BusinessVoice News Network

It means an early wake-up call, but booking that first flight of the day has some big advantages. The risk of thunderstorms and turbulence is lower. The flight crew is rested and ready and the plane is clean. Delays will be shorter because you’re first in-line for that route and the ticket price will be lower than a late-morning or afternoon departure. Source Link

The convenience of scanning a QR code to reach a website can have a dark side. Scammers use QR codes to link you to phishing websites, fraudulent payment portals, and downloads that infect your phone with viruses or malware. Check with the source before you use a QR code that’s in an email or is posted in a public area. Source Link

You won’t find a D-I-Y way to whiter teeth with these popular hacks. Rubbing orange peels or strawberries on your teeth can expose them to damaging natural acids. There’s no proof that coconut oil or store-bought hydrogen peroxide can whiten teeth, and making your own abrasive toothpaste from charcoal or baking soda can damage soft tissues in the mouth. Source Link

Try this tip to get Google to cover the difference if that plane ticket drops in price after you buy it. Use the Google Flights feature to book your air travel and look for the Price Guarantee check box. You’ll get a refund through Google Pay but it’s limited to three flights per year and capped at $500 in annual savings. Source Link

Activity, eating and how you stimulate your brain can all help prevent memory loss. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, and healthy eating with plenty of lean protein and good fats will also help. And challenge your mind by learning a new language, taking up a musical instrument, or planning a day trip or vacation to a new place. Source Link

Scammers are taking advantage of the growth of smart TVs and streaming services to rip you off. If you turn on a smart TV or open an app and see an error message, don’t call a phone number or click on a web address. No subscription streaming service or device will ever ask you to pay an activation fee. Email a customer service rep and inform them of the error message. Source Link 

You don’t need an evening class or an online course to become a more valuable employee. Focus on improving communications with the careful crafting of emails and overall attention to detail. Get more organized by using to-do apps or keeping your work area cleaner. And be a team player by reaching out to co-workers to help them when you can. Source Link

Giving yourself a break when weight loss gets hard may improve the odds that you reach your goal. Practice self-compassion and talk to yourself with the same encouragement you might offer to a friend or loved one. Self-compassion doesn’t let you off the hook completely because it works hand-in-hand with accountability to reach a weight loss goal. Source Link

It’s convenient, but putting that bill on autopay can cost you more than just the monthly tab. Not having to think about paying a bill every month makes it easier to forget what you’re paying for. One solution could be an autopay “cleanse” in which you shut off all autopay. Watch for bills to see what all of that is costing you and cancel what you don’t need before resuming autopay. Source Link

Some simple hacks can help your health without a lot of effort. Improve your balance by standing on one foot when brushing your teeth and wash those bed linens once a week to get rid of bacteria and fungus that makes us sick. Use colored plates if you want to eat less white bread or rice and satisfy that sweet tooth with natural sugars in fruit instead of candy. Source Link

How do you know which streaming services are right for you? Start by tracking your TV viewing for a week to see if you need things like news and sports or kids programming. Then look for services or bundles that can save money. If you don’t mind commercials, subscribe to lower- priced plans with ads, or use free ad-supported streaming services. Source Link

To create a successful exercise routine, think about what you want from it. Maybe that’s being able to play more with your kids, go on a hike with friends, or reduce stress and improve sleep. Then use the “SMART” method to set goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and fit your time in order to build a long-term exercise habit. Source Link

That old cell phone or unused tablet can help make your home safer. Turn it into a security camera with an app that records when something moves and stores images on the device or in the cloud. Set up outdoor motion lights that can catch a prowler in the act, and stop hiding keys under a rock by using a smart deadbolt that has a keypad or a phone app to unlock your door. Source Link 

Having a seat in the dentist’s chair could uncover more than problems with your smile. Nearly 100 diseases can show symptoms in the mouth, like severe gum disease that could be a sign of undiagnosed diabetes. Dentists who perform a blood pressure check can also find warning signs of hypertension that can lead to heart disease or stroke. Source Link

There are some simple ways to get your child to take medicine. Give them choices, like taking a liquid dose in a dropper or a cup, or choosing water or juice to wash down a pill. Be consistent with medicine times and explain simply how the medicine helps them. And don’t hide medicine in food because if your child discovers this, it could lead to eating problems. Source Link

What’s the orange-colored produce that’s best for your eyes? Here’s a hint – it isn’t carrots. Studies show that eating oranges may greatly reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration that’s a common cause of blindness in older people. Researchers say the flavenoids you get from an orange a day can protect against eye disease. Source Link

You hear about health screenings for cancer or heart disease, but there’s also a series of questions to gauge memory and brain function Even if you’re not experiencing problems, a memory screening may detect the potential for memory issues. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers free screenings by video on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Source Link

Here’s a ten-minute cleanup plan to get your house in shape when unexpected guests are on the way. Grab a box and relocate all clutter into a closet, and stash that bathroom mess in the tub or shower behind the curtain. Clean all flat surfaces and vacuum visible areas starting at the front door. And freshen the air by putting spices like cinnamon, allspice or cloves in a pot of water on medium heat. Source Link