BusinessVoice News Network

You can help your brain build up reserves now to avoid memory and thinking problems later in life. Never stop being curious and always be learning something new, like playing a musical instrument, learning a new language or starting a hobby. Go on daily walks to make exercise a good habit and stay active with others and socialize by keeping in touch with family and friends. Source Link 

These things may not be on your packing list for that next trip, but they should be. Bring a reusable water bottle and consider one that’s collapsible for easy storage. Grab a handful of dryer sheets to deodorize a suitcase filled with funky smells from dirty clothes and pack a few plastic grocery bags to store dirty laundry, shoes, or wet swimsuits. Source Link

We’ve all been in meetings where you have to introduce yourself, and here’s an easy three-step way to do it. Start with a present-tense statement about yourself, maybe with your name and occupation. Then touch on the past with a few points about your background. And finish with the future and say what you hope to offer and get from the meeting. Source Link

The three parts of a typical auto insurance policy each do different things. Liability covers the cost of damage or injury to others in an accident while you’re at-fault, while collision coverage pays to have your car repaired after an accident. Comprehensive coverage can pay for damage to your car in non-accident settings, such as a hailstorm, flood or fire. Source Link

Here’s a colorful way to keep track of things that might come up missing, like a set of keys, a phone or a TV remote. Pick a really bright color and use a key ring and phone case in that color to make your items stand out. And put a similar bright-colored piece of tape on the TV remote so it’s easier to spot. Source Link

A few office supply products can help you organize a freezer that’s packed with food. With wire shelving, attach a binder clip so it hangs down and can hold bags of frozen food. And vertical file holders set along the back wall of a freezer can hold frozen fruit, veggies or meat for easy organization. Source Link 

There’s hope if you have a “black thumb” and are always killing houseplants. Start simple and avoid those that flower and know what’s too much or too little water for your plant. Check instructions to see if it needs direct or indirect sun and don’t be quick to toss that sick plant if all it needs is some extra care. Source Link

Before you exercise, just say “no” to some common fitness myths. Instead of stretching, do warm-ups first to get the blood flowing. More reps with a lighter weight can be just as effective as a heavier lift to build muscle, and skip that ice bath after every workout because it could counteract the body’s natural process of repairing muscle. Source Link

Is it smart to turn clothes inside-out before washing? Some say it protects the fabric outside to make it last longer and gets to body odors on the inside. The downside is that it’s less effective on external dirt and grime and may damage delicates. You can save a step using this method by turning your clothes inside-out as you take them off. Source Link

When you “Take 10” to get your body busy or to slow down you may improve your memory. Research has shown that just 10 minutes of light exercise can boost your brain’s ability to store memories. And people who sat quietly for 10 minutes after getting new information were more likely to remember it later. 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 

You might want to cap off that next meal with a short stroll. Studies have shown that a 15-minute walk after a meal can have more health benefits than a 45-minute walk at mid-morning or afternoon. Exercise can counteract the surge in blood sugar that happens after you eat and can also aid in digestion. Source Link

Billions of spam texts are sent every month and here’s how you can handle yours. Sign-up for your carrier’s spam-blocking protection and see if your provider lets you forward spam texts to “7726” to auto-block them. And never reply to a spam text asking them to stop because this verifies they have a working number and you’ll get even more spam. 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

That “baby talk” with your infant could be key to boosting their vocabulary. In a study, two-year-olds who had a large vocabulary were more likely to start kindergarten ready to read and learn math. Reading to your baby and verbal interaction between you and your child are the best ways to build their vocabulary. Source Link

A skin rash can be a simple irritation or a warning sign of a serious problem that needs a doctor’s diagnosis. Seek medical attention if a rash covers most of your body, blisters or turns into open sores or raw skin, is painful or accompanies a fever. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or your eyes or lips swell up, seek emergency care immediately. Source Link

Preventative maintenance can save money all over your home. Replacing a HVAC filter regularly might prevent an expensive service call, and that regular oil change costs a fraction of what you’ll pay a mechanic to work on your car. And using an online storage service can safeguard important files that might be lost in a computer failure or house fire. Source Link