisingly, poor oral health can result in issues in the respiratory system. This is because any bacteria that stays in the mouth from infected teeth or swollen gums could be breathed into the lungs or travel to the lungs through the bloodstream. Bacteria in the lungs could cause breathing issues such as respiratory infections, COPD, and bronchitis.

Kidney Disease:

Chronic kidney disease can cause havoc with blood pressure and affect the bones and heart. People with gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can have weaker immune systems, which give them a higher likelihood of getting infections. People can potentially experience kidney disease if they suffer from poor oral health.

Diabetes:

While diabetics are more susceptible to infections, such as infected gums, it can work the other way. Periodontal disease can make diabetes more difficult to keep under control. People with diabetes have fluctuating blood sugar levels, which can be a direct cause of gum disease. Gum disease can cause higher than normal blood sugar levels, therefore, a person with poor oral health is at a higher risk of getting diabetes. However, this can be mitigated by having a healthy diet.

There’s a lot of risks associated with poor oral hygiene, including rheumatoid arthritis and even cancer. The best way to prevent any serious issues resulting from bad oral health is to practice good oral hygiene. It is all about simple things, including brushing the teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, avoiding tobacco products, as well as flossing. Healthy gums are, in many ways, a window to your general health. While it’s important to maintain good health practices, we also need to be aware of the risks of poor oral hygiene too.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May7

Moving House? Location Is Everything

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Moving House? Location Is Everything

While some people seek out locations to move house that are off the beaten path, for the most part, a more convenient location tends to be a huge factor when deciding to move. It’s important to think about how far you are willing to drive to get from point A to point B and to consider the following when determining if a potential home’s location is right for you:

In Case Of Emergency:

Being within close proximity of adequate medical care should be a high priority in case of a health emergency. You will want your new home to be nearby to a hospital that takes your insurance and that can easily be accessed by an ambulance. For that reason, a house on a street that easily gets backed up with traffic is not ideal.

Don’t forget to consider home emergencies, as well. Is there going to be an emergency locksmith handy in case you lose your keys? How about a highly rated local plumber if one of your pipes burst? Do your research about the professionals in the area you might be moving into to make sure they can quickly be available if need be.

Consider Your Commute:

The location of a potential home should never make your drive to work less convenient for you. Find out what your new route to work would be and if the drive doesn’t feel doable, especially during peak traffic times, then it might not be for you. Remember, you will be stuck with that commute until you move again.

Access To Education:

Are there good local schools around the home you are considering if you have children or are planning to? Or are you thinking about going back to school? Driving an hour plus to the closest college can instantly put a damper on a potential home. Think about your future goals and plans and ask yourself if the home’s location can accommodate them.

Highways/Shopping Centers:

Is the home you are looking at close to local shopping centers for groceries, clothing, home maintenance, etc.? If not, is it in close proximity to a highway that can get you to the nearest stores quickly? I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want to drive a half hour every time I had to go grocery shopping!

“Location is everything” is an often heard phrase when it comes to moving house and it usually rings pretty true. Unless you don’t mind more driving, that is!