BusinessVoice News Network

Instead of dinner and a movie, that art class or game night may bring the two of you even closer. Couples activities like painting or playing a board game can spark the release of oxytocin, the hormone associated with romantic bonding. Researchers say any activity with physical touch, social interaction, novelty and partner encouragement could also work. Source Link

There are some smart ways to get rid of items you don’t want or need. Keeping the tags on not-so-great clothes you got as a gift makes resale more profitable and go beyond eBay to specialty sites that can pay more. And if you keep things for fear of needing them later, use the “20-20” rule – don’t save it if you can buy it again in 20 minutes for less than $20. Source Link

You can help your child improve their reading skills with encouragement and the right approach. Make reading fun and engaging by choosing books that align with your child’s interests, including comics, graphic novels or magazines. Read aloud together and stick to a consistent routine with reading every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Source Link

Looking for a good exercise that won’t make you break a sweat? Studies have shown that Tai Chi may improve the fitness of the heart and lungs and could be as effective as jogging to help lower the risk of death. The slow, mindful movements of Tai Chi work on the sympathetic nervous system to reduce stress hormones that take a physical toll on our bodies. 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

You can prevent delays during the security check on that next family flight by packing a “flagged” bag for carry-on. Put everything that might require a closer look into one bag to speed the process and avoid having anything left behind after multiple bag searches. This includes all electronics, snacks, medications, tools like nail clippers and all liquids in 3.4 ounce containers. Source Link

Arranging a funeral can be a time when costs take a back seat to emotions, but you have rights regarding what you’re charged. Federal law requires every funeral home to give you a General Price List with every item and service they offer and charges must be itemized. And don’t be rushed into arranging a funeral because there’s no set time for how long you can wait after someone dies. Source Link

Getting 10,000 steps a day is considered the gold standard for fitness but you can log a lot fewer and still lengthen your life. A study found that heart health starts to improve with as few as 2,300 steps a day and your risk of dying from any disease starts to decrease with only about 4,000 daily steps. But the more steps you take, the bigger the benefit. Source Link

The carpet in that new home probably needs to go if the former owner was a smoker. Researchers found that tobacco smoke clings to carpet fibers long after smoking has stopped, and ozone generators that purify air and surfaces can’t remove it completely. This so-called “third-hand smoke” can linger for years and sometimes transform into a new type of dangerous contaminant. Source Link

You might save yourself a call to the tech help desk with these easy fixes. Powering down a wireless mouse or keyboard that’s not working could solve a broken connection to your computer. You might speed up a slow computer by removing applications from Startup or getting rid of unnecessary browser extensions. And check to see if Caps Lock is on when that password you’re typing doesn’t match. Source Link

Get ready to be creeped out by what you’re carrying around on that smartphone. A study found that phones often have allergens, bacteria and fungi on the screens that we touch all day long. An alcohol wipe worked well to get rid of those bugs but cleaning your phone screen with a dry cloth didn’t make a dent in the dirt. Source Link

You may not need a special brain training program to improve your memory because a century-old game might work just as well. In a study, people who completed crossword puzzles scored better in memory testing than those who used special apps or programs. The process of completing a crossword puzzle exercises the part of the brain connected with memory. Source Link

Decluttering leaves you with stuff you need to get rid of, but should you sell or donate? Sites like eBay and many other online sales platforms could net you some cold cash, but consider how much work it will take and whether a small profit is worth it. And remember that selling sites will report total annual sales of more than $600 a year to the IRS as income. Source Link

When it’s time to roll up a sleeve to get your vaccination shots, which arm you choose might make a difference in effectiveness. Researchers found that people who got their flu shot and Covid vaccination in the same arm were more likely to develop powerful immune cells that fight viruses. Source Link

Does eating no food for a time beat counting calories as a way to lose weight? Researchers found that intermittent fasting yielded a similar weight loss as seen in those who used calorie counting and portion control. The advantage for intermittent fasting may be its simplicity, because all you need to do is watch the clock and avoid eating. Source Link

Beyond style, finding the right shoes for you comes down to the fit and the build. Different brands use different molds when making their shoes, so try on a few to find the one that’s best for you. A specialty shoe store can do measurements, and most people have one foot slightly bigger than the other, so start by trying on that shoe. Source Link

Smartphones are blamed for causing driver distraction, but you can use some phone features to increase safety behind the wheel. Both iPhones and Android phones allow you to block calls and notifications while driving, and in-car systems that work with a phone can also help limit distractions. And some apps can use the phone’s forward-facing camera to alert a driver to a possible collision. Source Link

Those blue-light-filtering glasses sound like a great way to reduce eye strain when working with screens, but the science doesn’t match the hype. Researchers found that blue-light glasses probably don’t prevent or relieve eye strain. What can help is using eye drops and following the 20-20-20 Rule – every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. Source Link