BusinessVoice News Network

Diet sodas may not be a healthy alternative because they’ve been associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart disease and heart attack. If you like the sparkle of soda, try plain seltzer with a squeeze of citrus fruit, grated ginger, chopped mint or a teaspoon of vanilla. Or replace soda with milk for more protein and calcium. Source Link

You probably have some things in the fridge that don’t need to stay there. Barbecue or hot sauce loses some kick in the cold, so pull it out to warm up before use. Jams and jellies can crystallize in the fridge and keep pickles on the pantry shelf because they’re already preserved. And warm-weather fruits like oranges or bananas taste best when stored on the counter. Source Link

Traveling with kids requires some savvy packing to keep them happy. Bring along comfort items like a favorite stuffed animal or familiar books for bedtime reading. For older kids, pack a book for them to read before any screen time. And on car trips, have a travel bingo game ready for fun involvement with what’s going by as you drive. Source Link

Just a few minutes of vigorous activity every day could help control blood pressure. Researchers found benefits from as little as five minutes of exercise that gets your heart pumping and meaningful results at 10 or 20 minutes. Cycling, running or stair climbing are among the things you can do to improve blood pressure. Source Link

Here are some ways to make winter more manageable. Switch to daylight color bulbs in rooms you use first thing in the morning to mimic the benefits of natural light. Pick up slow hobbies like reading, doing puzzles, crafting or knitting. You can also bring outdoor plants inside or add a pop of blue or green to a room for a warm weather feel. Source Link

A will isn’t just for distributing physical assets because your digital life also needs to be dealt with after you’re gone. Create a list of all social media, email, cloud photo storage and other online accounts you use and include usernames and passwords. A password manager is an easy way to do this and you can give the manager’s master password to your digital executor. Source Link

A good workout may be the cure for the “winter blues.” You can counteract the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder with exercise, and it doesn’t have to be running or lifting weights. Things like yoga, tai chi and even meditation can help, but you need to commit to doing this every day. Source Link

More people say they’re lonely, but what can you do about it if that’s you? First, acknowledge that what you’re feeling is loneliness, and take steps like writing down happy memories, walking in nature, phoning a friend you haven’t seen for a while, or listening to happy music or watching something funny. You can also focus outside of yourself by volunteering to help others. Source Link

Fighting identity theft means moving fast if you are targeted. Get free credit reports from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion and look for suspicious activity. If there are accounts in your name that you haven’t opened, put a 90-day fraud alert on your credit report to flag lenders to contact you before opening an account and report this to your bank and creditors. Source Link

Remember the acronym “FORD” when you’re stuck without a topic to make small talk. F is for Family and you can ask about relatives. O is for Occupation – dig deeper into their job. R is for Recreation and can cover favorite hobbies, activities or books, movies or TV. And D is for Dreams – ask about what they dream of doing some day. Source Link

A “fake” credit card number could be a tool to avoid a real online hack where you foot the bill. Many banks and credit card companies offer virtual cards that use a different number but link to your account. You can use a virtual card to make purchases online and if the number is stolen, you simply deactivate it. Source Link

It’s time to forget the old advice to, “feed a cold and starve a fever,” because treating both requires adequate nutrition. Fever is the body’s natural defense to fight infection and all immune responses like this require the energy you get from eating. Comfort foods like chicken noodle soup can provide nutrition and keep you hydrated. Source Link

This five-second rule might uncover a balance problem for older adults. If you can’t stand on one foot for at least five seconds, you’re at higher risk for falls. The longer the better and getting up to 30 seconds is great. You can build balance by alternating standing on each foot for as long as you can while brushing your teeth. Source Link

Thrifty shoppers know the early bird gets the deals in a second-hand store and that means shopping early in the day and early in the week. Many thrift stores restock the floor after getting more donations during the weekend, so plan your shopping trip for a Monday or Tuesday to get the first pick of new items for sale. Source Link

Make laundry day easier on you and your clothes with a shortcut that’s built into many washers. The “express cycle” has a shorter wash time and a high-speed spin cycle for quicker drying. And that shorter wash cycle can lengthen the life of clothes because it means less time that items are rubbing together in the washer. Source Link 

If you’re adding a child to the family phone plan, think inexpensive and take control. Offer them a hand-me-down iPhone or a low-cost Android device. Establish ground rules like you get all passwords and can check their phone at any time. And set up parental controls on the phone for kid-safe searches and to limit what apps they can download. Source Link

You can have more success with your workouts with these trainer tips. Don’t race through a workout because that bad form can lead to injuries and shorten your routine instead of skipping it if you’re tired or rushed for time. And dress the part in exercise wear that makes you look good and feel comfortable. Source Link

When should a senior citizen hang up the car keys for good is a question that can be answered with the help of a primary care physician who understands their health conditions, capacities, and challenges. Vision, thinking skills and physical function all play a part and families should start the discussion early before a driving mishap forces the issue. Source Link