BusinessVoice News Network

There are some simple steps that can help curb excessive screen time for tweens. Start by restricting their screens at meals and at bedtime and model this good behavior yourself. In testing, researchers found that using screen time as a reward or punishment for a child didn’t change their habits. Source Link 

You can save money on homeowner’s insurance and repair bills by hardening your abode against natural disasters. Things like removing vegetation near your home that could be fuel for a wildfire or installing a stronger roof to stand up to higher winds. You could also use a sump pump to avoid basement flooding or install stormproof windows and doors. Source Link

It may be a handy choice but some things should never be cleaned with dish soap because it’s too strong. This includes hardwood floors, leather or dishes that are in the dishwasher. Don’t use dish soap on your skin or hair, for a dog bath or to wash your car because dish soap can strip skin oils and damage the clearcoat finish on an automobile. Source Link

If cereal, eggs or oatmeal don’t sound good for breakfast, you can mix it up with that first meal of the day. Try leftover veggie pizza or peanut butter and sliced bananas on whole wheat toast. Or roll up a tortilla with sliced turkey, lettuce and low-fat cheese for a homemade grab-and-go breakfast. Source Link

Your phone has a name that pops up on Bluetooth or WiFi and it’s usually the brand and model, but you can change that name to make it more useful. In the phone’s settings, give it a new device name, such as “Reward if Found” with a phone number to call to increase the odds that you’ll get a lost phone returned to you. Source Link

A five to fifteen-minute break at work can be a healthy reset whether or not you get up and move. Taking a few flights of stairs or walking through the office can get your blood moving, but you could also try some mindfulness exercises, or simply stare out the window and daydream while looking at nature for a “green” micro break. Source Link 

Gardening is a form of exercise and you need to take steps to avoid injury when you’re planting and pruning. Do some stretches to loosen joints before you start and avoid staying in the same position too long. If you’re moving rocks or other heavy objects be sure to lift with your legs and use a garden stool to reduce the strain from kneeling. Source Link

An online job ad could be a tool for scammers so watch for these warning signs. Legit jobs don’t ask you to apply using personal email, WhatsApp or Messenger. Beware if you’re rushed through an interview and pressured to accept. And no real employer asks for bank details or a Social Security number before hiring. Source Link

Taking a nap could be a great way to improve your memory. During nightly sleep your memory transforms the material learned throughout the day into actual working knowledge and a daytime nap can do the same thing, but faster. As little as 30 minutes of napping could help to lock in information. Source Link

The typical kitchen or pantry will have more room for storage when you ditch these space wasters. Throw out mismatched plastic storage containers or damaged utensils you no longer use and save the kitchen cupboard space for only the number of place settings you typically use. The rest can be stored elsewhere and you can also throw away any expired pantry staples, spices or condiments. Source Link

Creating a successful fitness plan takes some work before you start that first workout. Determine what you want out of exercise, whether that’s more energy, stronger muscles or to lose weight and find exercise you enjoy so you’re more likely to stick to it. Set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound goals and create healthy rewards for when you reach those goals. Source Link

There’s a reason why taking notes with pen and paper helps you learn better than when typing on a keyboard. Handwriting involves fine-tuned coordination between the motor and visual systems in the brain to deeply engage in ways that support learning. Testing showed that typing doesn’t offer the same benefits. Source Link

Avoiding injury when you’re a weekend athlete takes a week-long effort. Get at least ten to 15 minutes of stretching or strengthening each day to help prime your body for weekend activities. And eating a healthy diet all week long with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein will give your body the nutrients it needs to perform. Source Link

People who are always running late might try these tips to get back on-time. Use analog clocks to give you a visual cue of passing time and set multiple alarms for when to start preparation, as well as departure time and arrival time for an appointment. Figure out exactly how long it takes to get somewhere and then build in extra time, and plan what to do if you’re early to eliminate that excuse for leaving later. Source Link 

Most of us don’t know how to look for signs of oral cancer, but it can be as simple as saying, “Ahhh.” White or gray batches in your mouth or throat that you can’t scrape away could be a warning sign, just like a sore on your lips or mouth that doesn’t heal within a few weeks. Difficulty swallowing and new hoarseness in your voice should also be checked out by a dentist. Source Link

Walking is great exercise and starting a new walking routine takes just two things that go together. Get a pair of good supportive shoes and step out, but start small. Aim to add more steps with each walking workout and look for ways to incorporate this into your daily life. That might mean taking the steps wherever you can or parking further out in a lot at the store. Source Link

Try these smart ways to save money on your next getaway. Look for travel deals from wholesale clubs and consider reliability of flights when choosing a bargain air carrier over a mainstream airline. Bring your own mini bottles of alcohol to save on bar and restaurant prices, go for free walking tours versus expensive guided ones and try local markets and street food for some meals. Source Link

Dentists have some simple do’s and dont’s for better oral hygiene. Don’t use charcoal as a whitener because it damages tooth enamel, but do brush gently by holding the toothbrush with your fingertips. Don’t drink soda, flavored coffee or sports drinks that are high in sugar and acids, but if you do, rinse your mouth with water afterwards to neutralize acids and remove sugar. Source Link