BusinessVoice News Network

Hurricanes and other dangerous storms happen in summer, but don’t put your life at-risk after the skies have cleared and the power is out. Carbon monoxide from a gasoline-powered portable generator is a silent killer, so be sure to place it at least 20 feet away from the house and never use a generator on a porch or in a carport. And be sure home CO alarms are working properly. Source Link

Sunglasses are for more than stopping you from squinting in bright daylight. They protect against harmful UV rays that can damage your eyes and lead to conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. And don’t wear dark sunglasses without UV protection, because that dark tint forces the pupil to open wider and let in more light and more UV rays. Source Link

If you’ve always dreamed of a backyard free of flying pests using a bug zapper, it’s time to wake up to reality. Testing has shown that bug zappers almost always kill insects that don’t bite, including some that prey on mosquitoes. Even if a bug zapper does attract mosquitoes, they’re more likely to move their attention to the person sitting nearby. Source Link

An age-old rule for laundry day doesn’t wash with today’s clothes. With a few exceptions, you don’t need to separate whites and colors because most fabrics today are made to be colorfast. But do run a separate load and even use a special detergent for athletic wear that’s breathable or moisture wicking because these items are often treated to be water repellent. Source Link

Don’t fall for a text scam when someone messages to say they have your number but not your name. Thieves can text millions of phone numbers in hopes of finding a few people who will provide their name. And once they have a name with a phone number, it’s easier to piece together other information to steal your identity. Source Link

To make any cooking pan a non-stick one, just reach for something that may be in your kitchen drawer between the plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Putting down some parchment paper in a pan with a touch of cooking oil can provide that crispy grilled texture without scorching delicate skin-on proteins like fish. Source Link 

When the thermostat in your office is set on “Arctic” there are ways to stay warm without packing the parka. Take a cue from your winter wardrobe and wear shirts with thumb holes or slide into some fingerless gloves. Eating spicy foods can warm you up from the inside and a heating pad can turn your chair into a warm oasis in all that frigid AC air. Source Link

How can you be sure if the vitamins or supplements really have what you need? Look for third-party verification labels like USP or NSF for vitamins or IFOS for fish oil. And check for expiration dates because supplements that are past their “use by” date may not be effective and could even be harmful. Source Link

So, how do you properly clean a kitchen counter? It depends on what it’s made of. Avoid abrasive and acidic cleaners with quartz and don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals on granite or laminate. And if soap and water doesn’t work on your marble countertop, use a specialized cleaner that’s made for natural stone. Source Link 

Improving a credit score can help you save on loans, auto insurance, or even rent and you can boost that number for free. Use a secured credit card linked to a savings account for everyday purchases and pay off the balance each month. And some credit bureaus let you report on-time payments of bills for utilities, cell phones or streaming services. Source Link 

You don’t need a five-figure home improvement budget because many upgrades can be done for $100 or less. Replace knobs and handles on kitchen drawers and cabinets or add solar lights to outdoor walkways or porches. Limewashing a fireplace can revive it without painting and wall-mounting a TV with hidden cabling makes a room look more open and cleaner. Source Link

You can fight back against higher electric bills by pinpointing energy vampires in your home. Set-top boxes, amplifiers and other audio-visual equipment can be unplugged when not in use and do the same with a TV in a spare room that’s not used often. Install timers or motion detecting switches on room lighting and insulate a fish tank to cut down on heater use. Source Link

Forget these food safety myths. You can’t tell if food is good by looking at it, and the “five-second rule” doesn’t protect you from microorganisms that can transfer to food immediately when you drop it. And food poisoning doesn’t always happen within hours because you can get sick from food you ate up to three days ago. Source Link

You’ve found the perfect pair of jeans and here’s how to make them last longer. Wash rarely. Instead, spot-treat any spills or stains when they happen. And when you launder those jeans, always use cold water and air dry by hanging them from the ankles indoors to avoid damage from the sun or heat from a dryer. Source Link

Walking can be good exercise, but you need to remember some basics. A good arm swing is key, but make sure you’re pumping forward and back, not side-to-side, and keep those elbows in. Have your shoulders back and head up and don’t make your stride too long, because that can lead to pulled muscles in your leg. Source Link 

Your kids can give back to the community and maybe help themselves, too. Researchers found that kids who volunteer are often thriving, physically and mentally. And if volunteering gets kids off their devices and into the world that promotes social engagement. The results might point to using volunteering as a public health measure. Source Link 

Here are some things to consider when you’re ready to hit “mute” on your social media habit. If the posts make you feel bad it’s time to get them out of your feed. Also cut back if your social media usage gets in the way of real life experiences, and ask yourself what else you could be doing instead of instinctively grabbing your phone to scroll that feed and pass the time. Source Link

Good eating habits can help a teenager avoid putting on extra pounds that may be with them for life. Start them with a healthy, well-balanced breakfast every day and keep unhealthy snacks out of the house by substituting fruits, vegetables, and small portions of nuts and seeds. Encourage activity as a family and be a role model yourself for healthy living for your kids. Source Link